California DMV practice test

Official handbook

Key numbers from the handbook

Questions about the California test

All 47 questions and answers

Read the bank before a mock test. Each answer names the handbook section and the printed page.

1. 1.In California, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher if you are:

   Alcohol and Drugs

   • 21 years old or older

   The handbook sets 0.08% for drivers 21 and over, 0.01% for drivers under 21 and 0.04% in a vehicle that requires a CDL. Handbook: Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits, page 102.

2. 2.Which blood alcohol concentration is already illegal for a driver under 21 in California?

   Alcohol and Drugs

   • 0.01%

   California sets the under-21 limit at 0.01%, which is low enough to catch a drinker's first sip. Handbook: Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits, page 102.

3. 3.You are driving a vehicle that requires a commercial driver license. What blood alcohol concentration is illegal for you?

   Alcohol and Drugs

   • 0.04% or higher

   The handbook sets 0.04% for any vehicle requiring a CDL, whether or not the driver holds a CDL. Handbook: Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits, page 102.

4. 4.Driving in California, you consent to a chemical test when:

   Alcohol and Drugs

   • You are arrested for DUI of alcohol, drugs, or both

   Consent is implied by driving in California and applies when you are arrested for alcohol, drug or combined DUI. Handbook: Admin Per Se, page 102.

5. 5.Unless otherwise posted, what is the maximum speed limit on a two-lane undivided highway in California?

   Speed Limits

   • 55 mph

   The handbook states 55 mph on a two-lane undivided highway and for vehicles towing trailers unless posted otherwise. Handbook: Speed Limits, page 37.

6. 6.California's "Basic Speed Law" says you may never drive faster than:

   Speed Limits

   • What is safe for current conditions

   The Basic Speed Law lets you go slower than the sign demands when conditions are unsafe, and never faster than conditions allow. Handbook: Speed Limits, page 37.

7. 7.Within 500 to 1,000 feet of a school, while children are outside or crossing the street, the speed limit is:

   Speed Limits

   • 25 mph

   The limit drops to 25 mph near a school while children are outside, unless otherwise posted, and some zones are 15 mph. Handbook: Reduced Speeds - Around Children, page 38.

8. 8.What is the speed limit in any alley in California?

   Speed Limits

   • 15 mph

   Alleys are one of the places the handbook sets a 15 mph limit. Handbook: Reduced Speeds, page 40.

9. 9.The speed limit for a blind intersection in California is:

   Speed Limits

   • 15 mph

   A blind intersection is one of the listed locations with a 15 mph limit. Handbook: Reduced Speeds, page 40.

10. 10.You are approaching a railroad crossing that has no gates, warning signal or crossing gates. What is the speed limit within 100 feet of it?

    Speed Limits

    • 15 mph

    Within 100 feet of an unprotected railroad crossing the limit drops to 15 mph. Handbook: Near Railroad Tracks, page 38.

11. 11.You choose to drive slower than traffic in heavy traffic. Why can the handbook still cite you?

    Speed Limits

    • If you drive too slowly you block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic

    You must slow in heavy traffic, but blocking normal traffic movement can be cited, and the fast lane is not the place to sit slow. Handbook: Reduced Speeds - Heavy Traffic or Bad Weather, page 38.

12. 12.Two vehicles meet on a steep mountain road where neither can pass. Who must yield by backing up?

    Speed Limits

    • The vehicle facing downhill

    The downhill vehicle yields because it has better control while backing up the hill. Handbook: On Mountain Roads, page 37.

13. 13.With good tires, brakes and dry pavement, how far does it take to react and stop from 55 mph?

    Stopping Distance

    • About 400 feet

    The handbook uses 400 feet at 55 mph to show why you need to see far ahead. Handbook: How Well Can You Stop?, page 45.

14. 14.You are being tailgated. Which response does the handbook recommend?

    Stopping Distance

    • Brake lightly as a warning, change lane or slow down, or pull off when safe

    Tap the brakes as a signal, let the tailgater pass by changing lane or slowing, and pull off the road if that is the only way. Handbook: Vehicle Checks: Before You Start Driving, page 45.

15. 15.You see an eight-sided red STOP sign. Where must you make your full stop?

    Traffic Signs

    • At the white limit line or before entering the crosswalk

    Stop at the limit line or before the crosswalk, and if neither is painted, stop before entering the intersection. Handbook: Traffic Signs, page 31.

16. 16.A red three-sided YIELD sign means you must:

    Traffic Signs

    • Slow down and be ready to stop

    Yield means slow down and be ready to stop so that vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians can pass. Handbook: Traffic Signs, page 31.

17. 17.A flashing yellow traffic signal warns you that:

    Traffic Signals

    • The signal is changing

    A flashing yellow warns of a change in signal, and a flashing yellow arrow warns of a turning conflict. Handbook: Traffic Signal Lights, page 41.

18. 18.Before you make a turn, how far before the turn point should you begin signaling?

    Turning

    • About 100 feet

    The handbook says to begin signaling about 100 feet before the turning point. Handbook: Signaling Turns, page 51.

19. 19.You are waiting at a red light in California. When may you turn right?

    Turning

    • Only if no sign forbids it, and only after a complete stop

    California allows a right on red unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted, and you must come to a complete stop first. Handbook: Slow Down and Stop, page 79.

20. 20.A pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk. Where must your vehicle stop?

    Pedestrians

    • Within 5 feet of the crosswalk

    The handbook tells you to stop your vehicle within 5 feet of the crosswalk. Handbook: Pedestrians, page 35.

21. 21.A crosswalk is not painted at an intersection you are approaching. Is it still a crosswalk?

    Pedestrians

    • Yes, every intersection is a crosswalk even if unmarked

    The handbook is explicit that every intersection is a crosswalk, marked or not. Handbook: Slow Down and Stop, page 79.

22. 22.Another car ahead of you is stopped at a crosswalk. What should you do?

    Pedestrians

    • Stop too, there may be someone crossing you cannot see

    Stop when the car ahead stops, because the pedestrian may be hidden from your view. Handbook: Slow Down and Stop, page 79.

23. 23.Your low-beam headlights must be on from:

    Headlights

    • 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise

    The handbook gives a precise window: 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. Handbook: Use Your Headlights, page 63.

24. 24.Your windshield wipers are on because of weather. What must you also do?

    Headlights

    • Turn on your low-beam headlights

    Whenever conditions require the wipers, low-beam headlights are required. Handbook: Use Your Headlights, page 63.

25. 25.When must headlights be on in darkness?

    Headlights

    • When you cannot clearly recognise a person or vehicle from 1,000 feet

    The rule is based on being able to recognise a person or vehicle from 1,000 feet. Handbook: Use Your Headlights, page 63.

26. 26.You can see a collision ahead of you. How do you warn drivers behind you?

    Vehicle Positioning

    • Turn on your emergency flashers or tap the brake pedal quickly three or four times

    Flashers or three or four quick taps on the brake pedal tell following traffic something is wrong ahead. Handbook: Use Your Emergency Signals, page 63.

27. 27.What is the minimum distance you must stay behind a fire engine, police car or ambulance with a siren or flashing lights?

    Emergency Vehicles

    • 300 feet

    Following within 300 feet of an emergency vehicle is against the law. Handbook: Emergency Vehicles, page 74.

28. 28.You are in an intersection when you hear an emergency vehicle behind you. What should you do?

    Emergency Vehicles

    • Continue through the intersection, then pull right when it is safe

    Never stop in an intersection; clear it first, then drive to the right and stop. Handbook: Emergency Vehicles, page 74.

29. 29.You see a fire engine using the wrong side of the street to reach a call. What is your duty?

    Emergency Vehicles

    • Yield the right-of-way to it

    You must yield to any emergency vehicle using a siren and red lights. Handbook: Emergency Vehicles, page 74.

30. 30.A school bus ahead of you flashes its red lights. What must you do?

    School Buses

    • Stop from either direction until the children are across and the lights stop flashing

    Red lights flashing means stop from either direction until the children are safely across and the flashing stops. Handbook: Around Children, page 38.

31. 31.What is the penalty for failing to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing?

    School Buses

    • A fine of up to $1,000 and a one-year suspension of driving privilege

    The handbook states a fine up to $1,000 and a possible one-year suspension of driving privilege. Handbook: Around Children, page 38.

32. 32.What is different about a Safety Enhanced-Double Fine Zone?

    Work Zones

    • Fines are doubled

    Fines for violations are doubled in these zones and in construction zones when workers are present. Handbook: Double Fine Zones, page 82.

33. 33.Which of these is listed as a distraction inside a work zone?

    Work Zones

    • Using a hands-free cell phone

    The handbook counts hands-free phone use, texting and operating GPS or entertainment systems as work-zone distractions. Handbook: Road Workers and Work Zones (Cone Zones), page 82.

34. 34.How much clearance must you leave when passing a bicyclist?

    Bicyclists

    • At least 3 feet

    Pass with at least 3 feet of space; if you cannot, pass at a speed that does not endanger the rider. Handbook: Sharing the Road with Bicyclists, page 78.

35. 35.You are 19 years old. What is the California rule on cell phone use while driving?

    Cell Phones

    • You may not use a cell phone or wireless device at all

    For minors the rule is no cell phone or wireless device, including hands-free; emergency calls are the exception. Handbook: Minors and Cell Phones, page 16.

36. 36.You are under 21 and your tire blows out. Which phone use is still legal in California?

    Cell Phones

    • Contacting law enforcement in an emergency

    The exception covers contacting law enforcement, a health care provider, the fire department or another emergency entity. Handbook: Minors and Cell Phones, page 16.

37. 37.A child under 2 years old must ride in:

    Child Restraints

    • A rear-facing child passenger restraint system

    Children under 2 must be in a rear-facing restraint unless they are 40 pounds or 3 feet 4 inches or taller. Handbook: Child Restraint System and Safety Seats, page 26.

38. 38.A curb is painted red. What does that mean?

    Parking

    • No stopping, standing or parking

    Red means no stopping, standing or parking, with an exception for buses at a red zone marked for buses. Handbook: Parking at Colored Curbs, page 58.

39. 39.A curb is painted blue. Who may park there?

    Parking

    • A disabled person or the driver of a disabled person who displays a placard or special plate

    Blue curb parking is for a disabled person or their driver who displays a placard or special plate; the crosshatched access area is a no-parking area. Handbook: Parking at Colored Curbs, page 58.

40. 40.A curb is painted white. What is it for?

    Parking

    • Stopping only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers or mail

    White curb means stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers or mail. Handbook: Parking at Colored Curbs, page 58.

41. 41.A curb is painted green. What does it tell you?

    Parking

    • Time-limited parking

    Green curb means park for a limited time; look for a posted sign or a time limit painted on the curb. Handbook: Parking at Colored Curbs, page 58.

42. 42.You have parallel parked. How far from the curb may your vehicle sit?

    Parking

    • No more than 18 inches

    Straighten out when the rear wheel is within 18 inches of the curb and stay no further than 18 inches from it. Handbook: Parallel Parking, page 58.

43. 43.How long do traffic convictions and collisions stay on your California driving record?

    Driving Record

    • 36 months

    The handbook keeps convictions and collisions on the record for 36 months. Handbook: Points on the Driver Record, page 111.

44. 44.Which point count makes you a negligent operator in California?

    Driving Record

    • 4 points in 12 months

    The handbook lists 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months and 8 points in 36 months. Handbook: Suspension or Revocation, page 111.

45. 45.Which combination also makes you a negligent operator?

    Driving Record

    • 6 points in 24 months

    Six points in 24 months is one of the three negligent-operator totals. Handbook: Suspension or Revocation, page 111.

46. 46.Which point count is the longest negligent-operator window?

    Driving Record

    • 8 points in 36 months

    The third negligent-operator total is 8 points in 36 months. Handbook: Suspension or Revocation, page 111.

47. 47.Your passenger is about to cross the street in front of your stopped vehicle. What is most likely to give you away in a hybrid or electric car?

    Vehicle Equipment

    • The lack of engine or electric motor noise

    Hybrid and electric drivers must stay alert because a blind pedestrian may assume no vehicle is nearby. Handbook: Pedestrians, page 35.

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