Master the Daly City DMV Driving Test Route (2025): Real Walkthrough + Pro Driving Tips
Master the Daly City DMV Driving Test Route (2025): Real Walkthrough + Pro Driving Tips
Ready to pass your behind-the-wheel at the Daly City DMV? Our team filmed the actual route used by examiners in 2025 and added voiceover guidance so you can see exactly what to expect on test day.
Watch the route video: https://youtu.be/6KMSr4ecp6g
View Full Transcript (Daly City DMV Route #1)
Full Transcript
Start of Test
As you drive off, check your mirrors and surroundings carefully. Proceed slowly toward the parking lot exit. Stop at the stop sign before exiting. Come to a complete stop behind the limit line and pause for at least three full seconds. Look both ways and yield to any oncoming traffic or pedestrians before proceeding.
92nd Street
Turn right out of this parking lot. Then at the next stop sign, turn left onto 92nd Street. Signal early and check your mirrors. As you approach the stop sign, come to a complete stop behind the limit line. Take a moment to observe cross traffic and check for pedestrians. When it's safe, make a smooth and controlled left turn, staying within your lane.
Continue straight on 92nd Street. Maintain a steady speed and stay alert for stop signs, pedestrians, and double-parked vehicles. Come to a complete stop at all stop signs, making sure your front bumper is behind the limit line. Remember, rolling through a stop sign does not count as a complete stop.
Washington Street
Follow the road to the next stop sign. We'll be making a left turn onto Washington Street. As you near the stop sign, remember to come to a complete stop. Once it's safe, proceed with a left turn onto Washington Street.
Edgeworth Avenue
Shortly after, prepare to turn left onto Edgeworth Avenue. This is an unprotected turn. Check your mirrors, signal, and look over your left shoulder to clear your blind spot. Yield as needed, and make the turn when safe.
Continue straight on Edgeworth Avenue for several blocks. Stay alert for residential driveways and maintain the posted speed limit. Keep both hands on the wheel and scan the road ahead. Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as driving too fast. Continue checking your mirrors regularly and stay alert for any pedestrians, cyclists, or parked vehicles. Maintain smooth control of your steering and brakes—sudden movements can be unsafe and may count against your test.
87th Street
Next, turn right onto 87th Street. This is a busy street. Check for approaching traffic. Use your mirrors, check your blind spot, and complete the turn when safe.
Proceed straight on 87th Street for a few blocks. Maintain a consistent safe speed and watch for cross traffic or vehicles exiting driveways. Continue checking your mirrors. Accelerate smoothly and stay calm and focused.
Four-Way Stop
You're now approaching a four-way stop. Be sure to come to a complete stop before the intersection. Yield to any vehicles that arrived before you. If you arrive at the same time as another driver, the vehicle to the right has the right of way. Take your time and proceed only when it's your turn and the intersection is clear.
Junipero Serra Boulevard
Next, turn right onto Junipero Serra Boulevard. This is a busy street. Check for approaching traffic. Use your mirrors and blind spot and complete the turn into the proper lane. Continue for several blocks. Stay within your lane, obey all posted speed limits, and be aware of traffic lights and merging vehicles. Avoid driving too slowly as it can interrupt the flow of traffic. Keep a steady pace that matches the road conditions and posted limits. Be prepared to react calmly to any unexpected stops, lane shifts, or changes in traffic flow. Staying composed is just as important as following the rules. Keep both hands on the wheel and stay focused—distractions, even small ones, can lead to critical mistakes during your test.
San Pedro Road → Sullivan Avenue
Prepare to turn right onto San Pedro Road. This is a multi-light intersection with separate signals for turning and going straight. Make sure you're in the correct lane and follow the right-turn signal. There is no crosswalk here, but still check for nearby pedestrians and merging traffic. You may turn right on red if it's safe, but be sure to yield to any oncoming vehicles making a protected turn. Signal early, check your mirrors, and make a smooth, controlled turn when clear.
Continue for one block on San Pedro Road. Then prepare to turn right onto Sullivan Avenue. Use your turn signal in advance and stay aware of your surroundings. As you approach the corner, check your mirrors and complete the turn smoothly, staying within your lane.
Return to DMV
Travel about two and a half blocks on Sullivan Avenue. Maintain a steady pace and stay focused as you prepare to return to the DMV. This is a good time to demonstrate patience and awareness—don't rush, even if the road seems clear. Pay attention to any posted signs and keep an eye out for unexpected movement from vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Turn left into the DMV parking lot. Signal early. Reduce speed and enter cautiously. Yield to any exiting vehicles or pedestrians. Drive back toward the designated exam parking area. Pull into a marked test spot and bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
End of Test
You have now completed the Daly City DMV driving test route number one.
What You’ll Learn From This Guide
- A realistic preview of the Daly City DMV driving test route (2025)
- Pro driving tips that examiners look for—no guesswork
- How to practice efficiently around Daly City, Colma, South San Francisco, Pacifica, and San Bruno
- What to bring and how to stay calm on test day
Why Daly City DMV?
Daly City DMV is a popular test location for San Mateo County and nearby San Francisco residents thanks to wide streets, clear signage, and consistent examiner procedures. If you’re coming from San Francisco, South SF, or Pacifica, this route video makes your practice time count.
Route Overview (Video Walkthrough)
- Typical residential segments used by examiners
- Multiple controlled intersections and scanned decision points
- Safe-speed management, lane positioning, and signaling timing
- The full return to the DMV with proper parking and wrap‑up
Tip: Watch once for the big picture, then rewatch and pause at each maneuver to note where you’ll scan, signal, and position your vehicle.
Pro Driving Tips (No Street Names—Just What Examiners Grade)
- Smooth starts & stops: Make a 3–5 second full stop behind the limit line. Roll off the brake smoothly—no lurching.
- Scanner mindset at every intersection: Do a Left‑Right‑Left scan before moving. Re‑scan if your view is blocked or cross traffic appears.
- Signal timing & lane discipline: Signal at least 100 feet before turns (earlier if safe). Track the center of your lane—equal space on both sides.
- Speed control = confidence: Match posted limits; go slightly below only when conditions require. Keep a 3–4 second following distance (more on slopes or in drizzle/fog).
- Turns that check every box: Approach wide, turn tight into the correct lane. Head checks: mirror → signal → shoulder check before lane changes.
- Pedestrians & crosswalks: Treat every crosswalk as occupied until proven empty. When unsure, yield.
- Hill awareness: Anticipate grade changes; brake earlier and signal sooner. For hill parking, turn wheels correctly and set the parking brake.
- Pre‑drive safety check: Know horn, lights, hazards, wipers, and defroster. Adjust seat, mirrors, and head restraint before moving.
- Talk yourself calm: Quietly narrate: “Signal on… mirrors… shoulder check… clear…” to stay focused.
Common Mistakes That Cause Point Deductions
- Rolling stops or stopping over the limit line
- Lane drift on turns or after lane changes
- Late or missing signal when exiting a curb park
- Skipping blind‑spot checks before merging
- Speeding up to “fit in” instead of waiting for a safe gap
How to Practice Efficiently (Daly City + Nearby)
- Watch → Drive → Rewatch: replicate the sequence from the video.
- Practice at varied times (late morning vs. afternoon) to feel traffic patterns.
- Complete at least 3 full loops without verbal help before test day.
- Do a mock test: no music, no phone, full examiner‑style quiet.
What to Bring on Test Day
- Valid permit, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration
- A test‑ready car (signals, brake lights, horn, tires, and mirrors working)
- Arrive 15 minutes early to breathe, stretch, and do a control check
Need a DMV‑Ready Car + Licensed Driver in the Bay Area?
DMVRentalCar.com provides DMV‑compliant compact cars, a licensed accompanying driver, and optional warm‑up lessons right before your Daly City DMV test. Perfect for learners in Daly City, San Francisco, South San Francisco, Colma, Pacifica, and San Bruno.
Quick FAQ (Daly City DMV)
Is Daly City DMV beginner‑friendly?
Yes—consistent routes and clear signage make it a favorite for new drivers from San Francisco and the Peninsula.
Do I need to know the exact route?
No. You need strong fundamentals. Our 2025 route video gives realistic context so your scanning, signaling, and speed control stand out.
How many errors can I make and still pass?
Minor errors add up—focus on complete stops, clean lane changes, and safe speeds. Avoid “critical errors” (unsafe acts) that can cause an instant fail.
Can I rent a car for my test?
Yes. We provide DMV‑compliant cars with a licensed driver and optional pre‑test warm‑up in Daly City.
Ready to Pass at Daly City DMV?
Reserve your DMV‑compliant car + warm‑up now. Same‑day and next‑day slots available for Daly City, Colma, South SF, Pacifica, and San Bruno.
Serving Daly City DMV (San Mateo County) and nearby areas: San Francisco,San Jose, and Easy Bay Behind‑the‑wheel car rentals, licensed drivers, and warm‑up lessons tailored for the Daly City DMV driving test route (2025).
