Driver Testing Requirements Overview

Study Notes

Drive Test Requirements

Drive tests are designed to assess a driver's skills in various road situations.
The focus of the drive test is on the driver's abilities, not the vehicle's technology.
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are prohibited during the test, including:
- Automated parallel parking
- Lane departure warning systems
- Adaptive cruise control
Vehicle safety technology, like backup cameras and blind spot monitors, may be used but do not replace manual checks.
- Drivers must still use mirrors and check blind spots visually.
The Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE) Score Sheet can be found on dmv.ca.gov/teendriver
A Supplemental/Area DPE Score Sheet is available at dmv.ca.gov/teendriver.

Driving Requirements

Drivers must have good vision and hearing to safely operate a vehicle.
Fatigue and drowsiness can impair driving abilities, increasing reaction time.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications can affect driving safety; drivers should be aware of their effects.
Physicians are mandated to report patients with medical conditions that could impair driving safety to the DMV.

Steering Techniques

Hand-to-Hand Steering (Push/Pull): Maintain hands at 9 and 3 o'clock (or 8 and 4 o'clock) positions, avoiding crossing over the steering wheel.
Hand-Over-Hand Steering: Use for slow turns, parking, or recovering from a skid. Start with hands at 8 and 4 o'clock, reach across to grasp the opposite side, letting go gradually.
One-Hand Steering: Allowed for backing up to see behind and when operating vehicle controls requiring a hand off the wheel.

Communication and Warnings

Use signals, horns, and headlights to communicate with other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
Signal at least 100 feet before a turn, before each lane change, and before pulling over.
Use the horn for warning other drivers, avoiding collisions, and alerting oncoming traffic.
Dim high beams to low beams within 500 feet of oncoming traffic and 300 feet when following a vehicle.
Turn on headlights when visibility is less than 1,000 feet, 30 minutes after sunset, 30 minutes before sunrise, in adverse weather, and when using windshield wipers for fog, rain, or snow.
Use emergency flashers to warn drivers behind you of hazards, including collisions.
If vehicle trouble occurs, turn on emergency flashers or signal lights, pull off the road if possible, and stop where visible from behind.

Important Points to Remember

It is illegal to wear earplugs in both ears while driving.
Driving with only parking lights is illegal.
Headlights should be used on mountain roads and in tunnels even during daylight.
Use headlights when conditions (such as fog, dust, or smoke) limit visibility.
Use hand signals when your signal lights are not functioning or are difficult to see.

Description

This quiz covers the essential requirements for drive tests, emphasizing the evaluation of a driver's skills in various scenarios. It outlines the restrictions on advanced technologies during the test and the importance of manual checks for vehicle safety. Prepare for your drive test by understanding what is needed for a successful evaluation.