Try not to stop or even slow down in soft sandy washes. Chances are you will get stuck, unless you have 4 wheel drive. Passing on steep hills - the driver with the nearest pull out should reverse to that spot. But if no pull outs are in sight, the driver heading uphill should back up slowly, until passing room is made. Don't speed, especially on long straight always.
Vehicles handle a lot differently on dirt roads.
Down shift, instead of braking, around curves. Straddle a deep rut in the road. Placing tires on each side of the trench, to prevent unbalanced driving. Go slowly over big dips in order to prevent bottoming out your vehicle. There are plenty of dirt roads to be explored in California.