CA Permit Practice Test

All 36 questions, CA exam length

Every question below comes from the California question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. How soon must you dim high-beam headlights for an oncoming vehicle?

   1. Only after the other driver flashes lights
   2. Within 100 feet of the oncoming vehicle
   3. Within 500 feet of the oncoming vehicle
   4. Within 300 feet when vehicles approach each other
   Show answer

   Within 500 feet of the oncoming vehicle. For an oncoming vehicle, dim high beams to low beams within 500 feet. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. Why does the California handbook say never to start a vehicle inside a garage with the door closed?

   1. The battery drains faster in an enclosed space
   2. Garage fumes fog the windshield
   3. The engine cannot warm up properly
   4. Carbon monoxide from the exhaust is deadly and has no odor
   Show answer

   Carbon monoxide from the exhaust is deadly and has no odor. All gas-powered vehicles produce carbon monoxide, a deadly odorless gas released from the exhaust pipe, so never start your vehicle inside t Full explanation in Test 2

3. 3. When is stopping or parking on a freeway allowed?

   1. For a phone call if you keep your hazard lights on
   2. In an emergency or when a law enforcement officer requires it
   3. Any time the shoulder is wider than your vehicle
   4. Only during daylight outside commute periods
   Show answer

   In an emergency or when a law enforcement officer requires it. Freeway stopping or parking is generally illegal, with exceptions such as an emergency, a law enforcement requirement, or a specifically per Full explanation in Test 3

4. 4. What does a five-sided school sign require you to expect?

   
   1. A park entrance where vehicles may stop in the travel lane
   2. A playground where only bicycles must yield
   3. A hospital driveway with emergency vehicles entering traffic
   4. A school area, with children who may be in or near the crosswalk
   Show answer

   A school area, with children who may be in or near the crosswalk. A five-sided sign points to a school area, so slow before reaching it and watch the crosswalks and curb. Full explanation in Test 4

5. 5. Your brake pedal sinks to the floor. What should you try first?

   1. Turn off the ignition before steering
   2. Quickly pump the brakes with gentle pressure
   3. Shift into park while moving
   4. Pull the parking brake with full force
   Show answer

   Quickly pump the brakes with gentle pressure. If the brake pedal sinks to the floor, the handbook says to quickly pump the brakes by gently applying and releasing pressure on the pedal. Full explanation in Test 5

6. 6. At this yield sign, what must you be ready to do?

   
   1. Speed up to match traffic before entering
   2. Stop if needed to let vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians pass
   3. Stop only if another driver honks
   4. Proceed first because cross traffic has the sign
   Show answer

   Stop if needed to let vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians pass. A yield sign tells you to slow down and be prepared to stop so other traffic or pedestrians with priority can pass. Full explanation in Test 6

7. 7. What does this DO NOT ENTER sign tell you?

   
   1. The road may be entered after stopping
   2. Only trucks are barred from the ramp
   3. Do not enter the road or ramp where it is posted
   4. The lane is closed only during rush hour
   Show answer

   Do not enter the road or ramp where it is posted. A DO NOT ENTER sign is a regulatory sign that bars entry to the road or ramp where it stands. Stopping first does not make entry legal. Full explanation in Test 7

8. 8. Traffic lanes in California are often called by number. Which lane is the Number 1 Lane?

   1. The far right lane, next to the shoulder
   2. The left, or fast, lane
   3. The center lane of a three-lane road
   4. Whichever lane is marked for carpools
   Show answer

   The left, or fast, lane. California numbers lanes from the left. The left, or fast, lane is the Number 1 Lane, the next lane to its right is the Number 2 Lane, then Full explanation in Test 8

9. 9. A flashing yellow left-turn arrow appears. What does it mean?

   1. Your left turn is protected from oncoming traffic
   2. You must stop and wait for a green arrow
   3. You may turn after yielding to oncoming traffic
   4. Oncoming vehicles must stop before you turn
   Show answer

   You may turn after yielding to oncoming traffic. A flashing yellow arrow allows the turn, but it is not protected. Full explanation in Test 9

10. 10. Which medication-related situation can make driving illegal?

    1. Only taking medication bought without a prescription
    2. Taking medicine only after sunset
    3. Taking any drug that affects your ability to drive safely
    4. Carrying prescription medicine in the vehicle
    Show answer

    Taking any drug that affects your ability to drive safely. California treats impairment from drugs seriously, whether the drug is illegal, prescribed, or bought over the counter. Full explanation in Test 10

11. 11. A white SPEED LIMIT sign with black lettering is what type of sign?

    
    1. A regulatory sign you must obey
    2. A guide sign for destinations
    3. A warning sign for changing road conditions
    4. A temporary construction advisory
    Show answer

    A regulatory sign you must obey. White rectangular signs communicate rules drivers must obey, and a speed limit sign is one of those regulatory signs. Full explanation in Test 11

12. 12. Which adult point total may lead DMV to suspend a California driver license?

    1. 2 points in 12 months.
    2. 4 points in 12 months.
    3. 5 points in 24 months.
    4. 7 points in 36 months.
    Show answer

    4 points in 12 months.. For adults, California lists possible suspension when the record shows 4 points in 12 months, 6 in 24 months, or 8 in 36 months. Full explanation in Test 12

13. 13. During a traffic stop, what should the driver do after stopping and before the officer reaches the vehicle?

    1. Roll down the window and keep hands visible
    2. Get out and meet the officer beside the vehicle
    3. Reach for documents immediately in the glove box
    4. Keep the radio on so the stop is recorded
    Show answer

    Roll down the window and keep hands visible. During a law enforcement stop, California says to roll down your window after stopping and before the officer makes contact, and the driver Full explanation in Test 13

14. 14. What is the minimum legal distance for parking near a fire hydrant?

    1. 20 feet from the hydrant
    2. 3 feet from the hydrant
    3. 15 feet from the hydrant
    4. 30 feet from the hydrant
    Show answer

    15 feet from the hydrant. A vehicle may not be parked within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Full explanation in Test 1

15. 15. Fog becomes too thick for safe driving. What should you consider doing?

    1. Pull off the road, turn on emergency flashers, and wait.
    2. Use high beams and continue at the posted speed.
    3. Drive using only fog lights.
    4. Cross lanes to find a clearer path.
    Show answer

    Pull off the road, turn on emergency flashers, and wait.. In heavy fog or smoke, California first recommends avoiding the drive if possible. Full explanation in Test 2

16. 16. A firefighter gives you directions that conflict with a posted sign. What should you do?

    1. Follow the posted sign because it is permanent
    2. Proceed only if the traffic signal is green
    3. Wait until another driver chooses a direction
    4. Follow the firefighter's order
    Show answer

    Follow the firefighter's order. You must obey directions from a firefighter or law enforcement officer even when they conflict with signs, signals, or laws. Full explanation in Test 3

17. 17. What do flashing yellow lights on a school bus warn you to do?

    1. Stop only if children are already in the street
    2. Pass quickly before red lights appear
    3. Slow down and prepare to stop
    4. Continue at speed unless the stop arm is out
    Show answer

    Slow down and prepare to stop. Flashing yellow lights on a school bus warn that the bus is preparing to stop and you should slow down and get ready to stop. Full explanation in Test 4

18. 18. Your vehicle begins to skid on a slippery surface. What should you do with the brake pedal?

    1. Press it hard until the vehicle stops
    2. Tap it rapidly while turning away from the skid
    3. Avoid using it while you ease off the accelerator
    4. Hold it halfway down to keep the wheels straight
    Show answer

    Avoid using it while you ease off the accelerator. For a slippery-surface skid, ease off the accelerator and do not use the brakes. Full explanation in Test 5

19. 19. A pedestrian is crossing at an unmarked crosswalk. What must you remember?

    1. Drivers may proceed if no white lines are painted
    2. Pedestrians have the right-of-way there
    3. Only school crosswalks create right-of-way
    4. Pedestrians must yield to turning vehicles
    Show answer

    Pedestrians have the right-of-way there. California treats both marked and unmarked crosswalks as places where pedestrians have the right-of-way. Full explanation in Test 6

20. 20. What movement does this sign prohibit?

    
    1. A left turn only
    2. A right turn only
    3. A U-turn
    4. A lane change
    Show answer

    A U-turn. A red circle with a red slash means the pictured movement is not allowed. Full explanation in Test 7

21. 21. When you see a yellow traffic-signal-ahead sign, what should you expect?

    
    1. A traffic signal is ahead, so prepare to slow or stop
    2. A stop sign replaces the next signal at all times
    3. A railroad signal controls the next crossing
    4. A lane-use control signal begins immediately above you
    Show answer

    A traffic signal is ahead, so prepare to slow or stop. The handbook lists Traffic Signal Ahead among its yellow warning signs. Full explanation in Test 8

22. 22. What is the maximum speed for a passenger vehicle towing a trailer on a California highway, even when the general posted limit is higher?

    1. 55 mph.
    2. 60 mph.
    3. 65 mph.
    4. 70 mph when traffic is light.
    Show answer

    55 mph.. The handbook sets 55 mph as the limit for vehicles towing trailers, the same figure used on a two-lane undivided highway, while most other h Full explanation in Test 9

23. 23. What do broken white lane lines mean on a road with traffic moving in the same direction?

    1. Traffic on your side is about to become two-way
    2. Lane changes are prohibited until the next intersection
    3. The lane is reserved for emergency vehicles
    4. Changing lanes is allowed when it is safe
    Show answer

    Changing lanes is allowed when it is safe. Broken white lines separate lanes traveling in the same direction and allow lane changes when safe. Full explanation in Test 10

24. 24. For a California driver age 21 or older operating a noncommercial vehicle, what is the lowest general per-se DUI BAC threshold?

    1. 0.04% or higher only when not towing
    2. 0.08% or higher
    3. 0.10% or higher after midnight
    4. Any reading only if a crash occurs
    Show answer

    0.08% or higher. For a noncommercial driver over 21, California sets the illegal BAC threshold at 0.08% or higher. The 0. Full explanation in Test 11

25. 25. Your vehicle stalls on train tracks and a train is approaching. Which direction should you run?

    1. Straight down the tracks away from the train
    2. Toward the nearest crossing gate
    3. Diagonally away from the tracks toward the direction the train is coming from
    4. Behind your vehicle so it shields you from debris
    Show answer

    Diagonally away from the tracks toward the direction the train is coming from. Leave the vehicle immediately and run diagonally away from the tracks in the direction the train is coming from. Full explanation in Test 12

26. 26. What lane space should you give a motorcycle when possible?

    1. Only the left half of the lane.
    2. The full lane.
    3. Enough room to share the lane side by side.
    4. A shoulder path if traffic is slow.
    Show answer

    The full lane.. California advises drivers to give motorcycles the full lane whenever possible. Full explanation in Test 13

27. 27. You drive past a California school bus that is flashing its red lights. What penalty can follow?

    1. A fine of up to $1,000 and a possible one year suspension
    2. A $35 fine with no effect on the license
    3. A warning for a first offense
    4. A fine of up to $100
    Show answer

    A fine of up to $1,000 and a possible one year suspension. Failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights can bring a fine of up to $1,000, and the driving privilege could be suspended for Full explanation in Test 1

28. 28. Where must you not park on a two-way street?

    1. Within a marked legal space beside the right curb
    2. On a level street after setting the parking brake
    3. In a time-limited green curb space during posted hours
    4. On the wrong side of the street
    Show answer

    On the wrong side of the street. Parking on the wrong side of the street is prohibited, so on a two-way street you park with traffic on the right side unless a lawful except Full explanation in Test 2

29. 29. How far before a turn should you begin signaling on a street?

    1. Only after entering the intersection
    2. At least 100 feet before turning
    3. At least 25 feet before turning
    4. Exactly one block before every turn
    Show answer

    At least 100 feet before turning. California tells drivers to start the turn signal at least 100 feet before the turn. Full explanation in Test 3

30. 30. Who may park at a blue curb?

    1. A disabled person or someone driving a disabled person with the proper placard or plate
    2. Any driver loading freight for a short time
    3. Only buses during posted commute hours
    4. Any driver who stays inside the vehicle
    Show answer

    A disabled person or someone driving a disabled person with the proper placard or plate. A blue curb is reserved for a disabled person or someone driving a disabled person when the vehicle has the special placard or license plate Full explanation in Test 4

31. 31. Two vehicles meet on a steep narrow road where neither can pass. Which driver should back up?

    1. The uphill-facing driver because gravity helps them stop
    2. The downhill-facing driver until the uphill vehicle can pass
    3. The driver closest to the centerline
    4. The larger vehicle, regardless of direction
    Show answer

    The downhill-facing driver until the uphill vehicle can pass. On a steep narrow road where only one vehicle can pass, the vehicle facing uphill has the right-of-way. Full explanation in Test 5

32. 32. When you cannot change lanes to pass a bicyclist, how much clearance must you allow?

    
    1. At least two feet if traffic is light
    2. As much room as your lane allows, with no minimum
    3. One full car length
    4. At least three feet
    Show answer

    At least three feet. If you cannot move into another lane to pass a bicyclist, leave at least three feet between your vehicle and the bicycle. Full explanation in Test 6

33. 33. A pedestrian using a white cane is at a crossing. What right-of-way rule applies?

    1. They have the right-of-way only inside a marked crosswalk
    2. They may be warned forward with a horn tap
    3. They must wait for all vehicles to clear first
    4. They have the right-of-way at all times
    Show answer

    They have the right-of-way at all times. Pedestrians using white canes or guide dogs have the right-of-way at all times. Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. Where may a California driver attach a sticker no larger than a 7-inch square?

    1. In the center of the windshield behind the rearview mirror
    2. The lower corner of the passenger's side windshield
    3. Anywhere along the top edge of the windshield
    4. The lower corner of the driver's side of the windshield
    Show answer

    The lower corner of the passenger's side windshield. California limits what you may stick on your glass so that your view stays clear. Full explanation in Test 8

35. 35. An officer arrests a California driver for DUI and takes the license. What does the driver receive, and for how long?

    1. Nothing; driving must stop immediately
    2. A 90 day restricted license
    3. A permit to drive only to work for one year
    4. A temporary driver's license good for 30 days
    Show answer

    A temporary driver's license good for 30 days. Under California's Administrative Per Se law, the arresting officer may take the license and issue a temporary driver's license for 30 days. Full explanation in Test 9

36. 36. A California bicyclist is riding slower than traffic. When may the rider move away from the right curb?

    1. When passing, preparing to turn left, or avoiding a hazard or road condition
    2. Never, the rider must stay at the curb
    3. Only when riding in a group
    4. Only on roads posted under 25 mph
    Show answer

    When passing, preparing to turn left, or avoiding a hazard or road condition. Bicyclists traveling slower than the flow of traffic must ride as close as possible to the right curb or edge of the road, unless they are p Full explanation in Test 10