By Lymi

California DMV Written Test: Rules of the Road

California DMV practice test: rules-of-the-road questions from the current California Driver's Handbook, with the exact numbers the knowledge test asks about and a short note on each rule.

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  • DMV written test
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California DMV knowledge test: the format, every deck and its source

  • Permits, provisional licenses and the test

    How soon must you tell the California DMV about a new address?

    Within 10 days

  • Lanes, markings and turns

    Can you make a U-turn on a one-way street?

    No

  • Sharing the road

    Is lane splitting by motorcycles legal in California?

    Yes

  • Emergencies and collisions

    When must you report a collision to the California DMV?

    Within 10 days if damage is over $1,000 or anyone was hurt or killed

  • Points, records and penalties

    How long do most convictions and collisions stay on a California record?

    36 months or longer

What’s inside

See all 187 cards

Every section is open, so any card can come up in review.

  1. Section 1: Permits, provisional licenses and the test

    15 cards

  2. Section 2: Traffic signals, lights and signaling

    22 cards

  3. Section 3: Right-of-way

    17 cards

  4. Section 4: Lanes, markings and turns

    19 cards

  5. Section 5: Passing, merging and following distance

    9 cards

  6. Section 6: Speed limits

    13 cards

  7. Section 7: Parking

    14 cards

  8. Section 8: Sharing the road

    18 cards

  9. Section 9: Railroad crossings

    7 cards

  10. Section 10: Safe driving in bad conditions

    13 cards

  11. Section 11: Emergencies and collisions

    10 cards

  12. Section 12: Alcohol and drugs

    15 cards

  13. Section 13: Seat belts, children and loads

    8 cards

  14. Section 14: Points, records and penalties

    7 cards
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All 187 cards

In the order you learn them, one section at a time.

1Permits, provisional licenses and the test15 cards

What score do you need to pass the California knowledge test?
80%
How many tries do you get to pass the California knowledge test before you must reapply?
3
How long must a minor wait to retake a failed California knowledge test?
7 days
What is the youngest age to apply for a California instruction permit?
15½
What is the youngest age for a California provisional driver's license?
16
How long must a teen hold a California permit before the drive test?
6 months (or until turning 18)
How many hours of supervised practice does a California teen need?
50 hours, 10 of them at night
How old must the supervising driver be for a teen permit holder in California?
25 or older, with a California license
During what hours can't a California provisional driver drive in the first 12 months?
11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Which passengers can't a California provisional driver carry without an adult?
Passengers under 20
What happens after a California provisional driver's second at-fault collision or conviction within 12 months?
30 days of driving only with a licensed adult aged 25+
What happens after a California provisional driver's third at-fault collision or conviction within 12 months?
6-month suspension, then 1 year of probation
How soon must you tell the California DMV about a new address?
Within 10 days
How soon must you notify the California DMV after selling a vehicle?
Within 5 days
How long does a new California resident have to register an out-of-state vehicle?
20 days

2Traffic signals, lights and signaling22 cards

Can you turn right on a solid red light in California?
Yes, after a full stop, unless a sign forbids it
Can you turn on a red arrow in California?
No
When can you turn left on a red light in California?
From a one-way street onto another one-way street
What must you do at a flashing red light?
Stop, then go when it is safe
What should you do when a signal turns solid yellow?
Stop if you can do so safely; otherwise cross with caution
What does a flashing yellow light tell you?
Go on carefully at reduced speed; you don't have to stop
What does a yellow arrow mean?
The protected turn is about to end
Can you enter an intersection on green if you can't clear it before the light turns red?
No
What does a green arrow let you do?
Make a protected turn in the arrow's direction
How do you treat an intersection where the traffic light is not working?
As an all-way stop
Must you yield to a pedestrian who is crossing on a flashing DON'T WALK signal?
Yes
How far before a turn must you signal in California?
At least 100 feet
How long should you signal before changing lanes on a California freeway?
At least 5 seconds
How long before a freeway exit should you signal?
5 seconds, about 400 feet
Within what distance of an oncoming vehicle must you dim your high beams?
500 feet
Within what distance of a vehicle you are following must you dim your high beams?
300 feet
From when to when must your headlights be on in California?
From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise
What lights must you use when your windshield wipers are on for rain, fog or snow?
Low-beam headlights
When should you sound your horn on a narrow mountain road?
When you can't see at least 200 feet ahead
What does a driver's left arm held straight out mean?
Left turn
What does a driver's left arm bent upward mean?
Right turn
What does a driver's left arm bent downward mean?
Slowing or stopping

3Right-of-way17 cards

At an uncontrolled intersection, who generally goes first?
The vehicle that arrived first
Two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time. Who yields?
The driver on the left yields to the one on the right
At a T intersection without signs, who has the right-of-way?
Traffic on the through road
When turning left, whom must you yield to?
Pedestrians and oncoming vehicles close enough to be dangerous
When entering a highway or traffic from a stop, who has the right-of-way?
Traffic already in the lanes
Who has the right-of-way in a roundabout?
Traffic already in the roundabout
Which direction do you travel in a roundabout?
Counterclockwise
In a two-lane roundabout, which lane do you use to turn right?
The right lane, exiting in the right lane
Do pedestrians have the right-of-way at an unmarked crosswalk?
Yes
Can you pass a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk?
No
Who has the right-of-way when a pedestrian uses a white cane or guide dog?
The pedestrian, at all times
What does it mean when a blind pedestrian pulls in their cane and steps back?
You may go
On a steep narrow road where neither car can pass, who has the right-of-way?
The vehicle facing uphill
What must you do when an emergency vehicle approaches with siren and red lights?
Drive to the right edge of the road and stop
You are in an intersection when an emergency vehicle approaches. What do you do?
Continue through, then pull right and stop
How close may you follow a fire engine or ambulance using its siren or lights?
No closer than 300 feet
Whose directions take priority over signs and signals?
A law enforcement officer or firefighter

4Lanes, markings and turns19 cards

When may you cross a double solid yellow line?
To turn left into or out of a driveway or private road, or to make a U-turn
What are two sets of double yellow lines at least 2 feet apart?
A barrier you must not drive over
May you pass when a broken yellow line is on your side of the road?
Yes, when it is safe
Can you change lanes across double solid white lines?
No, never
Which lane is the Number 1 lane in California?
The far-left (fast) lane
How far can you drive in a center left-turn lane?
No more than 200 feet
When must a slow driver on a two-lane road pull into a turnout?
When 5 or more vehicles are following
How close to a turn may you drive in a bicycle lane?
Within 200 feet of the turn
How is a carpool (HOV) lane marked on the pavement?
A diamond symbol and the words Carpool Lane
If there is no limit line, where do you stop for a red light?
Before the crosswalk, or before the intersection if there is no crosswalk
How should your wheels point while you wait to turn left?
Straight ahead
Turning left from a two-way street onto a two-way street, which lane do you end in?
The left lane closest to the middle of the street
Where should you finish a right turn?
In the right lane, without swinging wide
May you cross a bus-only lane to make a right turn?
Yes
Can you use a dedicated right-turn lane while the light for through traffic is red?
Yes, unless a light or sign on its right curb says otherwise
When may you make a U-turn in a residential district?
When no vehicle is approaching within 200 feet
Can you make a U-turn across a double yellow line?
Yes, when it is otherwise safe and legal
Can you make a U-turn on a one-way street?
No
Which lane must you use when towing a trailer?
The far-right lane or a lane marked for slower vehicles

5Passing, merging and following distance9 cards

How big a gap do you need to enter traffic on a city street, and on a highway?
City street: half a block, about 150 feet. Highway: a full block, about 300 feet
How far ahead should a hill or curve be before you pass?
At least one-third of a mile
How close to an intersection, bridge, tunnel or railroad crossing is passing forbidden?
Within 100 feet
When may you pass on the right?
On a road with 2+ lanes your way, a one-way street, or when the driver ahead turns left
May you drive off the pavement to pass?
No, never
What should you do while another car passes you?
Stay in your lane and keep your speed
What following distance does the California handbook recommend?
At least 3 seconds
How far ahead should you scan the road?
At least 10 seconds
What should you do about a tailgater?
Keep your course and speed, then merge right when safe to let them pass

6Speed limits13 cards

What is California's Basic Speed Law?
Your speed must be safe for the conditions, whatever the limit
What is the maximum speed on most California highways?
65 mph
What is the speed limit on a two-lane undivided highway in California?
55 mph
What is the speed limit when towing a trailer in California?
55 mph
What is the speed limit near a California school while children are present?
25 mph within 500 feet
What is the speed limit in a California business or residential district?
25 mph
What is the speed limit at a blind intersection in California?
15 mph
What is the speed limit in a California alley?
15 mph
What is the speed limit near a railroad crossing when you can't see 400 feet down the tracks?
15 mph within 100 feet of the crossing
How fast may you pass a bus or streetcar stopped at a safety zone or light?
No more than 10 mph
How fast is it safe to drive when you can't see more than 100 feet ahead?
No faster than 30 mph
How much should you slow down on a wet road, on packed snow, and on ice?
Wet: 5–10 mph slower. Packed snow: half speed. Ice: 5 mph at most
What is the top speed of a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV)?
25 mph

7Parking14 cards

How long a space do you need to parallel park?
At least 3 feet longer than your vehicle
How close to the curb must you be after parallel parking?
Within 18 inches
Parking downhill next to a curb, which way do you turn your front wheels?
Toward the curb (to the right)
Parking uphill next to a curb, which way do you turn your front wheels?
Away from the curb (to the left)
Parking on a hill with no curb, which way do you turn your wheels?
To the right, toward the edge of the road
What does a white curb mean?
Stop only to pick up or drop off passengers
What does a green curb mean?
Parking for a limited time
What does a yellow curb mean?
Loading and unloading passengers or freight for the posted time
What does a red curb mean?
No stopping, standing or parking
What does a blue curb mean?
Parking for people with a disabled placard or plate
How close to a fire hydrant may you park in California?
No closer than 15 feet
How close to a crosswalk may you park in California?
No closer than 20 feet (15 feet where there is a curb extension)
How close to a sidewalk ramp for disabled persons may you park?
No closer than 3 feet
How long can a vehicle be left on a California freeway before it may be removed?
4 hours

8Sharing the road18 cards

How much space must you leave when passing a bicyclist in California?
At least 3 feet
Who must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle in California?
Riders under 18
Is lane splitting by motorcycles legal in California?
Yes
If you can't see a truck's side mirrors, what does that mean?
The truck driver can't see you
About how far does a car at 55 mph need to stop, compared with a large truck?
About 300 feet for a car, up to 400 feet for a truck
On which side should you pass a large truck?
The left
Why does a large truck swing wide when it turns?
Its rear wheels follow a shorter path than its front wheels
What must you do when a school bus flashes its red lights?
Stop from either direction until the children have crossed and the lights stop
Must you stop for a school bus with red lights on the other side of a divided or multilane highway?
No
What do flashing yellow lights on a school bus mean?
Slow down and get ready to stop
What must you do for a stationary emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing lights?
Move over a lane if you can, and slow down
How much can a traffic fine in a California work zone be?
$1,000 or more
What is the penalty for assaulting a California highway worker?
Up to $2,000 and up to 1 year in jail
Can you drive through a safety zone for bus or streetcar riders?
No, never
On which side may you pass a light-rail vehicle or streetcar?
The right, as a rule
What does an orange-and-red triangle on the back of a vehicle mean?
A slow-moving vehicle, usually 25 mph or less
Which vehicles must stop before every railroad crossing?
Buses, school buses and trucks with hazardous-materials placards
At night, a vehicle with one light approaches. What should you do?
Move as far right as possible

9Railroad crossings7 cards

How far from the nearest track must you stop when a train is coming?
At least 15 feet
The crossing gate rises but the red lights are still flashing. Can you go?
No, wait until the lights stop
On which tracks and at what times should you expect a train?
Any track, any time, from either direction
Can you start across the tracks if there is no room to clear them on the other side?
No
Your car stalls on the tracks and a train is coming. What do you do?
Get out and run diagonally toward the train, away from the tracks, then call 911
Your car stalls on the tracks and no train is in sight. Whom do you call first?
Get out, call the number posted at the crossing, then 911
What should you do if crossing gates are down but no train comes?
Call the posted railroad emergency number or 911

10Safe driving in bad conditions13 cards

Your car skids on a slippery road. What do you do?
Ease off the gas, don't brake, and steer in the direction of the skid
In a locked-wheel skid with four-wheel ABS, what do you do with the brake?
Keep firm pressure on it
How can you dry wet brakes?
Press the gas and brake pedals lightly at the same time
What do you do if your car starts to hydroplane?
Slow down gradually and don't brake
Which lights should you use in fog or heavy smoke?
Low-beam headlights
Why is the road especially slippery when rain first starts?
Oil and dust haven't washed away yet
How do you check a blind spot?
Look over your shoulder, turning only your head
Should you use cruise control in high winds?
No
What do you do when an officer runs a traffic break ahead of you?
Turn on flashers, slow to the officer's speed, and don't pass
Is it legal to wear earplugs or a headset in both ears while driving?
No
Where should your hands be for push-pull steering?
At 9 and 3, or 8 and 4 o'clock
Can an adult hold a cell phone while driving in California?
No, only hands-free use is allowed
Can a California driver under 18 use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free?
No, except to call for emergency help

11Emergencies and collisions10 cards

A tire blows out. What do you do first?
Hold the wheel firmly and keep your speed, then ease off the gas
Your wheels drift off the pavement. What do you do?
Grip the wheel, ease off the gas, brake gently, then steer back carefully
Your car breaks down on a California freeway. Where do you go?
The right shoulder, exiting on the right side
When must you report a collision to police in California?
Within 24 hours if anyone was injured or killed
When must you report a collision to the California DMV?
Within 10 days if damage is over $1,000 or anyone was hurt or killed
You hit a parked car and can't find the owner. What must you do?
Leave a note with your name, phone number and address, and report it to police
What is California's minimum liability insurance?
$30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for injury, $15,000 for property damage
What happens if you crash without insurance in California?
License suspended for up to 4 years
What should you do first when a police officer signals you to stop?
Signal right and move completely onto the right shoulder
What documents must you show at a California traffic stop?
Driver's license, proof of insurance and registration

12Alcohol and drugs15 cards

What is the BAC limit for California drivers aged 21 or older?
0.08%
What is the BAC limit for California drivers under 21?
0.01%
What is the BAC limit for a California driver on DUI probation?
0.01%
What is the BAC limit when driving a vehicle that needs a commercial license?
0.04%
What happens if you refuse a chemical test after a DUI stop in California?
Your license is suspended or revoked for 1 year (first refusal)
After a DUI arrest, how long is the officer's temporary license valid?
30 days
How soon must you request a DMV hearing after a DUI arrest?
Within 10 days of the arrest
How long does a DUI conviction stay on a California driving record?
10 years
How long can a first DUI jail sentence be in California?
Up to 6 months
Where must an open alcohol container be kept in a car?
In the trunk or where passengers don't sit
Can a passenger smoke or eat cannabis in a moving car in California?
No
Can a driver under 21 carry alcohol in a car in California?
Only with someone 21+ present, sealed and unopened
What BAC on a follow-up breath or blood test can get a California driver under 21 arrested for DUI?
0.05% or higher
Does DUI law cover prescription and over-the-counter medicine?
Yes
What happens to a 13–20-year-old convicted of riding a bicycle under the influence?
Their driving privilege can be suspended or delayed for 1 year

13Seat belts, children and loads8 cards

Which children must ride rear-facing in California?
Under 2 years, under 40 pounds and under 3 feet 4 inches
Which children must ride in a child seat in the back seat?
Under 8 years or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches
When can a child use a regular seat belt in California?
At age 8 or at least 4 feet 9 inches tall
Who gets the ticket if a passenger under 16 isn't buckled?
The driver
How far should you sit from the steering wheel airbag?
At least 10 inches
Up to what age is it illegal to leave a child alone in a car in California?
6 or younger, unless someone 12 or older stays with them
Can people ride in the back of a pickup truck in California?
Only in secure seats with seat belts
What must mark a load extending more than 4 feet past the rear bumper?
A 12-inch red or fluorescent orange flag (two red lights at night)

14Points, records and penalties7 cards

How many points will get an adult's California license suspended?
4 in 12 months, 6 in 24 months, or 8 in 36 months
How long do most convictions and collisions stay on a California record?
36 months or longer
How often can you use traffic violator school to keep a 1-point ticket from insurers?
Once in any 18-month period
What happens if you miss your court date for a ticket?
DMV may suspend your license until you appear
What can happen if an unlicensed person is caught driving your car?
It can be impounded for 30 days
What is the penalty for evading police in a vehicle in California?
A misdemeanor, up to 1 year in county jail
Which convictions make DMV revoke your license outright?
Hit-and-run, or reckless driving causing injury

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Traffic signals, lights and signaling

Within what distance of an oncoming vehicle must you dim your high beams?

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Published September 28, 2026