California DMV Permit Test Practice Test
Frequently asked questions
How many California DMV Permit Test practice questions are here?+
A full bank of original California DMV Permit Test practice questions across the official content areas, weighted like the real exam, with explanations. Free, no signup.
What is the California DMV Permit Test exam like?+
About 46 questions, and you need 38/46% to pass. Practice by topic here, then take the full timed mock exam to gauge readiness.
Are these the real exam questions?+
No. Every question is 100% original, written from public primary sources with explanations. We never copy real exam questions or paid prep material.
Can I study in Chinese or Spanish?+
PrepPass practice is in English, 中文 and Español. The official exam is in English — switch the question language to English any time to rehearse the exact terminology you'll see on test day.
Sample practice questions
A few real questions from this free bank, with full explanations. Use the practice tool above for the whole set.
- 1. Traffic Signs & Signals
What must a driver do when approaching a red, eight-sided sign?
- a.Slow down and merge
- b.Come to a complete stop, then go when it is safe
- c.Yield only to trucks
- d.Stop only if a pedestrian is waiting
Answer: b
Explanation: A red octagon is a STOP sign; you must stop fully at the limit line or crosswalk, then proceed when it is safe. (California Driver's Handbook, signs)
- 2. Traffic Signs & Signals
A double solid yellow line down the center of the road means:
- a.You may pass when the way is clear
- b.Traffic in both directions may turn left freely
- c.The road ahead is closed
- d.Do not cross the line to pass
Answer: d
Explanation: Two solid yellow lines mark a no-passing zone; you may not cross to pass, though you may cross to turn into a driveway when safe. (California Driver's Handbook, lane markings)
- 3. Traffic Signs & Signals
A red-and-white downward-pointing triangle means:
- a.Yield the right of way and be ready to stop
- b.No U-turns permitted
- c.A hospital is ahead
- d.The road narrows
Answer: a
Explanation: A downward triangle is a YIELD sign; slow, give the right of way to traffic and pedestrians, and stop if needed. (California Driver's Handbook)
- 4. Rules of the Road & Right of Way
You want to turn left at an intersection with a green light. You must:
- a.Turn quickly before oncoming cars arrive
- b.Assume oncoming traffic will stop
- c.Yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians, then turn when safe
- d.Sound your horn and turn
Answer: c
Explanation: On a green light a left-turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic and crossing pedestrians before turning. (California Driver's Handbook)
- 5. Rules of the Road & Right of Way
When entering a roundabout, you should:
- a.Yield to traffic already circulating, then enter when there is a gap
- b.Stop in the circle to let others in
- c.Enter at full speed
- d.Turn left and travel clockwise
Answer: a
Explanation: Traffic in a roundabout has the right of way; yield to circulating vehicles, then enter and travel counterclockwise. (California Driver's Handbook)
- 6. Safe Driving & Sharing the Road
When passing a bicyclist traveling the same direction, California drivers must give at least:
- a.Three feet of clearance
- b.Six inches of clearance
- c.One foot of clearance
- d.No set distance
Answer: a
Explanation: California's Three Feet for Safety Act requires at least three feet of space when passing a bicyclist, or slowing and passing only when safe. (California Driver's Handbook, sharing the road)
- 7. Safe Driving & Sharing the Road
A school bus ahead has stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm out. You must:
- a.Pass slowly on the left
- b.Sound your horn and continue
- c.Stop until the red lights stop flashing and the arm folds in
- d.Continue if no children are visible
Answer: c
Explanation: Stop for a school bus flashing red lights in either direction on an undivided road, and remain stopped until the lights stop and the arm folds in. (California Driver's Handbook)
- 8. Speed & Conditions
Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in a business or residential district is:
- a.25 mph
- b.40 mph
- c.15 mph
- d.55 mph
Answer: a
Explanation: The standard limit in business and residential districts is 25 mph unless a sign states otherwise. (California Driver's Handbook, speed limits)
- 9. Speed & Conditions
In a school zone when children are present, you should not drive faster than:
- a.45 mph
- b.40 mph
- c.35 mph
- d.25 mph
Answer: d
Explanation: Slow to 25 mph, or a lower posted limit, when passing a school zone while children are present. (California Driver's Handbook, speed)
- 10. Alcohol, Drugs & California Points/GDL
Under California's zero-tolerance law, a driver under 21 may not drive with a BAC of:
- a.0.01% or higher
- b.0.08% or higher
- c.0.05% or higher
- d.0.04% or higher
Answer: a
Explanation: Drivers under 21 are subject to zero tolerance: it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.01% or more. (California Driver's Handbook)