California Permit Practice Test 1
36 questions, the same length as the DMV test. You need 30 correct to pass. Pick an answer to see whether you are right and why.
Questions from the California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), last checked November 1, 2026. Your progress is saved on this device.
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Question 1 of 36 · Right of way
You are in a roundabout and realize you have passed the exit you wanted. What is the correct action?
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Correct answer: D. Keep circling until you reach your exit again
You should not stop or reverse in a roundabout. Simply continue around the circle until you come back to your exit.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 40. Handbook PDF
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Question 2 of 36 · Road signs
Cones and a lane-closed warning sign show that your lane ends ahead in a work zone. When should you merge?
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Correct answer: A. As soon as it is safe, without driving over the cones
Drivers should merge early, as soon as it is safe, and should never cross cones or drums. They are placed to guide traffic through the work zone.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 49. Handbook PDF
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Question 3 of 36 · Licensing rules
If a driver's physical or mental condition is an immediate threat to public safety, what action can DMV take against the license?
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Correct answer: A. Immediately suspend or revoke the driving privilege
When a condition poses an immediate danger to the public, DMV is allowed to suspend or revoke the driving privilege right away.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 12. Driver Safety”, page 80. Handbook PDF
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Question 4 of 36 · Licensing rules
Does California DMV restrict a driver's license just because the driver is a senior citizen?
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Correct answer: A. No, restrictions are tied to a person's conditions, not age
DMV has no set restrictions for seniors. Any restriction depends on the driver's conditions and the examiner's findings.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 12. Driver Safety”, page 81. Handbook PDF
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Question 5 of 36 · Safe driving practices
During a law enforcement traffic break, the road ahead looks clear beyond the patrol vehicle. When may you speed up again?
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Correct answer: D. Once the officer turns off the emergency lights and conditions allow
You must not drive past the patrol vehicle or speed up during a traffic break. Wait until the emergency lights are off and conditions permit normal speed.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 8. Safe Driving”, page 64. Handbook PDF
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Question 6 of 36 · Signals & pavement markings
A curb is painted green with no sign nearby. What does the color tell you about parking there?
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Correct answer: B. Parking is allowed only for a limited time
Green curbs allow parking for a limited period. The time limit may be posted on a sign or painted on the curb.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 28. Handbook PDF
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Question 7 of 36 · Road signs
A round sign has a red circle with a red diagonal line across a picture of a vehicle movement. What does the picture show?
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Correct answer: A. An action that you are not allowed to do
When a red line is drawn through a red circle, the picture inside shows something that is prohibited. Words may be added to explain it.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 38. Handbook PDF
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Question 8 of 36 · Alcohol & drugs
A driver has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10%. What does that figure mean?
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Correct answer: D. There is 0.10 gram of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood
BAC measures the grams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood, so 0.10% means 0.10 gram per 100 mL.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 14 Glossary”, page 84. Handbook PDF
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Question 9 of 36 · Parking
You park facing downhill on a street that has a curb. How should you position your front wheels?
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Correct answer: C. Turned toward the curb
Turning the front wheels into the curb when headed downhill means the vehicle will be stopped by the curb if the brakes fail.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 27. Handbook PDF
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Question 10 of 36 · Safe driving practices
You realize you just missed the street where you wanted to turn. What is the safest thing to do?
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Correct answer: C. Keep driving until you can turn around safely and legally
Last-minute direction changes raise the risk of a collision. If you miss a turn, continue until you can legally and safely turn around.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 15. Handbook PDF
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Question 11 of 36 · Licensing rules
How does California treat a resident's immigration status when that person applies for a driver's license?
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Correct answer: D. Licenses are offered to all residents regardless of status
California offers driver's licenses to all residents no matter their immigration status.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 1. The California Driver’s License”, page 1. Handbook PDF
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Question 12 of 36 · Safe driving practices
You plan to make a turn on a city street. How far before the turn should you begin signaling?
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Correct answer: C. At least 100 feet
Drivers should signal at least 100 feet before turning so others have time to react.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 5. An Introduction to Driving”, page 11. Handbook PDF
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Question 13 of 36 · Sharing the road
A pedestrian is still in the crosswalk in front of you, and the pedestrian signal is a flashing DON'T WALK hand. What must you do as a driver?
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Correct answer: B. Yield to the pedestrian until they are across
A flashing DON'T WALK only tells pedestrians not to start crossing. Drivers still must give way to anyone already in the crosswalk.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 35. Handbook PDF
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Question 14 of 36 · Speed limits
In CA, a heavy rainstorm limits your visibility to about 100 feet ahead of your vehicle. What is the highest speed that is considered safe?
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Correct answer: C. No faster than 30 mph
When you cannot see beyond roughly 100 feet in heavy rain or snow, driving above 30 mph is unsafe. Your speed must let you react to what you can see.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 8. Safe Driving”, page 62. Handbook PDF
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Question 15 of 36 · Licensing rules
Doctors in California must report patients to DMV for conditions that may affect safe driving, such as lapse of consciousness. What is the minimum patient age for this requirement?
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Correct answer: B. 14 years old
Physicians must report patients who are at least 14 years old when a medical condition could affect safe driving.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 5. An Introduction to Driving”, page 9. Handbook PDF
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Question 16 of 36 · Safe driving practices
While waiting in the intersection to turn left, where should your front wheels point until it is safe to start the turn?
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Correct answer: C. Straight ahead, parallel to the lane lines
If your wheels are turned left and you are struck from behind, you could be shoved into oncoming traffic. Keeping them straight avoids that danger.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 19. Handbook PDF
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Question 17 of 36 · Sharing the road
You notice livestock standing near the road ahead. What is the best way to respond?
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Correct answer: C. Slow or stop, follow the handler's directions, and go on when safe
When animals or livestock are near the road, slow down or stop and continue only when it is safe, following the instructions of whoever is in charge of the animals. Scaring animals on purpose is illegal.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 46. Handbook PDF
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Question 18 of 36 · Right of way
You see a line of vehicles with headlights on and windshield markers, led by a traffic officer. What should you do?
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Correct answer: A. Not interrupt the procession, which has right-of-way
A funeral procession led by a traffic officer has the right-of-way, and a driver who interrupts it can be ticketed.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 53. Handbook PDF
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Question 19 of 36 · Speed limits
In California, neighborhood electric vehicles and low-speed vehicles are barred from roads with a speed limit above what number?
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Correct answer: D. 35 mph
These vehicles top out at 25 mph, and they are not allowed on roads where the posted limit is greater than 35 mph.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 46. Handbook PDF
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Question 20 of 36 · Sharing the road
In CA, what minimum distance must a car keep between itself and a bicyclist when passing on a shared roadway?
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Correct answer: C. Three feet
Drivers must leave at least three feet of space between the vehicle and the cyclist when sharing the road.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 17. Handbook PDF
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Question 21 of 36 · Alcohol & drugs
An officer suspects a driver of DUI and asks for a blood or urine test, but the driver says no. What does DMV do?
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Correct answer: A. Suspends or revokes driving privilege for one year
Refusing a requested chemical test leads DMV to suspend or revoke driving privileges for one year.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 9. Alcohol and Drugs”, page 72. Handbook PDF
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Question 22 of 36 · Parking
A parking space is reserved for zero-emission vehicles to park or refuel. You drive a gasoline-powered car. May you use that space?
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Correct answer: A. No, only a zero-emission vehicle may use it
Spaces set aside for parking or fueling zero-emission vehicles may be used only by zero-emission vehicles.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 28. Handbook PDF
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Question 23 of 36 · Signals & pavement markings
Your freeway lane is marked with large broken lines instead of the usual shorter dashes. What should you expect and do?
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Correct answer: C. Be ready for your lane to end or to exit, and watch for signs
Large broken lines usually mark a lane that is ending or an exit. Drivers should prepare to exit or merge and look for signs giving directions.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 14. Handbook PDF
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Question 24 of 36 · Right of way
A car ahead of you in the next lane is stopped at a crosswalk. What should you do?
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Correct answer: B. Stay behind it and do not pass
The stopped vehicle may be blocking your view of a pedestrian in the crosswalk, so you must not pass it.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 41. Handbook PDF
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Question 25 of 36 · Speed limits
You are driving a car with no trailer on a two-lane undivided highway in CA. No speed limit signs are posted. What is the maximum speed you may drive?
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Correct answer: D. 55 mph
Unless a sign says otherwise, two-lane undivided highways have a 55 mph maximum. The 65 mph figure applies to most other highways.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 8. Safe Driving”, page 67. Handbook PDF
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Question 26 of 36 · Safe driving practices
Traffic lanes are often called by number. Which lane is the Number 1 Lane on a multilane road?
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Correct answer: C. The far left lane, also called the fast lane
Lanes are numbered starting at the left. The far left (fast) lane is Number 1, and the lane to its right is Number 2.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 15. Handbook PDF
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Question 27 of 36 · Safe driving practices
In CA, which lane must you use when you are pulling a trailer on a road with several lanes in your direction?
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Correct answer: C. The far-right lane or a lane marked for slow vehicles
Drivers towing a vehicle or trailer, and trucks with three or more axles, must stay in the far-right lane or a lane designated for slower vehicles.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 50. Handbook PDF
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Question 28 of 36 · Safe driving practices
Which is the correct way to position a seat belt's shoulder harness?
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Correct answer: A. Across your shoulder and chest with little or no slack
The shoulder harness should cross your shoulder and chest with minimal slack. Wearing it under the arm or behind the back reduces its protection.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 8. Safe Driving”, page 65. Handbook PDF
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Question 29 of 36 · Licensing rules
A minor's parents share joint custody. What is required for the permit application to receive proper parental approval?
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Correct answer: C. Both parents or guardians must sign it
When parents or guardians share joint custody, both must sign to approve the application and accept financial responsibility.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 2. Getting an Instruction Permit and Driver’s License”, page 3. Handbook PDF
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Question 30 of 36 · Signals & pavement markings
You see a line of solid white triangles painted across your lane ahead. What do these triangles tell you?
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Correct answer: B. The triangles point toward you and mark where to yield or stop
A yield line is made of solid white triangles pointing toward approaching vehicles. It shows where they must yield or stop.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 14. Handbook PDF
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Question 31 of 36 · Road signs
You see warning signs and an electronic message board along the highway. What are they most likely alerting you to?
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Correct answer: B. Workers, slow-moving equipment, or lanes closed ahead
Warning signs and message boards are used to tell drivers about road workers, slow equipment, and closed lanes ahead so they can slow down and prepare.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 49. Handbook PDF
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Question 32 of 36 · Road signs
You are approaching a red YIELD sign and another vehicle is close by on the cross street. What is the proper way to approach it?
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Correct answer: A. Ease off the gas and be prepared to stop so others can pass first
At a YIELD sign you must reduce speed and be ready to stop, letting any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian go by before you continue.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 35. Handbook PDF
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Question 33 of 36 · Safe driving practices
While driving in the rain, you hear a sloshing sound coming from your tires. What does this indicate you should do?
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Correct answer: D. Slow down because of the risk of hydroplaning
Sloshing noises are a warning that water is building up under the tires. Reducing speed lowers the chance of hydroplaning.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 8. Safe Driving”, page 62. Handbook PDF
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Question 34 of 36 · Licensing rules
A minor fails the behind-the-wheel drive test in California. How long must the minor wait, not counting the failure day, to retake it?
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Correct answer: A. Fourteen days
Minors must wait 14 days after failing the drive test. The shorter seven-day wait applies to the knowledge test.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 3. The Testing Process”, page 6. Handbook PDF
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Question 35 of 36 · Safe driving practices
Which headlight setting should you use while driving in the rain?
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Correct answer: D. Low-beam headlights
Low beams are the correct choice in rain. Parking lights alone are not enough.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 8. Safe Driving”, page 59. Handbook PDF
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Question 36 of 36 · Licensing rules
You wear glasses while taking the DMV vision test and pass. What will appear on your California driver's license as a result?
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Correct answer: B. A corrective lenses restriction
Taking the vision test with glasses or contacts results in a corrective lenses restriction on the license.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 3. The Testing Process”, page 5. Handbook PDF
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