California DMV Permit Practice Test

As a general rule, what must you do when double solid yellow lines separate you from oncoming traffic?

Correct answer: D. Stay to the right of them and do not pass over them

Double solid yellow lines mean do not pass, and you must stay to the right of them except in a few listed situations. They are not a passing line under any traffic condition. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 13)

A yield line is painted as a row of solid white triangles. Which way do the triangles point?

Correct answer: D. Toward the approaching vehicles that must yield or stop

A yield line is a line of solid white triangles that shows approaching drivers where to yield or stop, and the triangles point toward those approaching vehicles. Use the line as the place to slow or stop. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 14)

A green traffic signal light means GO, but what does the handbook still require of you?

Correct answer: C. Stop for any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian already in the intersection

Even on a green light you must stop for any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian in the intersection. Proceed only when you have enough space to do so without endangering them. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 34)

What do the numbers displayed on a pedestrian signal show?

Correct answer: D. The seconds left for crossing the street

The numbers count down the seconds remaining for crossing the street. They help pedestrians judge whether there is enough time to finish crossing. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 35)

The handbook shows placards displayed on vehicles that carry dangerous cargo. What does it call them?

Correct answer: A. Hazardous loads placards

The handbook labels these markings hazardous loads placards. They are shown on the same page as the slow moving vehicle emblem, which is a different marking. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 36)

Which situations call for hand-over-hand steering?

Correct answer: D. Turning at low speeds, parking, or recovering from a skid

The handbook lists hand-over-hand steering for turns at low speeds, parking, and skid recovery. You start with your hands at 8 and 4 o'clock and reach across the wheel to grasp the opposite side. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 10)

What does the handbook say about your speed when you change lanes?

Correct answer: A. It is not necessary to slow down before a lane change

The handbook states it is not necessary to slow down before a lane change. What matters is signaling, checking mirrors and blind spots, and making sure there is enough space for your vehicle in the next lane. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 15)

Why should you keep your wheels pointed straight ahead while you wait to make a left turn?

Correct answer: A. If a vehicle hits you from behind, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic

Keep your wheels pointed straight ahead until it is safe to start the turn. If your wheels are turned to the left and someone hits you from behind, your vehicle could be pushed into the path of oncoming traffic. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 19)

When merging onto a highway, how much space should you leave between you and the vehicle in front of you so you can stop safely?

Correct answer: B. Three seconds

Leave three seconds of space between you and the vehicle ahead so you can stop safely while merging. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 23)

There is a limit line painted before a crosswalk and a pedestrian is crossing. Where do you stop?

Correct answer: C. At the limit line

When a limit line is painted before the crosswalk, stop at the limit line and let pedestrians finish crossing the street. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 41)

Which rule does the handbook tell you to use to keep a safe following distance?

Correct answer: C. The three-second rule

The three-second rule keeps a safe following distance so you have time to react if another driver makes a mistake. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 57)

An oncoming vehicle's headlights are too bright. What should you do?

Correct answer: D. Look toward the right edge of your lane and watch the vehicle out of the corner of your eye

Shifting your gaze to the right edge of your lane keeps you from being blinded while you still track the oncoming vehicle. Answering with your own high beams only makes it harder for both drivers to see. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 59)

A light truck with rear-wheel ABS goes into a locked wheel skid. What should the driver do?

Correct answer: A. Ease up on the brake pedal, keeping just enough pressure to let the front wheels roll so you can steer

Rear-wheel ABS is common in light trucks. Ease off the brake enough for the front wheels to roll again so you can steer, then stop braking and turn into the direction of the skid. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 61)

Why should you carry snow chains if you drive in snowy areas?

Correct answer: C. They give your tires more traction

Chains add traction on snow. Carry the correct number and type of chains for your vehicle. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 62)

When may a child use a properly secured safety belt that meets federal standards instead of a child passenger restraint system?

Correct answer: C. When the child is 8 years old or older, or at least 4 feet 9 inches tall

Once a child reaches 8 years old or measures at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, a properly secured safety belt that meets federal standards is allowed. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 66)

Which of these is listed as a common driving distraction?

Correct answer: B. Changing the music or volume

The handbook lists changing music or volume as a common distraction, along with looking at a phone, navigation system, children, or pets, and applying makeup or shaving. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 70)

A law enforcement officer thinks you are driving under the influence and asks you to take a blood or urine test. If you refuse, what will DMV do?

Correct answer: A. Suspend or revoke your driving privilege for one year

An officer who suspects you of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol has the right to ask you to take a blood or urine test. Refusing that test results in DMV suspending or revoking your driving privilege for one year. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 72)

While driving a passenger for hire, it is illegal to have a blood alcohol concentration of:

Correct answer: A. 0.04% or higher

The BAC limit when you are driving a passenger for hire is 0.04%, the same stricter limit that applies to commercial vehicle drivers. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 73)

A driver under 21 takes a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) test that shows a BAC of 0.05% or higher. What may the officer do next?

Correct answer: A. Require the driver to take a breath or blood test

If a PAS test shows a BAC of 0.05% or higher for a driver under 21, the officer may require a breath or blood test. If that later test also shows 0.05% or higher, the driver may be arrested for a DUI and have their driving privilege suspended. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 75)

Some school zones post speed limits even lower than the usual school-zone limit. How low may those posted limits go?

Correct answer: D. 15 mph

The handbook notes that some school zones may have speed limits as low as 15 mph, so always read the posted sign rather than assuming 25 mph. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 50)

Another driver is close behind you and wants to drive faster. What should you do?

Correct answer: B. Move to the right

When a driver behind you wishes to travel faster, move to the right so you do not block the normal flow of traffic. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 50)

While backing into a parallel parking space, when should you begin turning the steering wheel away from the curb?

Correct answer: D. When your rear wheel is within 18 inches of the curb

The handbook says to begin turning the steering wheel away from the curb once your rear wheel is within 18 inches of the curb, so the vehicle straightens out parallel and within 18 inches of the curb. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 26)

What is allowed at a red painted curb?

Correct answer: B. Nothing, except that buses may stop at a red zone marked for buses only

A red curb means no stopping, standing, or parking. The only exception in the handbook is that buses may stop at a red zone that is marked for buses only. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 28)

Your vehicle starts to hydroplane. What should you do?

Correct answer: B. Slow down gradually and stay off the brakes

If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, slow down gradually and do not use the brakes, because sudden braking may cause you to lose control. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 62)

The fog becomes too thick for you to keep driving safely. What should you consider doing?

Correct answer: D. Pull off the road, turn on your emergency flashers, and wait for conditions to improve

If fog becomes too thick to drive safely, consider pulling off the road, activating your emergency flashers, and waiting until conditions improve. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 64)

Your vehicle stops working while you are driving on the freeway. What should you do first?

Correct answer: A. Safely pull over to the right shoulder

Pull safely onto the right shoulder. If you must get out, exit from the right side of the vehicle so you are away from traffic. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 69)

A pedestrian standing at the curb makes eye contact with you. According to the handbook, what does this mean?

Correct answer: D. They are ready to cross, so you should yield

If a pedestrian makes eye contact with you, they are ready to cross the street. Yield to the pedestrian and let them finish crossing safely. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 41)

A bus is stopped at a safety zone. What is the maximum speed at which you may pass it?

Correct answer: B. 10 mph

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 itself. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 43)

It is against the law to follow within what distance of a fire engine or other emergency vehicle that has its siren or flashing lights on?

Correct answer: A. 300 feet

You may not follow within 300 feet of any fire engine, law enforcement vehicle, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle when its siren or flashing lights are on. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 45)

When riding at night, a bicycle must have a front lamp with a white light visible from at least:

Correct answer: C. 300 feet

A bicycle ridden in the dark must have a front lamp with a white light visible from 300 feet. Bicyclists should also avoid wearing dark clothing at night. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 47)

A lane is closed ahead in a work zone marked with cones and drums. What should you do?

Correct answer: B. Merge as soon as it is safe, without crossing the cones or drums

Cones, drums, and other barriers guide you through the work zone. Merge as soon as it is safe without crossing them, and watch for bicycles if the lanes are narrow or the shoulder is closed. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 49)

How many proofs of residency must you provide when you apply for an instruction permit or driver's license?

Correct answer: C. Two

An application requires proof of identity, two proofs of residency showing you live in California, a legal full name document if your name does not match, and a social security number. Exceptions may apply to some of these items. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 2)

A minor who fails the knowledge test must wait how long before retaking it?

Correct answer: D. Seven days, not including the day of the failure

Minors must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, and the day of the failure does not count toward that wait. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 5)

You receive a traffic ticket and then fail to appear (FTA) in court. What may DMV do?

Correct answer: A. Suspend your driving privilege until you appear

If you do not keep your promise to appear, DMV may suspend your driving privilege until you appear, and the failure to appear is recorded on your driver record. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 54)

DMV notifies you that action is proposed against your driving privilege. When must you request an administrative hearing?

Correct answer: D. Within 10 days of being served, or 14 days from the date the notice is mailed

You must request the hearing within 10 days of being served or 14 days from the mailing date of the notice. If your request is not timely, you lose your right to a hearing. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 55)

Which of these does the handbook list as one of the most common causes of collisions?

Correct answer: C. Not following the right-of-way rules

Failing to follow right-of-way rules is one of the most common causes of collisions, along with driver distractions, unsafe speed, improper turns, ignoring stop signals and signs, and driving on the wrong side of the road. (California Driver's Handbook (2025), p. 77)