California DMV is administered by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), headquartered in Sacramento. The official California written knowledge exam has 46 questions, and drivers must answer 38 correctly (83%) to pass. Our practice tests match the exact format, topics, and difficulty of the real California DMV test.
What makes the California DMV test unique?
California has the longest and one of the most detailed written exams in the nation, with heavy emphasis on pedestrian right-of-way, distracted-driving laws, and hands-free device enforcement.
Under CVC §23123.5, holding a phone while driving — even at a stop light — carries a base fine of $162. Teen drivers under 18 cannot use any phone, hands-free or not.
Teens under 18 take a shorter 36-question version needing 30 correct; adults (18+) take the 46-question exam and need 38 correct.
Browse all California questions
281 indexed questions with full answers, explanations, and law citations.
What does this sign indicate?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What does this sign indicate?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What does this sign indicate?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What does a Wrong Way sign indicate?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What does a ONE WAY sign indicate?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What does this sign means?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What does a Speed Limit sign indicate?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What does this sign mean?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What does a lane-use control sign indicate?
Alabama Driver Manual
What does a railroad crossbuck sign indicate?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What does a LANE ENDS sign indicate?
Alabama Driver Manual
What does a DIVIDED HIGHWAY ENDS sign indicate?
Alabama Driver Manual
Children should ride in ____.
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
Which statement about drinking and driving is NOT correct?
Alabama Driver Manual
The safest way to use a phone while driving is to ____.
Alabama Driver Manual
Which option is NOT a good way to reduce distraction?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
Strong emotions such as anger can ____ your ability to drive safely.
Alabama Driver Manual
At night you should ____.
Alabama Driver Manual
What should you do if an oncoming vehicle's headlights are bright?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
In fog you should generally use ____.
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What should you do if your vehicle breaks down?
Alabama Driver Manual
If your brakes fail, you should first ____.
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What is an appropriate response after a crash?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
A safe following distance should be ____ in bad weather than in dry conditions.
Alabama Driver Manual
Why is tailgating dangerous?
Alabama Driver Manual
Which statement about passing is NOT correct?
Alabama Driver Manual
Which statement about work zones is NOT correct?
Alabama Driver Manual
What should you do when approaching a stopped emergency or service vehicle with flashing lights?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
Which statement about roadside emergency scenes is NOT correct?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
Before changing lanes or merging you should check ____.
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
Good steering control begins with ____.
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
Keeping your windshield and windows clear is important because ____.
Alabama Driver Manual
What is the purpose of a speed limit?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
Why is following distance important?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What does the 3-second rule for following distance mean?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
At a California 4-way stop where two vehicles arrive simultaneously, who has the right of way?
CVC §21800
When two vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled intersection at about the same time, who should usually go first?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
At a four-way stop, the vehicle that should go first is usually the one that ____.
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
Drivers must yield to pedestrians ____.
Alabama Driver Manual
What should you do if you see a blind pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches with siren or flashing lights?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What should you do when entering a roundabout?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
When a stopped school bus is using red warning signals and a stop arm, what is the correct response?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
Which statement about a school bus stopped with red warning signals is NOT correct?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
Which statement about freeway merging is NOT correct?
Alabama Driver Manual
What should you do when you stop for pedestrians at a crosswalk, drivers behind?
Alabama Driver Manual
Which statement about roundabouts is NOT correct?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
In California, how close to a fire hydrant may you legally park?
CVC §22514
What should you do before making a left turn?
Alabama Driver Manual
A left turn on red may be allowed only ____.
Alabama Driver Manual
What should you do before backing your vehicle?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What should you do when parking on a hill?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
When should you cancel your turn signal?
Alabama Driver Manual
Before turning you should reduce speed to a ____ and watch for other road users.
Alabama Driver Manual
What does 'parallel parking' mean?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What does a red curb indicate?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What does a yellow curb indicate?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What is the purpose of handicap parking spaces?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What does it mean to 'double park'?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
When passing a bicyclist on a California road, the driver must provide a minimum clearance of:
CVC §21760
Which statement about motorcycles is NOT correct?
Alabama Driver Manual
Large trucks have ____.
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What should you do when waiting behind another vehicle at railroad tracks?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What does 'sharing the road' mean for drivers?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What is a 'bike lane' and what does it mean for drivers?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What does 'vulnerable road user' mean?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What is the meaning of a 'no-zone' around large trucks?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
What does it mean to 'share the road with motorcycles'?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
Which of the following is true about sharing the road with cyclists?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
Which of the following is true about pedestrian right-of-way?
US DMV standard (applies in all states)
A motorcycle is entitled to ____.
Alaska Driver Manual
Real-format questions with the reasoning behind every answer.
Explanation: In California, drivers 21 and older may not drive with a BAC of 0.08% or more. The limit is 0.01% for drivers under 21 and 0.04% for commercial drivers.
Explanation: An SR-1 accident report must be filed with the DMV within 10 days when a crash causes injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage.
Explanation: Double solid yellow lines indicate a strict no-passing, no-crossing zone, separating two-way traffic
Answers to the questions California test-takers ask most.
Driving laws vary by state — compare requirements.
46 questions · 83% to pass. Start practicing free.