{"id":46192,"date":"2020-05-19T09:16:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-19T16:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/?post_type=dmv_handbook&#038;p=46192"},"modified":"2020-05-19T09:16:02","modified_gmt":"2020-05-19T16:16:02","slug":"driving-performance-evaluation-dpe-scoring-criteria","status":"publish","type":"dmv_handbook","link":"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/es\/handbook\/driving-test-criteria\/driving-performance-evaluation-dpe-scoring-criteria\/","title":{"rendered":"Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE) Scoring Criteria"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The following scoring criteria is DMV\u2019s standard for evaluating an applicant\u2019s driving ability. All driving test examiners use these criteria to evaluate noncommercial Class C driving tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A \u201ctraffic check\u201d is both the observation of vehicle and pedestrian traffic and the proper reaction to the traffic. It is observed by the examiner in every action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Parking Lot Driving Scoring Criteria&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This criteria is used to evaluate your ability while driving through a parking lot.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traffic check<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You observe traffic (vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians):&nbsp;<ul><li>Ahead and behind you.&nbsp;<\/li><li>To the left and right.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You yield the right-of-way to vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians when necessary for safety.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You turn your head, and look toward other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians when necessary.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You react safely to traffic situations.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Speed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You drive through the parking lot at a safe speed and are in control of the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Backing Scoring Criteria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Criteria used to evaluate your ability to pull to the curb, back the vehicle in a straight line without striking the curb, and merge back into traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Action: Entering (E), Backing (B), and Exiting (X)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traffic check (E\/B\/X)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You observe traffic while entering or exiting:&nbsp;<ul><li>Ahead.&nbsp;<\/li><li>To the right before entering and the left before exiting, and behind you.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You check appropriate blind spots.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> This is indicated by looking over your left or right shoulder, and using your mirrors as appropriate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You look:&nbsp;<ul><li>Over your right shoulder while backing.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Toward other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians when necessary.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You react safely to traffic situations.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Signal (E\/X)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You activate the turn signal before pulling up to or away from the curb.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You cancel the turn signal after pulling up to or away from the curb.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Speed (E\/B\/X)&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You pull up to and away from the curb at a safe speed.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You back up at a smooth, safe speed.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Parallel (B)&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You back in a straight line for 3 vehicle lengths while remaining within 3 feet of the curb.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> Turn your head over your right shoulder and look through the back windshield instead of relying on the rearview and\/or side mirrors, or camera, which may not show all hazards. This will help you back up in a straight line. Technology, such as backup cameras and self-parking,\u00a0<strong>cannot\u00a0<\/strong>solely be used on a driving test.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You perform the action with no more than 1 correction.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> A \u201ccorrection\u201d is any movement forward.\u00a0<br><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Control (B)\u00a0<\/strong><br>You maintain control of the vehicle (includes proper gear and clutch use).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Intersections Scoring Criteria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This criteria is used to evaluate your performance at intersections.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Action: Through<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Crossing through an intersection where there are traffic signals or a stop sign.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traffic check<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You observe traffic (vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians):&nbsp;<ul><li>Ahead.&nbsp;<\/li><li>To the right and left.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You turn your head and look toward other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians when necessary.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You react safely to traffic situations.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Speed&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You maintain the appropriate speed.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> Driving 10 mph over or under the speed limit, unless justified by road\/traffic\/weather conditions, will be scored as a Critical Driving Error.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yield&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You yield the right-of-way to vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians when necessary for safety.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Unnecessary stop&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Do not stop unless required by another vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian, traffic sign, signal, or to avoid a collision.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Action: Stop&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traffic check<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You observe traffic (vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians):&nbsp;<ul><li>Ahead.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>To the left, right, and behind you.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> This may be indicated by looking over your left or right shoulder, and using your mirrors as appropriate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You turn your head and look toward other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians when necessary.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You react safely to traffic situations.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Deceleration\/braking&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You decelerate and brake smoothly.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You depress the brake pedal without depressing the accelerator (gas pedal) at the same time.&nbsp;<\/li><li>If driving a vehicle with a manual transmission, keep the gear engaged (no coasting).&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Full stop&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You bring the vehicle to a full stop.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You make no unnecessary movement forward or roll backward.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Gap or limit line<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You are able to see the rear wheels of the vehicle in front of you or have enough room to move around the vehicle without backing up.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You stop about half a car length from the vehicle in front of you (no excessive gap).&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Action: Stop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You stop within 6 feet (about half-a-car length):&nbsp;<ul><li>Behind the limit line.&nbsp;<\/li><li>From the corner of the intersection if there is no limit line.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You stop without the front-most part of the vehicle:&nbsp;<ul><li>In an intersection.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Over the limit line.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Beyond the sidewalk or stop sign.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Action: Start<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traffic check<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You observe traffic (vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians):\u00a0<ul><li>Ahead.\u00a0<\/li><li>To the left and right.\u00a0<br><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> This may be indicated by head and\/or eye movement to the left and right as appropriate.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You look toward other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians when necessary.\u00a0<\/li><li>You react safely to traffic situations.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yield&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You yield the right-of-way to vehicles or pedestrians, when necessary for safety.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You accept the right-of-way:&nbsp;<ul><li>Without causing confusion or impeding traffic flow.&nbsp;<\/li><li>When it is safe to start.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Speed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You accelerate smoothly.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> If your vehicle has a manual transmission, you must use the proper gear and smoothly use the clutch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Turns Scoring Criteria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Criteria used to evaluate your performance in turning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Action: Approach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traffic check<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You observe traffic (vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians):&nbsp;<ul><li>Ahead and behind you.&nbsp;<\/li><li>To the left or right.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You check the blind spot by looking over your right or left shoulder before merging into the bike lane or center left turn lane.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You look toward other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians when necessary.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You react safely to traffic situations.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Signal<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>You activate the turn signal at least 100 feet prior to the turn, but not so early that other drivers will not understand your intentions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Deceleration\/braking<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You decelerate and brake smoothly.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Do not depress the brake and accelerator (gas pedal) at the same time.&nbsp;<\/li><li>If the vehicle has a manual transmission, you change gears as necessary to:&nbsp;<ul><li>Maintain power.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Keep the gear engaged.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Action: Approach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yield<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>You yield the right-of-way to vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians when necessary for safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lane use&nbsp;<\/strong><br>You use the designated lane for:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Right turns&nbsp;<\/strong><ul><li>Enter the bike lane within 200 feet of the turn.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Enter the designated right turn lane at the opening.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Use right-most part of the right lane.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Left turns&nbsp;<\/strong><ul><li>Enter the two-way center left turn lane within 200 feet of the turn and do not violate the right-of-way of any vehicle already in the lane.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Enter the designated left turn lane at the opening.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Use the left-most part of the left lane.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Staying within the lane markings.<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Unnecessary stop&nbsp;<\/strong><br>Do not stop unless required by another vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist, traffic sign, or signal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Action: Stop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traffic check<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You observe traffic (vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians):&nbsp;<ul><li>Ahead and behind you.&nbsp;<\/li><li>To the left or right.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You look toward other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians when necessary.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You react safely to traffic situations.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Full stop<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You bring the vehicle to a full stop.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You make no unnecessary movement forward or roll backward.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Gap or limit line&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You are able to see the rear wheels of the vehicle in front of you, or have enough room to move around the vehicle without backing up.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You stop about half a car length from the vehicle in front of you (no excessive gap).&nbsp;<\/li><li>You stop within 6 feet (about half a car length):&nbsp;<ul><li>Behind the limit line.&nbsp;<\/li><li>From the corner of the intersection if there is no limit line.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You stop without the front-most part of the vehicle being:&nbsp;<ul><li>In an intersection.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Over the limit line.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Beyond the sidewalk or stop sign.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wheels straight (left turns only)&nbsp;<\/strong><br>The wheels of the vehicle are straight ahead when stopped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Action: Turn\/Complete<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traffic check<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You observe traffic (vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians):&nbsp;<ul><li>Ahead and behind you.&nbsp;<\/li><li>To the left or right.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You look toward other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians when necessary.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You react safely to traffic situations.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yield&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You yield the right-of-way to vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians when necessary for safety.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You accept the right-of-way:&nbsp;<ul><li>Without causing confusion or blocking traffic flow.&nbsp;<\/li><li>When it is safe to start.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Steering control&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You turn the steering wheel:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Smoothly and with full control of the vehicle.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Only the necessary amount (do not over or under-steer).&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Action: Turn\/Complete<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Too wide\/short&nbsp;<\/strong><br>You keep the vehicle within the lane or lane markings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Correct lane<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You end the turn in the proper lane.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You begin and end in the appropriate lane for multiple turn lanes.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Speed<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You maintain a smooth, safe speed and keep control of the vehicle.&nbsp;<\/li><li>If the vehicle has a manual transmission, you:&nbsp;<ul><li>Change gears as necessary to maintain power.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Keep the gear engaged.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You make no unnecessary stops during the turn.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You accelerate smoothly after the turn.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Signal&nbsp;<\/strong><br>You cancel the turn signal upon completion of the turn.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Business\/Urban and Residential\/Rural Scoring Criteria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This criteria is used to evaluate your performance while driving in a straight section of a business district or residential area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traffic check<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You observe traffic for hazards:&nbsp;<ul><li>Ahead and behind you.&nbsp;<\/li><li>To the left or right.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You react safely to traffic situations:&nbsp;<ul><li>Traffic at entrances to roadways.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Pedestrians and bicyclists.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Vehicles parking.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Speed<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You maintain the appropriate speed limit without exceeding the speed limit.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> Driving 10 mph over or under the speed limit, unless justified by road\/traffic\/weather conditions, will cause a critical driving error.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You slow for hazards or obstructions.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spacing&nbsp;<\/strong><br>You maintain a safe distance to the front and sides of your vehicle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lane position&nbsp;<\/strong><br>You keep the vehicle in the center of the lane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lane Change Scoring Criteria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Criteria used to evaluate your performance when making a lane change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traffic check<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You observe traffic (vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians).&nbsp;<br>For a:&nbsp;<ul><li>Left lane change, look to the left, behind you, and at your left side blind spot (check your left hand mirror and look over your left shoulder).&nbsp;<\/li><li>Right lane change, look to the right, behind you, and at your right side blind spot (check your right hand mirror and look over your right shoulder).&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You react safely to traffic situations.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Signal&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You activate the turn signal before making a lane change.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You cancel the turn signal after the lane change.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Speed<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You use an appropriate speed:&nbsp;<\/li><li>To change lanes without exceeding the speed limit.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> It is not necessary to slow your speed before a lane change.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>For traffic conditions.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spacing<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You wait for an adequate gap.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You create a safe distance to the front, sides, and rear of vehicles moving in the same direction.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You create a safe distance in front of your vehicle after a lane change.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Steering control<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You change lanes by turning the steering wheel smoothly.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You move to the center of the lane.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Freeway (FWY) or Highway (HWY) Scoring Criteria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> Only appropriate for Supplemental Drive Tests.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Criteria used to evaluate your performance in FWY or HWY driving.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Action: Entering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On ramp or access way to a freeway or highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traffic check<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You observe traffic (vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians):\u00a0<ul><li>Ahead.\u00a0<\/li><li>To the left and right.\u00a0<br><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> Checking the blind spot may be required on a two-lane or freeway-metered ramp.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You look toward other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians when necessary.\u00a0<\/li><li>You react safely to traffic situations.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Signal&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You activate the turn signal at least 100 feet before entering traffic, but not so early that other drivers will not understand your intentions.<\/li><li>You cancel the turn signal after entering.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Speed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You use an appropriate speed for traffic conditions.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spacing&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You wait for an adequate gap.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You leave a safe distance to the front and sides of moving vehicles.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lane position<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>You keep the vehicle in the center of the lane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Action: Merge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traffic check<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You observe traffic:&nbsp;<ul><li>Ahead and to the left.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Check the left or right side blind spots by looking over your shoulder prior to merging onto a freeway or highway.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You react safely to traffic situations.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Signal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You activate the turn signal as soon as it\u2019s visible to freeway traffic.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You cancel the turn signal after merging.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Speed&nbsp;<\/strong><br>You merge at the appropriate speed for traffic conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spacing<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You merge as soon as there is an adequate gap.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You leave a safe distance to the front, rear, and sides of moving vehicles.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lane position&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You merge onto the freeway without going over the solid boundary lines.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You move to the center of the driving lane.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Steering control&nbsp;<\/strong><br>You merge by turning the steering wheel smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Action: Lane Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traffic check&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You observe traffic ahead, to the left, right, and behind you.\u00a0<br><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> This is indicated by looking over your shoulder, and using your mirrors.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li>You react safely to traffic situations.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Speed&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You maintain an appropriate speed without exceeding the posted speed limit.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You use an appropriate speed for traffic conditions.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spacing<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>You maintain a safe distance to the front, behind, and sides of other moving vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lane position&nbsp;<\/strong><br>You keep the vehicle in the center of the lane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Action: Exiting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traffic check<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You observe traffic:\u00a0<ul><li>Ahead, to the left, right, and behind you.<br><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> This is indicated by looking over your shoulders and using your mirrors.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li>By checking the right blind spot.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You react safely to traffic situations.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Signal<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You activate the turn signal before entering the exit lane.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You cancel the turn signal after entering the exit lane.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Speed<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You decelerate in the exit lane.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You exit at the appropriate speed for traffic conditions.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Spacing&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You wait for an adequate gap.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You maintain a safe distance to the front, rear, and sides of other moving vehicles.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lane position<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You exit the freeway without going over the solid boundary lines.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You keep the vehicle in the center of the lane.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Steering control&nbsp;<\/strong><br>You exit by turning the steering wheel smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Critical Driving Errors Scoring Criteria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This criteria is used to evaluate your action or inaction during a driving test that would result in a driving test failure.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Intervention by examiner&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Any action or inaction that requires physical or verbal intervention by the examiner.&nbsp;<ul><li>An example of a verbal intervention could be the examiner loudly stating, \u201cStop.\u201d&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You make 3 attempts to back your vehicle.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Strikes object<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You make contact with another vehicle, object, bicyclist, pedestrian, or animal when it could have been safely avoided.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You drive over the curb or on the sidewalk.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Disobeys traffic signs or signals&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You go through or exceed a brisk walking speed (4 mph) at a:&nbsp;<ul><li>Stop sign.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Flashing red light.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Right turn on a red light.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You do not stop and wait for a green signal at a:&nbsp;<ul><li>Red light. (After making a full and complete stop at the red light, you may make a right turn when it is safe to do so and there are no posted signs prohibiting a right turn on a red light.)&nbsp;<\/li><li>Red freeway-metered ramp signal.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You make an unnecessary stop at a green light or on a freeway-metered ramp.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You disobey other traffic signs and\/or lane marking, such as:&nbsp;<ul><li>A lane drop (lane merges).&nbsp;<\/li><li>Painted arrows.&nbsp;<\/li><li>A painted island.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Curb markings (red, blue, etc.).&nbsp;<\/li><li>Traffic cones, etc.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Disobeys traffic safety personnel or safety vehicles&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You pass a school bus that has flashing red lights.\u00a0<br><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> Traffic in both directions must stop unless driving on a divided highway.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li>You fail to pull over and stop for an emergency vehicle.\u00a0<\/li><li>You disobey any safety personnel, law enforcement officer, or firefighter.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dangerous maneuvers&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You take any action or inaction that causes another driver or pedestrian to take evasive action.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You do not move your head and eyes to make a traffic check at an uncontrolled intersection when a hazard is present.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You make an unnecessary stop on a freeway-merge lane while entering or exiting.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You block an intersection at anytime with your vehicle so that it impedes cross traffic.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You do not look in your mirror(s) or over your shoulder to check the rear or blind spot when:&nbsp;<ul><li>Making a lane change.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Merging.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Backing.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Making a right turn with a bike lane.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Pulling from the curb or side of the road.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You stall the engine:&nbsp;<ul><li>In an intersection.&nbsp;<\/li><li>3 times due to poor clutch\/gear use.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Speed&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You drive 10 mph:&nbsp;<ul><li>Over the speed limit.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Under the speed limit when the road, pedestrians, bicyclists, and\/or traffic conditions do not warrant a lower speed.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You drive too:&nbsp;<ul><li>Fast for safety.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Slow for safety.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Auxiliary equipment use&nbsp;<\/strong><br>Failure to use the windshield wipers, defroster, or headlights when weather conditions or darkness requires the use of auxiliary equipment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lane violation&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You drive:\u00a0<ul><li>Further than 200 feet in a bike lane or two-way center left turn lane.\u00a0<\/li><li>Straight ahead while in a designated turn lane.\u00a0<\/li><li>Unnecessarily in the oncoming traffic lane at anytime.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>You turn from a designated forward (straight) lane.\u00a0<\/li><li>You make a turn from the wrong lane.<br><span role=\"region\" class=\"format-label--note\"><span class=\"format-label__text\">Note<\/span> For right turns with a bike lane, you must enter the bike lane only after ensuring there is no bicycle traffic and then make the turn.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":46171,"menu_order":4,"template":"","dmv_task":[11],"dmv_functional_page_type":[64],"dmv_handbook_category":[592],"class_list":["post-46192","dmv_handbook","type-dmv_handbook","status-publish","hentry","dmv_task-educational","dmv_functional_page_type-informational","dmv_handbook_category-driving-test-criteria-handbook"],"featured_image_src":null,"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE) Scoring Criteria - California DMV<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/es\/handbook\/driving-test-criteria\/driving-performance-evaluation-dpe-scoring-criteria\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_MX\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE) Scoring Criteria - California DMV\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The following scoring criteria is DMV\u2019s standard for evaluating an applicant\u2019s driving ability. All driving test examiners use these criteria to evaluate noncommercial Class C driving tests. A \u201ctraffic check\u201d is both the observation of vehicle and pedestrian traffic and the proper reaction to the traffic. It is observed by the examiner in every action. 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