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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 (83%). Practice with this sample test to get ready for the official CA DMV practice permit test.
1.
To make a right turn onto a two-way street from a two-way street, start in the right-hand lane and end in:
any lane that is available.
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the left lane.
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the lane closest to the curb.
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2.
Pedestrians crossing at corners have the right-of-way:
only when a crosswalk is painted on the street.
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whether or not a crosswalk is marked.
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only at open intersections.
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3.
All of the following are dangerous while driving. Which is also illegal:
Having one or more interior lights on.
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Wearing a headset that covers both ears.
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Using cruise control on residential streets.
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4.
When you see a NEV ROUTE sign, you should watch out for:
a Nevada law enforcement officer.
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slow-moving vehicles in the roadway.
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animal-drawn vehicles.
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5.
Who must wear seat belts?
The driver and all passengers under the age of 21.
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The driver and all passengers 8 years of age or older, or children who are 4 feet 9 inches tall or taller.
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The driver and front seat passengers.
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6.
The traffic light is green and you want to drive straight through an intersection. If a car is already in the intersection and is making a turn, you must:
enter the intersection and then stop.
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drive through the intersection. You have the right-of-way.
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let that car complete its turn before you enter the intersection.
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7.
You want to make a right turn at an upcoming intersection. You should slow down and:
avoid driving in the bicycle lane.
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move toward the left side of your lane.
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signal for 100 feet before turning.
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8.
It is a very windy day. You are driving and a dust storm blows across the freeway reducing your visibility. You should drive slower and turn on your:
Interior lights.
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Headlights.
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Parking lights.
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9.
At intersections without ‘Stop’ or ‘Yield’ signs, you must:
yield to the vehicle or bicycle that arrives first.
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treat the intersection as if it was a roundabout.
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yield to the vehicle on your left if it reaches the intersection at the same time as you.
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10.
Which of these statements about drugs and traffic is true?
Even over-the-counter drugs can impair your driving.
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Any prescription drug is safe to use if you don’t feel drowsy.
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Only illegal drugs can impair your driving.
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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!
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.