[Fatnino]

In Redwood City (easiest dmv test route I know of), they ask you if you want freeway on the test, you say no and they cross off that whole section. The parallel parking section is done on a completely empty block and the only way to screw that up is to park blocking someone's driveway.

As to why freeway is easier: maybe not as a very new driver, but as soon as you're comfortable handling a car you can get on the freeway and the mental processing loop is much easier. Just follow the car ahead at a safe distance for the speed. Very little else, can be done with just half a brain while you think about other things.