California Permit Practice Test 3
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 · Signals & pavement markings
A broken yellow line is on the center of the road, next to your driving lane. What does it tell you about passing?
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Correct answer: B. Passing is allowed only when it is safe to do so
A broken yellow line next to your lane means you may pass, but only when conditions make it safe.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 13. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-SGM-0004
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Question 2 of 36 · Signals & pavement markings
A traffic signal ahead shows a flashing yellow light for your direction. What does this tell you to do?
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Correct answer: B. Slow down and stay alert, without needing to stop
A flashing yellow light is a caution warning. You should reduce speed and watch carefully, but stopping is not required.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 34. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-SGM-0020
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Question 3 of 36 · Licensing rules
Before the drive test, the examiner checks your horn. How far away must it be audible for the vehicle to qualify?
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Correct answer: B. At least 200 feet
The test vehicle's horn must work properly and be loud enough to be heard from at least 200 feet away.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 3. The Testing Process”, page 6. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-LIC-0022
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Question 4 of 36 · Safe driving practices
You are following a car. It passes a road sign, and you reach that same sign after counting only two seconds. What does this show?
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Correct answer: C. You are following too closely
Under the three-second rule, reaching the same point before counting to three means you are too close to the vehicle ahead.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 14 Glossary”, page 84. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-SAF-0082
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Question 5 of 36 · Alcohol & drugs
A 35-year-old is paid to drive passengers in a ride-hire vehicle. At what BAC is driving illegal for this person?
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Correct answer: C. 0.04% or higher
Anyone driving a passenger for hire is held to a stricter limit of 0.04%, rather than the standard 0.08%.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 9. Alcohol and Drugs”, page 73. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-ALC-0003
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Question 6 of 36 · Safe driving practices
On a cold, wet day, which part of the road is most likely to have ice before the rest of the road does?
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Correct answer: C. Bridges and overpasses
Bridges and overpasses tend to freeze earlier than other road surfaces, so they may hide icy spots.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 8. Safe Driving”, page 61. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-SAF-0050
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Question 7 of 36 · Signals & pavement markings
In CA, you normally must stay to the right of double solid yellow lines. In which situation may you legally cross them?
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Correct answer: A. Turning left to enter a private driveway
Crossing a single set of double yellow lines is allowed to turn left into or out of a driveway or private road, or to make a U-turn. Passing and lane changes are not permitted exceptions.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 13. Handbook PDF
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Question 8 of 36 · Licensing rules
In CA, what can happen to your car if an unlicensed person is caught driving it?
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Correct answer: D. It may be impounded for 30 days
A vehicle driven by an unlicensed person may be impounded for 30 days, so owners should not let unlicensed people drive.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 53. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-LIC-0042
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Question 9 of 36 · Right of way
When you must yield to another vehicle or a pedestrian, what are you expected to do?
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Correct answer: C. Slow down and be ready to stop if needed
Yielding means waiting for, slowing down for, and being prepared to stop for those with the right-of-way. A full stop is only needed if necessary.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 14 Glossary”, page 84. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-ROW-0026
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Question 10 of 36 · Parking
You are parallel parking and have pulled up beside the car ahead of the open space. Where should your car be before you start backing in?
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Correct answer: D. Your rear bumper lined up with the front of the open space
You stop when your rear bumper is lined up with the front of the parking space, and keep your signal on. Then you check blind spots and begin backing.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 26. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-PRK-0020
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Question 11 of 36 · Parking
Next to a designated disabled parking space is an area marked with diagonal lines. May you park in that striped area if your car is small?
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Correct answer: D. No, parking in the crosshatched area is never allowed
The diagonal-lined area beside a disabled space must be kept clear so people can get in and out. Parking there is illegal for every driver.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 28. Handbook PDF
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Question 12 of 36 · Safe driving practices
You want to move to another lane while driving on a freeway. How long before the lane change should you signal?
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Correct answer: B. At least five seconds
On a freeway, you should signal at least five seconds before changing lanes because of the higher speeds.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 5. An Introduction to Driving”, page 11. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-SAF-0009
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Question 13 of 36 · Licensing rules
In California, what is the youngest age at which a teen can apply for a Class C instruction permit?
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Correct answer: A. 15½ years old
Applicants under 18 must be at least 15½ years old to apply for an instruction permit, along with meeting other requirements such as driver education.
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 14 of 36 · Sharing the road
When bicycling at night in California, the front lamp must show a white light visible from at least how far away?
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Correct answer: C. 300 feet
A night-time bicycle needs a white front lamp visible from 300 feet. The 500-foot figure applies to the rear red light or reflector, and 200 feet to pedal or shoe reflectors.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 47. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-SHR-0016
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Question 15 of 36 · Licensing rules
A friend holds a California identification (ID) card but has no driver's license. May this friend legally drive on public roads with only that ID card?
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Correct answer: C. No, an ID card does not permit driving
ID cards only serve as identification, and they do not give permission to drive. A driver's license is needed to drive.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 1. The California Driver’s License”, page 1. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-LIC-0005
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Question 16 of 36 · Safe driving practices
An officer signals you to pull over while you are driving in the carpool/HOV lane. What should you do?
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Correct answer: B. Signal right and move fully onto the right shoulder
You should use your right signal to show you see the officer and move completely onto the right shoulder, even from the HOV lane.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 29. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-SAF-0027
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Question 17 of 36 · Alcohol & drugs
A 16-year-old is convicted of riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol. What may happen to their driving privilege?
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Correct answer: B. It may be suspended or delayed for one year
For people aged 13 to 20 convicted of bicycling under the influence, driving privileges may be suspended or delayed for one year once they are eligible to drive.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 9. Alcohol and Drugs”, page 72. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-ALC-0009
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Question 18 of 36 · Licensing rules
In CA, what is the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage you must carry for damage to someone else's property?
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Correct answer: B. $15,000
California requires liability insurance that pays at least $15,000 for property damage. The $30,000 and $60,000 figures apply to injury or death coverage.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 10. Financial Responsibility, Insurance”, page 76. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-LIC-0043
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Question 19 of 36 · Licensing rules
During the California behind-the-wheel drive test, which vehicle feature is the applicant allowed to use?
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Correct answer: D. A backup camera
Driver assistance systems that do the driving for you are not allowed because the test measures your own skill. Safety aids like backup cameras may be used.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 3. The Testing Process”, page 7. Handbook PDF
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Question 20 of 36 · Sharing the road
A passenger car going 55 mph can stop within about 300 feet. How much distance can a large truck going the same speed need?
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Correct answer: A. Up to 400 feet
Large vehicles need more room to stop than cars. At 55 mph a big truck may need as much as 400 feet.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 42. Handbook PDF
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Question 21 of 36 · Safe driving practices
Your vehicle is stuck in deep mud, and you want to place boards or branches under the tires. When should you do this?
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Correct answer: D. Only while the vehicle is completely stopped
Putting material under the tires is safe only when the vehicle is stopped. Doing it while the vehicle is moving or the wheels are turning is dangerous.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 8. Safe Driving”, page 62. Handbook PDF
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Question 22 of 36 · Road signs
You realize you have driven onto a road against traffic and you see WRONG WAY signs. What should you do once it is safe?
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Correct answer: D. Back out or turn around
WRONG WAY signs warn that you are going against traffic. As soon as it is safe, you should back out or turn around.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 38. Handbook PDF
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Question 23 of 36 · Speed limits
Your car is stuck in snow or mud and you are trying to rock it free. How should you use the accelerator?
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Correct answer: C. Press it gently so the wheels do not spin
When freeing a stuck vehicle, use light pressure on the accelerator and avoid spinning the wheels. Spinning can dig the tires in deeper.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 8. Safe Driving”, page 62. Handbook PDF
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Question 24 of 36 · Sharing the road
You are driving on a freeway and see a tow truck parked on the shoulder with its amber lights flashing. What should you do?
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Correct answer: D. Move over and slow down
Drivers must slow down and move over for stationary tow trucks and emergency vehicles that show flashing amber warning lights.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 49. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-SHR-0019
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Question 25 of 36 · Licensing rules
How many attempts do you get at the knowledge test for an original California license before you must reapply?
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Correct answer: A. Three attempts
Applicants for an original license are permitted three tries at the knowledge test before they must start the application again.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 3. The Testing Process”, page 5. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-LIC-0015
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Question 26 of 36 · Speed limits
You approach an intersection where none of the corners has a stop sign, and buildings block your view. What is the speed limit?
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Correct answer: D. 15 mph
An intersection with no stop signs at any corner counts as blind, and its speed limit is 15 mph. Creep forward until you can see.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 51. Handbook PDF
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Question 27 of 36 · Road signs
A warning sign beside the road is not the usual yellow diamond. It has an unfamiliar shape and color. How should you treat it?
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Correct answer: D. Obey it, because every warning sign must be followed
Drivers must follow all warning signs no matter what shape or color they are. Unusual appearance does not make a warning optional.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 35. Handbook PDF
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Question 28 of 36 · Road signs
You see a round yellow warning sign with a black X and the letters RR. What should you do as you approach it?
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Correct answer: C. Look and listen, slow down, and be ready to stop
The round yellow sign warns of a railroad crossing ahead. You should watch and listen, reduce speed, and prepare to stop, letting any train pass first.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 38. Handbook PDF
Report a mistake in CA-SIG-0004
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Question 29 of 36 · Right of way
A school bus is flashing red lights on the far side of a divided highway that has multiple lanes in each direction. What must you do?
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Correct answer: C. Continue, since you do not need to stop
Drivers on the opposite side of a divided or multilane highway with two or more lanes each way are not required to stop for a school bus.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 51. Handbook PDF
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Question 30 of 36 · Safe driving practices
Where may you place a 7-inch square sticker or sign on your vehicle's front windshield?
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Correct answer: B. In the lower corner on the passenger's side
A 7-inch square is allowed only in the lower passenger-side corner of the windshield. The top-center spot is limited to a smaller toll device, and nothing may hang from the mirror.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 53. Handbook PDF
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Question 31 of 36 · Speed limits
Heavy rain is falling and traffic is dense. What should you do about your speed, and what is the risk of going very slowly?
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Correct answer: A. Slow down, but avoid blocking normal traffic flow by crawling
You should drive slower in heavy traffic or bad weather, but you should not hold up reasonable traffic by driving too slowly. Driving either faster or slower than appropriate can get you cited.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 50. Handbook PDF
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Question 32 of 36 · Safe driving practices
Your passenger car carries a load that sticks out 5 feet past the rear bumper during the day. What must mark the end of the load?
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Correct answer: D. A red or fluorescent orange flag, 12 inches square
Cargo extending more than 4 feet behind the rear bumper needs a 12-inch square flag in red or fluorescent orange. Two red lights are used at night.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 52. Handbook PDF
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Question 33 of 36 · Safe driving practices
In CA, under what condition are traffic fines doubled in a highway construction or maintenance zone?
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Correct answer: D. When workers are present in the zone
Penalties for violations are doubled in highway construction or maintenance areas whenever workers are present, in addition to the designated Safety Enhanced-Double Fine Zones.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 49. Handbook PDF
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Question 34 of 36 · Road signs
In CA, one group of warning signs alerts drivers to hazards involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and schools. Which situation would a sign in this group warn about?
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Correct answer: B. A school bus stop or school passenger loading zone ahead
This group of warning signs covers conditions tied to people and places such as pedestrians, bicyclists, playgrounds, schools, school buses, and school loading zones.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 38. Handbook PDF
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Question 35 of 36 · Right of way
In which direction does traffic travel around the central island of a roundabout in CA?
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Correct answer: C. Counterclockwise
Vehicles circulate counterclockwise around the island, so you enter heading to the right and travel with the flow.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 40. Handbook PDF
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Question 36 of 36 · Safe driving practices
You are worried that your driving skills may be slipping. What is a recommended way to evaluate them?
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Correct answer: C. Ask a trusted licensed driver to ride along and observe you
A trusted driver with a valid license can sit in the passenger seat, note dangerous habits, and suggest improvements. Professional lessons are another option.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 12. Driver Safety”, page 80. Handbook PDF
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