Guides / California DMV practice test 2026 (free, with handbook answers)
California DMV practice test 2026 (free, with handbook answers)
30 free practice questions for the California DMV knowledge (permit) test, written from the official California Driver's Handbook. Tap an answer to see if you got it right, why, and the exact handbook section to read. No sign-up, no ads.
Not affiliated with the California DMV. Questions are our own wording, based on the handbook on dmv.ca.gov (checked November 1, 2026). Always study the current official handbook.
California DMV practice test: 30 questions
1. Unless a sign says otherwise, what is the speed limit in a business or residential district?
Answer: 25 mph. The limit in business and residential districts is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 (continued): speed limits, school buses, emergency vehicles
2. You are within 500 feet of a school and children are outside. What is the speed limit unless posted otherwise?
Answer: 25 mph. Near schools the limit is 25 mph while children are outside or crossing. Some school zones are posted as low as 15 mph. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 (continued): speed limits, school buses, emergency vehicles
3. What is the speed limit at a blind intersection (no stop signs at any corner and your view is blocked)?
Answer: 15 mph. The limit for a blind intersection is 15 mph. If your view is blocked, move forward slowly until you can see. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 (continued): speed limits, school buses, emergency vehicles
4. What is the speed limit in an alley?
Answer: 15 mph. Alleys (roads no wider than 25 feet used for rear or side entrances) have a 15 mph limit. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 (continued): speed limits, school buses, emergency vehicles
5. Within 100 feet of a railroad crossing where you can't see the tracks for 400 feet in both directions, the limit is:
Answer: 15 mph. The limit is 15 mph unless the crossing has gates, a warning signal or a flagman. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 (continued): speed limits, school buses, emergency vehicles
6. A train is coming. How far from the nearest track must you stop?
Answer: At least 15 feet. Stop at least 15 feet from the nearest track when a train is coming or a signal or person warns you. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 (continued): speed limits, school buses, emergency vehicles
7. Unless posted otherwise, what is the maximum speed on a two-lane undivided highway?
Answer: 55 mph. The maximum is 55 mph on a two-lane undivided highway and for vehicles towing trailers. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8 (continued): speed and hazards
8. On a wet road, the handbook says you should reduce your speed by about:
Answer: 5 to 10 mph. Slow down 5 to 10 mph on a wet road, by half on packed snow, and to no more than 5 mph on ice. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8: Safe Driving
9. You are passing a bicyclist without changing lanes. How much space must you leave?
Answer: At least 3 feet. Give at least three feet. If you can't, don't pass until it is safe. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 (continued): speed limits, school buses, emergency vehicles
10. Which rule does the handbook give for a safe following distance?
Answer: The three-second rule. Use the three-second rule: pick a fixed point and count three seconds after the car ahead passes it. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8: Safe Driving
11. How far ahead should you scan the road while driving?
Answer: At least 10 seconds. Look at least 10 seconds ahead so you can spot hazards early. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8: Safe Driving
12. How far before a turn should you signal?
Answer: At least 100 feet. Signal at least 100 feet before you turn. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 5: An Introduction to Driving
13. On a freeway, how long should you signal before changing lanes?
Answer: At least 5 seconds. Signal at least five seconds before you change lanes on a freeway. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 5: An Introduction to Driving
14. When must your headlights be on?
Answer: From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. Headlights go on from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and whenever you can't see 1,000 feet ahead. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 5: An Introduction to Driving
15. You must dim your high beams for an oncoming vehicle within:
Answer: 500 feet. Dim to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 5: An Introduction to Driving
16. Is it legal to wear earbuds or a headset in both ears while driving?
Answer: No. It is illegal to wear a headset or earplugs in both ears while driving. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 5: An Introduction to Driving
17. How close to a fire hydrant may you park?
Answer: No closer than 15 feet. Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or a fire station driveway. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6 (continued): parking and curbs
18. What does a red painted curb mean?
Answer: No stopping, standing or parking. Red means no stopping, standing or parking. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6 (continued): parking and curbs
19. What does a white painted curb mean?
Answer: Stop only to pick up or drop off passengers. White means you may stop only to pick up or drop off passengers (or mail). Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6 (continued): parking and curbs
20. What does a green painted curb mean?
Answer: Limited-time parking. Green means parking for a limited time; the time is posted or painted on the curb. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6 (continued): parking and curbs
21. Two cars reach a four-way stop at the same time. Who goes first?
Answer: The car on the right. The first car to arrive goes first. If you arrive at the same time, yield to the vehicle on your right. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road
22. The traffic lights at an intersection are not working. What should you do?
Answer: Treat it as a four-way stop. Stop as if the intersection had STOP signs in all directions. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road
23. What does a flashing red traffic light mean?
Answer: Stop, then go when it is safe. A flashing red light means STOP. After stopping, you may go when it is safe. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road
24. On a steep, narrow mountain road where neither vehicle can pass, who has the right-of-way?
Answer: The vehicle facing uphill. The vehicle facing uphill has the right-of-way; the downhill vehicle backs up until the uphill vehicle can pass. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road
25. A school bus ahead has flashing red lights. What must you do?
Answer: Stop, from either direction, until the lights stop. You must stop from either direction while the red lights flash. Fines can be up to $1,000 and your license can be suspended for a year. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 (continued): speed limits, school buses, emergency vehicles
26. How close may you follow an emergency vehicle that has its siren or lights on?
Answer: No closer than 300 feet. It is against the law to follow within 300 feet of an emergency vehicle with its siren or lights on. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 (continued): speed limits, school buses, emergency vehicles
27. It is illegal for a driver under 21 to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of:
Answer: 0.01% or higher. Under 21 the limit is 0.01%. For drivers 21 and older it is 0.08%. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs
28. With a provisional license, during the first 12 months you may not drive between:
Answer: 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.. You can't drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first 12 months, with some exceptions such as work or school. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 2: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License
29. To get a license under 18, how many hours of supervised practice do you need?
Answer: 50 hours, 10 at night. You need at least 50 hours of practice with a licensed driver 25 or older, and 10 of those hours must be at night. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 2: Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver's License
30. How many attempts do you get to pass the knowledge test before you must reapply?
Answer: Three. You have three attempts. Minors must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test. Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 3: The Testing Process
Get the full California practice app when it launches
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How the California knowledge test works
- It is a multiple-choice test. You can't use the handbook, a phone or other aids during the test.
- You get three attempts before you must reapply. If you are under 18, you must wait seven days before retaking a failed test.
- Under 18 you must be at least 15½, have finished driver education and have a parent or guardian sign the application.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 3: The Testing Process and Section 2.
The numbers people mix up most
- 15 mph: blind intersections, alleys, and near railroad crossings you can't see clearly.
- 25 mph: residential and business districts, and school zones while children are outside.
- 100 feet: signal before a turn; no passing within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel or railroad crossing.
- 300 feet: don't follow an emergency vehicle closer than this; dim high beams when following a car.
- 500 feet: dim high beams for oncoming traffic.
- 15 feet: from a fire hydrant (parking) and from the nearest rail when a train is coming.
Practice for other states
Texas driver license practice test · Florida driver license practice test
Frequently asked questions
How many times can I take the California knowledge test?
You get three attempts before you must reapply. If you are under 18, you must wait seven days before you retake a failed test.
Are these the real DMV questions?
No. They are our own questions written from the official California Driver's Handbook, and each answer links to the section it comes from. Study the current handbook as well.
What speed limits are on the California permit test?
Common ones: 25 mph in residential and business districts and school zones, 15 mph at blind intersections, in alleys and near railroad crossings you can't see clearly, and 55 mph on two-lane undivided highways.
What is the legal BAC limit in California?
0.08% for drivers 21 and older and 0.01% for drivers under 21.