California permit practice test
The California DMV knowledge test is based on the California Driver’s Handbook. To pass you need 80%. Each free practice test here has 25 questions and a pass mark of 20, drawn from 50 questions written from the California Driver’s Handbook.
California practice test
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You come to this sign at a corner that has no limit line and no crosswalk. Where must you stop?
Make a full stop at the limit line or before the crosswalk. If there is neither, stop before you enter the intersection, then check traffic in all directions.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 41
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What does this sign tell you to do?
At a yield sign, slow down and be ready to stop so that any vehicle, bicyclist or pedestrian can pass before you go.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 41
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You may see this sign if you enter a road against traffic. At night, what else shows you are going the wrong way?
If you are driving the wrong way at night, the road reflectors shine red in your headlights. When it is safe, back out or turn around.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 44
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What does this five-sided sign tell you?
A five-sided sign means a school is near. Drive slowly and stop for children in the crosswalk.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 44
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What should you do when you see this round yellow sign?
This sign means you are approaching a railroad crossing. Look, listen, slow down and be ready to stop, and let any train pass before you go.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 44
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This orange and red triangle is on the back of the vehicle ahead. What does it tell you?
Some slow-moving vehicles, such as road maintenance vehicles, carry an orange and red triangle on the back. They usually travel at 25 mph or less, so adjust your speed.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 51
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You are stopped at a red arrow and want to turn right. What must you do?
A red arrow means stop. You may not turn at a red arrow; wait until a green light or green arrow appears.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 39
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What does a flashing yellow arrow mean?
With a flashing yellow arrow you can turn, but other traffic is not stopped for you. Yield to oncoming traffic and go with caution.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 40
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The traffic light at an intersection is not working. What should you do?
When a traffic light is not working, stop as if the intersection had stop signs in all directions. Then go cautiously when it is safe.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 40
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Two sets of solid double yellow lines are painted two or more feet apart. What do they mean?
Two sets of solid double yellow lines two or more feet apart are a barrier. Do not drive on it, or turn left or make a U-turn across it, except at designated openings.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 19
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What do double solid white lines between lanes mean?
Double solid white lines mark a barrier between a regular lane and a special lane, such as a carpool lane. Never change lanes over them; wait for a single broken white line.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 20
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You and another vehicle reach an intersection with no stop or yield signs at the same time. Who goes first?
At an intersection without stop or yield signs, the first vehicle to arrive goes first. If two arrive at the same time, give the right-of-way to the one on your right.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 45
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You are about to enter a roundabout. Who has the right-of-way?
Slow down as you approach and yield to all traffic already in the roundabout. Enter when there is a big enough gap, and travel counterclockwise.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 46
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You are in the middle of an intersection when you see an ambulance coming with its siren and red lights on. What should you do?
Do not stop in the intersection. Continue through it, then drive to the right as soon as it is safe and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 51
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Unless a lower limit is posted, what is the speed limit within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street?
The limit is 25 mph within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street. Some school zones post limits as low as 15 mph.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 56
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What is the speed limit at a blind intersection in California?
An intersection is blind if it has no stop signs at any corner. The speed limit there is 15 mph; if your view is blocked, move forward slowly until you can see.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 57
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Unless otherwise posted, what is the maximum speed limit on a two-lane undivided highway in California?
Unless otherwise posted, the maximum is 55 mph on a two-lane undivided highway and for vehicles towing trailers. On most other California highways it is 65 mph.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 73
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Heavy rain or snow keeps you from seeing more than 100 feet ahead. Driving faster than what speed is not safe?
If you cannot see farther than 100 feet in a heavy rainstorm or snowstorm, it is not safe to drive faster than 30 mph.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 68
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What does California’s Basic Speed Law say?
Under the Basic Speed Law, you may never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, whatever the posted limit. Slow down for traffic, weather, road surface, bicyclists and pedestrians.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 73
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How far before a turn should you start signaling?
Signal at least 100 feet before you turn, even when you do not see other vehicles around you.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 17
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How long before changing lanes on a freeway should you signal?
On a freeway, signal at least five seconds before you change lanes. Signal before every lane change, even when no one seems to be near.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 17
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What is the farthest you may drive in a center left turn lane?
A center left turn lane is for preparing and making a left turn or U-turn, not for regular travel or passing. You may drive in it for only 200 feet.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 22
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You are driving slowly on a two-lane road where passing is unsafe. You must use a turnout once how many vehicles are following you?
On a two-lane road where passing is unsafe, a slow driver with five or more vehicles following must pull into a turnout area or lane to let them pass.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 22
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You may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant in California?
Never park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or a fire station driveway.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 34
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Where there is no curb extension, you may not park within how many feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk?
Do not park within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Where the crosswalk has a curb extension, the distance is 15 feet.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 34
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You park facing uphill next to a curb. Which way should you turn your front wheels?
Headed uphill, turn the front wheels away from the curb and let the vehicle roll back a few inches until the wheel gently touches the curb. Set the parking brake.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 33
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What does a curb painted white mean?
At a white curb you may stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers. Green is limited-time parking, red is no stopping, and blue is disabled parking.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 34
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For a driver under 21, what is the lowest blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that is illegal in California?
It is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher if you are under 21. The same limit applies at any age to drivers on DUI probation.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 79
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An officer believes you are driving under the influence, and you refuse the blood or urine test. What will DMV do?
Driving in California means you consent to chemical testing if an officer suspects DUI. If you refuse, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege for one year.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 78
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Where must an open container of alcohol be kept in a car?
An open container of alcohol or cannabis must be kept in the trunk or a place where passengers do not sit. Keeping an open container in the glove box is illegal.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 78
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During the first 12 months with a provisional license, between which hours may a driver under 18 not drive?
A provisional driver may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first 12 months. Exceptions for medical, school, work or family needs require a signed note.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 10
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A provisional driver may not carry passengers under what age unless a parent, guardian or California-licensed driver 25 or older rides along?
As a provisional driver, you may not drive with passengers under 20 unless your parent or guardian, or another California-licensed driver at least 25 years old, rides with you.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 10
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How much practice driving must a driver under 18 complete before getting a California license?
Before getting a license, a driver under 18 must practice for at least 50 hours with a California-licensed driver who is at least 25. Ten of those hours must be at night.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 9
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How long must a driver under 18 hold an instruction permit before scheduling the behind-the-wheel drive test?
A driver under 18 must have an instruction permit from California or another state for at least 6 months (or turn 18) before scheduling the behind-the-wheel drive test.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 9
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You are under 18 and have just received your instruction permit. When may you start using it?
A driver under 18 must wait to use the instruction permit until starting behind-the-wheel driver training with an instructor, who validates the permit.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 9
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What is the least your insurance must cover for a single death or injury in California?
Your insurance must cover at least $30,000 for a single death or injury, $60,000 for death or injury to more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 82
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At night, you must dim your high beams within how many feet of a vehicle coming toward you?
Dim your high beams to low beams within 500 feet of a vehicle coming toward you, and within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 17
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It is daytime, and you turn on your windshield wipers because of rain. What else must you turn on?
If you need your windshield wipers because of fog, rain or snow, you must turn on your low-beam headlights. Driving with only parking lights is illegal.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 17
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When may a driver under 18 use a cell phone while driving in California?
A minor may not use a cell phone or wireless device to answer calls or to send or respond to texts while driving. The one exception is a call for emergency assistance.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 77
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Children under what age must ride rear-facing, unless they weigh 40 pounds or more or are at least 3 feet 4 inches tall?
A child who is under 2 years old, under 40 pounds and under 3 feet 4 inches tall must be secured in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 72
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When you cannot change lanes to pass a bicyclist, how much space must you leave between your vehicle and the bicyclist?
Allow at least three feet between your vehicle and the bicyclist. If you cannot give three feet of space, do not pass until you can.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 54
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A school bus stopped ahead of you on a two-lane road is flashing its red lights. What must you do?
When a school bus flashes red lights, traffic from either direction must stop and stay stopped until the children are safely across and the lights stop flashing.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 57
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A streetcar is stopped at a safety zone. What is the fastest you may pass it?
When a bus, streetcar or trolley is stopped at a safety zone or traffic light, you may pass at no more than 10 mph. Never drive through a safety zone.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 49
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A fire engine has its siren or flashing lights on. How close behind it may you legally follow?
It is against the law to follow within 300 feet of a fire engine, law enforcement vehicle, ambulance or other emergency vehicle when its siren or flashing lights are on.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 51
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Your vehicle starts to skid on a slippery road. What should you do?
Slowly take your foot off the accelerator, do not use the brakes, and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 66
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Your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks, the warning lights are flashing and a train is coming. What should you do?
Get out of the vehicle right away. Run away from the tracks diagonally, in the direction the train is coming from, and then call 911.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 76
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You are in a collision that causes more than $1,000 in property damage. How soon must you report it to DMV?
Report a collision to DMV within 10 days if it caused more than $1,000 in property damage or if anyone was injured or killed, even if the injuries were minor.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 84
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What is the lowest point total in 12 months that may get an adult driver’s license suspended?
An adult’s license may be suspended for 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 60
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A driver under 18 gets two traffic violation convictions in the first 12 months of having a license. What happens?
After two at fault collisions or traffic violation convictions (or one of each), a minor cannot drive for 30 days unless a licensed adult at least 25 years old rides along. A third brings a six-month suspension.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 61
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You are in a collision and do not have proper insurance coverage. For how long can your driving privilege be suspended?
If you are in a collision without proper insurance coverage, your driving privilege will be suspended for up to four years, no matter who was at fault.
California Driver’s Handbook, page 82
Questions to review
The real California test at a glance
- Questions
- —Not published by the California DMV
- Score to pass
- 80%
- Minimum permit age
- 15 years and 6 months
- Handbook
- DL 600 ENGLISH (REV. 6/2025)California Driver’s Handbook
Sources: dmv.ca.gov · dmv.ca.gov · California Driver’s Handbook. Checked November 15, 2026.
What these 50 questions cover
Every question is tied to a page of the California Driver’s Handbook. After each answer you see the rule and the page.
The real test. Multiple-choice questions based on the California Driver’s Handbook; the passing score is 80% for applicants under 18 and for adults, and DMV offices do not give tests after 4:30 p.m.
If you fail. Minors must wait seven days after a failed knowledge test, not counting the day of the failure; you get three attempts to pass before you must reapply.
- Road signs6
- Permit and license rules6
- Speed limits5
- Turning and passing4
- Parking4
- Safe driving4
- Sharing the road4
- Traffic signals3
- Right-of-way3
- Alcohol and drugs3
- Emergencies3
- Penalties3
- Pavement markings2
California permit test questions
What score do you need to pass the California permit test?
How old do you have to be to get a permit in California?
What happens if you fail the California permit test?
Are these the real California test questions?
- What it is
- Practice questions for the California DMV knowledge test.
- What it is not
- Not the official test and not the real test questions. Not affiliated with the California DMV.
- Source
- California Driver’s Handbook, DL 600 ENGLISH (REV. 6/2025)
- Source checked
- November 15, 2026
- Made by
- The Appcellent team
- Updated
- November 2026