Short answer: On the regular California drive test, you can have up to 15 errors on the driving maneuvers and still pass, as long as you make zero critical driving errors. You also can’t miss more than 3 of the 6 controls the examiner asks you to find before you drive. One critical driving error, like rolling through a stop sign or speeding 10 mph over the limit, means you fail no matter how well the rest of the test went.
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Start the free test →How the California behind-the-wheel test works
The DMV drive test has two parts:
- Pre-drive safety check. The examiner checks that your car meets the DMV’s minimum safety standards and that you know how to work its controls.
- Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE). You drive with a DMV examiner, who scores your skills and how well you follow traffic laws in real traffic.
The examiner only gives you directions. They won’t make general conversation. The DMV says the test is not designed to trick you, and the examiner will not ask you to do anything illegal or unsafe.
How many mistakes are allowed on the California driving test?
The DMV explains its scoring in a booklet called Driving Test Criteria (form DL 955). Here are the limits it gives for the regular test:
| Part of the test | Most you can miss and still pass |
|---|---|
| Pre-drive items 9–14 (parking brake, arm signals, wipers, defroster, emergency flashers, headlights) | 3 errors. Missing 4 or more is a fail. |
| Pre-drive mechanical items (windows, mirrors, signals, brake lights, tires, brakes, horn, doors, glove box, seat belts) | None. If one fails, the test is rescheduled. |
| Scoring maneuvers (turns, stops, lane changes, backing, and so on) | 15 errors |
| Critical driving errors | Zero. Any one is a fail. |
Some drivers take a Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation (SDPE), given to applicants who have a physical, mental, or vision condition. On that test you can have up to 20 errors on the scoring maneuvers, and still no critical driving errors.
Critical driving errors that fail you instantly
The DMV defines a critical driving error as something you do, or fail to do, during the test that results in a failure. Here are the categories in DL 955, with examples:
- Examiner has to step in. The examiner has to say or do something to keep you safe, like loudly saying “Stop.”
- Hitting something. You touch another car, object, bicyclist, pedestrian, or animal that you could have avoided, or you drive over the curb or onto the sidewalk.
- Disobeying signs or signals. You go faster than a brisk walking speed (4 mph) at a stop sign, a flashing red light, or a right turn on red. You don’t stop for a red light or a red freeway ramp meter. You ignore lane markings, painted islands, curb colors, or traffic cones.
- Disobeying safety personnel or vehicles. You pass a school bus with flashing red lights, don’t pull over for an emergency vehicle, or ignore a police officer or firefighter.
- Dangerous moves. You make another driver or a pedestrian swerve or brake to avoid you. You don’t check your mirrors or look over your shoulder when changing lanes, merging, backing, pulling away from the curb, or turning right across a bike lane. You block an intersection, or you stall in an intersection.
- Speed. You drive 10 mph over the limit, or 10 mph under it when conditions don’t call for it, or too fast or too slow for safety.
- Not using equipment. You don’t turn on wipers, defroster, or headlights when weather or darkness calls for them.
- Lane mistakes. You drive more than 200 feet in a bike lane or center left turn lane, go straight from a turn lane, turn from the wrong lane, or drive in the oncoming lane when you don’t need to.
What the examiner scores
The scoring maneuvers include driving in a parking lot, backing, going through intersections, stopping, starting, turning, driving in business and residential areas, and changing lanes. For each one, the examiner watches your traffic checks, signals, speed, following distance, lane position, steering, and yielding. Two details trip up many drivers:
- Backing. You back in a straight line for about 3 vehicle lengths, staying within 3 feet of the curb.
- Head checks. Backup cameras and blind spot monitors are allowed, but they don’t replace a real look in your mirrors and over your shoulder. Driver-assist features like automatic parallel parking, lane departure, and adaptive cruise control are not allowed during the test.
What to bring to your drive test
- Your instruction permit, or your driver’s license if you already have one.
- A California-licensed driver who is at least 18 (at least 25 for minors), unless you are already licensed.
- A car that is safe to drive.
- Valid proof of insurance and vehicle registration. If you can’t show proof of insurance before the test, it will be postponed.
Using a rental car? Your name must be on the rental contract, and the contract cannot exclude drive tests. Teens should also read our guide on California provisional license rules.
Vehicle requirements
The examiner checks your car before you start. If it doesn’t pass, or you won’t wear your seat belt, the test is rescheduled. Your car needs:
- Two license plates, with current registration shown on the rear plate.
- A driver’s window that rolls down and a windshield with a clear view for you and the examiner. Cracks may postpone the test.
- At least two rearview mirrors, one on the outside left.
- Working turn signals, brake lights, horn, parking brake, wipers, and seat belts.
- Tires with at least 1/32-inch tread. Donut spare tires are not allowed.
- Working brakes, with at least one inch of space under the foot brake when pressed.
- Driver and front passenger doors that open from inside and outside, a glove box that closes, and a passenger seat that is attached.
If you fail
Minors must wait 14 days to retake a failed drive test, not counting the day they failed. The DMV handbook does not list a waiting period for adults. As of November 2026, the DMV’s Licensing Fees page lists a $9 fee for a behind-the-wheel retest. (Its Driver’s Licenses page still mentions $7, so check the fees page before you go.)
Tips to pass on your first try
- Practice the route types on the test: parking lots, residential streets, business streets, and lane changes.
- Come to a full stop behind the limit line. Rolling stops are the classic instant fail.
- Signal for every turn and lane change, and turn your head to check your blind spot every time.
- Steer, speed up, and brake smoothly. Start braking well before you need to stop.
- Keep a 3-second following distance, and add more in bad weather.
- Know where your headlights, wipers, defroster, emergency flashers, and parking brake are before test day.
Still working on your permit? Take the free 10-question practice test, or read how to get your permit in California.
Ready to check what you know? Take the free 10-question California permit practice test.
Start the free test →Frequently asked questions
How many mistakes can you make on the California driving test?
On the regular test, up to 15 errors on the scoring maneuvers and up to 3 errors on pre-drive items 9–14, with no critical driving errors. One critical driving error is an automatic fail.
What is an automatic fail on the California drive test?
Any critical driving error, such as rolling through a stop sign faster than 4 mph, hitting something you could have avoided, driving 10 mph over the limit, not checking your blind spot, or the examiner having to step in.
Can I use my backup camera on the DMV drive test?
Yes, backup cameras and blind spot monitors may be used, but you still must check your mirrors and look over your shoulder. Features like automatic parallel parking, lane departure, and adaptive cruise control are not allowed.
How long do I have to wait to retake the driving test in California?
Minors must wait 14 days, not counting the day of the failed test. The DMV handbook does not list a waiting period for adults.
How much does it cost to retake the California behind-the-wheel test?
As of November 2026, the DMV lists a $9 fee for a behind-the-wheel retest.
Can someone ride with me during the drive test?
No. Only the examiner may ride along, with limited exceptions such as training, service animals, and certain law enforcement situations.