Driving Test Criteria - DL 955 (REV. 10/2017)

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Fahsai

Driving Test Criteria outlines the uniform standards used by California DMV driving examiners to evaluate the driving skills of driver license applicants. The handbook explains that the test is not intended to trick candidates and that examiners will provide directions only when safe. It also details preparation guidance, review resources, and the Pre-Drive Checklist safety requirements, including vehicle equipment checks and consequences for mechanical failures or missing demonstrations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages40

Reading Time1 h 41 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

How to Prepare for a Driving Test

Pre-Drive Checklist (Safety Criteria)

Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE) Scoring Criteria

DMV Driving Tests

Additional Testing Elements for the SDPE

Appendix

Driving Performance Evaluation Score Sheet Sample

Supplemental/Area Driving Performance Evaluation Score Sheet Sample

Driving Test Criteria For additional information, watch our [videos available at](videos available at www.dmv.ca.gov)[ www.dmv.ca.gov](videos available at www.dmv.ca.gov). DL 955 (REV. 10/2017) WWW Table of Contents Introduction........................................................................... 1 How to Prepare for a Driving Test .......................................2 Pre-Drive Checklist (Safety Criteria) ...................................3 Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE) Scoring Criteria.....................................................................7 DMV Driving Tests ..............................................................27 Additional Testing Elements for the SDPE ......................29 Appendix ............................................................................34 Driving Performance Evaluation Score Sheet Sample .....34 Supplemental/Area Driving Performance Evaluation Score Sheet Sample ........................................................ 35 [www.dmv.ca.gov](www.dmv.ca.gov) Introduction This handbook is designed to give you detailed descriptions of the driving test criteria that Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) examiners utilize when giving a driving test. The driving test is not designed to trick you and the examiner will not ask you to do anything illegal or unsafe. The examiner only gives you directions on what to do. It is your responsibility to complete the requested action when safe to do so. This driving test criteria is the uniform standard by which the driving skills of all driver license (DL) applicants are evaluated. See pages 34 and 35 for the Driving Performance Evaluation Score Sheet sample and Supplemental/Area Driving Performance Score Sheet sample to follow along with this handbook. How to Prepare for a Driving Test If you are required to take a driving test, you may be wondering how you can prepare to pass your test. The following information can help ensure a successful driving test. Review DMV Information This handbook and the following publications are available online [at](at www.dmv.ca.gov)[ www.dmv.ca.gov](at www.dmv.ca.gov), by calling 1-800-777-0133, and at any DMV field office. • Preparing for Your Driving Test (FFDL 22) Fast Facts—This brochure covers what to bring and expect during the driving test. • California Driver Handbook—This handbook provides valuable information on general driving skills and rules of the road. • California Parent-Teen Training Guide—This guide was developed for parents and teen drivers. Reviewing the guide provides an overview of the skills needed for a teen to pass the driving test. • Senior Guide for Safe Driving—A wide-ranging guide addressing the needs and concerns of seniors. Pre-Drive Checklist (Safety Criteria) Before you begin your driving test, the DMV examiner will ask you to locate and/or demonstrate the following vehicle and driver safety items. If an item listed in the Pre-Drive Checklist (Items 1–8 or 15–17) on your vehicle does not pass the criteria requirement (known as a “mechanical failure”), your driving test will be rescheduled. Note: If you cannot locate and/or demonstrate the operation of 4 or more items from Items 9–14, your driving test will be counted as “unsatisfactory”(failure). Interpreters may be used during the pre-drive inspection for the identification and use of certain controls in the vehicle, but may not accompany you during the driving test. Only the examiner is allowed to accompany you during the driving test. Exceptions are made for training, service animals, and certain law enforcement situations. The requirements for each Pre-Drive Checklist item (Safety Criteria) are as follows: Item Requirement 1. Driver window 2. Windshield 3. Rear-view mirrors 4. Turn signals 5. Brake lights 6. Tires The window on the driver side must open. You will be asked to open the window if the window is closed. The windshield must

FAQs

Is the DMV driving test designed to trick applicants or involve illegal/unsafe actions?

No. The driving test is not designed to trick you, and the examiner will not ask you to do anything illegal or unsafe. The examiner provides directions, and you are responsible for carrying them out when safe.

What happens if a Pre-Drive Checklist safety item does not meet the mechanical failure criteria?

If an item fails the criteria requirement (a mechanical failure), the driving test is rescheduled.

When is the driving test counted as “unsatisfactory” during the pre-drive inspection?

If you cannot locate and/or demonstrate the operation of 4 or more items from Items 9–14, the driving test is counted as “unsatisfactory” (failure).

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Fahsai