Top 5 Most Missed Questions on Permit Test & Most Common Mistakes

Knowledge is power, but only if you know how to properly use it — and equipping yourself with knowledge is paramount for new drivers. Yes, that first solo drive is a milestone every person looks forward to. But prior to hitting the open road, passing the written and driving tests is a must. The DMV needs to know you’re well aware of all the rules of the road and can safely handle a vehicle. Though every state’s written test is unique, certain questions trip up most new drivers. In this post, we will cover this specific topic in detail, answering the following popular questions:

• What are the most commonly missed questions on the California DMV test?
• How many questions is the CDL permit test in general?
• How hard is the CDL permit test overall?

So, is the CDL test hard? We’ve prepared all the answers you need — stay tuned.

5 Commonly Missed Questions Permit Test Contains

We’ve shared the questions most people get wrong on the permit test. Check them out so you can keep those common mistakes at bay.

1. Which Way Do You Turn Your Wheels When Parking on a Hill?

Correct Answer. When you park on a hill, the direction you’re facing changes how you should turn your wheels. Parked uphill? Turn your wheels to roll back into the curb if the brake gives out. Parked downhill? Turn them to roll forward into the curb.

2. What’s the Legal Alcohol Limit in Your Blood?

Correct Answer. This question may appear in different forms. What paramount is: even a drop of alcohol in your system is illegal if you’re under 21. Are you of legal 21-or-older age? Then the national limit is .08. These rules may slightly differ depending on the state you’re in. And don’t forget, you can start feeling impaired at just .03 BAC.

3. When Is It Okay to Pass a Slower Car?

Correct Answer. Some drivers may think they can use the center turning lane to pass slower vehicles, but that’s not allowed. You can only pass on a two-lane road if:

• You see a dotted center line, which means both sides can pass using the other lane.
• There’s a solid line on one side and a dotted line on your side: and you can only use the dotted side to pass.

And remember, never cross a solid line to get around another car.

4. What Does This Sign Mean?

Correct Answer. Probably not what you expect!

“What are the most commonly missed questions on a permit test California,” you may ask? One of them is definitely related to road sign meanings! The California permit test includes many questions about road signs. Since it’s a visual test, it’s crucial to study state traffic signs and understand their meanings. There’s no shortcut here, alas! You can’t just guess that the signs will be obvious, even if you’ve been driving for a while. So, take some practice tests or focus on memorizing California road signs and what they signify.

5. What’s the Right Distance from the Car in Front?

Correct Answer. One car length for every 10 mph or three seconds of space.

The DMV loves to test drivers on stopping distances because it’s a common struggle. Tailgating is a no-go since you won’t have time to respond if the car in front hits the brakes.

Generally, the DMV recommends keeping one car length back for every 10 mph. They also suggest using the three-second rule, which means you should stay three seconds behind the vehicle ahead. By the way, it’s one of the most missed questions on the NC permit test, too.

How to Pass CDL Permit Test: Common Mistakes to Avoid

No one likes to fail a test, especially a commercial vehicle road test — this one could land you a job. The examiner doesn’t care about your future job, they focus on your mistakes. Some people fail for just one major error! Fortunately, you found this info before your CDL test. We’ve shared the most common mistakes to avoid below:

1. Skipping Manual Sections. Don’t ignore parts of the CDL manual, because every section counts!
2. Letting Anxiety Win. Stay calm — deep breaths can help reduce stress.
3. Not Practicing Enough. More practice leads to more confidence on test day.
4. Avoiding Real-World Knowledge. Ask real drivers for practical tips.
5. Ignoring Experience. Use your on-road experience to help answer questions.
6. Fearing Failure. Remember, mistakes are a part of learning.
7. Not Visualizing Success. Imagine yourself passing the test to boost confidence.
8. Negative Self-Talk. Replace doubts with positive affirmations.
9. Overthinking Questions. Stay straightforward — don’t complicate things.
10. Ignoring Body Language. Stay relaxed — it reflects confidence.

Wondering how many errors are allowed on the permit test? To pass the road test in the CDL driving performance evaluation, you’re allowed up to 30 mistakes. Just remember, any major blunder will lead to an instant fail — so stay sharp and drive smart. And read on to find out how many questions CDL permit test features.

Wrap-up Tips From Our Experts

As you prepare for your permit test and future driving, keep these last-but-not-least tips in mind. Get to grips with the common pitfalls, such as road signs and parking rules. Practice is what matters the most, so make sure you don’t shy away from real-world experiences. Stay calm under pressure and treat every mistake as a stepping stone to success. Approach the test with confidence, visualize your victory, and learn a lot to become a safe driver. Good luck out there!

FAQ

So, is the CDL permit test hard?

Depends on how well you are prepared. Study hard, explore other people’s real-world driving experience, do a lot of test prep, and you’ll succeed!

What are the most missed questions on the permit test? 

Some of the most missed questions are about road signs, parking on hills, and stopping distances. For example, many struggle with remembering how to turn their wheels when parking on a hill or what certain road signs mean. Questions about safe following distance also leave many people confused. 

How many questions are on the CDL permit test? 

50, but the exact quantity depends on the state you live in. These questions test your understanding of road rules, safety, and trucking-specific info.

How many can you get wrong on the permit test? 

You can get about 10 wrong on the permit test and still pass, but it is in your best interest to aim for fewer.