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. This sign means:
No right turn. You cannot make a right turn at this intersection.
Remember, regulatory signs with a red circle with a red slash over a symbol prohibit certain actions.
#2. You approach a stopped school bus on your side of a divided highway. The bus is displaying alternating flashing red lights. In this situation, you must:
When the bus flashes red lights (located at the top front and back of the bus), you must stop from either direction until the children are safely across the street and the lights stop flashing. The law requires you remain stopped if the red lights are flashing.
Drivers on the other side of a divided highway are not required to stop.
#3. Which of the following is a safe precaution for driving in high winds?
Some precautions for driving in high winds include reducing speed.
Slowing down gives you better control over the vehicle and will give you more time to react in the event your vehicle gets hit by a strong gust of wind.
Maintain a firm hand position on the steering wheel. Strong wind gusts are unpredictable, and if you are not holding the wheel properly, gusts can be strong enough to cause the steering wheel to be jerked out of your hands.
Do not use your cruise control.
#4. You are preparing to pass another vehicle when the vehicle ahead of you stops at a crosswalk. What should you do?
Never pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk. It is illegal and dangerous. A pedestrian you cannot see may be crossing the street.
Stop, then proceed when all pedestrians have crossed the street.
#5. If the rear of your vehicle starts to skid left, you should:
If you start to skid ease off the gas pedal, stop braking, and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. If your rear wheels start going to the left, turn your front wheels to the left.
#6. If you do not pull over when signaled to do so by a peace officer, and willfully flee the scene, you may be punished by:
Any person, while operating a motor vehicle, who willfully flees or attempts to evade a peace officer performing his or her duties is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year.
#7. The following practices are not recommended while driving. Which is also illegal for all drivers?
It is illegal to wear a headset or earplugs in both ears while driving.
With some exceptions, use of a cellphone with hands-free device is not illegal.
#8. Which of the following would be indicated by a diamond shaped road sign?
A diamond-shaped sign means warning. It may be yellow, yellow-green or orange with black wording or symbols. This sign warns you about hazards or possible hazards on or near the roadway. Slow down and use caution when you see these signs.
#9. An open container of beer in a passenger car should be kept where?
A container of liquor, beer, or wine carried inside the vehicle must be full, sealed, and unopened. Otherwise, it must be in the trunk or in a place where passengers do not sit. Keeping an opened alcoholic drink in the glove compartment is specifically against the law.
If you are under 21 years of age, you may not have beer, wine or liquor in your vehicle unless accompanied by a parent or other person as specified by law.
The law specifies: parent, responsible adult relative, any other adult designated by the parent, or legal guardian.
#10. If you approach school grounds with no fence and children are outside, you must slow down to at least:
If the school grounds have no fence and children are outside, never drive faster than 25 mph. Some school zones have a posted speed limit of 15 mph.
#11. When backing up or reversing your car:
Place your right arm on the back of the seat and turn around so that you can look directly through the rear window. Do not depend only on your mirrors or only looking out a side window. Back slowly to avoid collisions.
#12. Can you make a U-turn in front of the entrance of a fire station?
Never make a U-turn in front of the driveway entrance or approaches to a fire station. It is illegal.
#13. You carry a load in a passenger vehicle. The load can extend beyond the fenders on the LEFT side:
Do not carry anything in or on a passenger vehicle which extends beyond the fenders on the left side.
#14. When a traffic signal is showing a flashing red light, you must:
A flashing red signal light means stop. After stopping, you may proceed when it is safe. Observe the right-of-way rules.
#15. You are on a two-way street and have stopped at a red light. An emergency vehicle with flashing lights approaches from behind. You should:
If the traffic light is red, stay where you are. Do not proceed into the intersection against the red light, unless directed to do so. Make sure you can hear any instructions or directions given. If the light turns green before the emergency vehicle has passed, do not proceed on green. Wait until the emergency vehicle has passed or turned onto a different street.
#16. You see this sign on a vehicle ahead. You should:
Slow-moving vehicles have an orange/ red triangle on the back of the vehicles. Look for these vehicles and adjust your speed before you reach them.
#17. What does this sign mean?
Sharp Turn.
The sign is used to warn of a sharp turn.
#18. When you change lanes, you should:
Look over your shoulder in the direction you want to move. Be sure no one is near the left or right rear corners of your vehicle. These areas are blind spots. To see the blind spots, you must turn your head and look.
#19. When going straight ahead in a roundabout with multiple lanes, and unless posted otherwise, you should:
When going straight through the intersection, choose either lane, and exit in the lane you entered.
#20. You must stop before railroad tracks:
You must stop at a railroad crossing when crossing devices are active or a person warns you a train is coming. Stop any time you think a train could be approaching, if you see a train coming, or you hear the whistle, horn, or bell of an approaching train.
#21. When should you use your horn?
Use Your Horn:
- Only when necessary, to avoid collisions.
- You may tap your horn to alert another driver who might turn in front of you and cause a collision.
- On narrow mountain roads, where you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead of your vehicle.
Do Not Use Your Horn:
- If a driver or bicyclist is moving slowly, and you want him or her to drive faster or get out of your way. The driver or bicyclist may not be able to safely go faster due to illness, being lost, intoxication, or mechanical problems with the vehicle.
- To alert other drivers that they made a mistake. Your honking may cause them to make more mistakes or to become angry and retaliate.
- Because you may be angry or upset.
- To honk at pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists unless necessary to avoid a collision.
Remember, it is safer to slow down or stop instead of honking your horn.
#22. When you see this sign, you should:
Obey signs pertaining to pedestrians. This sign warns you that there is a crosswalk or pedestrian path crossing the road ahead. Watch out for, and yield to people walking across the road.
#23. Always turn your front wheels away from the curb when you are parked on a grade and facing:
Headed uphill with a curb, you must turn your front wheels away from the curb and toward the center of the road. Then, let your vehicle roll back a few inches. The wheel should gently touch the curb. Set the parking brake.
#24. A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
A center left turn lane is in the middle of a two-way street and is marked on both sides by two painted lines. If a street has a center left turn lane, you must use it to prepare for or make a left turn, or to prepare for or make a permitted U-turn.
Look for vehicles coming toward you in the same lane, preparing to start their left turn.
#25. Which of the following acts could be driving behaviors related to aggression rather than inexperience?
Aggressive driving and road rage happens when crowded roads, rushing, and impatience cause one driver to react angrily to another driver. To avoid aggressive driving and road rage situations:
- Allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
- Do not cut off other drivers.
- Do not drive slowly in the left (fast) lane.
- Do not tailgate.
- Do not make gestures to other drivers.
- Use your horn for emergencies only.
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
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).