California DMV Practice Test 2026 | Official Format (83% Pass) - DMVPrepHub

Q: How many questions are on the California DMV permit test in 2026?

The California DMV knowledge test for an instruction permit contains 46 questions for applicants under 18 (minors) and 36 questions for adults. You must score at least 83% to pass (missing no more than 8 questions on the 46-question test, or 6 on the 36-question test).

Q: What happens if you fail the DMV permit test in California?

You must wait 7 business days before retaking the exam if you are under 18. Each application fee covers three testing attempts within 12 months before a new application and fee are required (CVC §12814).

Q: What is California's Move Over Law (CVC §21809)?

Under California Vehicle Code §21809, drivers approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck, or Caltrans highway maintenance vehicle displaying flashing amber warning lights must change lanes into an available adjacent lane or slow to a safe and prudent speed.

Q: What is the legal BAC limit in California?

Under CVC §23152, it is illegal for drivers 21 and older to operate a motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.01% for drivers under 21 under California's Zero Tolerance law.

Q: What vision test score is required by the California DMV?

Under CVC §12805, the California DMV requires 20/40 visual acuity with both eyes tested together (or 20/40 in one eye and at least 20/70 in the other). If you need eyeglasses or contact lenses to meet this standard, your driver license will include Restriction 01 (Corrective Lenses required).

Q: What causes an automatic fail on the California behind-the-wheel test?

Critical driving errors causing immediate failure include: any intervention by the examiner to prevent an accident, striking a curb, object, or pedestrian, disobeying a stop sign or red light, speeding 10+ mph over the limit, or making an unsafe lane change without looking.

Question 1

In California, what is the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for a driver 21 years of age or older operating a standard non-commercial passenger vehicle?

Accepted Answer

0.08% or higher

Answer

0.05% or higher

Answer

0.10% or higher

Answer

0.02% or higher

Question 2

Under California's Zero Tolerance Law, a driver under the age of 21 may not operate a motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of:

Accepted Answer

0.01% or higher

Answer

0.08% or higher

Answer

0.05% or higher

Answer

0.02% or higher

Question 3

What is the maximum legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) permitted for a commercial vehicle operator in California?

Accepted Answer

0.04%

Answer

0.00%

Answer

0.02%

Answer

0.08%

Question 4

Under California's Implied Consent Law (CVC §23612), when you drive in California, you are deemed to have given consent to:

Accepted Answer

A chemical test of your breath, blood, or urine if lawfully arrested for DUI

Answer

A vehicle search at any routine traffic stop

Answer

A mandatory polygraph test regarding drug use

Answer

A search of your mobile phone call records

Question 5

Under CVC §23222, where may an open or unsealed container of an alcoholic beverage be lawfully transported in a passenger car in California?

Accepted Answer

Only in the vehicle's trunk, or in an area not normally occupied by passengers if there is no trunk

Answer

In the glove compartment if it is locked

Answer

Under the front passenger seat out of sight

Answer

Anywhere inside the vehicle as long as the driver has not consumed any alcohol

Question 6

If a driver under 21 years old is caught transporting closed, unopened alcoholic beverages inside their vehicle without a parent or legal guardian present, what is the consequence in California?

Accepted Answer

The vehicle may be impounded for up to 30 days, a fine up to $1,000, and a 1-year driver license suspension

Answer

A verbal warning if the containers are sealed in original packaging

Answer

No penalty as long as the driver's BAC is 0.00%

Answer

The beverages are confiscated with no license impact

Question 7

When entering a multi-lane roundabout in California, who has the right-of-way?

Accepted Answer

Traffic already circulating inside the roundabout has the right-of-way

Answer

Vehicles entering the roundabout have the right-of-way over circulating traffic

Answer

The largest vehicle entering always takes precedence

Answer

Vehicles entering from the northern and eastern approaches

Question 8

Under California's 'Move Over' law (CVC §21809), what must you do when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle or tow truck displaying flashing emergency or amber warning lights on a multi-lane freeway?

Accepted Answer

Vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle if safe, or slow down to a reasonable and prudent speed

Answer

Maintain your speed and honk to alert emergency workers

Answer

Come to a complete stop in your lane until emergency personnel wave you through

Answer

Turn on your hazard lights and accelerate past the scene immediately

Question 9

In California, which of the following vehicles may legally use a designated High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) / Carpool lane marked with a diamond symbol?

Accepted Answer

Vehicles carrying the posted minimum number of occupants, eligible clean air vehicles with valid DMV decals, and motorcycles

Answer

Any vehicle during heavy congestion if the driver needs to exit within 1 mile

Answer

Solo passenger vehicles as long as they maintain a speed of at least 65 mph

Answer

Commercial trucks carrying perishable goods regardless of passenger count

Question 10

Under the California Three Feet for Safety Act (CVC §21760), how much space must a motorist give when passing a bicycle traveling in the same direction?

Accepted Answer

At least 3 feet between any part of the motor vehicle and the bicycle

Answer

At least 2 feet

Answer

At least 5 feet

Answer

There is no minimum distance as long as the motorist honks

Question 11

When you hear a siren or see a flashing red light of an approaching emergency vehicle in California, you must:

Accepted Answer

Yield right-of-way by immediately driving to the right edge or curb of the road and stopping until the vehicle has passed

Answer

Speed up to clear the intersection immediately

Answer

Stop immediately wherever your vehicle is located, even in the middle of an intersection

Answer

Move into the left-hand carpool lane

Question 12

When a school bus is stopped ahead on your side of the road with its flashing red lights and stop signal arm extended, what are you required to do?

Accepted Answer

Stop completely and remain stopped as long as the red lights are flashing

Answer

Slow down to 10 mph and pass with caution

Answer

Honk your horn before driving past the bus

Answer

Stop only if children are visibly walking across your lane

Question 13

Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit in a California school zone when children are present outside or crossing the street?

Accepted Answer

25 mph

Answer

15 mph

Answer

20 mph

Answer

30 mph

Question 14

In California, what is the prima facie speed limit at a blind intersection where you cannot see for 100 feet in either direction during the last 100 feet before crossing?

Accepted Answer

15 mph

Answer

10 mph

Answer

20 mph

Answer

25 mph

Question 15

California's 'Basic Speed Law' (CVC §22350) means that:

Accepted Answer

You may never drive faster than is safe for current road, weather, and traffic conditions

Answer

You must always drive at the exact posted maximum speed limit

Answer

You can drive 10 mph over the limit if following traffic

Answer

The minimum speed on any freeway is always 55 mph

Question 16

According to California law, how close may you legally park to a fire hydrant?

Accepted Answer

No closer than 15 feet

Answer

No closer than 10 feet

Answer

No closer than 20 feet

Answer

No closer than 25 feet

Question 17

When parallel parking on a level street in California, the vehicle's wheels must be parallel to and within what distance from the curb?

Accepted Answer

Within 18 inches

Answer

Within 12 inches

Answer

Within 24 inches

Answer

Within 6 inches

Question 18

In California, what does a curb painted WHITE mean?

Accepted Answer

Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers or mail

Answer

Loading and unloading of freight and commercial goods only

Answer

Parking reserved exclusively for disabled individuals with placards

Answer

Parking permitted for up to 20 minutes

Question 19

What does California law state regarding handheld wireless telephone and mobile device usage while driving for adult drivers (21+)?

Accepted Answer

Holding and using a handheld wireless telephone is illegal; it may only be used hands-free if mounted on the windshield, dashboard, or center console

Answer

Drivers may hold a phone only when stopped at a red light

Answer

Handheld phone calls are permitted if the conversation lasts under two minutes

Answer

Drivers may text if using voice-to-text dictation while holding the phone

Question 20

Under California law, what cell phone usage is permitted for drivers under the age of 18 while operating a vehicle?

Accepted Answer

No wireless telephone use is permitted, whether handheld or hands-free, except in an emergency

Answer

Hands-free Bluetooth devices and speakerphones are permitted

Answer

Hands-free devices are permitted only between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM

Answer

Headphones with one earbud inserted are legally permitted

Question 21

In California, you must file a Traffic Accident Report (Form SR-1) with the DMV within 10 days if someone was injured, killed, or if property damage exceeds:

Accepted Answer

$1,000

Answer

$500

Answer

$750

Answer

$2,500

Question 22

Under California Vehicle Code §24400, when must you turn on your low-beam headlights during daytime inclement weather?

Accepted Answer

Whenever your windshield wipers are in continuous operation due to rain, mist, or snow

Answer

Only when visibility drops below 200 feet

Answer

Only when driving on an interstate highway

Answer

Turning on parking lights alone is legally sufficient in rain

Question 23

What does a flashing yellow traffic signal light at an intersection mean in California?

Accepted Answer

Proceed with caution after slowing down

Answer

Stop completely and proceed when safe, identical to a stop sign

Answer

The signal is broken; you must wait for a police officer

Answer

Accelerate before the light turns into a flashing red

Question 24

In California, how must you treat a flashing red traffic signal light?

Accepted Answer

Treat it exactly as a STOP sign: come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians and traffic, then proceed when safe

Answer

Slow down and proceed without stopping if the cross street is clear

Answer

Make only right turns; straight travel is prohibited

Answer

Wait until the light changes to solid green

Question 25

What does a solid illuminated RED ARROW signal light mean in California?

Accepted Answer

You must stop completely and remain stopped; no turning is permitted in the direction of the arrow until a green signal appears

Answer

You may turn in the direction of the arrow after coming to a full stop and yielding

Answer

You may proceed if oncoming traffic has yielded

Answer

Turn right only if pedestrian signals are inactive

Question 26

What is the minimum visual acuity standard required by the California DMV to pass the standard driver license vision screening without an eye specialist report?

Accepted Answer

20/40 in both eyes combined (or 20/40 in one eye and at least 20/70 in the other)

Answer

20/20 in each eye separately

Answer

20/60 in both eyes combined

Answer

20/30 in the dominant eye only

Question 27

During the California DMV behind-the-wheel Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE), which of the following results in an immediate automatic disqualification (critical driving error)?

Accepted Answer

Intervention by the examiner to avoid a hazard or collision, or disobeying a traffic light or stop sign

Answer

Taking more than 3 seconds to complete a parallel parking maneuver

Answer

Driving 3 mph below the posted speed limit in light traffic

Answer

Adjusting rearview mirrors while at a complete stop

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