California permit test
practice questions
Study for the California driver's license knowledge test with questions written from the California Driver's Handbook and California traffic law. Try the sample questions below, then get all 929 in the app.
CAAbout the California test
The DMV does not publish the exact test length. The practice exam uses a common format for this state. Check the official handbook before your test. Official handbook: California Driver's Handbook ↗
Try 10 sample questions
Each one covers the same point as a practice question the DMV has published. Tap an answer to see if you are right and why.
A highway has a posted speed limit of 65 mph. What does this mean?
A posted limit is the maximum under ideal conditions. The Basic Speed Law requires you to go slower when traffic, weather, road surface or visibility make that speed unsafe, and you can be ticketed for driving the limit when conditions call for less.
What should you do when reaching an intersection where a person operating a motorized wheelchair has entered the crosswalk?
A person using a wheelchair is a pedestrian and always has the right-of-way in a crosswalk. Stay stopped behind the limit line until they have safely finished crossing, and allow extra time.
Which of the following is an example of a safe driving practice?
Keep your eyes moving and scan the road at least 10 seconds ahead so you can react in time. Staring at one spot or using high beams in fog makes it harder to see.
What should you do when traffic is slow and heavy, and you must cross railroad tracks before reaching the upcoming intersection?
Never stop on railroad tracks. If traffic ahead could leave you on the tracks, wait before the crossing until there is room to get completely across. Expect a train on any track at any time.
Which of the following is true about large trucks?
Large trucks have big blind spots (No Zones): if you cannot see the truck's side mirrors, the driver cannot see you. They also take much longer to stop and swing wide on turns.
When is it legal for a person to drive with an alcoholic beverage container that has been opened?
An opened alcohol container has to ride in the trunk or another place where passengers do not sit; the glove box does not count. Drinking alcohol, or smoking or eating cannabis, while driving or riding is illegal. Passengers in a bus, taxi, limousine for hire, or the living quarters of a camper or motorhome are exempt from the alcohol rules only.
When is it legal to drive off the road to pass another vehicle?
Never drive off the paved or main-traveled part of the road to pass. Pass on the right only on a one-way street, on a road with two or more lanes your way, or when the driver ahead is turning left and you can pass safely on the right.
How many feet away should you switch from high beam to low beam headlights when approaching a vehicle coming towards you?
Dim your high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.
What should you do if your cell phone rings and you do not have a hands-free device?
Driving while using a handheld phone is illegal. Let the call go to voicemail; if you must call back, pull safely off the road. A mounted phone may be used only with a single swipe or tap in hands-free mode.
Which of the following is the proper procedure for parallel parking?
Pull up alongside the vehicle in front of the space, about two feet away, with your rear bumper even with the front of the space, then back in at about a 45-degree angle and straighten out within 18 inches of the curb.
The app has 929 more questions for California, with explanations for every one.
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