California Right-of-Way Rules Test 2026

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

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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

California Right-of-Way Rules Test 2026

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