California DMV Sample Test
Try 10 real California DMV questions below — handpicked from our 281-question California bank. Each with the correct answer and full explanation. Tap to reveal the answer. For the complete practice experience with hundreds of questions, progress tracking, and timed mock exams, download our app.
1
School Buses & Stop Laws
When approaching a school bus that is stopped on the opposite side of a divided highway with flashing red lights in California, you must:
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When approaching a school bus that is stopped on the opposite side of a divided highway with flashing red lights in California, you must:
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Under California Vehicle Code §22454(b), drivers traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway — where a median or physical barrier separates lanes — are not required to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights. On any two-lane or undivided road, you must stop from either direction.
2
Phones & Distracted Driving
Under California law, when is it legal for an adult driver (18+) to hold and use a cell phone while behind the wheel?
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Under California law, when is it legal for an adult driver (18+) to hold and use a cell phone while behind the wheel?
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California Vehicle Code §23123.5 requires hands-free operation for all adult drivers. The phone must be mounted (dashboard, windshield, or center console) and may only be activated with a single tap or swipe of the finger. Drivers under 18 cannot use any phone — hands-free or not.
3
Alcohol, Drugs & DUI
What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers under 21 in California?
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What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers under 21 in California?
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California enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21: any BAC of 0.01% or higher results in a one-year license suspension. For drivers 21 and older, the standard limit is 0.08%. For commercial drivers, it drops to 0.04%.
4
Speed Limits & Stopping Distance
Under California's Basic Speed Law, the maximum legal speed is:
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Under California's Basic Speed Law, the maximum legal speed is:
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California's Basic Speed Law (CVC §22350) states that no one may drive faster than is safe for current conditions — weather, traffic, visibility — regardless of the posted limit. 55 mph in heavy fog may still be illegal even though the sign says 65. The posted limit is always the upper ceiling, never a guaranteed safe speed.
5
Bicycles, Motorcycles & Pedestrians
When passing a bicyclist on a California road, the driver must provide a minimum clearance of:
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When passing a bicyclist on a California road, the driver must provide a minimum clearance of:
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California's Three Feet for Safety Act (CVC §21760) requires motor vehicles passing a bicyclist in the same direction to leave at least 3 feet of clearance between the vehicle and the cyclist. If 3 feet isn't available, the driver must slow to a safe speed and only pass when safe.
6
Alcohol, Drugs & DUI
For a first-offense standard DUI in California (BAC 0.08%+, no injury), typical penalties include:
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For a first-offense standard DUI in California (BAC 0.08%+, no injury), typical penalties include:
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A first-offense DUI in California (BAC ≥0.08% for adults) typically results in fines of $390–$1,000 (plus thousands in penalty assessments), 6-month license suspension, completion of a 3-month DUI program, up to 6 months in jail, and 3–5 years of probation. Penalties escalate sharply with repeat offenses or injury.
7
Right of Way & Turn Rules
At a California 4-way stop where two vehicles arrive simultaneously, who has the right of way?
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At a California 4-way stop where two vehicles arrive simultaneously, who has the right of way?
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At a 4-way stop, the first vehicle to fully stop has priority. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has right of way. If two vehicles face each other, the one going straight or turning right has priority over one turning left.
8
Parking, Stopping & Standing
In California, how close to a fire hydrant may you legally park?
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In California, how close to a fire hydrant may you legally park?
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California Vehicle Code §22514 prohibits parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant unless an attended vehicle. Fire departments need clear access for hose connections in emergencies. Violations result in parking tickets and possible towing, especially if the hydrant is needed.
9
Signs & Signals
What does this sign indicate?
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What does this sign indicate?
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A stop sign means you must come to a complete stop and proceed only when it is safe.
10
Signs & Signals
What does this sign indicate?
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What does this sign indicate?
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A yield sign means slow down, give the right-of-way when required, and stop if necessary.
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