California DMV Test Questions & Answers – 100% FREE

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#1. The three-second rule is a way for you to estimate:

A stopping distance A. A stopping distance A passing gap B. A passing gap A safe following distance C. A safe following distance

The three-second rule helps you estimate how closely you should follow other vehicles. Count three seconds when the vehicle in front of you passes a certain point, such as a sign. If you pass the same point before you finish counting, you are following too closely.

#2. When you enter a highway, you will need to:

Be slightly over the legal speed limit A. Be slightly over the legal speed limit Be at the legal speed limit B. Be at the legal speed limit Be at or near the speed of traffic C. Be at or near the speed of traffic

Enter the freeway at or near the speed of traffic. Do not exceed the speed limit.

#3. You can drive in a bicycle lane:

No more than 200 feet before a turn A. No more than 200 feet before a turn An time it is not occupied B. An time it is not occupied Under no circumstances C. Under no circumstances

Enter a bike lane no more than 200 feet before starting a turn. Merge safely behind a bicyclist when preparing to make a turn.

#4. A circular sign means you approach:

A road you cannot enter A. A road you cannot enter A work zone B. A work zone A railroad crossing C. A railroad crossing

A yellow and black circular sign means you are approaching a railroad crossing.

#5. What should you do if you experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Drive with windows closed A. Drive with windows closed Have your exhaust system checked B. Have your exhaust system checked Turn off vents C. Turn off vents

If you experience carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, check your exhaust system.

#6. For normal driving in a car with air bags, it is best to grip the steering wheel by:

11 and 1 o'clock positions A. 11 and 1 o'clock positions 8 and 4 o'clock positions B. 8 and 4 o'clock positions 10 and 2 o'clock positions C. 10 and 2 o'clock positions

For normal driving keep your hands at 9 and 3 o’clock or 8 and 4 o’clock.

#7. You must turn on your headlights:

When within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle A. When within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle 30 minutes after sunrise B. 30 minutes after sunrise 30 minutes after sunset C. 30 minutes after sunset

Use your headlights:

#8. To adjust for changing light conditions at night, you should:

Drive slowly until your eyes adjust A. Drive slowly until your eyes adjust Turn on your interior lights B. Turn on your interior lights Drive at the same speed as during the day C. Drive at the same speed as during the day

When you leave a brightly lit place, drive slowly until your eyes adjust to the darkness.

#9. The driver in front signals:

A right turn A. A right turn A slow-down or stop B. A slow-down or stop A left turn C. A left turn

The driver in front signals a left turn.

#10. A flashing red light means the same as:

A Stop sign A. A Stop sign A Yield sign B. A Yield sign A Do Not Enter sign C. A Do Not Enter sign

A flashing red signal light means STOP. After stopping, you may go when it is safe. A flashing red traffic light means the same as a stop sign.

#11. If you see livestock on the road, slow down and:

Follow directions from the person in charge of the animals A. Follow directions from the person in charge of the animals Use your horn continuously until the road is clear B. Use your horn continuously until the road is clear Flash your headlights C. Flash your headlights

If you see animals or livestock, slow down and follow directions from the person in charge of the animals.

#12. What should you do if you hit or roll into a parked car and cannot find the owner?

Leave a note with your name, phone number, and address A. Leave a note with your name, phone number, and address Call law enforcement and wait for them to arrive B. Call law enforcement and wait for them to arrive Wait ten minutes for the owner to show up C. Wait ten minutes for the owner to show up

Leaving a note with your contact information is the responsible action if you cannot find the owner of a parked car you hit.

#13. What does a curb painted blue mean?

No parking at any time A. No parking at any time Park for a limited time B. Park for a limited time Parking for the disabled C. Parking for the disabled

#14. What is the potential consequence of driving to the scene of a fire, collision, or disaster?

Emergency personnel will appreciate your presence A. Emergency personnel will appreciate your presence You can be arrested B. You can be arrested You can most likely provide valuable assistance C. You can most likely provide valuable assistance

You can be arrested if you drive to the scene of a fire, collision, or other disaster. When you do this, you get in the way of firefighters, ambulance crews, or other rescue and emergency personnel.

#15. The heavier a truck is and the faster it is moving:

The longer it takes to stop safely A. The longer it takes to stop safely The quicker it stops on dry pavement B. The quicker it stops on dry pavement The easier it is to maneuver C. The easier it is to maneuver

The heavier the vehicle and the faster it moves, the longer it takes to stop safely, meaning a loaded truck will take longer than an empty truck.

#16. What lane has yellow pavement markings on both sides?

An evacuation lane A. An evacuation lane A carpool lane B. A carpool lane A center left turn lane C. A center left turn lane

A center left turn lane is in the middle of a two-way street and is marked on both sides by two painted lines. The inner line is broken, and the outer line is solid.

#17. In extreme heat, you should:

Keep the air conditioner on at all times A. Keep the air conditioner on at all times Avoid driving at high speeds for long periods B. Avoid driving at high speeds for long periods Distract yourself C. Distract yourself

Avoid driving at high speeds for long periods. Turning off the air conditioner can help prevent overheating in extreme heat, and monitoring the temperature gauge is essential.

#18. What is the default maximum speed limit on most California highways?

A. 65 mph B. 55 mph C. 45 mph

The ideal maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph unless otherwise posted.

#19. Who goes first if you reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time as a driver on your left?

You go first A. You go first The driver of the largest vehicle goes first B. The driver of the largest vehicle goes first The driver on your left goes first C. The driver on your left goes first

If a vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist gets to the intersection at the same time as you, give the right-of-way to the car, pedestrian, or bicyclist on your right.

#20. If you are under 21 years old, you can carry a full, sealed, and unopened container of alcohol:

Only in the trunk A. Only in the trunk Anywhere inside the vehicle B. Anywhere inside the vehicle Only if an individual 21 years or older is with you C. Only if an individual 21 years or older is with you

You may not carry any alcoholic beverage inside a vehicle unless an individual who is 21 years old or older is with you.

#21. If you have no other option but to drive through a flooded road, you should:

Drive slowly A. Drive slowly Drive at high speed B. Drive at high speed Turn on cruise control C. Turn on cruise control

It is best to find another route, but if you have no other option but to drive through a flooded road, go slowly.

#22. When can you leave a child under seven years in a parked car?

When you leave a window open A. When you leave a window open When attended by someone who is 12 years or older B. When attended by someone who is 12 years or older When the temperature is below 70 degrees C. When the temperature is below 70 degrees

A child who is six years old or younger may be left under the supervision of a person at least 12 years old.

#23. When can you legally drive around a lowered gate at a railroad crossing?

When you have enough room on the other side A. When you have enough room on the other side When you can see clearly in all directions B. When you can see clearly in all directions Under no circumstances C. Under no circumstances

Never go under lowering gates or around lowered gates. It is dangerous and against the law.

#24. A parking space with this sign means it is reserved for:

Vehicles with a special placard or special license plate A. Vehicles with a special placard or special license plate Any vehicle if no other space is available B. Any vehicle if no other space is available First responders or emergency vehicles C. First responders or emergency vehicles

#25. What is the significance of signing a traffic ticket after a citation?

It is a promise to pay a fine A. It is a promise to pay a fine It is a promise to appear in traffic court B. It is a promise to appear in traffic court It is an admission of guilt C. It is an admission of guilt

If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer and cited (ticketed) for a traffic violation, you sign the ticket as a promise to appear in traffic court.

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California DMV Practice Tests in Spanish

California DMV Test Questions & Answers in Spanish at california-dmv-practice-test.org: Acerca del examen práctico del DMV de California .

California DMV MVProctor Online Test – Quick Facts

What You Should Know
Number of questions on exam: 40 – Original test
25 – Renewal test
Correct answers to pass: 32 – Original test
20 – Renewal test
Retest: New link with test results
2 attempts only

The new CA MVProctor test is a fully online, remotely proctored exam that replaces the written test you traditionally took in person at the DMV office.

You can take the CA MVProctor test on your computer

Can I Take the DMV MVProctor Online Test?

Applying for your first noncommercial CA DL
No a CA license or ID You qualify for online testing
Existing CA license or ID You must test at a DMV office
Renewing your noncommercial CA DL
No additions You qualify for online testing
Adding MC license You must test at a DMV office
Renewing your CA motorcycle license
No additions You qualify for online testing
Adding noncommercial CA DL You must test at a DMV office
70 or older You must test at a DMV office

You must start the application process by completing the online driver’s license application at CA DMV’s website.

Student taking practice tests

The Practice Tests

The best way to study for your permit or full driver’s license test is to use both the Driver Handbook and these permit practice and driver’s license test.

Ensure you have 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 whether you are ready. Take enough sample tests at Driver’s Prep to ensure you can reach the perfect score of 100%. This way, we can guarantee you will pass the official exam.

Each practice test at driversprep.com has 25 random questions based on the handbook and authentic questions from California DMV (dmv.ca.gov ). You will get instant feedback and a brief explanation if you miss a question.

Remember, the online MVProctor Test has 40 questions for new applicants (25 questions if you renew an existing license).

Who Must Take the California Written Knowledge Test

You must always take a knowledge, vision, and road test when applying for an original California driver’s license or upgrading to a different class of driver’s license.

DMV will usually waive the knowledge and road tests if you have a driver’s license from another state.

After a 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 generally have two options. You can take the test at DMV on a computer with a touch screen. Instead of marking the correct answer with an “X” on paper, you tap the correct answer on a screen. If you qualify, you can also take the MVProctor test from your home computer. Your computer or laptop must be internet-ready and have a webcam. You cannot use a tablet or mobile device.

The computer version of the DMV test has randomized questions, just like our practice tests, meaning no two tests are identical.

The MVProctor tests are available in 35 languages, among others:

Online computer tests speed up the exam process, but misreading and making a hasty decision is easy. So, take your time and read everything carefully.

Read more about studying for your exam: How to Ace the DMV test.

Some Questions are Always on the Test

Study the table in the section about Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits. There is always a question about this table on your test!

The table below shows BAC estimates based on gender, body weight, and how many drinks a person consumes. Remember, even one drink can impair your driving skills. Two drinks can make you legally intoxicated.

 We help you to pass your DMV exam

There will also be at least one question about the rights of pedestrians.

Do Not Cheat!

The use of any testing aids is strictly prohibited. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, the use of cell phones, cheat sheets, and the California Driver Handbook.

You will fail your exam if you use any aid during the written test (online or at a DMV office). The DMV may also act 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 regular business hours.

To make sure you have all the 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 shows 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 Social Security Number

It is best to bring your social security card, but DMV also accepts a W-2 form or a pay stub with the whole SSN.

TWO Proofs of California Residency

You must provide two documents showing your first and last name and mailing address. Accepted verifications include rental agreements or mortgage bills, bank or credit card statements, tax returns, employment, 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.

Can I Take on Online Test from Home?

Yes. In 2022, CA DMV introduced an online driver’s license testing option, the MVProctor Test. You can take a remote exam or, in some cases, the eLearning course.

CA DMV offers the interactive eLearning course for Californians renewing their license. It is currently available only in English and is an option for those who prefer an alternative learning method.

Please note that this e-learning course is only available for Californians renewing their license.

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 who is 25 years or older.

To learn more about California’s graduated driver’s license process, read this article: What is California Graduated Driver’s License ?

California Old DMV Knowledge Test

Number of questions on exam: 46 – if under 18 years
36 – if 18 years and older
25 – renewal test
Correct answers to pass: 36 – if under 18 years
30 – if 18 years and older
21 – renewal test
Passing score: 83 percent
Allotted time to complete test: No limit
Wait time before retest: 7 days – if under 18 years
One day – if 18 years and older

Learn More!

Work Zone Answers

Highway traffic

Safe Following Distance

Solid Double Yellow Line

Crossing Double Yellow Line

82 Comments

The test asks what BAC stands for and says the answer is Blood Alchohol ‘Content’, which is incorrect.

Blood Alcohol Content and Blood Alcohol Concentration (and sometimes blood alcohol level) are interchangeable. Some states prefer “Content,” and some “Concentration.” Since California DMV uses “Concentration” we will update the answer. Read more: What is Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) – How Does it Work?

On the ca driver test theres a question that ask if a police office wants to test you for drug use the use a breath test but there is not breath test for drugs in ca there is a sailva test but that not breath

True. In this test, there is, however, no specific question for testing the drug content in your system. Questions refer only to a DUI arrest. For determining BAC, blood and breath tests are available. For determining the drug content blood and urine tests are available. (23612)

My time was coming to renew my DL and I had my appointment today. I studied the DMV handbook and took their practice tests but those tests were not enough. The same questions such as same bat time same bat channel. I searched for DMV tests just a few days ago and found this. I took test after test until things sunk in and there were many questions I was unsure of. I passed my test first time! I missed 2. One I misread and the second one I was not sure of what they were asking but I know one thing your website helped me a lot! Thank you!

Happy to help. Keep safe out there!

Does the CA renewal test for seniors have pictures as yours do? They are very helpful to help answer questions. And am very anxious about taking my senior test.

Only when necessary (like when identifying signs). The same will soon apply to our practice test. We will remove most images in the new version. As a senior, you don’t need to worry about the retest; it is usually straightforward.

Juanita M Landry August 20, 2023
Cheryl Wendlandt August 7, 2023

One question I got that I cannot find the answer in the Handbook was. It was about Carbon Monoxide. It said to protect from Carbon Monoxide crack your window open a bit. Keep all your windows rolled up. And I don’t remember the third one. The book doesn’t say anything like this. It just says never start your vehicle inside the garage with the door closed. Please help I did not pass the first test.

Thank you for your comment. I appreciate it. That particular chapter in the handbook has changed. Previously it said: “You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by having the exhaust system checked regularly. Also, leave the window partially open when starting the engine, while driving the vehicle or when running the engine while parked. Never run the engine with your garage door closed.” But in the 2023 version, the line about the window is gone. Our California practice tests don’t have that question. Are you saying you got on your real exam?

The correct answer is Crack your window open. The handbook says to take car to tech. I got it correct because I pretended I was sitting in my car and this choice seemed logical to me.

Stephanie Frankel June 2, 2023

A small codicil, post coffee break, to the previous comment: On the ninth test, questions 2, 5, 15, and 18 were skipped on the site (though not on the review, so still learnable post testing process.) Question 12 was premarked with the wrong answer and could not be changed to the correct one. Hope this is of help to your programmers,

I am sorry for the inconvenience. Multiple questions were updated or removed earlier today, which may have caused the problem with skipped questions. On the practice test, it is not possible to change an answer or go back.

James R Roth August 24, 2023

I was a Calif.peace officer for 30 years and taught the AARP Smart Driver class for several years. I feel I understand the questions designed to produce safer drivers but many are not. A safe driver does not need to know the penalties, that is the job of the judges. Much of information in the handbook is not based on law, but only opinions like making a left turn in heavy traffic or opening a window to prevent CO poisoning. Better options might be go down to the next intersection and make three right turns if permitted and never sit in your running vehicle without proper ventilation. In studying I have found questions from previous handbooks that are not in the current. I can see why so many people who are safe and conscientious drivers are having problems with the DMV written.

Stephanie Frankel June 2, 2023

While very useful, this site is also frustrating. Am doing a marathon practice before renewal and find virtually every test of the eight so far have either skipped a question or two (attempts to go back or return simply start another test) and/or preselected a wrong answer that can not be changed. Have yet to receive a perfect score, though those “errors” were of the site. Still helpful, and will continue post this note, but perhaps your programmers should take note. (Since these questions are from DMV tests, the poor grammar is, albeit painfully, accepted.) Thanks for the help.

susan lopez May 18, 2023
I’M 83YRS OLD. Do i get a 5yr license?? Some practice test are$79.00 Do they really work.

Yes, you will generally get a five-year driver’s license. You can no longer renew online, as during the pandemic, you must visit a CA DMV office and apply in person, but you can start the process online. I think you should ask, are practice tests worth $79? In my opinion, no. For a renewal, you are fine with these free practice tests. They cover everything you need to know … and more. The knowledge test for license renewal is pretty straightforward.

Denver Kissinger April 17, 2023

5 years ago I took my first renewal test after reaching age 70. This was on paper, and it had 18 questions. A few days ago, I passed my updated renewal on the DMV computer. As a side note, most offices have done away with the old written tests. It is also of value to make people aware that the computer version for the senior renewal test now includes 25 questions and not 18, as was the case on the paper and pencil tests. I think it’s also important to let others know that most all of the practice tests that one finds presently online are basically copies of questions that mirror past information from the older tests, which bear little resemblance to the questions that currently show up on the DMV computer tests. Whereas the old tests basically dealt with driving situations, rules and safety, the current computer tests now include laws, fines and jail terms! I’m mentioning this because your site is one that mirrors very closely the questions one will find on the current DMV computer versions. As an example, on my recent test, a question asked what length of time a person would to spend in state prison after being convicted of manslaughter during a police pursuit! This question has never appeared on any past test I have ever taken.! Incidentally, the answer is 4 to 10 years. Thanks for the sample tests that echo, in form, content and verbiage what a driver will face when taking the current CA DMV on computer. Most other online tests seem sadly lacking in value. People should also take the time to study the DMV Handbook as well.

Connie Murphy May 8, 2023

My neighbor is 92 years old, a very sharp lady and an excellent driver. She recently took the written test for renewal, and they gave her a 50 questions test. I have found nothing that shows senior citizens take a test with that many questions, and you can only miss 3. Did they give her the wrong test? She is just beside herself, as she failed the test, and was so overwhelmed by so many questions. Does anyone have an answer regarding this? Thank you.

Which state? California is the one state that stands out with fewer questions for seniors. Other states may give the same test for all drivers.

Cheryl Wendlandt August 5, 2023

Thank you for your comment. Yesterday I took my renewal test since I passed 70. I had studied the book took the 4 DMV tests I found on the internet. I had to skip 2 and got 6 wrong. I was in shock at the questions I was given. Yours was one that I skipped because I had no idea how many years. I had another one about seconds for checking the areas while driving. My husband and I are going to study it together, but I have to take it before my birthday by next Sat. Not the usual test I am acquainted with and it said it had a time limit. Other people had easy tests. I was afraid to take the 2nd test. So I have two more to go. The lady said just take two tests if you fail and then go home and study the book again. I think that comment is very telling. I think this must have been the hardest test. Unfortunately, I got it.

This site helped me to prepare well. I have cleared the exam in first time. Thanks for supporting.

Can you elaborate the below question? Answer do not say to get down from the car.
Question: If your car stalls on railroad tracks and no train is coming:
Ans: Dial the emergency number posted at the railroad crossing.
Wrong Ans: Exit your vehicle and run down the tracks

This is a really helpful resource. I wish there was a way to know what questions I haven’t come across yet; I’m having bad luck not getting new questions out of the 20 plus times I’ve used this.