California DMV Test Questions & Answers – 100% FREE
| This Practice Test | Number of questions on each practice test: | 25 |
|---|---|
| Question pool: | 1,000+ |
| Each test is random | |
Results
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#1. When is it allowed to drive around or under a lowered gate at a railroad crossing?
Never go under lowering gates or around lowered gates. It is dangerous and against the law.
#2. In which drink will you normally find the most alcohol?
There is more alcohol in 4 oz. of whiskey.
Standard servings of each have the same amount of alcohol. A standard drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits, all of which contain the same amount of alcohol.
#3. Keeping a safe following distance using a three-second rule means:
Keeping a three-second distance gives you time and distance to respond to problems in the lane ahead of you.
#4. Unless otherwise posted, carpool lanes are also open for:
Motorcycle riders may use designated carpool lanes, unless otherwise posted.
#5. What is the first thing you should do if your gas pedal sticks?
If your accelerator stick, you should:
- Shift to neutral.
- Apply the brakes.
- Keep your eyes on the road.
- Look for an alternate route away from traffic or look for a way out.
- Warn other drivers by honking and flashing your emergency lights.
- Try to drive the car safely off the road.
Never turn your vehicle’s ignition to the lock position while it is still in motion.
#6. What does this sign mean?
This is a yield sign.
Three-sided red yield signs mean you must slow down and be ready to stop, if necessary, to let any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian pass before you proceed.
#7. During a rainfall, when are road surfaces usually most slippery?
Many road pavements are the most slippery when it first starts to rain or snow because oil and dust have not yet washed away. Slow down at the first sign of rain, drizzle, or snow on the road. Turn on your windshield wipers, headlights, and defroster.
#8. What does this sign mean?
Pedestrian crossing. This sign warns you that there is a crosswalk or pedestrian path crossing the road. Watch out for, and yield to people walking across the road.
#9. Can you make a U-turn in residential districts?
You may make a legal U-turn in a residential district if there are no vehicles approaching you within 200 feet or whenever a traffic sign, light, or traffic signal light protects you from approaching vehicles.
#10. You may legally turn right on a red light:
Always stop for a red traffic light. You may turn right if there is no sign to prohibit the turn.
Yield to pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists, or other vehicles moving on their green light.
#11. You approach this road sign. What does it indicate?
Reduction of lanes (lane ends). There will be fewer lanes ahead.
Right lane ends. Traffic must merge left. Drivers in the left lane should allow others to merge smoothly.
#12. What is a no-zone in terms of driving?
No-zone is a highway safety term that describes areas on the side, front, and rear of large trucks where passenger vehicles disappear from view and where accidents are most likely to occur.
#13. If you injure an animal on the road, you should:
If you kill or injure an animal, call the nearest humane society, or call the police or CHP. Do not try to move an injured animal or leave an injured animal to die.
#14. A pavement marking with a series of triangles painted next to each other:
Yield lines, also known as shark’s teeth, consist of a line of solid white triangles across a lane of traffic pointing towards approaching vehicles. This line indicates the point where the vehicle must yield/stop.
#15. This sign tells you:
No right turn. You cannot make a right turn at this intersection.
If a sign has a red circle with a red line through it, it always indicates NO. The picture inside the circle shows what you cannot do. The sign may be shown with or without words.
#16. When are you allowed to stop on a freeway?
Do not stop or park on a freeway, except in an emergency or when a peace officer or device requires a stop.
#17. If you are in the inside lane of a roundabout with multiple lanes and miss your exit, you should:
If you miss your exit, continue around until you return to your exit.
#18. Child passengers must be restrained in approved child safety seats until they are:
The law requires that children under 8 years old who are 4 feet 9 inches tall or taller to be properly secured with an appropriate safety belt or be buckled into a federally approved child passenger restraint system if under 8 years old and less than 4 feet 9 inches tall.
#19. A California driver's license is normally valid for:
The DMV issues a driver’s license for five years. The driver’s license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the driver’s license. It is against the law to drive with an expired driver’s license.
#20. When it is cloudy, raining, snowing, or foggy it can be hard to see and be seen. To let other drivers know you are there you should:
Turn on low-beam headlights any time conditions (clouds, rain, snow, dust, smoke, fog, etc.) prevent you from seeing other vehicles. Other drivers may have trouble seeing you, too.
If weather conditions require you to use your windshield wipers, you must turn on your low-beam headlights – it is the law.
#21. Yellow or amber flashing lights near the top of a school bus mean:
Some school buses flash yellow lights (at the top) when preparing to stop to let children off the bus. The yellow flashing lights warn you to slow down and prepare to stop.
#22. What is the best thing to do if you have wandering thoughts and start drifting between lanes or miss a turn?
Never drive if you are sleepy. Symptoms of fatigue may include:
- Yawning or rubbing eyes repeatedly.
- Slower reaction time.
- Falling asleep for a fraction of a second.
- Blurry vision.
- Crossing the center line or changing lanes unpredictably.
- Inconsistent speed.
- Erratic braking.
- Missing an exit, turn, or lane.
#23. When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights on a freeway and it is unsafe to move over or change lanes, you must:
If it is safe to do so, you must make a lane change into a lane away from the emergency vehicle.
If it is unsafe or impracticable to change lanes, you must slow to a reasonable and prudent speed, and provide as much space as practical to the emergency vehicle.
#24. When you don't see any other vehicles around while driving:
Always signal to other drivers when you plan to turn left, right, slow down, or stop. Signals may be given by hand-and-arm positions or by using the vehicle’s signal lights
#25. You just parked parallel to a curb. The wheels must be within __________ of the curb.
Do not park more than 18 inches from the curb or edge of roadway. You should be about six inches from the curb.
California DMV Knowledge Test – Quick Facts
| What You Should Know | |
|---|---|
| Number of questions on exam: | 46 – if under 18 years 36 – if 18 years and older 18 – renewal test |
| Correct answers to pass: | 36 – if under 18 years 30 – if 18 years and older 15 – renewal test |
| Passing score: | 83 percent |
| Allotted time to complete test: | No limit |
| Wait time before retest: | 7 days (3 attempts within 12 months) |
Practice Permit Test & Driver License Test
The best way to study for your permit or full driver license test is to use both the Driver Handbook and these permit practice tests!
Make sure you get the latest version of the handbook and read it. Pay special attention to rules and laws that are specific for California .
Use the practice tests to verify what you have learned and if you are ready or not. Take enough sample tests at Driver’s Prep to make sure you can reach the perfect score of 100%. This way we can almost guarantee that you will pass the official exam.
Each CA DMV practice test has 25 random questions based on the handbook and real questions from California DMV (dmv.ca.gov ). After every question on the practice test, you will get instant feedback with a brief explanation if your answer is incorrect.
The number of questions on the real California written test depends on your age and which test you take. If you are under 18 years, the permit test has 46 questions.
The passing score on the real DMV examination is 83 percent. On a permit test with 46 questions, this means you can only miss 10 questions. If you are 18 years or older, you can only miss 6 questions.
Who Must Take the California Written Knowledge Test
You must always take a knowledge test, vision test, and road test when you apply for an original California driver license or upgrade to a different class of driver license.
If you have a license from another state, DMV will usually waive both the knowledge test and the road test.
After a license revocation, you must apply for a new license and re-take all necessary tests, including the knowledge test.
Holders of a driver’s license from a country other than Canada must also take all tests. California does not waive the knowledge test if you move to California from another country.
Computerized Tests with Touch Screens
Previously, you got the DMV knowledge test on paper. Today, you take the test on a computer with a touch screen. Instead of marking the correct answer with an “X”, the applicant now just taps the correct answer on a screen.
The new computer version has randomized questions just like our practice test, which means that no two tests are the same. The computer tests are available in several languages:
- Arabic
- Armenian
- Chinese
- English
- Farsi
- Hindi
- Japanese
- Korean
- Punjabi
- Russian
- Spanish
- Tagalog
- Vietnamese
Computer tests speed up the exam process, but it is also a lot easier to misread and make a hasty decision. So, take your time and read everything carefully.
Read more about studying for your exam: How to Ace the DMV test.
Do Not Cheat!
Remember, the use of any testing aids is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of cell phones, cheat sheets, and the California Driver Handbook. If you use any aid during the written test, you will fail. An action may also be taken by the DMV against your driving privilege or the driving privilege of anyone else who assists you in the examination process.
Make an Appointment?
When you are ready for your test, make an appointment online at www.dmv.ca.gov or call during normal business hours.
The COVID-19 pandemic has limited the face-to-face services at DMV service locations, but knowledge tests and driving tests can still be scheduled in advance.
To make sure you have all necessary documents for your permit application, you should follow the REAL-ID checklist online at dmv.ca.gov
You should have the following documents:
ONE identity document that show full name and date of birth
You will typically bring the original or a certified copy of your U.S birth certificate, a valid and unexpired U.S. passport or passport card, or your unexpired permanent resident card.
ONE original document that shows your name and full Social Security Number
It is best to bring your social security card, but a W-2 form or a pay stub with full SSN is also accepted by DMV.
TWO Proofs of California Residency
You must provide two documents that show your first and last name together with your current mailing address. Examples of accepted documents are your rental agreement or mortgage bill, bank or credit card statements, your tax return, employment documents, or insurance documents.
A child may use a residency document in their parents’ name by presenting a tracing document (such as a birth certificate) showing the relationship.
After the California DMV Knowledge Test
If you pass the written knowledge test, California DMV issues a provisional permit (learner’s permit).
Once you have your permit, you may practice driving supervised by a parent, spouse, legal guardian, or certified driving instructor. You may also practice driving with any licensed California driver 25 years of age or older.
To learn more about California’s graduated driver license process, read this article: What is California Graduated Driver’s License ?
Videos to Help You Study
Learn More!
California DMV – COVID-19 Alerts
CA DMV Customers must wear a face covering and remain 6 feet apart in line.
CA DMV Customers are offered a text message that allows them to wait outside the building until notified it is their turn to be served.
All entry into the service center building is metered.
Latest information here: DMV-related COVID-19 updates
Schedule your behind-the-wheel drive test: Make an appointment at CA DMV
Thank you. I found this very helpful and passed the first time. Same questions.
Stupid The DO NOT ENTER sign is also round!
No it is not.
The round shape is used exclusively for the railroad crossing warning sign!
The Do Not Enter sign is square with a round symbol.
Read more: https://driversprep.com/no-it-is-not-round/
How long did you study for the written exam?
Overall, 10-20 hours should probably do it. But we all learn differently, so this is only a rough estimate.
If you aren’t enrolled in a education class, it’s a good idea to dedicate at least a few weeks before the exam and take it bit by bit, maybe 2-3 sessions per week. The more you spread your study sessions over a couple of weeks, the more you will remember when the day comes. There are a lot of research to support such a strategy.
Thank you Mark
are there any tests like the English version in Farsi language
The official California knowledge test is available in farsi. Unfortunately, our practice tests are not.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US OLD PEOPLE
I am 72 years my DL Exp on 06-24-20 how many Question have the Test for older people like me
Normally, a renewal test in California has 18 questions (15 corrected answers needed to pass). Often very basic questions.
Due to the pandemic there is a free one-year extension available for Californians 70 years and older (noncommercial driver’s license). Beginning December 6, you should be able to renew online or by mail (even if your notification says that a visit is necessary).
Read more: Seniors Now Eligible to Renew Driver’s Licenses Online
Thank you for all you answers, to our many questions. I am also a senior, and will take my renewal license written test in 2022. I am studying all the D.M.V practice test already, and very thankful to have them.
I need a handbook to study but the DMV office is closed. Where can I get one? Thanks.
Best option: download the pdf version online https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/hdbk/driver_handbook_toc
If you can find a library that is open, they may have hard copies. Otherwise, you just have to wait.
my current extension expires 4/14/2020. with the current pandemic and all dmv field offices closed and not able to call Sacramento DMV until after 4/17/2020, where does that leave me? A
This is the latest information from California DMV (released on April 1): https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/newsrel/2020/2020_15
You should be able to renew online or by mail. If you are older than 70, your license is automatically extended.
Due to the corona crisis, The DMV has now (April 2020) extended all driver licenses that expire between March and May 2020 and has expanded eligibility to renew online.
UPDATE OCTOBER 2020: Temporary waiver allows licenses for drivers 70 and older to be renewed without an office visit
My birthday is June 4, 1938. Will my license be extended?
All California license holders, including AB 60, under age 70 with a noncommercial driver license expiring between March and May 2020 have an extension through May 31, 2020.Currently, this doesn’t include a noncommercial driver license expiring in June.https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/about/dlextinfoUPDATE OCTOBER 2020: Temporary waiver allows licenses for drivers 70 and older to be renewed without an office visit
Californians age 70 and older with a noncommercial driver’s license are now eligible to renew online or by mail, eliminating the need to visit a California Department of Motor Vehicles office. Licenses with an expiration date between March 1, 2020, throughout the COVID-19 emergency are eligible.
I have been declared medically blind on one eye,can I be allowed to take the vision test and drive?
If you will be allowed to drive or not depends on how well you can see with the other eye. This should tell you what you need to know: Vision Standards (FFDL 14)
I have studied and studied but of course nervous. I have a question that I can’t find an answer for. I have my test on June 4 and my birthday is June 6. If I fail and need to do again, do I need to do the driver’s test again? I have a clean record and need to know what to expect. I am a senior. I live in So. CA. Thank you.
The important question first: DMV will not ask for the behind-the-wheel test when you renew your license just because you fail the knowledge test.
Secondly, the knowledge test for a renewal is usually very easy and has questions that you are probably very familiar with. Most drivers with some experience easily pass this renewal test. So, try not to be nervous about it. Read carefully, but don’t read too much into the questions. There aren’t any trick questions.
With that being said, it is always up to the examiner’s discretion to ask for a practical driving test if there are reasons to believe that you have mental and/or physical condition or an inability to follow California traffic laws. This is rare and almost never comes as a surprise to a test taker.
If I’m out of the country and I can’t renew on time of my license can you still accept even I’m late, how many months or days do you allow. Thanks
California allows you to renew at any time. Process is the same. No late fees.
An in-person DMV visit is required for the new Real ID driver’s license. To board a domestic flight in 2020, you will need a federally-compliant ID, such as a Real ID driver’s license.
If eligible for online renewal , you may be able to apply for the old driver’s license online and replace it at a later point.
Remember, there is no grace period when your license has expired. It is illegal for you to drive until your license is renewed.
on the california test there is a question ?12 about which way to turn wheels when downhill with not curb
The correct answer should be toward the curb or “to the Right” not left which you say is the correct answer
You are correct about the proper way to turn the front wheels when parking downhill.
But there is no question on the California tests suggesting that you should turn them the other way. There are five versions of this question (downhill with or without curb). Correct answers on these questions are “toward the curb”, “toward the side of the road”, “to the right”, or “away from the road”.
Hi Mark, For a renewal license, how many mistakes to pass the test and how many questions for the test.
Thank you.
Normally 18 questions (if already licensed). 15 correct answers to pass.
I would like to know how I can take the oral test
Contact your local DMV office ahead of the test.
I just took my drivers renewal test last August 14,2018 @ ave L6 10 st west in Palmdale/Lancaster I had Roxanne to process my papers to take the written test and Allyssa to take the written test I was so nervous but both employee made feel that it will be ok both of them were so professional they made you at ease ..I thought I will have coronary attack both of them explained to me the computer and written test very well… the line was long coz there are too many who take the test and I understand it….took the written test coz Im not too good in computer Im old …but got 100% in the test and Alyssa made sure that Ihave an extension of my drivers license …both roxane and alyssa are perfect asset in your dept..thank you im waiting for my drivers renewal license..keep up the good work Roxanne and alyssa ..I suggest to the people who is taking the renewal test to study the 2018 booklet and you pass it…thank you..
quwationa 25,26,29 and 30 have nothing to do with the questions
?
I have an appointment for my license renewal, do I have to stand in those 2 hour lines. If so, whats the deal of making an appointment. I live in CA
No you dont wait in line you go ahead right in and say you have an appointment
I am 81 yrs. old and I have too take a drivers test and on Aug. 27 I will 82yrs old, I would like to know what I can do so I don’t have to stand inline for 1 or too two hours. Please help me.
in spanish
The spanish version of the tests is postponed. We don’t have the resources to complete the project just yet.
Is it possible to retake the driving test if my license need to be renew?
If you want to take a test that isn’t required for your renewal, this is usually up to the discretion of the DMV clerk.
This works both ways. A clerk may ask you to take a test that is usually not required, if he or she believes that your ability can be questioned.
Most renewals can be made without any tests. But if you need to visit a DMV office for your renewal, the note will tell you what tests you must take.
Read more: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/about/senior/driverlicense/renewal
Which test I take to renew my license
A renewal test is basically the same test, but with no questions about permit rules & restrictions and with only 18 questions.
I already had a Ohio state license but moved to California a month back, so need to apply for California license. Thanks drivers prep . I cleared my written test for California dmv today with just two mistakes. Practice sample tests were really helpful.
Thank you & drive safely!
I failed DMV written test because half of the questions were not on your practice tests. I think you should update your practice test questions.
You failed your test because you didn’t know and/or understand the facts described in the California Driver Handbook. As simple as that.
Our CA practice tests have more than 1,200 questions. With 8 completed practice tests, you covered less than 15 percent of them.
Can someone please recommend a local driving instructor prior to dmv driving test in Palo Alto, ca.?
Thank You
I wish you would post what the correct answers are. You don’t learn this way
The correct answers are there.
I recommend everyone to start practicing here: https://driversprep.com/dmv-test/california-dmv-practice-test-1/When done with test 1, continue with Practice Test 2. If you need a break, bookmark the test you want to take next.The old tests have been removed. All practice tests are now on this page (go to the top).