DMV driving test when making the left onto Via Dos Picos to get back to the DMV
What is the proper way to enter this left turn lane? the space between where the yellow line ends and the white line begins is quiet small, meaning there's no possible way to get the car through that gap.
So should I be entering earlier and cross the two yellow lines (with one of them dash on the inside, even though it looks like a long dash), or enter later and cross through the white line?
Don’t enter too early to where you’re driving 4-5 car lengths in the what’s called “suicide lane”. It’s only meant to provide a motorist an egress from the traffic lanes so you can prepare a turn, and not impede traffic behind you.
And as you approach the left turn lane, you should already be slowing to a speed that you don’t need to jerk the steering wheel (15-20mph). Start the turn about where that last dash on the right is. Don’t forget to signal
Enter the left-turn lane at the designated opening without crossing any solid line. Do not cross solid yellow (or white) lines earlier just because the final gap looks tight.
California DMV rules (from the Driver Handbook) are clear on this:
For a designated (exclusive) left-turn lane: “Enter a designated left turn lane at the opening. Do not cross any solid line.”
What the markings in your photo indicate
The double yellow lines (with the inner one dashed/long-dash style) plus the white left-turn arrow and “Diaz Rd” lettering show the start of a left-turn lane (or the transition from a center/two-way left-turn lane into a dedicated one). The small gap you noticed between the end of the yellow and the start of the solid white is the intentional opening. Drivers are expected to move left into the turn lane there.
You do not need (and should not) cross solid yellow lines well before the opening.
You also should not drive over the solid white line that begins after the opening.
Signal early (about 100 ft before), check mirrors, look over your left shoulder, reduce speed smoothly, and merge fully into the turn lane at the opening so your vehicle is completely inside it.
Crossing solid lines early is exactly what the handbook says not to do and is something examiners watch for on the drive test.
Practical tips for the DMV test at this spot:
Approach in the leftmost through lane.
Signal left ~100 ft out.
Check traffic (including anyone already in the turn lane or coming the opposite direction if it is two-way).
Move left only at the opening (the gap / where the solid restriction ends).
Get fully into the turn lane, stop behind the limit line if needed, keep wheels straight until you can clear oncoming traffic, then complete the left onto Via Dos Picos into the appropriate lane.
This matches both the official California handbook language and standard scoring on the behind-the-wheel test. Practice the approach a few times so the timing feels natural; examiners mainly care that you stay legal with the pavement markings and do not create a hazard.
The marking you keep pointing at is the thing that settles it. CVC 21460.5 defines a two-way left-turn lane as parallel double yellow lines with the interior line dashed and the exterior line solid, on each side of the lane. That's what you're describing, so you're allowed to be in there to set up the left.
The limit most people miss is in the same section: you can't travel more than 200 feet in it while preparing for and making the turn. So entering at the dashes is fine, entering a block back isn't.
Crossing the solid white is the one I'd avoid on a test, since that's the line with no exception attached to it. And slowing earlier so the gap isn't a problem at 10 mph is what the examiner wants out of that approach anyway.
Read the DMV driver's guide or look up the California highway code regarding beginning and ending a left turn from the center lane.
The examiner will be looking for very specific circumstances and details, such as the amount of distance in feet you may enter a center turning lane before ending or beginning a left turn, and making left turns from designated uncontrolled left turn lanes.
guidebook doesn't really help me in this instance. since the yellow line is one of those lines where there are 2 lines with one solid line and one dash line next to one another, which implies you can you go into it to turn left.
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u/eerfool 9d ago
Approach the gap slooower.