CALIFORNIA DMV PRACTICE TEST
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California residents who drive on public roads and highways must have a California driver license. When you apply for a California license, you must present acceptable document(s) establishing your identity, residency, birthdate, and provide your social security number, if eligible. Examinations include a vision test, a knowledge test, and a driving test, if required. The CA DMV written test covers information found in the California Driver Handbook, including road rules, safe driving practices, and signs questions. The DMV knowledge test consists of 36 questions and you'll need 30 correct answers to pass (80%). Practice with this sample test to get ready for the official CA DMV practice permit test.
1.
Left lanes on some interstate roads are reserved for:
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Carpool vehicles.
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Vans.
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Large trucks.
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2.
Backing your vehicle is:
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A maneuver that requires full attention.
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A maneuver only permitted in driveways or to exit a parking lot.
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A maneuver for which you should rely on your rear-view mirror.
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3.
A pedestrian starts to cross in front of your vehicle. You should:
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Sound your horn and proceed with caution.
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Stop until the person is out of the crosswalk.
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Slow down.
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4.
If a driver's left arm and hand are extended downward, it means the driver plans to:
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Turn left.
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Stop.
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Turn right.
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5.
By law, headlights must be turned on:
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30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.
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30 minutes before sunset until 30 minutes after sunrise.
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One hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise.
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6.
"No zones" are areas around trucks where cars:
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Can't park.
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May not pass the truck.
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Aren't visible to the truck driver.
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7.
When driving behind a motorcycle, drivers must:
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Drive on the shoulder beside the motorcycle.
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Share the lane with the motorcycle.
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Remembers that motorcyclists have the right to use a complete traffic lane.
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8.
This road sign means:
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Steep downgrade ahead.
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Do not pass trucks.
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Trucks must back up.
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9.
A school bus has stopped ahead on your side of the road and is flashing its red lights. What should you do?
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Stop first, then proceed when you think it is safe.
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Stop until all the children have crossed your lane.
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Stop as long as the red lights flash.
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Frequently Asked Questions
In California, the minimum age to apply for a DMV test is 15½ years old. If you are at least 17½ years old, you have the option to obtain a permit without completing driver training. When you turn 16, you can obtain a minor's driver license, and the provisional aspect of your class C driver's license comes to an end when you reach 18.
You can schedule an appointment through the official California DMV website to take the DMV written test in person. Alternatively, you can take the exam online during specific hours. You can select this option after filling out your application. If you are under 18, parental or guardian permission is necessary before taking the test. Additionally, this test requires a webcam and cannot be completed on a smartphone/tablet.
You'll need to bring specific documents:
- Application Form. You can fill out this form online or choose the paper version available at any California DMV office. If you're under 18, ensure that your parents/guardians sign the application.
- Proof of identity.
- Full name document.
- Two proofs of residency.
- Social Security Number (SSN).
- If you are under 18, you must also have a Certificate of Completion/Enrollment of Driver Education.
The online version of the DMV written test in California is offered in 35 languages. Although language options are provided, it is advisable to have a basic understanding of English since road signs are always in English.
The DMV written test covers various topics, such as road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. Studying the official California Driver’s Handbook is the first step to pass the exam because it contains all of this information. Once you've read it, you can take our free practice tests to test your preparation!
The number of questions on the DMV written test in California varies depending on your age. If you are 18 or over, the exam will include 36 questions, while if you are younger than 18, it will consist of 46 questions. The test format includes multiple-choice questions.
For new drivers in California, there are specific restrictions based on their age and licensing stage. With an instruction permit, you can drive accompanied by a licensed California aged at least 18 (or 25 for minors). After obtaining a provisional license, driving alone is permitted if there are no collisions or traffic violations on your record. In the first 12 months:
- Driving alone is prohibited between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., except for medical emergencies, school or employment activities, or when accompanied by a family member. A written note is required.
- Transporting passengers under 20 years old is not allowed, except when accompanied by a California-licensed parent or guardian, a driver aged 25 or older, or a certified driving instructor.
- Until you turn 18, the use of a cell phone or electronic wireless device is forbidden, except in emergencies when you need to contact law enforcement or the hospital.
At 18, the restrictions end and you may request a duplicate DL without the term "provisional", after paying a fee.
The driver’s license application remains valid for 12 months. Since you are required to hold the permit for 6 months before taking the road test, if your application expires, you must reapply at a DMV office. The time spent with the instruction permit counts towards the six-month requirement. Bring both the expired and current permits on the day of the driving test to demonstrate the accumulated credit.
If you do not pass your written test, you must wait for 7 days, excluding the day you failed the test, before retaking it. You are allowed three attempts to pass the exam. However, if you fail it three times, your application will no longer be valid, and you must start the application process again.