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# DMV tests the limits
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/dmv-tests-the-limits/
- Published: 2007-06-01T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T00:54:08.000Z
- Author: Kevin Herrera
- Tags: local, Mid-City, #archive-import

*Testing drivers’ smarts*

MID-CITY Trying to get a license to drive is enough to drive Pauline Johnson mad.

It’s not the bureaucracy or the long lines at the DMV that are wearing her down. It’s the written test, something she hasn’t taken in years, but must now pass so that she can continue to drive to work and transport her kids from one soccer match to another.

“I didn’t think it was going to be as hard as it is, but I actually had a little trouble with it,” said the 37-year-old Johnson.“I haven’t studied the (California Driver Handbook), gosh, since I was probably 16 or so. I’ve just been renewing my license by mail, but this year I just kind of let it slip and now I’m here.”

It took Johnson two times to pass the written test consisting of 30 questions that range from simple queries about speed limits on residential streets to more challenging ones like: How long does a driver have before they must report the sale or transfer of a vehicle? (Answer: Five days).

“You think you can go in there and ace it because you drive every day, but it’s pretty surprising how little you really remember,” Johnson said.

She isn’t alone. A recent survey of drivers revealed that many don’t have adequate knowledge of the basic rules of the road. In fact, one in six licensed drivers would fail a written state drivers test if they took it today, according to the third annual GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test.

The survey found that 84 percent of the 36 million licensed drivers couldn’t identify the correct action to take when approaching a steady yellow traffic light (Answer: Stop if it is safe to do so).

California ranked 22nd in the nation, with an overall average score on the test of 77.5\. Seventy percent or higher is required to pass the test. Sixteen percent of California drivers who participated in the survey failed the test.

“All Americans need a refresher course when it comes to basic driving rules,” said Gary Kusumi, CEO and president of GMAC Insurance Personal Lines Division. “Being a safe driver is about conduct, judgment and knowledge. We’re hoping this year’s results encourage people to arm themselves with the knowledge they need to stay safe.”

Respondents completed 20 questions drawn from actual DMV tests. They found two questions particularly vexing this year, driving scores down across the board — 81 percent couldn’t identify the proper following distance from the car in front of them (Answer: Two seconds).

Other points of interest drawn from the Drivers Test include: • The older the driver, the higher the test score. Drivers 35-plus years old were most likely to pass. • More than half of respondents — 55 percent — don’t know how many feet from an interchange drivers must be before they can activate their turning signals. • More than two in five drivers are unaware of the meaning of a diamond-shaped sign (Warning sign). • Nearly all respondents — 98 percent — know what to do when an emergency vehicle with flashing lights approaches, what to do when hydroplaning and the meaning of a solid yellow line.

Anthony Rodriguez wasn’t surprised by the survey’s findings.

“It’s pretty easy to go years without having any type of refresher course,” Rodriguez said Thursday, as he left the DMV after paying transfer fees owed after he sold his car. “If you get a ticket and take traffic school, that’s probably the only time you really look at all the rules.

“I think, for the most part, people don’t need to know all the rules to drive safely, but I’m sure it would help. I tend to believe more accidents are caused by people just not paying attention than on not knowing that red means stop and green means go.”

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 1, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/060107.pdf?ref=smdp.com)