California
DMV Practice Test

Few states offer more to explore than California and having a California driver’s license is one of the keys to enjoying everything the state has to offer. If you want to earn your license you’ll need to pass the California driving test. The test has two parts, a knowledge test and a skills test. In our practice knowledge tests, you will have to answer test questions that are very similar to the official California Driving written knowledge test. You will be presented with 36 questions and you must answer 30 questions correctly to pass. If you are over 18, our California DMV practice test will match the number of questions that you’ll see on the official test. If you are under 18, the official license test you take will contain 46 questions and you’ll need 38 correct answers to pass. To begin your practice test, click the “Start Test” button below.

1 / 36

When should you turn on your headlights?

After sunrise.

Any time in open country with a clear road ahead.

Before noon.

When it is raining hard.

2 / 36

If a 19 year old is caught in their vehicle with an open alcoholic beverage, which of the following can happen?

The court may fine them up to $1,000.

Their driving privilege may be revoked for one year, or issuance of their license may be suspended for one year.

All of the listed answers.

The vehicle may be impounded for 30 days.

3 / 36

In open country at night you should drive with

parking lights.

high-beam headlights.

low-beam headlights.

no headlights.

4 / 36

An orange-colored sign like this means:

There is road work ahead

Be prepared to stop

You must change lanes ahead

Traffic delays are ahead

5 / 36

When driving within 500 to 1,000 feet of a school while children are outside, what is the speed limit?

15 mph unless otherwise posted.

25 mph unless otherwise posted.

5 mph unless otherwise posted.

10 mph unless otherwise posted.

6 / 36

After an accident, the most important thing you can do to reduce the chances of secondary crashes is:

If possible, move your vehicle out of the traffic lane.

Open your doors.

Stand in the roadway and wave your arms.

Manually signal traffic to drive around.

7 / 36

Is talking on your cell phone permitted while driving?

Yes, but only if you are not in the city.

Only if you are using a hands-free device.

No.

Yes, but only if you are driving the speed limit.

8 / 36

You have consented to take a test for the alcohol content of your blood, breath, or urine:

Only If you have been pulled over for suspected drunk driving.

Only if you have already been convicted of drinking and driving.

Whenever you drive in the state of California.

Only if an accident has occurred.

9 / 36

The California "Basic Speed Law" means that

you should never drive faster than the posted speed limit.

you must never drive faster than what is safe for current road conditions.

the speed limit is the same throughout the state.

you should always drive the speed limit.

10 / 36

You are getting ready to make a right turn ahead. You should:

Make sure to signal as you begin to turn.

Always stop before making the turn.

Signal the last 100 feet before you reach the turn.

Come to a complete stop before turning.

11 / 36

You must remain at least ____ feet behind any emergency vehicle with a siren or flashing lights.

500

300

100

12 / 36

What are the criteria for an adult to obtain a California license for the first time?

Meet the requirements for a permit and then pass the behind-the-wheel driving test.

Be at least 18 years of age.

Pass the behind-the-wheel driving test.

All of the answers listed.

13 / 36

Due to their size, trucks often appear to be driving

recklessly.

faster.

the wrong direction.

slower.

14 / 36

You are at a red light but a police officer signals you to proceed. What should you do?

Change lanes, but not proceed against the right light.

Wait for a green signal.

Ask the officer what you should do.

Proceed as the officer has directed.

15 / 36

It is illegal for a person 21 years of age or older to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of __________ or higher

0.0005

0.001

0.0008

0.0012

16 / 36

If you sell a vehicle, you must report it to the DMV within ______ days.

365

17 / 36

This sign means:

Stay in the right lane if other traffic is moving faster than you

You should pass anyone in the right lane

Slower traffic must exit on the right

You should slow down and move to the right lane

18 / 36

Drive into a special "turnout" area if you need to

allow vehicles to pass you.

exit the highway.

go to the bathroom.

park for the night.

19 / 36

If you are caught cheating on the California drivers test, what are the consequences?

The test will be marked a "failure" and the DMV may take action against your driving privilege and anyone who assisted you.

You will be given one chance to take the test again.

You will be given a warning and a new date to take the test.

Any testing aids will be confiscated, and your score on the test will be lowered by a certain amount.

20 / 36

When are minors allowed to talk on cell phones while driving?

Whenever they choose.

If they are talking to their parents.

Only during an emergency.

Never.

21 / 36

When merging into freeway traffic, who has the right-of-way?

The vehicle on the right

The vehicle that is merging

The freeway traffic

The vehicle on the left

22 / 36

You should signal for at least _____ before changing lanes on the freeway.

3 seconds

50 feet

1/4 mile

5 seconds

23 / 36

When traveling at 55 mph with quality tires, new brakes, and dry pavement, how far will your car travel before it comes to a complete stop?

500 ft.

200 ft.

300 ft.

400 ft.

24 / 36

Driving under the influence of any medication which impairs your driving is permitted

if it is prescribed by a physician

under no circumstances

as long as you are not on a highway

with written permission from a medical professional

25 / 36

What is the maximum speed limit on most of the highways in California?

75 mph.

65 mph.

50 mph.

60 mph.

26 / 36

According to California's "Basic Speed Law" says you must

Keep your speed close to that of other traffic

Remain under the posted speed limit at all times

Always drive at the posted speed limit

Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions

27 / 36

If your vehicle has broken down but you are unable to move it from the road, where should you stop?

In the middle of the road

In an intersection

Near a stop sign

In a spot where your vehicle can be seen from behind

28 / 36

Enter a roundabout:

At a high rate of speed to avoid traffic behind you.

After coming to a complete stop and looking both ways.

When there is a big enough gap in traffic.

Immediately, you have the right of way at all times.

29 / 36

What conditions should you be aware of when driving on gravel roads?

Increased risk of skidding.

Better visibility.

Shorter stopping distance.

Improved traction.

30 / 36

To avoid last-second maneuvers, look down the road ________.

10-15 seconds

5-10 seconds

2-3 seconds

200 feet or more

31 / 36

To make sure you are not driving in a truck's blind spot, you should:

Always pass the truck on the right side.

Honk twice and wait for a response.

Look for the truck driver's side view mirrors.

Remain at least 200 feet behind trucks at all times.

32 / 36

When you see this sign:

Prepare for a delay

Be prepared to stop if children are in the crosswalk

Look for a crossing guard and wait for a signal to proceed

Always stop at the crosswalk

33 / 36

After stopping and yielding, you may turn right at a red light unless:

You are in the far right lane.

A no turn on red sign is posted.

There is a car behind you.

You are turning from a two-way street.

34 / 36

If you become involved in a road-rage incident, it is best NOT to:

Get out of their way.

Focus on your own driving.

Ignore any gestures from the other driver.

Make eye contact.

35 / 36

Written evidence of financial responsibility is needed:

For purchasing a car.

Whenever you drive.

When a law enforcement officer requires it.

When driving with other people in the vehicle.

36 / 36

Where should you stop your vehicle when there is no limit line or crosswalk?

At the corner and before entering the intersection.

10 feet behind the stop sign.

Out far enough to see cross traffic.

Wherever you have a line of sight to see cross traffic.

Your score is

The average score is 80%

3.7/5 - (12 votes)

How To Get A California Driver's License

There are certainly some hoops that you need to jump through to get a California driver’s permit or license. While there is some legwork to do to earn your license, it’s not an insurmountable task. We’ll walk you through the necessary steps and documentation to help you get comfortable with the process and ready to hit the road.

What are the age requirements for getting a California instruction permit and driver’s license? You can apply for your permit at age 15 ½ by going to your local California DMV location. At this age, you’ll need to complete a licensed driver’s education course, pass the DMV written knowledge test and pass the vision test to earn an instruction permit.

What are the steps for obtaining an instruction permit in California? For aspiring drivers under the age of 18, they will be required to complete an application. You can receive a permit if a parent or legal guardian signs your driver’s license or ID application. You will also need some documents and information:

Proof of insurance
Social security number
Legal proof of ID - such as a birth certificate or passport
Proof of residency

For minors less than 17.5 years old, they will also need to prove that they have completed or are in the process of completing a state-approved driver’s education program. People between 17.5 and 18 years old can obtain an instruction permit without driver’s ed certification, but will still need to turn 18 before they can take the driver’s test to earn their license.

For those who have moved to California after completing driver’s training out of state, California’s DMV will acknowledge the training if the school provides the necessary information on official letterhead, signed by a school official from the California DL33 form.

How To Pass the California Driver's License Test

Practice makes perfect, and that certainly holds true when it comes to preparing for your driving test. The number one piece of study material you’ll need to spend time with is the California Driver’s Manual. The manual contains everything you’ll need to know to pass the test, but it can be hard to digest so you’ll definitely want to supplement it with other tools. It can be worthwhile to utilize free resources like this site’s California permit practice test, which contains questions similar in format and content to what you’ll see on the official DMV test. As you progress through the driver’s manual, take these practice tests and record your scores to see how you’re progressing. If you’re struggling with questions related to signs, you can try our road signs practice test and work to improve in that area as well.

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Where to find a California driver’s manual?

Any DMV office should have a free copy on hand for you, or you can also find downloadable copies in a number of languages on the California DMV website here.

California License Frequently Asked Questions

You can renew your license in person at any California DMV location, by mail, or online. There are some stipulations for the latter two options. You can only renew by mail if your license expires in less than 60 days, are under age 70, do not have any current suspensions, and have not had two consecutive mail-in renewals. You can renew online if you received a renewal ID number by mail, can pay via credit card, and still have the same address from your previous license.

While some states require additional testing or an eye test during a license renewal, California does not require these unless a physician specifies the need for an eye test.

All is not lost if you fail your first attempt at the road test. California does require that you wait at least two weeks before scheduling your next test, however. You are allowed three attempts to pass the test before the DMV will require you to start the entire application process over again.

More than anything, you need to convince your evaluator that you are a safe and confident driver who can manage a vehicle on your own. Common skills you’ll be expected to demonstrate during your road test typically include:

Maintaining an acceptable speed - not too fast, and not too slow.
Understanding of right of way.
Completely stopping and proceeding at intersections.
Using proper driving mechanics, like keeping both hands on the wheel.
Safely parking the vehicle.
Stopping behind crosswalks.
Safely moving the car while in reverse.
Changing lanes and merging into traffic.

If you have a valid out of state license you have ten days to apply for a California license. If you have a current copy of your license, you can surrender it and you can avoid taking the California driver’s test. If you don’t have your current license, you’ll be required to take the California DMV test.

Additional Information

Information on the California Department of Motor Vehicles

Student testing and licensing in California is handled by the California DMV. Use the information below to contact them for any questions you have about licensing, or scheduling testing and training.

Website: https://www.dmv.ca.gov
Phone: 800.368.4327

To find the California DMV location nearest you please visit: https://drivingtestsample.com/dmv-locations/california/

Additional California Drivers License Helpful Links

The links below can help you answer common questions people have about the California driver’s license test or other California driver’s license-related topics.

Even More California Drivers Tests

We have put together ten additional tests to help you practice for your California Driver's License. Click below and get practicing!

California DMV Practice Test