Pass Your CA Permit Test: 15 Questions Straight from the DMV Handbook

The California DMV written knowledge test is the first official hurdle on your path to a driver's license. It's designed to ensure you have a solid understanding of the state's road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving principles before you get behind the wheel. While the thought of a test can be stressful, the key to success is preparation.

Every question on the official test comes directly from the California Driver's Handbook. To help you study, we've compiled 15 practice questions that cover the format and topics you are very likely to encounter. Use them to test your knowledge, find your weak spots, and walk into the DMV ready to pass.

California Permit Practice Test

The test for new drivers under 18 has 46 questions, and you can miss no more than 8 (a score of 38 is required to pass). Take your time with these practice questions, then check your answers against the detailed explanations below.

1. A driver with a provisional license is not allowed to transport passengers under 20 years old for the first 12 months unless: a) The passengers are their friends. b) They are driving to a party. c) They are accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or driver 25+ years old. d) It is during daylight hours.

2. A solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line means that traffic: a) In both directions may pass. b) Next to the broken line may pass. c) Next to the solid line may pass. d) May not pass in either direction.

3. When can you legally drive in a bicycle lane? a) Whenever cyclists are not present. b) To pass a slower vehicle ahead of you. c) When you are within 200 feet of a turn you plan to make. d) During commute hours to ease traffic.

4. It is illegal for a person 21 years of age or older to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) that is ______ or higher. a) 0.08% b) 0.10% c) 0.05% d) 0.01%

5. You see a flashing red traffic signal at an intersection. You must: a) Stop completely, then proceed when it is safe. b) Slow down and proceed with caution. c) Wait for the light to turn green. d) Stop only if cross-traffic is approaching.

6. The "Basic Speed Law" in California means: a) You should always drive at the posted speed limit. b) The maximum speed limit in California is 65 mph. c) You should never drive faster than is safe for current conditions. d) You must drive slower than the posted speed limit in school zones.

7. You must notify the DMV within 5 days if you: a) Get a new pet. b) Sell or transfer your vehicle. c) Paint your vehicle a different color. d) Move to a new city within California.

8. When parking your vehicle on a hill, facing uphill with a curb, you should turn your front wheels: a) Straight ahead. b) Toward the curb. c) Parallel to the curb. d) Away from the curb.

9. An eight-sided (octagon) sign is always a: a) Yield sign. b) Warning sign. c) Stop sign. d) Railroad crossing sign.

10. When approaching a railroad crossing with no warning devices, and you are unable to see 400 feet down the tracks in one direction, the speed limit is: a) 25 mph b) 15 mph c) 20 mph d) 30 mph

11. A driver with a provisional license is not allowed to drive between what hours for the first 12 months? a) Midnight and 6 a.m. b) 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. c) 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. d) 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

12. When you are merging onto a freeway, you should be driving: a) At or near the same speed as the traffic on the freeway. b) 5 to 10 mph slower than the traffic on the freeway. c) At the legal speed limit for all on-ramps. d) Faster than the traffic on the freeway to find a gap.

13. To obtain an instruction permit, a teen driver must have held it for a minimum of: a) 3 months. b) 12 months. c) 6 months. d) There is no minimum holding period.

14. A person under 21 years of age is subject to a "zero tolerance" policy. What does this mean? a) It is illegal for them to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. b) They must not have any passengers in the car. c) They cannot drive after 9 p.m. d) They receive a warning for their first traffic ticket.

15. What is the "Three Feet for Safety Act"? a) You must park at least three feet away from a fire hydrant. b) You must maintain a three-second following distance. c) A driver must give a bicyclist at least three feet of space when passing. d) Your vehicle's blind spot is approximately three feet wide.

Answer Key and Explanations

1. c) They are accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or driver 25+ years old. This is a key part of California's GDL laws for teen drivers. [2, 12]

2. b) Next to the broken line may pass. The line on your side of the road dictates the rule. A broken line permits passing when safe; a solid line prohibits it.

3. c) When you are within 200 feet of a turn you plan to make. You may enter a bicycle lane to prepare for a right turn, but you must not enter it sooner than 200 feet before the corner.

4. a) 0.08%. This is the standard legal BAC limit for adult drivers in California and across the United States.

5. a) Stop completely, then proceed when it is safe. A flashing red light should be treated the same as a stop sign.

6. c) You should never drive faster than is safe for current conditions. Even if the posted speed limit is 65 mph, if it's foggy or raining heavily, driving that fast would be illegal.

7. b) Sell or transfer your vehicle. You are legally required to notify the DMV within 5 days of selling your car. You must notify them of a change of address within 10 days.

8. d) Away from the curb. Turn your wheels away from the curb (to the left). This way, if your car were to roll, the back of the front tire would hit the curb and stop it.

9. c) Stop sign. The unique octagon shape is reserved exclusively for stop signs to ensure they are recognizable even if covered by snow or otherwise obscured.

10. b) 15 mph. This is a specific speed limit for "blind intersections" and railroad crossings to ensure drivers have enough time to stop if a train is approaching.

11. c) 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. This nighttime driving restriction is another key component of the provisional license rules for teen drivers. [1, 2, 12]

12. a) At or near the same speed as the traffic on the freeway. Merging smoothly and safely requires you to match the speed of the traffic you are joining.

13. c) 6 months. A teen must hold their instruction permit for at least six months before they are eligible to take the behind-the-wheel test for a provisional license. [1, 2, 12]

14. a) It is illegal for them to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. California has no tolerance for underage drinking and driving. A BAC of 0.01% or higher can result in a license suspension.

15. c) A driver must give a bicyclist at least three feet of space when passing. This law is designed to protect vulnerable road users like cyclists.

How to Guarantee Success

The best way to prepare is to thoroughly read the California Driver's Handbook. Don't just skim it. Pay special attention to the sections on GDL restrictions, right-of-way rules, and speed limits. By combining active studying with practice tests, you'll be more than ready to pass on your first try.