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California DMV General Practice Test

California DMV General Practice Test

Practice real handbook based questions for signs, traffic laws, speed rules, alcohol limits, and safe driving.

6Sections
175Questions
80%Pass Goal
CAHandbook

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DMV Test Practice California

Practice the California DMV Knowledge Test – Free, Section-by-Section

Ready to pass your California DMV knowledge test? Whether you’re a new California resident, an adult applying for your first license, or renewing an expired one — our free, section-based California DMV written test practice helps you study smarter, not harder.

Each set of questions is grouped by topic and follows the official CA DMV Class C knowledge test outline — helping you build confidence and master the real exam, step by step.


How It Works

Choose a section below to start practicing targeted questions.
No login. No sign-up. Just real, interactive DMV practice — always free.

Student taking California DMV permit practice test on laptop

Set 1 - General DMV Questions

A mixed set of entry-level California DMV test questions ideal for first-time learners.

1928

General DMV Questions

1 / 25

When changing lanes on a freeway, how long before the lane change should you signal?

2 / 25

What must an applicant generally provide when applying for an instruction permit or driver’s license?

3 / 25

During the first 12 months with a provisional license, a minor generally may not drive with passengers under what age unless properly accompanied?

4 / 25

What should you do when a traffic signal is not working?

5 / 25

What should you do before changing lanes?

6 / 25

If you move, when must you notify DMV of your new California address?

7 / 25

How many hours of supervised practice driving are required for a minor before getting a California driver’s license?

8 / 25

When must you dim high-beam headlights for an oncoming vehicle?

9 / 25

What must you bring on the day of a behind-the-wheel drive test?

10 / 25

Which license class do most noncommercial drivers need in California?

11 / 25

Beginning May 2025, when is a REAL ID-compliant license or ID needed?

12 / 25

During the first 12 months with a provisional license, when may a minor generally not drive?

13 / 25

What is prohibited during a California knowledge test?

14 / 25

If you are under 18, what is the minimum age to apply for a California instruction permit?

15 / 25

If you are under 18, how long must you generally hold an instruction permit before scheduling a behind-the-wheel drive test?

16 / 25

Is it legal to drive with an expired driver’s license?

17 / 25

Before getting an original California driver’s license, what tests are generally required?

18 / 25

When should you signal before making a turn?

19 / 25

What must you do if you are involved in a collision in California?

20 / 25

What does a solid red traffic signal mean?

21 / 25

What happens if the vehicle used for the drive test does not meet DMV safety requirements?

22 / 25

If windshield wipers are needed because of rain, fog, or snow, what must you also do?

23 / 25

What is one required step to apply for a Class C instruction permit?

24 / 25

How many attempts are allowed to pass the original California knowledge test before reapplying?

25 / 25

What does a California driver’s license allow you to do?

Set 2 – Fresh Question Bank

New question variations with a focus on situational awareness and updated traffic rules.

784

Fresh Question Bank

1 / 25

When may you drive in a bicycle lane?

2 / 25

How close to the curb should your vehicle be after parallel parking?

3 / 25

Before entering a center left turn lane, what should you remember?

4 / 25

What may happen if you are in a collision and do not have proper insurance coverage?

5 / 25

After stopping at a red light, when may you turn right?

6 / 25

When parking downhill next to a curb, which way should you turn your front wheels?

7 / 25

Where should you never make a U-turn?

8 / 25

How much space must a driver maintain when passing or driving near a bicyclist when possible?

9 / 25

What do broken white lane lines separate?

10 / 25

What does a single solid yellow line normally mark?

11 / 25

When may you make a U-turn at an intersection?

12 / 25

When making a right turn, where should you normally position your vehicle?

13 / 25

What should you do when you see double solid yellow lines?

14 / 25

When must a slow driver use a turnout area on a two-lane road?

15 / 25

When passing another vehicle on an open highway, what should you do before moving into the passing lane?

16 / 25

What does a red curb mean?

17 / 25

When are you allowed to pass on the right?

18 / 25

What are the minimum California insurance coverage amounts listed in the handbook?

19 / 25

What does a red arrow mean?

20 / 25

How far may you drive in a center left turn lane?

21 / 25

When merging onto a highway, what should you do?

22 / 25

What should a driver do during a law enforcement stop?

23 / 25

When turning left, why should your wheels stay pointed straight until it is safe to turn?

24 / 25

What do double solid white lines mean?

25 / 25

When exiting a highway, when should you signal?

Road Signs & Markings

Practice California road signs and pavement markings with image-based questions.

789

Road Signs & Markings

1 / 25

What do double solid white lines mean?

2 / 25

What does a red arrow signal mean?

3 / 25

What do bicycle lane markings indicate?

4 / 25

What does a WALK or walking person signal mean?

5 / 25

What does a flashing DON’T WALK or flashing raised hand mean?

6 / 25

What should you do if a traffic light is not working?

7 / 25

What does a single solid white line mark?

8 / 25

What does a blue curb or blue parking marking indicate?

9 / 25

What does a red YIELD sign mean?

10 / 25

What does a solid red traffic light mean?

11 / 25

What do double solid yellow lines generally mean?

12 / 25

What does a white curb mean?

13 / 25

What do broken white lines separate?

14 / 25

What do large broken lines on a freeway or street lane usually indicate?

15 / 25

What does a broken yellow line next to your lane mean?

16 / 25

What does a flashing red traffic signal mean?

17 / 25

What does a diamond symbol in a lane usually indicate?

18 / 25

What does a red curb mean in California?

19 / 25

What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean?

20 / 25

What does a single solid yellow line mark?

21 / 25

What does a green arrow mean?

22 / 25

What does a solid yellow traffic light mean?

23 / 25

What does a STOP sign require drivers to do?

24 / 25

What does a flashing yellow arrow mean?

25 / 25

What is a yield line?

Traffic Laws & Safety Rules

Covers fines, points, child safety seats, mobile phone use, and accident protocol.

436

Traffic Laws & Safety Rules ​

1 / 25

A child under 2 years old, under 40 pounds, and under 3 feet 4 inches tall must usually ride how?

2 / 25

What should drivers do near a school sign or school area?

3 / 25

How close may you legally follow an emergency vehicle with siren or flashing lights on?

4 / 25

What is required for drivers and passengers regarding seat belts?

5 / 25

What should you do when approaching an emergency vehicle using a siren and red lights?

6 / 25

At an uncontrolled intersection, who generally has the right-of-way if two vehicles arrive at the same time?

7 / 25

Even with a green light, when should you avoid entering an intersection?

8 / 25

When turning left, what must you do before turning?

9 / 25

Children under 8 years old or under 4 feet 9 inches tall must generally be secured where?

10 / 25

What is the speed limit in an alley in California?

11 / 25

When must a collision be reported to DMV within 10 days?

12 / 25

What does “yield” mean in traffic situations?

13 / 25

How should the lap belt be worn?

14 / 25

If you are in an intersection when an emergency vehicle approaches, what should you do?

15 / 25

What must you do if you are involved in a collision?

16 / 25

What should you do if there is not enough room to completely cross railroad tracks?

17 / 25

What should you never do when sharing a lane with a motorcycle?

18 / 25

How far from the nearest railroad track should you stop when warned that a train is coming?

19 / 25

What is the usual speed limit in a business or residential district unless otherwise posted?

20 / 25

What is the speed limit at a blind intersection in California?

21 / 25

When sharing the road with motorcycles, what following distance should you allow when possible?

22 / 25

At a T-intersection without STOP or YIELD signs, who has the right-of-way?

23 / 25

When turning right, what should you always check for?

24 / 25

When approaching a railroad crossing with flashing red lights, what must you do?

25 / 25

What should you do when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights?

Fines & Point System

Everything you need to know about penalties, license suspensions, and citations.

395

Fines & Point System​

1 / 25

What may happen if you are in a collision and do not have proper insurance coverage?

2 / 25

What can DMV do if a physical or mental condition presents an immediate threat to public safety?

3 / 25

What is the penalty risk for failing to stop after a collision?

4 / 25

What is illegal regarding alcohol or cannabis while driving or riding as a passenger?

5 / 25

When must a collision involving injury or death be reported to law enforcement?

6 / 25

What BAC limit applies when driving a passenger for hire?

7 / 25

What BAC is illegal for a driver age 21 or older in California?

8 / 25

What can happen if you or your passengers do not wear seat belts?

9 / 25

Can a driver be arrested for DUI even if their BAC is below the legal limit?

10 / 25

What BAC limit applies to a driver operating a vehicle that requires a commercial driver’s license?

11 / 25

If a driver under 21 has a PAS result of 0.05% or higher, what may the officer require?

12 / 25

Is it legal to keep an open container of alcohol in the glove box?

13 / 25

If a driver under 21 is convicted of DUI with a BAC of 0.01% or higher, what may DMV do?

14 / 25

If a minor is caught with alcohol in a vehicle, what may the court do to the driver’s license?

15 / 25

If your vehicle hits parked property and you cannot find the owner, what must you do?

16 / 25

What can happen if you refuse a blood or urine test when an officer suspects DUI?

17 / 25

What BAC is illegal for a driver on DUI probation?

18 / 25

If a later test shows a BAC of 0.05% or higher for a driver under 21, what may happen?

19 / 25

What BAC is illegal for a driver under 21 years old?

20 / 25

Where must an open alcohol or cannabis container be kept in a vehicle?

21 / 25

During the last three years of an insurance-related suspension, how may a driver get the license back?

22 / 25

If a minor is caught with alcohol in a vehicle, what may law enforcement do to the vehicle?

23 / 25

If a minor without a driver’s license is caught with alcohol in a vehicle, what may happen?

24 / 25

If a person age 13 to 20 is convicted of operating a bicycle under the influence, what may happen later?

25 / 25

What is the rule for minors using a cell phone or wireless device while driving?

Full California DMV Mock Test (46 Questions)

Simulate the real DMV exam. Randomized 46 questions to test your readiness.

466

Full California DMV Mock Test (46 Questions)​

1 / 46

What should you do when approaching a STOP sign?

2 / 46

If you fail the California knowledge test, how many attempts are allowed before you must reapply?

3 / 46

What can happen if a driver has too many negligent operator points?

4 / 46

What should you do when a traffic signal is not working?

5 / 46

What should you do if you miss your turn at an intersection?

6 / 46

What does a YIELD sign mean?

7 / 46

For a driver under 21 years old, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of what level or higher?

8 / 46

How close may you follow an emergency vehicle using a siren or flashing lights?

9 / 46

What does a flashing red traffic signal mean?

10 / 46

What should you do during a law enforcement traffic stop?

11 / 46

What should you do if an oncoming vehicle has its high beams on?

12 / 46

When making a left turn, where should you generally begin the turn?

13 / 46

When driving in a center left turn lane, what is the maximum distance you may travel before turning?

14 / 46

When preparing to change lanes, what should you do after signaling and checking your mirrors?

15 / 46

What should you do before backing up in a straight line?

16 / 46

What is the speed limit in an alley?

17 / 46

What should you do at a railroad crossing if warning lights are flashing?

18 / 46

What distance should you maintain when passing or driving near a bicyclist when possible?

19 / 46

What should you do when an emergency vehicle with siren and red lights approaches from behind?

20 / 46

What should you do if your windshield wipers are needed because of rain, fog, or snow?

21 / 46

What is the purpose of financial responsibility laws?

22 / 46

When may you turn left on a red light in California?

23 / 46

When approaching a school area where children are present, what should you do?

24 / 46

What is the usual speed limit in a residential or business district unless otherwise posted?

25 / 46

What does a yellow curb mean?

26 / 46

Why should you never stop on railroad tracks?

27 / 46

What should you do if you are involved in a collision?

28 / 46

What documents must a stopped driver produce when requested by law enforcement?

29 / 46

When must you dim your high-beam headlights for an oncoming vehicle?

30 / 46

What is the safest rule for following another vehicle?

31 / 46

When making a right turn, when should you begin signaling?

32 / 46

What must you do before turning right on a red light?

33 / 46

What does a red curb mean?

34 / 46

When following another vehicle at night, when must you dim your high-beam headlights?

35 / 46

After parallel parking, your vehicle should be within how many inches of the curb?

36 / 46

What does a green curb mean?

37 / 46

A collision must be reported to DMV within 10 days if anyone is injured or killed, or if property damage is more than what amount?

38 / 46

What does a broken yellow line next to your lane mean?

39 / 46

When applying for an original California driver’s license, which test must you pass to show you understand traffic laws and road signs?

40 / 46

Where is a U-turn never allowed?

41 / 46

When parking downhill next to a curb, which direction should you turn your wheels?

42 / 46

What does a white curb mean?

43 / 46

For a driver age 21 or older, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of what level or higher?

44 / 46

What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

45 / 46

At an uncontrolled intersection, if two vehicles arrive at the same time, who should yield?

46 / 46

When may you drive in a bicycle lane?

Study Pack

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DMV Test Practice California

What You’ll Learn

 

  • California traffic signs, lane markings, and speed limits

  • Defensive driving techniques and accident prevention

  • DUI laws, license suspensions, and California’s point system

  • Situational questions from the real California Class C knowledge test

  • Verified DMV-style questions with instant feedback and detailed explanations

DMV Test Practice California

Practice with Purpose

Use each section like your personal California DMV written test study guide.
Take one quiz per day or review sections anytime. Unlimited retakes, completely free.

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Pro Tip: Bookmark this page and check back often. New questions are added regularly and match the latest California DMV knowledge test format.

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