California Permit Practice Test 5
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 · Safe driving practices
Your car stalls on railroad tracks, a train is approaching, and the crossing lights are flashing. What should you do?
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Correct answer: D. Get out and run diagonally away from the tracks toward the train's approach side
Leave the vehicle immediately and move away from the tracks at an angle, toward the direction the train is coming from, then call 911. This keeps you clear of debris from a collision.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 8. Safe Driving”, page 70. Handbook PDF
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Question 2 of 36 · Alcohol & drugs
A 25-year-old driver has an already opened bottle of wine in the car. Where may it legally be kept?
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Correct answer: C. In the trunk
An opened alcohol container must be stored in the trunk or another area where no one sits. The glove box does not qualify.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 9. Alcohol and Drugs”, page 72. Handbook PDF
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Question 3 of 36 · Sharing the road
You are driving toward a parked police car at the roadside that has its hazard lights flashing. What should you do?
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Correct answer: A. Move over and reduce your speed
When you approach a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing emergency lights, you should move over and slow down to protect the people working there.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 45. Handbook PDF
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Question 4 of 36 · Safe driving practices
How far ahead of your vehicle should you keep scanning the road so you have enough time to react to hazards?
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Correct answer: C. At least 10 seconds
Drivers should keep their eyes moving and look at least 10 seconds ahead. This gives time to react and avoid last-minute moves.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 8. Safe Driving”, page 57. Handbook PDF
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Question 5 of 36 · Licensing rules
A teen in California must log 50 hours of supervised practice before the drive test. How many of those hours must be done at night?
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Correct answer: C. 10 hours
Of the 50 required practice hours for drivers under 18, ten must take place at night.
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 6 of 36 · Safe driving practices
Your vehicle stops working while you are on a freeway. Where should you pull over, and which side should you use to exit?
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Correct answer: B. Right shoulder, exiting on the right side
Pull onto the right shoulder and get out on the right side, away from moving traffic. The same side should be used when you return to the car.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 8. Safe Driving”, page 69. Handbook PDF
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Question 7 of 36 · Safe driving practices
An older driver must drive at night. What is the recommended way to reduce risk?
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Correct answer: B. Pick a route that is well lit
Seniors are advised to limit night driving, and if it is unavoidable, to choose a well-lit route.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 13. Seniors and Driving”, page 82. Handbook PDF
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Question 8 of 36 · Safe driving practices
To merge into or enter traffic safely, what size of space do you need on a highway compared with city streets?
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Correct answer: D. About 300 feet on a highway, about 150 feet in the city
A full block of about 300 feet is needed on a highway, while half a block of about 150 feet is enough on city streets.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 24. Handbook PDF
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Question 9 of 36 · Licensing rules
At what age does a California resident become eligible for a no-fee Senior ID card?
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Correct answer: A. 62 years old
People who are 62 or older may get a Senior ID card at no charge. It works as identification only, not as a driving permit.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 13. Seniors and Driving”, page 83. Handbook PDF
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Question 10 of 36 · Signals & pavement markings
You are driving toward an intersection when the green light changes to solid yellow. You can stop safely before the intersection. What should you do?
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Correct answer: A. Stop, because the light is about to turn red
Yellow warns that red is coming. If you are able to stop safely, you should do so rather than enter the intersection.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 33. Handbook PDF
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Question 11 of 36 · Speed limits
The posted limit is 65 mph, but heavy fog has reduced your visibility on the road. What is the correct way to choose your speed?
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Correct answer: B. Drive slower than the posted limit to suit the weather
Under the Basic Speed Law, you must never go faster than is safe for current conditions. Fog, rain, wind, and dust all mean you should drive below the posted limit.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 8. Safe Driving”, page 67. Handbook PDF
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Question 12 of 36 · Sharing the road
In CA, a driver has a low-emission vehicle with no passengers and wants to use the carpool (HOV) lane. What is needed?
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Correct answer: C. A special DMV-issued decal displayed on the vehicle
Low or zero emission vehicles can use an HOV lane without the required number of passengers if they display the special DMV-issued decal.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 16. Handbook PDF
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Question 13 of 36 · Speed limits
You are towing a trailer on a California highway with no posted speed limit. What is the maximum speed limit that applies to you?
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Correct answer: A. 55 mph
Without a posted limit, vehicles towing trailers are held to 55 mph. The 65 mph figure applies to most other highways, not to towing.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 8. Safe Driving”, page 67. Handbook PDF
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Question 14 of 36 · Signals & pavement markings
You are already in the intersection making a left turn on a green arrow when it changes to a yellow arrow. What should you do?
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Correct answer: C. Cautiously finish your turn and watch the next signal
A yellow arrow means the protected turn time is ending. If you are already in the intersection or cannot stop safely, finish the turn with care.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 33. Handbook PDF
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Question 15 of 36 · Parking
You want to park near a sidewalk ramp built for disabled persons. How close to the ramp is parking prohibited?
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Correct answer: B. Within three feet
Parking is illegal within three feet of a sidewalk ramp for disabled persons, so the ramp stays accessible.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 28. Handbook PDF
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Question 16 of 36 · Road signs
You notice a diamond-shaped sign beside the road ahead. What is the general purpose of this shape of sign?
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Correct answer: B. It warns of specific road conditions and dangers ahead
Diamond-shaped signs are used to warn drivers about particular conditions and hazards on the road ahead.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 38. Handbook PDF
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Question 17 of 36 · Sharing the road
You want to turn across light rail tracks and see a light rail vehicle approaching. Which action is correct?
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Correct answer: C. Wait, and never turn in front of it
Drivers must never turn in front of an approaching light rail vehicle. Light rail vehicles can interrupt traffic signals, so a green light does not make it safe to turn ahead of one.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 44. Handbook PDF
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Question 18 of 36 · Right of way
In California, what is the closest you may legally follow an emergency vehicle that has its siren or flashing lights on?
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Correct answer: C. 300 feet
It is illegal to follow within 300 feet of a fire engine, police vehicle, ambulance, or similar emergency vehicle that is using its siren or flashing lights.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 45. Handbook PDF
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Question 19 of 36 · Road signs
You have a green light and plan to drive straight, but a bicyclist is still crossing the intersection in front of you. What should you do?
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Correct answer: B. Stop for the bicyclist and enter only when there is room without endangering anyone
A green light means go, but drivers must still stop for any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian in the intersection. Proceed only if doing so creates no danger to others.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 34. Handbook PDF
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Question 20 of 36 · Speed limits
Which statement best describes California's Basic Speed Law?
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Correct answer: A. You may never drive faster than is safe for current conditions
The Basic Speed Law means your speed must fit the conditions, such as weather, traffic, and road surface. A posted limit does not make a higher speed safe.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 8. Safe Driving”, page 67. Handbook PDF
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Question 21 of 36 · Parking
While parallel parking, you pull up beside the vehicle ahead of the open space. About how much room should you leave between the two vehicles?
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Correct answer: B. About two feet
When you line up next to the car in front of the space, you should leave roughly two feet of side clearance before you start backing in.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 26. Handbook PDF
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Question 22 of 36 · Licensing rules
A minor in CA has three traffic violation convictions within the first 12 months of licensing. What is the result?
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Correct answer: A. A six-month suspension followed by one year of probation
Three at-fault collisions or convictions bring a six-month suspension for a minor, followed by one year of probation.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 55. Handbook PDF
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Question 23 of 36 · Licensing rules
Your CA liability insurance must pay at least how much when more than one person is injured or killed in a collision you cause?
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Correct answer: D. $60,000
The minimum coverage for death or injury to more than one person is $60,000. The $30,000 minimum is for a single person's death or injury.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 10. Financial Responsibility, Insurance”, page 76. Handbook PDF
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Question 24 of 36 · Road signs
You are near a school and a crossing guard signals you to stop. How long must you follow the guard's directions?
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Correct answer: B. At all times while you are near the school
Drivers near schools must obey the directions of school safety patrols and crossing guards at all times, not just when children are visible.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 50. Handbook PDF
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Question 25 of 36 · Safe driving practices
Another driver is close behind you and wants to travel faster than you are going. What should you do?
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Correct answer: A. Move to the right
If someone behind you wishes to go faster, you should move to the right. Slower drivers should generally stay in the right lane.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 50. Handbook PDF
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Question 26 of 36 · Licensing rules
What is the minimum age to take California's Mature Driver Improvement Program course?
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Correct answer: D. 55 years old
The Mature Driver Improvement Program is meant for drivers who are 55 years old or older.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 13. Seniors and Driving”, page 83. Handbook PDF
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Question 27 of 36 · Safe driving practices
You are entering a highway from an on-ramp. How should you handle your speed and stopping?
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Correct answer: C. Match traffic speed and avoid stopping unless truly necessary
Highway traffic has the right-of-way, so you must reach about the speed of traffic and merge when safe. Stopping on the ramp should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 23. Handbook PDF
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Question 28 of 36 · Safe driving practices
Your light is green, but traffic is backed up on the far side of the intersection and there is no room for your car. What should you do?
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Correct answer: D. Wait until you can get completely across before entering
Even on green, you must not enter an intersection unless you can clear it completely. Blocking the intersection can endanger cross traffic once the light changes.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 34. Handbook PDF
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Question 29 of 36 · Right of way
At a four-way stop, you come to a full stop, and then a second driver arrives from another corner after you. Who has the right-of-way?
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Correct answer: B. You, since you arrived at the intersection first
At an all-way stop, each driver stops and then the vehicle that arrived first goes first. The right-hand rule applies only when arrivals are simultaneous.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 39. Handbook PDF
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Question 30 of 36 · Licensing rules
In California, how soon must you tell DMV after moving to a new address?
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Correct answer: A. Within 10 days
California drivers must notify DMV of a new address within ten days. It is the driver's responsibility to keep the mailing address correct.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 4. Changing, Replacing, and Renewing Your Driver's License”, page 8. Handbook PDF
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Question 31 of 36 · Safe driving practices
Your phone rings while you are driving on a busy road. Which response best matches safe-driving advice?
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Correct answer: D. Let it go to voicemail and call back after pulling off the road
Drivers are advised not to answer a ringing phone and to let voicemail take it. Any call you need to return should be made after pulling safely off the road.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 8. Safe Driving”, page 70. Handbook PDF
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Question 32 of 36 · Alcohol & drugs
For how long does a DUI conviction stay on a driver's record in CA, affecting penalties for later DUIs?
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Correct answer: D. 10 years
A DUI conviction remains on the driving record for 10 years. A new DUI within that period can bring an extra penalty.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 9. Alcohol and Drugs”, page 74. Handbook PDF
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Question 33 of 36 · Licensing rules
A minor fails the California knowledge test. How long must the minor wait, not counting the day of the failure, before retaking it?
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Correct answer: A. Seven days
Minors must wait seven days after a failed knowledge test before another attempt. The fourteen-day wait applies to the drive test.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 3. The Testing Process”, page 5. Handbook PDF
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Question 34 of 36 · Signals & pavement markings
In CA, how far may you drive along a center left turn lane before you must leave it?
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Correct answer: B. 200 feet
A center left turn lane is only for preparing to turn left or make a U-turn. You may travel in it for no more than 200 feet.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 6. Navigating the Roads”, page 16. Handbook PDF
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Question 35 of 36 · Road signs
Signs tell you that you are entering a highway work zone. Which way of driving through it is correct?
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Correct answer: D. Leave extra room between vehicles and expect sudden stops
In a work zone you should slow down, leave extra space, and expect traffic to slow or stop suddenly. You should also watch for drivers changing lanes.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 49. Handbook PDF
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Question 36 of 36 · Right of way
A pedestrian is crossing the road at a spot with no crosswalk. As a driver in CA, what must you do?
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Correct answer: A. Slow down or stop as needed so they can finish crossing safely
Pedestrians must be given room to cross even without a crosswalk. You need to take care and slow or stop until they are safely across.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), “SECTION 7. Laws and Rules of the Road”, page 41. Handbook PDF
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