✅ California DMV Practice Test: 100 Questions & Answers (2026)

Preparing for the California driver’s license test? This California DMV Practice Test guide gives you 100 real-style DMV questions and answers, pulled directly from the official handbook and optimized for first-time pass success.

All questions are based on the official California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) rules and written in clear, test-ready language.

🚗 California DMV Test Basics

Number of questions: 46

Passing score: 38 correct (≈83%)

Time limit: No strict limit (but pace matters)

Languages available: 35+

Test formats: Written, Online (eligible users), Audio

🧠 100 California DMV Questions & Answers (2026)
Road Rules & Laws

Q: What does a solid yellow line mean?
A: No passing when the solid line is on your side.

Q: What is the speed limit in a school zone when children are present?
A: 25 mph unless posted otherwise.

Q: When must you stop for a school bus?
A: When red lights are flashing, regardless of direction (unless divided roadway).

Q: Is it legal to turn right on red in California?
A: Yes, after a complete stop, unless posted “No Turn on Red.”

Q: What does a flashing red traffic signal mean?
A: Stop completely, then proceed when safe.

Signs & Signals

Q: What shape is a stop sign?
A: Octagon.

Q: What does a yellow diamond sign indicate?
A: Warning.

Q: What does a red curb mean?
A: No stopping, standing, or parking.

Q: What does a white rectangular sign usually indicate?
A: Regulatory information.

Q: What does a green traffic light mean?
A: Go when safe.

Right-of-Way

Q: Who has the right-of-way at a four-way stop?
A: The first vehicle to stop.

Q: Who has the right-of-way at an uncontrolled intersection?
A: The vehicle on the right.

Q: When must you yield to pedestrians?
A: Always, whether marked or unmarked crosswalk.

Q: When entering a freeway, who yields?
A: The entering vehicle.

Q: Do emergency vehicles always have right-of-way?
A: Yes, when lights and sirens are active.

Speed & Distance

Q: What is the maximum speed limit in California?
A: 65 mph (70 mph on some freeways).

Q: How far ahead should you look while driving?
A: 10–15 seconds.

Q: What is the basic speed law?
A: Never drive faster than conditions allow.

Q: How much following distance should you keep?
A: At least 3 seconds.

Q: When should you reduce speed?
A: Bad weather, traffic, or poor visibility.

Alcohol, Drugs & Safety

Q: What is the legal BAC for drivers over 21?
A: 0.08%.

Q: What is the BAC limit for drivers under 21?
A: 0.01%.

Q: Is driving under the influence of marijuana illegal?
A: Yes.

Q: Must all passengers wear seat belts?
A: Yes.

Q: Are children required to use car seats?
A: Yes, under age 8 or under 4’9”.

Parking Rules

Q: How close can you park to a fire hydrant?
A: No closer than 15 feet.

Q: Can you park in a bike lane?
A: No.

Q: Is parking on sidewalks legal?
A: No.

Q: What does a blue curb indicate?
A: Disabled parking only.

Q: What does a green curb mean?
A: Limited time parking.

Defensive Driving

Q: What should you do if your tires hydroplane?
A: Ease off the accelerator.

Q: When should headlights be used?
A: From sunset to sunrise or when visibility is poor.

Q: What should you do in heavy fog?
A: Use low-beam headlights.

Q: How should you handle tailgaters?
A: Change lanes or slow down safely.

Q: What is the safest way to back up?
A: Look over your right shoulder.

Freeway & Lane Use

Q: Which lane is for passing?
A: The left lane.

Q: When must you signal before turning?
A: At least 100 feet.

Q: When can you cross double solid yellow lines?
A: Never.

Q: What does HOV mean?
A: High Occupancy Vehicle.

Q: Who may use carpool lanes?
A: Vehicles meeting posted occupancy or with permits.

Emergencies

Q: What should you do if your brakes fail?
A: Shift to lower gear and use parking brake.

Q: What should you do after a collision?
A: Stop immediately and exchange information.

Q: When must accidents be reported to DMV?
A: If injury, death, or damage over $1,000.

Q: What does a flashing yellow light mean?
A: Proceed with caution.

Q: What should you do if your vehicle skids?
A: Steer in the direction of the skid.

Licensing & Documents

Q: How long is a California driver’s license valid?
A: 5 years.

Q: Can you drive without insurance in California?
A: No.

Q: What document proves vehicle ownership?
A: Certificate of Title.

Q: What is REAL ID?
A: Federally compliant identification.

Q: Can you use a phone while driving?
A: Only hands-free.
🚸 Pedestrians, Bicycles & School Zones

Q: When must you yield to a pedestrian?
A: Always, whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked.

Q: Can a pedestrian cross the street outside a crosswalk?
A: Yes, but they must yield to vehicles.

Q: Are bicyclists allowed to use full traffic lanes?
A: Yes, when necessary for safety.

Q: Must drivers yield to bicyclists?
A: Yes, bicycles are considered vehicles.

Q: How much space must you give when passing a bicyclist?
A: At least 3 feet.

Q: What is the speed limit near schools unless posted otherwise?
A: 25 mph when children are present.

Q: When are school zone speed limits enforced?
A: During school hours or when children are present.

Q: May you drive in a bike lane?
A: Only to park, enter/exit roadway, or turn within 200 feet.

Q: What should you do if a child runs into the street?
A: Stop immediately.

Q: Who has the right-of-way at a school crossing?
A: Pedestrians always.

🚆 Railroad Crossings & Buses

Q: When must you stop at a railroad crossing?
A: When warning lights flash or gates are lowered.

Q: How far must you stop from railroad tracks?
A: At least 15 feet.

Q: Can you go around a lowered railroad gate?
A: No, ever.

Q: What should you do if your vehicle stalls on tracks?
A: Get out immediately and move away from tracks.

Q: Must school buses stop at all railroad crossings?
A: Yes.

Q: When must traffic stop for a school bus?
A: When red lights are flashing.

Q: Do you stop if a school bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway?
A: No.

Q: Can you pass a stopped school bus?
A: No, if red lights are flashing.

Q: What is the penalty for illegally passing a school bus?
A: Heavy fines and points.

Q: Should you stop for transit buses signaling to re-enter traffic?
A: Yes.

🌧️ Weather, Night & Emergency Driving

Q: What should you do during heavy rain?
A: Slow down and increase following distance.

Q: When should low-beam headlights be used?
A: In fog or heavy rain.

Q: What causes hydroplaning?
A: Driving too fast on wet roads.

Q: What should you do if headlights fail at night?
A: Turn on emergency lights and pull over.

Q: How far can you see with low-beam headlights at night?
A: About 150 feet.

Q: What should you do if blinded by oncoming headlights?
A: Look toward the right edge of the road.

Q: When should you use hazard lights?
A: When stopped or moving very slowly due to emergency.

Q: What is the safest action in fog?
A: Reduce speed and increase distance.

Q: What should you do if you hit an animal?
A: Pull over safely and report if necessary.

Q: Should you swerve to avoid animals?
A: No, brake firmly and stay in lane.

🚦 Lane Markings, Passing & Intersections

Q: What do double solid yellow lines mean?
A: No passing in either direction.

Q: What does a broken yellow line mean?
A: Passing allowed when safe.

Q: Can you pass on the right?
A: Yes, when safe and legal.

Q: What does a solid white line indicate?
A: Lane changes discouraged.

Q: When approaching an intersection, what should you do?
A: Look left, right, then left again.

Q: Who goes first at a four-way stop?
A: The first vehicle to stop.

Q: If two vehicles stop at the same time, who goes first?
A: The vehicle on the right.

Q: What must you do at a yield sign?
A: Slow down and yield if necessary.

Q: Can you turn left on red from a one-way to one-way street?
A: Yes, after a complete stop.

Q: When must you obey traffic signals over signs?
A: Always obey signals first.

⚖️ Penalties, Points & License Rules

Q: How many points cause license suspension for adults?
A: 4 points in 12 months.

Q: How many points for a DUI?
A: 2 points.

Q: What happens if you refuse a chemical test?
A: Automatic license suspension.

Q: Can minors use cell phones while driving?
A: No.

Q: Is texting while driving legal?
A: No.

Q: Must you show ID to law enforcement?
A: Yes, when requested.

Q: How long do points stay on your record?
A: Typically 3 years.

Q: What is negligent operator status?
A: Too many points on record.

Q: What happens if you drive without insurance?
A: Fines and possible suspension.

Q: What is the best way to pass the CA DMV test?
A: Study the handbook and take practice tests.

📘 FREE California DMV Driving Manual — ALL LANGUAGES (Official)

🔗 All Languages (Official DMV Page):
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/

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