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California DMV Test Questions and Answers

These are the questions about California's own rules: permit, license, fines, speed and parking. Signs and rules shared by all states are on separate pages.

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Alcohol and drugs

  1. In California, a driver 21 or older is legally intoxicated starting at what blood alcohol content (BAC)?

    1. 0.04%
    2. 0.05%
    3. 0.08%
    4. 0.10%

    Answer: C. California: 0.08% BAC or higher is the legal limit for drivers 21 and older.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 90.08% or higher if you are over 21 years old.

  2. In California, a commercial vehicle driver is in violation starting at what BAC?

    1. 0.02%
    2. 0.04%
    3. 0.05%
    4. 0.08%

    Answer: B. California: the limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 90.04% or higher if you drive a vehicle that requires a commercial driver's license.

  3. In California, a driver under 21 violates the law starting at what BAC?

    1. 0.00% (any alcohol)
    2. 0.01%
    3. 0.02%
    4. 0.04%

    Answer: B. California: for drivers under 21 the limit is 0.01%.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 90.01% or higher if you are under 21 years old.

  4. In California, by driving on public roads you have agreed to:

    1. Carry a spare tire
    2. Take a chemical test for alcohol or drugs if lawfully asked
    3. Let police search your phone
    4. Pay all tolls in cash

    Answer: B. California has an implied consent law: refusing a lawful chemical test leads to license suspension.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 9you consent to a breath, blood, or urine test.

  5. In California, if you refuse a chemical test for alcohol for the first time, your license is suspended for:

    1. 9 months
    2. 12 months
    3. 18 months
    4. 24 months

    Answer: B. California: a first refusal means a 12-month license suspension.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 9If you refuse to take one, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege for one year.

Crashes and emergencies

  1. In California, a required crash report must be filed within:

    1. 7 days
    2. 10 days
    3. 15 days
    4. 20 days

    Answer: B. California: file the crash report within 10 days.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 10you must report it to DMV within 10 days

  2. In California, what amount of property damage makes a crash one that must be reported?

    1. $750
    2. $1,000
    3. $1,500
    4. $2,000

    Answer: B. California: the property-damage threshold for reporting a crash is $1,000 (see the handbook for who receives the report).

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 10The collision caused more than $1,000 in damage to property.

License rules

  1. In California, the night driving limit for new drivers with a provisional (intermediate) license starts at what time?

    1. 10 p.m.
    2. 11 p.m.
    3. Midnight
    4. 1 a.m.

    Answer: B. California: the night limit for provisional drivers starts at 11 p.m.; the handbook lists any exceptions.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 2Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

  2. How many questions are on the California written permit test for applicants under 18, and how many must you answer correctly?

    1. 40 questions, 30 correct
    2. 46 questions, 38 correct
    3. 50 questions, 40 correct
    4. 50 questions, 41 correct

    Answer: B. California (under 18): 46 questions; you need 38 correct to pass.

    Source: https://dmv-ready.org/dmv-permit-test-languages-by-state/

  3. What are the minimum liability insurance limits in California (bodily injury per person / per crash / property damage)?

    1. $25/$50/$25 (thousand)
    2. $30/$60/$15 (thousand)
    3. $30/$60/$25 (thousand)
    4. $50/$100/$25 (thousand)

    Answer: B. California: minimum liability limits are $30/$60/$15 (thousand).

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 10$30,000 for a single death or injury. $60,000 for death or injury to more than one person. $15,000 for property damage.

  4. In California, how many of the required supervised practice hours must be at night?

    1. 10 hours
    2. 20 hours
    3. 30 hours
    4. 40 hours

    Answer: A. California: at least 10 hours of the practice must be at night.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 2Ten hours must be at night.

  5. In California, what is the minimum age to get a learner's permit?

    1. 14½ years old
    2. 15 years old
    3. 15½ years old
    4. 16 years old

    Answer: C. California: you can apply for a learner's permit at 15½ years old.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 2Be at least 15½ years old.

  6. In California, a teen must hold a learner's permit for at least how long before taking the road test?

    1. 3 months
    2. 6 months
    3. 9 months
    4. 12 months

    Answer: B. California: hold the permit at least 6 months before the road test.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 2Have an instruction permit from California or another state for at least 6 months

  7. In California, what point total can lead to license suspension?

    1. 3 points in 24 months
    2. 4 points in 12 months
    3. 4 points in 24 months
    4. 4 points in 36 months

    Answer: B. California: 4 points in 12 months can lead to suspension.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 74 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months.

  8. In California, how many hours of supervised driving practice must a teen complete before the road test?

    1. 40 hours
    2. 50 hours
    3. 60 hours
    4. 65 hours

    Answer: B. California: at least 50 hours of supervised driving are required.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 2Practice driving for at least 50 hours

  9. In California, the licensed driver supervising a permit holder must be at least:

    1. 18 years old
    2. 19 years old
    3. 21 years old
    4. 25 years old

    Answer: D. California: the supervising driver must be at least 25 years old.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 2a California-licensed driver who is at least 25 years old.

Parking

  1. In California, you may not park within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection?

    1. 15 feet
    2. 20 feet
    3. 25 feet
    4. 30 feet

    Answer: B. California: do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6Within 20 feet of an unmarked or marked crosswalk, or within 15 feet of a crosswalk where a curb extension is present.

  2. In California, you may not park within how many feet of a fire station driveway?

    1. 10 feet
    2. 15 feet
    3. 20 feet
    4. 25 feet

    Answer: B. California: do not park within 15 feet of a fire station driveway.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or fire station driveway.

  3. In California, you may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?

    1. 10 feet
    2. 15 feet
    3. 20 feet
    4. 25 feet

    Answer: B. California: do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or fire station driveway.

  4. In California, a curb painted red means:

    1. Park for a limited time
    2. Loading and unloading only
    3. Disabled parking only
    4. No stopping, standing or parking

    Answer: D. Red curb: no stopping, standing or parking.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6Red: No stopping, standing, or parking.

  5. In California, a curb painted green means:

    1. Park for a limited time
    2. No parking at any time
    3. Loading only
    4. Emergency vehicles only

    Answer: A. Green curb: parking for a limited time, shown on a sign or painted on the curb.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6Green: Park for a limited time.

  6. In California, a curb painted white means:

    1. Disabled parking
    2. No stopping at any time
    3. Stop only to pick up or drop off passengers
    4. Parking for up to 2 hours

    Answer: C. White curb: stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6White: Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers.

  7. In California, a curb painted yellow means:

    1. Disabled parking
    2. Load and unload passengers and freight
    3. Park for 1 hour
    4. No stopping at any time

    Answer: B. Yellow curb: loading and unloading of passengers and freight; stay only as long as posted.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6Yellow: Load and unload passengers and freight.

  8. In California, a curb painted blue means:

    1. Taxi stand
    2. Bus stop
    3. Electric vehicle charging
    4. Parking for disabled persons with a placard or special plate

    Answer: D. Blue curb: only for a disabled person, or a driver carrying one, with a placard or special plate.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6Blue: Parking for a disabled person or someone driving a disabled person with a special placard or special license plate.

  9. When parallel parking in California, look for a space at least how much longer than your vehicle?

    1. 3 feet
    2. 1 foot
    3. 6 feet
    4. 10 feet

    Answer: A. Look for a space at least 3 feet longer than your vehicle.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6Look for a space at least three feet longer than your vehicle.

Rules of the road

  1. In California, how far should a driver sit from the steering-wheel airbag cover?

    1. 6 inches
    2. 10 inches
    3. 12 inches
    4. 18 inches

    Answer: B. California: sit at least 10 inches from the airbag cover (center of the wheel to your breastbone).

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8Ride at least 10 inches from the airbag cover

  2. In California, how far may you drive in a center (two-way) left-turn lane before turning?

    1. 150 feet
    2. 200 feet
    3. 300 feet
    4. 350 feet

    Answer: B. California: drive no more than 200 feet in the center left-turn lane.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6You may only drive for 200 feet in the center left turn lane.

  3. In California, children must ride in a child safety seat (car seat) until at least what age?

    1. 6 years old
    2. 7 years old
    3. 8 years old
    4. 9 years old

    Answer: C. California: children ride in a car seat until at least 8 years old.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8Under 8 years, or less than 4 feet 9 inches tall: Secure in a child passenger restraint system in a rear seat.

  4. In California, unless on official business, you may not follow a fire truck responding to an alarm closer than:

    1. 200 feet
    2. 300 feet
    3. 350 feet
    4. 500 feet

    Answer: B. California: stay at least 300 feet behind a fire truck responding to an alarm.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7It is against the law to follow within 300 feet of any fire engine, law enforcement vehicle, ambulance,

  5. In California, the recommended minimum following distance in good conditions is at least:

    1. 1 second
    2. 2 seconds
    3. 3 seconds
    4. 4 seconds

    Answer: C. California: keep at least 3 seconds behind the vehicle ahead; add more in bad weather.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8Use the three-second rule to ensure a safe following distance.

  6. In California, from what time in the evening must your headlights be on?

    1. At sunset
    2. 15 minutes after sunset
    3. 30 minutes after sunset
    4. 60 minutes after sunset

    Answer: C. California: headlights must be on from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 5Beginning 30 minutes after sunset.

  7. In California, you must turn on your headlights whenever you cannot clearly see people or vehicles within:

    1. 350 feet
    2. 500 feet
    3. 1,000 feet
    4. 1,500 feet

    Answer: C. California: headlights are required when visibility is less than 1,000 feet.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 5When it is too dark to see from 1,000 feet away.

  8. In California, when may you turn left on a steady red light?

    1. Never
    2. From a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a full stop
    3. At any intersection after stopping
    4. Only if a police officer is present

    Answer: B. California: a left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto a one-way street, after stopping and yielding, unless prohibited.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6You may turn left against a red light when you are turning from a one-way street onto a one-way street.

  9. In California, you must use low beams when you are following another vehicle within:

    1. 200 feet
    2. 300 feet
    3. 350 feet
    4. 500 feet

    Answer: B. California: use low beams within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 5within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.

  10. In California, you must dim your high beams when an oncoming vehicle is within:

    1. 350 feet
    2. 500 feet
    3. 1,000 feet
    4. 1,500 feet

    Answer: B. California: switch to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 5Dim your high-beam headlights to low beams within 500 feet of a vehicle coming toward you

  11. In California, you may not pass another vehicle within how many feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel or railroad crossing?

    1. 50 feet
    2. 75 feet
    3. 100 feet
    4. 150 feet

    Answer: C. California: do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel or railroad crossing.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6Within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, railroad crossing, or other hazardous area.

  12. In California, may an adult driver hold a cell phone to talk while driving?

    1. Yes, if traffic is light
    2. Yes, at red lights only
    3. No, only hands-free use is allowed
    4. Yes, outside cities

    Answer: C. California: drivers may not hold a phone while driving; use a hands-free device.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8Driving while using a handheld cell phone is unsafe and illegal.

  13. In California, drivers younger than what age may not use a cell phone at all while driving, even hands-free?

    1. 17 years old
    2. 17½ years old
    3. 18 years old
    4. 19 years old

    Answer: C. California: drivers under 18 years old may not use any wireless device while driving.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8It is against the law for a minor to use a cell phone or electronic wireless device to answer calls

  14. In California, may you turn right on a steady red light?

    1. Never
    2. Yes, after a full stop and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it
    3. Yes, without stopping if the way is clear
    4. Only between midnight and 6 a.m.

    Answer: B. California: right on red is allowed after a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic, unless a sign says NO TURN ON RED.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6You may turn right at a red light after a complete stop unless there is a No Turn on Red sign.

  15. In California, when you must stop at a railroad crossing, stop no closer to the nearest rail than:

    1. 10 feet
    2. 15 feet
    3. 20 feet
    4. 25 feet

    Answer: B. California: stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7stop at least 15 feet from the nearest track.

  16. In California, how far ahead should you scan the road while driving?

    1. 8 seconds
    2. 10 seconds
    3. 12 seconds
    4. 15 seconds

    Answer: B. California: look at least 10 seconds ahead of your vehicle.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8scan the road at least 10 seconds ahead of your vehicle.

  17. In California, a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing on the other side of a divided highway with a median. You:

    1. Must stop
    2. Do not have to stop, but should watch for children
    3. Must stop only if children are crossing
    4. Must sound your horn and pass

    Answer: B. California: drivers on the opposite side of a divided highway separated by a median do not have to stop; drivers behind the bus must stop.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7If the school bus is on the other side of a divided or multilane highway

  18. In California, you must signal at least how far before you turn?

    1. 50 feet
    2. 75 feet
    3. 100 feet
    4. 150 feet

    Answer: C. California: signal at least 100 feet before you turn.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 5At least 100 feet before you turn.

  19. In California, it is illegal to leave a child unattended in a vehicle if the child is this age or younger:

    1. 5 years old
    2. 6 years old
    3. 7 years old
    4. 8 years old

    Answer: B. California: do not leave a child 6 years old or younger alone in a vehicle.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8It is illegal to leave a child who is six years old or younger unattended in a vehicle.

  20. In California, a U-turn is not allowed if you cannot see approaching traffic for at least:

    1. 150 feet
    2. 200 feet
    3. 300 feet
    4. 350 feet

    Answer: B. California: do not make a U-turn unless you can see approaching traffic 200 feet away.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6When you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction.

  21. In California, how long before changing lanes on a freeway should you signal?

    1. 1 second
    2. 2 seconds
    3. 3 seconds
    4. At least 5 seconds

    Answer: D. Signal at least five seconds before you change lanes on a freeway.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 5At least five seconds before you change lanes on a freeway.

  22. In California, when a bus, streetcar or trolley is stopped at a safety zone, you may pass it at no more than:

    1. 5 mph
    2. 10 mph
    3. 15 mph
    4. 25 mph

    Answer: B. You may pass a stopped bus, streetcar or trolley at a safety zone at no more than 10 mph.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7When a bus, streetcar, or trolley is stopped at a safety zone or traffic light, you may pass at no more than 10 mph.

  23. In California, on ice you should reduce your speed to no more than:

    1. 25 mph
    2. 15 mph
    3. 5 mph
    4. Half the speed limit

    Answer: C. On ice, slow to no more than 5 mph.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8Reduce your speed to no more than 5 mph.

  24. In California, when you cannot see more than 100 feet ahead (heavy rain, fog), it is not safe to drive faster than:

    1. 20 mph
    2. 30 mph
    3. 45 mph
    4. 55 mph

    Answer: B. With visibility of 100 feet or less, do not drive faster than 30 mph.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8it is not safe to drive faster than 30 mph.

  25. In California, fines for traffic violations in a highway work zone can be:

    1. $50 or more
    2. $250 or more
    3. $1,000 or more
    4. $10,000 or more

    Answer: C. Work zone traffic fines can be $1,000 or more.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7Fines for traffic violations in a work zone can be $1,000 or more.

Sharing the road

  1. In California, when you pass a bicyclist, you must leave at least:

    1. 3 feet
    2. 5 feet
    3. 10 feet
    4. 15 feet

    Answer: A. California: give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6Three (3) feet of distance must be maintained between the car and cyclist.

  2. In California, before a right turn you may enter a bike lane no more than how far before the turn?

    1. 100 feet
    2. 150 feet
    3. 200 feet
    4. 300 feet

    Answer: C. California: enter the bike lane no more than 200 feet before the turn, after checking for bicyclists.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6You can drive in a bike lane within 200 feet from the turn.

Speed

  1. In California, the school-zone speed limit applies within how many feet of a school when children are present?

    1. 300 feet
    2. 350 feet
    3. 500 feet
    4. 1,000 feet

    Answer: C. California: the school-zone limit applies within 500 feet of a school.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7The speed limit is 25 mph within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street.

  2. In California, unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in a business district is:

    1. 20 mph
    2. 25 mph
    3. 30 mph
    4. 35 mph

    Answer: B. California: 25 mph in business districts unless posted otherwise.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7The speed limit is 25 mph, unless otherwise posted.

  3. In California, unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed on highways outside cities is:

    1. 50 mph
    2. 60 mph
    3. 65 mph
    4. 70 mph

    Answer: C. California: 65 mph on highways unless posted otherwise.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8Unless otherwise posted, the ideal maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph.

  4. In California, unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in a residential district is:

    1. 15 mph
    2. 20 mph
    3. 25 mph
    4. 30 mph

    Answer: C. California: 25 mph in residential districts unless a sign shows otherwise.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7The speed limit is 25 mph, unless otherwise posted.

  5. In California, the speed limit in a school zone when children are present is usually:

    1. 15 mph
    2. 20 mph
    3. 25 mph
    4. 30 mph

    Answer: C. California: 25 mph in school zones when children are present, unless posted otherwise.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7The speed limit is 25 mph within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street.

  6. In California, what is the speed limit at a blind intersection (you cannot see 100 feet either way in the last 100 feet)?

    1. 10 mph
    2. 15 mph
    3. 20 mph
    4. 25 mph

    Answer: B. At a blind intersection the limit is 15 mph.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7The speed limit for a blind intersection is 15 mph.

  7. In California, what is the speed limit in an alley?

    1. 10 mph
    2. 15 mph
    3. 20 mph
    4. 25 mph

    Answer: B. The limit in an alley (a road no wider than 25 feet) is 15 mph.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7The speed limit in an alley is 15 mph.

  8. In California, the speed limit within 100 feet of a railroad crossing is:

    1. 15 mph
    2. 20 mph
    3. 25 mph
    4. 35 mph

    Answer: A. The limit is 15 mph within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7The speed limit is 15 mph within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.

  9. In California, unless posted otherwise, the speed limit on a two-lane undivided highway is:

    1. 45 mph
    2. 50 mph
    3. 55 mph
    4. 65 mph

    Answer: C. 55 mph on two-lane undivided highways and for vehicles towing trailers.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8It is 55 mph on a two-lane undivided highway and for vehicles towing trailers.

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