California DMV Test Questions & Answers – 100% FREE

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#1. The three-second rule is a way for you to estimate:

A safe following distance A. A safe following distance A passing gap B. A passing gap A stopping distance C. A stopping distance

The three-second rule helps you estimate how closely you should follow other vehicles. Count three seconds when the vehicle in front of you passes a certain point, such as a sign. If you pass the same point before you finish counting, you are following too closely.

#2. If you drive past this sign:

You cannot turn around A. You cannot turn around You are going against traffic B. You are going against traffic You must keep right C. You must keep right

You may see the wrong way sign if you enter a roadway against traffic.

#3. What does this sign mean?

Traffic signal ahead A. Traffic signal ahead Divided highway B. Divided highway Stop ahead C. Stop ahead

Traffic signal ahead.

#4. What improves safety when driving in a work zone?

Avoiding distractions A. Avoiding distractions Following other vehicles closely B. Following other vehicles closely Driving with parking lights on C. Driving with parking lights on

Expecting sudden slowing or stopping, watching for drivers changing lanes, and avoiding distractions.

#5. How far should you stop from the nearest track when a train is coming?

No more than 10 feet A. No more than 10 feet At least 15 feet B. At least 15 feet Between 5 and 15 feet C. Between 5 and 15 feet

When the crossing devices or a person warns you a train is coming, stop at least 15 feet from the nearest track.

#6. What are the primary sources of distracted driving?

Cell phones A. Cell phones Flashing lights B. Flashing lights Highway billboards C. Highway billboards

Cell phones are the primary source of distracted driving. Driving while using a handheld cell phone is unsafe and illegal.

#7. Traffic moving in opposite directions on a two-way road is separated by:

Red reflectors A. Red reflectors White lines B. White lines Yellow lines C. Yellow lines

Yellow lines separate traffic going in opposite directions.

#8. What is the purpose of the orange and red triangle on some vehicles?

It indicates a slow-moving vehicle A. It indicates a slow-moving vehicle It shows that the vehicle is carrying hazardous materials B. It shows that the vehicle is carrying hazardous materials It indicates a vulnerable road user C. It indicates a vulnerable road user

Slow-moving vehicles have an orange and red triangle on the back.

#9. Why should you not suddenly slow down or stop in front of a large vehicle?

You may be in the truck's blind spot A. You may be in the truck's blind spot It is a common courtesy B. It is a common courtesy The truck may not be able to stop fast enough C. The truck may not be able to stop fast enough

Do not move in front of a large vehicle and suddenly slow down or stop. The large vehicle will not be able to stop fast enough to avoid crashing into you.

#10. What should you do when exiting a highway?

Cross the solid lines A. Cross the solid lines Use proper signals and maintain a safe speed B. Use proper signals and maintain a safe speed Cross several lanes at once C. Cross several lanes at once

You should maintain a safe speed when exiting a highway and use proper signals without crossing solid lines. If you plan to change lanes, do so one at a time.

#11. What should you avoid if you start skidding on a slippery surface?

Using the brakes A. Using the brakes Steering in the direction of the skid B. Steering in the direction of the skid Taking your foot off the gas pedal C. Taking your foot off the gas pedal

If you start to skid, follow these steps:

#12. What is true about signaling at freeway speeds?

Signal at least five seconds before you change lanes A. Signal at least five seconds before you change lanes Start signaling when you move into another lane B. Start signaling when you move into another lane Signal at least ten seconds before you change lanes C. Signal at least ten seconds before you change lanes

Always signal at least five seconds before you change lanes on a freeway.

#13. If you have stopped on the shoulder after a car breakdown, it is usually safest to:

Walk along the freeway to get help A. Walk along the freeway to get help Stand behind your car and warn others B. Stand behind your car and warn others Remain in your car until help arrives C. Remain in your car until help arrives

In most cases, you should stay inside your vehicle with your seat belt on until help arrives. There are certain circumstances where it is safer to get out of your vehicle and stay away. These include situations where there is:

#14. If you cannot see more than 100 feet in front of your vehicle in heavy rain, you should:

Turn on cruise control A. Turn on cruise control Turn on your high-beam headlights B. Turn on your high-beam headlights Not drive faster than 30 mph C. Not drive faster than 30 mph

If you cannot see farther than 100 feet, driving faster than 30 mph is unsafe.

#15. What are some of the most common causes of collisions?

Driver distractions and unsafe speed A. Driver distractions and unsafe speed Safe speed and careful driving B. Safe speed and careful driving Vehicle maintenance and road conditions C. Vehicle maintenance and road conditions

The most common causes of collisions are:

#16. What happens if you fail to appear in court after a traffic citation?

The DMV may suspend your license A. The DMV may suspend your license The court will revoke your license B. The court will revoke your license You will be forced to attend a Traffic Violator School C. You will be forced to attend a Traffic Violator School

If you get a traffic ticket and fail to appear in court, the DMV may suspend your driving privilege until you appear.

#17. What should you do when making a right turn?

Drive in the center lane throughout the turn A. Drive in the center lane throughout the turn Swing wide into the left lane of traffic B. Swing wide into the left lane of traffic Begin and end the turn in the right lane C. Begin and end the turn in the right lane

Begin and end the right turn in the lane closest to the right edge of the road.

#18. In what situation is it acceptable to park on a crosswalk?

Only if the crosswalk is unmarked A. Only if the crosswalk is unmarked In no situation B. In no situation Only between sunset and sunrise C. Only between sunset and sunrise

Never park your car on a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

#19. After coming to a stop at this sign, you must:

Check traffic in all directions before proceeding A. Check traffic in all directions before proceeding Use your horn if traffic is blocking the intersection B. Use your horn if traffic is blocking the intersection Not proceed until a green light appears C. Not proceed until a green light appears

Make a full stop before entering the crosswalk or at the limit line. If there is no limit line or crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection. Check traffic in all directions before proceeding.

#20. What do California's DUI laws apply to?

Only drugs A. Only drugs Both alcohol and drugs B. Both alcohol and drugs Only alcohol C. Only alcohol

California’s DUI laws apply to both alcohol and drugs.

#21. What is a potential penalty for attempting to evade law enforcement?

Imprisonment in a county jail for one year or less A. Imprisonment in a county jail for one year or less Imprisonment in a state prison for up to seven years B. Imprisonment in a state prison for up to seven years Imprisonment in a state prison for up to ten years C. Imprisonment in a state prison for up to ten years

Using a motor vehicle to flee or attempt to evade law enforcement performing their duties is a misdemeanor. It is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for one year or less.

#22. You risk carbon monoxide poisoning if you:

Run an engine with your garage door closed A. Run an engine with your garage door closed Drive with windows partially open B. Drive with windows partially open Drive too fast for conditions C. Drive too fast for conditions

Never start your vehicle inside the garage with the door closed.

#23. Who should be given the right-of-way at a T-intersection with no signs or signals?

Traffic on the highway that ends at the T-intersection A. Traffic on the highway that ends at the T-intersection Traffic approaching from the right B. Traffic approaching from the right Traffic on the through highway C. Traffic on the through highway

At T-intersections without STOP or YIELD signs, vehicles going straight through the intersection have the right-of-way.

#24. If you encounter fog when driving, you should:

Avoid passing traffic unless absolutely necessary A. Avoid passing traffic unless absolutely necessary Turn on your emergency flashers B. Turn on your emergency flashers Turn on your high-beam headlights C. Turn on your high-beam headlights

If you must drive in heavy fog or smoke, avoid crossing lanes or passing traffic unless absolutely necessary.

#25. In extreme heat, you should:

Distract yourself A. Distract yourself Avoid driving at high speeds for long periods B. Avoid driving at high speeds for long periods Keep the air conditioner on at all times C. Keep the air conditioner on at all times

Avoid driving at high speeds for long periods. Turning off the air conditioner can help prevent overheating in extreme heat, and monitoring the temperature gauge is essential.

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California DMV Practice Tests in Spanish

California DMV Test Questions & Answers in Spanish at california-dmv-practice-test.org: Acerca del examen práctico del DMV de California .

California DMV MVProctor Online Test – Quick Facts

What You Should Know
Number of questions on exam: 40 – Original test
25 – Renewal test
Correct answers to pass: 32 – Original test
20 – Renewal test
Retest: New link with test results
2 attempts only

The new CA MVProctor test is a fully online, remotely proctored exam that replaces the written test you traditionally took in person at the DMV office.

You can take the CA MVProctor test on your computer

Can I Take the DMV MVProctor Online Test?

Applying for your first noncommercial CA DL
No a CA license or ID You qualify for online testing
Existing CA license or ID You must test at a DMV office
Renewing your noncommercial CA DL
No additions You qualify for online testing
Adding MC license You must test at a DMV office
Renewing your CA motorcycle license
No additions You qualify for online testing
Adding noncommercial CA DL You must test at a DMV office
70 or older You must test at a DMV office

You must start the application process by completing the online driver’s license application at CA DMV’s website.

Student taking practice tests

The Practice Tests

The best way to study for your permit or full driver’s license test is to use both the Driver Handbook and these permit practice and driver’s license test.

Ensure you have the latest version of the handbook and read it. Pay special attention to rules and laws that are specific for California .

Use the practice tests to verify what you have learned and whether you are ready. Take enough sample tests at Driver’s Prep to ensure you can reach the perfect score of 100%. This way, we can guarantee you will pass the official exam.

Each practice test at driversprep.com has 25 random questions based on the handbook and authentic questions from California DMV (dmv.ca.gov ). You will get instant feedback and a brief explanation if you miss a question.

Remember, the online MVProctor Test has 40 questions for new applicants (25 questions if you renew an existing license).

Who Must Take the California Written Knowledge Test

You must always take a knowledge, vision, and road test when applying for an original California driver’s license or upgrading to a different class of driver’s license.

DMV will usually waive the knowledge and road tests if you have a driver’s license from another state.

After a revocation, you must apply for a new license and re-take all necessary tests, including the knowledge test.

Holders of a driver’s license from a country other than Canada must also take all tests. California does not waive the knowledge test if you move to California from another country.

Computerized Tests with Touch Screens

Previously, you got the DMV knowledge test on paper.

Today, you generally have two options. You can take the test at DMV on a computer with a touch screen. Instead of marking the correct answer with an “X” on paper, you tap the correct answer on a screen. If you qualify, you can also take the MVProctor test from your home computer. Your computer or laptop must be internet-ready and have a webcam. You cannot use a tablet or mobile device.

The computer version of the DMV test has randomized questions, just like our practice tests, meaning no two tests are identical.

The MVProctor tests are available in 35 languages, among others:

Online computer tests speed up the exam process, but misreading and making a hasty decision is easy. So, take your time and read everything carefully.

Read more about studying for your exam: How to Ace the DMV test.

Some Questions are Always on the Test

Study the table in the section about Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits. There is always a question about this table on your test!

The table below shows BAC estimates based on gender, body weight, and how many drinks a person consumes. Remember, even one drink can impair your driving skills. Two drinks can make you legally intoxicated.

 We help you to pass your DMV exam

There will also be at least one question about the rights of pedestrians.

Do Not Cheat!

The use of any testing aids is strictly prohibited. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, the use of cell phones, cheat sheets, and the California Driver Handbook.

You will fail your exam if you use any aid during the written test (online or at a DMV office). The DMV may also act against your driving privilege or the driving privilege of anyone else who assists you in the examination process.

Make an Appointment?

When you are ready for your test, make an appointment online at www.dmv.ca.gov or call during regular business hours.

To make sure you have all the necessary documents for your permit application, you should follow the REAL-ID checklist online at dmv.ca.gov

You should have the following documents:

ONE identity document that shows full name and date of birth

You will typically bring the original or a certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate, a valid and unexpired U.S. passport or passport card, or your unexpired permanent resident card.

ONE original document that shows your name and Social Security Number

It is best to bring your social security card, but DMV also accepts a W-2 form or a pay stub with the whole SSN.

TWO Proofs of California Residency

You must provide two documents showing your first and last name and mailing address. Accepted verifications include rental agreements or mortgage bills, bank or credit card statements, tax returns, employment, or insurance documents.

A child may use a residency document in their parents’ name by presenting a tracing document (such as a birth certificate) showing the relationship.

Can I Take on Online Test from Home?

Yes. In 2022, CA DMV introduced an online driver’s license testing option, the MVProctor Test. You can take a remote exam or, in some cases, the eLearning course.

CA DMV offers the interactive eLearning course for Californians renewing their license. It is currently available only in English and is an option for those who prefer an alternative learning method.

Please note that this e-learning course is only available for Californians renewing their license.

After the California DMV Knowledge Test

If you pass the written knowledge test, California DMV issues a provisional permit (learner’s permit).

Once you have your permit, you may practice driving supervised by a parent, spouse, legal guardian, or certified driving instructor. You may also practice driving with any licensed California driver who is 25 years or older.

To learn more about California’s graduated driver’s license process, read this article: What is California Graduated Driver’s License ?

California Old DMV Knowledge Test

Number of questions on exam: 46 – if under 18 years
36 – if 18 years and older
25 – renewal test
Correct answers to pass: 36 – if under 18 years
30 – if 18 years and older
21 – renewal test
Passing score: 83 percent
Allotted time to complete test: No limit
Wait time before retest: 7 days – if under 18 years
One day – if 18 years and older

Learn More!

Work Zone Answers

Highway traffic

Safe Following Distance

Solid Double Yellow Line

Crossing Double Yellow Line

82 Comments

The test asks what BAC stands for and says the answer is Blood Alchohol ‘Content’, which is incorrect.

Blood Alcohol Content and Blood Alcohol Concentration (and sometimes blood alcohol level) are interchangeable. Some states prefer “Content,” and some “Concentration.” Since California DMV uses “Concentration” we will update the answer. Read more: What is Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) – How Does it Work?

On the ca driver test theres a question that ask if a police office wants to test you for drug use the use a breath test but there is not breath test for drugs in ca there is a sailva test but that not breath

True. In this test, there is, however, no specific question for testing the drug content in your system. Questions refer only to a DUI arrest. For determining BAC, blood and breath tests are available. For determining the drug content blood and urine tests are available. (23612)

My time was coming to renew my DL and I had my appointment today. I studied the DMV handbook and took their practice tests but those tests were not enough. The same questions such as same bat time same bat channel. I searched for DMV tests just a few days ago and found this. I took test after test until things sunk in and there were many questions I was unsure of. I passed my test first time! I missed 2. One I misread and the second one I was not sure of what they were asking but I know one thing your website helped me a lot! Thank you!

Happy to help. Keep safe out there!

Does the CA renewal test for seniors have pictures as yours do? They are very helpful to help answer questions. And am very anxious about taking my senior test.

Only when necessary (like when identifying signs). The same will soon apply to our practice test. We will remove most images in the new version. As a senior, you don’t need to worry about the retest; it is usually straightforward.

Juanita M Landry August 20, 2023
Cheryl Wendlandt August 7, 2023

One question I got that I cannot find the answer in the Handbook was. It was about Carbon Monoxide. It said to protect from Carbon Monoxide crack your window open a bit. Keep all your windows rolled up. And I don’t remember the third one. The book doesn’t say anything like this. It just says never start your vehicle inside the garage with the door closed. Please help I did not pass the first test.

Thank you for your comment. I appreciate it. That particular chapter in the handbook has changed. Previously it said: “You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by having the exhaust system checked regularly. Also, leave the window partially open when starting the engine, while driving the vehicle or when running the engine while parked. Never run the engine with your garage door closed.” But in the 2023 version, the line about the window is gone. Our California practice tests don’t have that question. Are you saying you got on your real exam?

The correct answer is Crack your window open. The handbook says to take car to tech. I got it correct because I pretended I was sitting in my car and this choice seemed logical to me.

Stephanie Frankel June 2, 2023

A small codicil, post coffee break, to the previous comment: On the ninth test, questions 2, 5, 15, and 18 were skipped on the site (though not on the review, so still learnable post testing process.) Question 12 was premarked with the wrong answer and could not be changed to the correct one. Hope this is of help to your programmers,

I am sorry for the inconvenience. Multiple questions were updated or removed earlier today, which may have caused the problem with skipped questions. On the practice test, it is not possible to change an answer or go back.

James R Roth August 24, 2023

I was a Calif.peace officer for 30 years and taught the AARP Smart Driver class for several years. I feel I understand the questions designed to produce safer drivers but many are not. A safe driver does not need to know the penalties, that is the job of the judges. Much of information in the handbook is not based on law, but only opinions like making a left turn in heavy traffic or opening a window to prevent CO poisoning. Better options might be go down to the next intersection and make three right turns if permitted and never sit in your running vehicle without proper ventilation. In studying I have found questions from previous handbooks that are not in the current. I can see why so many people who are safe and conscientious drivers are having problems with the DMV written.

Stephanie Frankel June 2, 2023

While very useful, this site is also frustrating. Am doing a marathon practice before renewal and find virtually every test of the eight so far have either skipped a question or two (attempts to go back or return simply start another test) and/or preselected a wrong answer that can not be changed. Have yet to receive a perfect score, though those “errors” were of the site. Still helpful, and will continue post this note, but perhaps your programmers should take note. (Since these questions are from DMV tests, the poor grammar is, albeit painfully, accepted.) Thanks for the help.

susan lopez May 18, 2023
I’M 83YRS OLD. Do i get a 5yr license?? Some practice test are$79.00 Do they really work.

Yes, you will generally get a five-year driver’s license. You can no longer renew online, as during the pandemic, you must visit a CA DMV office and apply in person, but you can start the process online. I think you should ask, are practice tests worth $79? In my opinion, no. For a renewal, you are fine with these free practice tests. They cover everything you need to know … and more. The knowledge test for license renewal is pretty straightforward.

Denver Kissinger April 17, 2023

5 years ago I took my first renewal test after reaching age 70. This was on paper, and it had 18 questions. A few days ago, I passed my updated renewal on the DMV computer. As a side note, most offices have done away with the old written tests. It is also of value to make people aware that the computer version for the senior renewal test now includes 25 questions and not 18, as was the case on the paper and pencil tests. I think it’s also important to let others know that most all of the practice tests that one finds presently online are basically copies of questions that mirror past information from the older tests, which bear little resemblance to the questions that currently show up on the DMV computer tests. Whereas the old tests basically dealt with driving situations, rules and safety, the current computer tests now include laws, fines and jail terms! I’m mentioning this because your site is one that mirrors very closely the questions one will find on the current DMV computer versions. As an example, on my recent test, a question asked what length of time a person would to spend in state prison after being convicted of manslaughter during a police pursuit! This question has never appeared on any past test I have ever taken.! Incidentally, the answer is 4 to 10 years. Thanks for the sample tests that echo, in form, content and verbiage what a driver will face when taking the current CA DMV on computer. Most other online tests seem sadly lacking in value. People should also take the time to study the DMV Handbook as well.

Connie Murphy May 8, 2023

My neighbor is 92 years old, a very sharp lady and an excellent driver. She recently took the written test for renewal, and they gave her a 50 questions test. I have found nothing that shows senior citizens take a test with that many questions, and you can only miss 3. Did they give her the wrong test? She is just beside herself, as she failed the test, and was so overwhelmed by so many questions. Does anyone have an answer regarding this? Thank you.

Which state? California is the one state that stands out with fewer questions for seniors. Other states may give the same test for all drivers.

Cheryl Wendlandt August 5, 2023

Thank you for your comment. Yesterday I took my renewal test since I passed 70. I had studied the book took the 4 DMV tests I found on the internet. I had to skip 2 and got 6 wrong. I was in shock at the questions I was given. Yours was one that I skipped because I had no idea how many years. I had another one about seconds for checking the areas while driving. My husband and I are going to study it together, but I have to take it before my birthday by next Sat. Not the usual test I am acquainted with and it said it had a time limit. Other people had easy tests. I was afraid to take the 2nd test. So I have two more to go. The lady said just take two tests if you fail and then go home and study the book again. I think that comment is very telling. I think this must have been the hardest test. Unfortunately, I got it.

This site helped me to prepare well. I have cleared the exam in first time. Thanks for supporting.

Can you elaborate the below question? Answer do not say to get down from the car.
Question: If your car stalls on railroad tracks and no train is coming:
Ans: Dial the emergency number posted at the railroad crossing.
Wrong Ans: Exit your vehicle and run down the tracks

This is a really helpful resource. I wish there was a way to know what questions I haven’t come across yet; I’m having bad luck not getting new questions out of the 20 plus times I’ve used this.