California DMV Permit Practice Test: 46 Free Questions

1. What is the time limit for registering your vehicle after becoming a resident or getting a job in California?

1. a) 25 days.
2. b) 15 days.
3. c) 10 days.
4. d) 20 days.

2. What does the Vehicle Code allow DMV to do?

1. a) Suspend the license without specifying a cause.
2. b) Conduct random driver checks.
3. c) Only issue driver's licenses.
4. d) Investigate driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely.

3. A warning sign of an unsafe driver:

1. a) Knowing the way around.
2. b) Having a clean driving record.
3. c) Frequent close calls or collisions.
4. d) Red car.

4. Vision is an important factor in safe driving. You should be able to:

1. a) Read road signs in multiple languages.
2. b) Notice hazards and read road signs.
3. c) See at least 500 mts away in the night.
4. d) See at least 500 mts away.

5. When should you use one hand steering method?

1. a) While driving at low speed.
2. b) While recovering from a skid.
3. c) While turning.
4. d) While backing up.

6. You should signal in all situations EXCEPT

1. a) When pulling next or away to the curb.
2. b) When you are making a turn.
3. c) When you are parked in a lot.
4. d) While changing lanes.

7. Where is the center left turn lane located?

1. a) Along the right side of a two-way street.
2. b) At intersections only.
3. c) On the outer edges of a highway.
4. d) In the middle of a two-way street.

8. When should you start signaling for a right turn?

1. a) About 100 feet before the turn.
2. b) About 200 feet before the turn.
3. c) About 50 feet before the turn.
4. d) Only when there are other vehicles behind you.

9. What should you do if you want to turn right against a red arrow?

1. a) Make a U-turn instead.
2. b) Proceed without stopping.
3. c) Turn right immediately.
4. d) Wait until the light changes to green before making your turn.

10. Under what circumstances are you allowed to make a U turn at an intersection?

1. a) Only on a red traffic light and there is no oncoming traffic.
2. b) Only on a green traffic light or green arrow, unless a No U turn sign is posted.
3. c) Only on a yellow light as long as it is safe to do so.
4. d) As long as the lights are green.

11. Yellow lines indicate:

1. a) Reserved traffic lanes.
2. b) Parking lots.
3. c) Traffic flowing in the same direction.
4. d) Traffic flowing in the opposite direction.

12. How should you start a left turn from a one-way street onto a two-way street?

1. a) Start the turn from the center lane.
2. b) Start the turn from the far left lane.
3. c) Start the turn from the lane closest to the right edge of the street.
4. d) Start the turn from any lane.

13. How should you start a right turn from a one-way street onto a one-way street?

1. a) Start the turn from the far right lane.
2. b) Start the turn from the lane closest to the left edge of the street.
3. c) Start the turn from any lane.
4. d) Start the turn from the center lane.

14. How should you check your blind spot when entering a highway?

1. a) Use your mirrors and turn signals.
2. b) Only use your mirrors.
3. c) Look over your shoulders.
4. d) Ignore blind spots.

15. A single solid yellow line to your left means that you should:

1. a) Pass the vehicle in front of you when safe.
2. b) Never pass any emergency vehicle in front of you.
3. c) Pass the vehicle in front of you.
4. d) Not pass the vehicle in front of you.

16. How much space do you need to merge, enter, or exit traffic on city streets?

1. a) Half a block (about 150 feet).
2. b) One block.
3. c) Two blocks.
4. d) A full block (about 300 feet).

17. Do not pass within:

1. a) 100 feet of an intersection.
2. b) 100 feet of an exit lane.
3. c) 200 feet of an entry lane.
4. d) 200 feet of an intersection.

18. What should you do when facing downhill while parking?

1. a) Turn the wheels towards the center of the road.
2. b) Do not turn the wheels.
3. c) Turn the wheels towards the curb or right shoulder.
4. d) Turn front wheels away from the curb.

19. A red curb means:

1. a) No stopping, standing, or parking.
2. b) Parking for a disabled persons.
3. c) Load and unload passengers and freight, only for the time posted.
4. d) Park for a limited time as posted.

20. While parking near a fire hydrant or a fire station driveway, you should keep a distance of:

1. a) At least 15 feet.
2. b) At least 5 feet.
3. c) At least 20 feet.
4. d) At least 10 feet.

21. What is the speed limit within 500 feet of a school zone when children are outside?

1. a) 35 mph.
2. b) 45 mph.
3. c) 25 mph.
4. d) 15 mph.

22. You need to reduce your speed to 25 mph within how much distance of a school zone when children are outside?

1. a) 300 feet.
2. b) 500 feet.
3. c) 1000 feet.
4. d) 100 feet.

23. If the school bus is on the other side of a divided or multilane highway:

1. a) You need to slow down and drive with caution.
2. b) You need to stop.
3. c) You do not need to stop.
4. d) You need to stop only if you are behind the school bus.

24. What is the width for a typical alley?

1. a) Less than 20 feet.
2. b) more than 20 feet.
3. c) Less than 25 feet.
4. d) more than 25 feet.

25. Do not begin crossing railroad tracks if:

1. a) You transport two or more young children in a passenger vehicle.
2. b) You do not have enough room to completely cross.
3. c) The railroad crossing is in a city that has frequent train traffic.
4. d) The train has recently passed.

26. As an adult your license may be suspended if your driving record has:

1. a) 4 points in 36 months.
2. b) 6 points in 24 months.
3. c) 4 points in 24 months.
4. d) 6 points in 12 months.

27. If you are convicted of reckless driving that resulted in injury to someone, you may:

1. a) Be sent to jail and pay a hefty fine.
2. b) Be sent to life time imprisonment.
3. c) Be fined up to $20.
4. d) Be sent to community service.

28. If there are no pedestrian signals:

1. a) Drive at normal speed and flash lights.
2. b) Obey the vehicle traffic signals.
3. c) Stop before crossing the intersection.
4. d) Drive with caution.

29. This sign indicates:

1. a) Indicates sharp turns.
2. b) Directional arrow.
3. c) Indicates a curve in the road.
4. d) Navigation arrow.

30. Right-of-way helps you understand:

1. a) Who goes first.
2. b) Who goes later.
3. c) Who can stop.
4. d) Who is at fault in case of an accident.

31. All of the following are considered vulnerable road users except:

1. a) A walking person.
2. b) A cyclist.
3. c) A person on wheelchair.
4. d) A car driver.

32. If two vehicles meet on a steep narrow road and neither vehicle can pass, who has the right-of-way?

1. a) The vehicle facing downhill.
2. b) The more aggressive driver.
3. c) The larger vehicle.
4. d) The vehicle facing uphill.

33. Blind spot is the area:

1. a) On the side of your vehicle.
2. b) You cannot see around your vehicle.
3. c) You can see around your vehicle.
4. d) Behind your vehicle.

34. If your brakes get wet, you can dry them by:

1. a) Lightly pressuring the accelerator and brake pedals together.
2. b) Tapping brakes 3 to 4 times.
3. c) Applying firm pressure on the brake pedal.
4. d) Slamming the accelerator and brake pedals together.

35. While driving on wet roads, reduce your speed by:

1. a) 10 to 20 mph.
2. b) 10 to 15 mph.
3. c) 5 to 15 mph.
4. d) 5 to 10 mph.

36. While driving on roads packed with snow, reduce your speed by:

1. a) Half.
2. b) One-fourth.
3. c) 5 to 10 mph.
4. d) 10 to 20 mph.

37. If you must drive in heavy fog or smoke:

1. a) Avoid using windshield wipers.
2. b) Switch to low beam headlights.
3. c) Switch to high beam headlights.
4. d) Avoid using fog lights.

38. Always keep your eyes moving and scan the road at least:

1. a) 10 seconds ahead.
2. b) a second ahead.
3. c) 3 seconds ahead.
4. d) 5 seconds ahead.

39. Scanning the road at least 10 seconds ahead of your vehicle helps you to:

1. a) Save fuel.
2. b) See hazards inside your car.
3. c) Give yourself time to react.
4. d) Avoid dangerous drivers around you.

40. Being tailgated is when:

1. a) You are being followed too closely.
2. b) You are being stopped by the traffic ahead.
3. c) The vehicle ahead of you is constantly braking.
4. d) You are being covered from both sides.

41. To avoid tailgating, you should ensure a safe following distance using:

1. a) 5 second rule.
2. b) 4 second rule.
3. c) 3 second rule.
4. d) 2 second rule.

42. It is illegal to:

1. a) Eat while driving.
2. b) Listen to music.
3. c) Talk to passengers.
4. d) Answer the phone on a handheld cell phone.

43. What is meant by DUI?

1. a) You are not allowed to drive if you are impaired.
2. b) You are allowed to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
3. c) You are not allowed to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
4. d) You are allowed to drive if you are impaired.

44. You can carry alcohol in a vehicle if you're under 21 only if:

1. a) You keep open containers.
2. b) You keep it in the trunk or a place where passengers don't sit.
3. c) You carry less than two containers.
4. d) You keep them in the glove box.

45. For any death or injury to a person, your insurance must cover a minimum of:

1. a) $30,000.
2. b) $20,000.
3. c) $15,000.
4. d) $25,000.

46. You can get your driver's license back after suspension by:

1. a) Attending a defensive driving course.
2. b) Re-taking the driving test.
3. c) Paying a fine.
4. d) Providing a California insurance proof certificate.