2026 California DMV Permit Test

If you are under 18, you will face 46 questions and can miss no more than 8. If you are 18 or older, you will face 36 questions and can miss no more than 6.

🏆 The Top 10 High-Probability Questions (2026)
Q1: What is California’s "Basic Speed Law"? A: You may never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.

Q2: What is the speed limit in a business or residential district?

A: 25 mph (unless otherwise posted).

Q3: When can you legally drive in a bicycle lane?

A: Only when you are within 200 feet of a right turn or entering/exiting a driveway.

Q4: You are waiting to turn left at an intersection. In which direction should your wheels be pointed?

A: Straight ahead (to avoid being pushed into oncoming traffic if hit from behind).

Q5: At what distance must you dim your high beams for an oncoming vehicle?

A: 500 feet. (For following a vehicle, the distance is 300 feet).

Q6: What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean?

A: "Proceed with caution." You do not need to stop, but you must slow down and look.

Q7: A solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line means?

A: Only the side with the broken line is permitted to pass.

Q8: What is the legal BAC limit for a driver under 21?

A: 0.01% (California's Zero Tolerance Law).

Q9: When should you use your headlights in 2026?

A: Any time you use your windshield wipers due to rain or snow, and from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.

Q10: Within how many days must you report a collision to the DMV?

A: 10 days if there is more than $1,000 in damage or any injury.

⚠️ The "Trick" Questions to Watch Out For
The DMV often includes questions that seem like common sense but have specific legal answers:

Headphones: You are not allowed to wear headphones or earplugs in both ears while driving.

Blind Intersections: If you cannot see 100 feet in either direction at an uncontrolled intersection, the speed limit is 15 mph.

Green Lights: A green light does not mean "go" automatically; it means go only if it is safe and the intersection is clear.

🧠 2026 Test-Day Strategy
Don't Rush: Many questions are worded similarly. Read every answer choice before picking one.

Road Signs First: If you miss more than a specific number of road sign questions (usually 2-3), you fail automatically, regardless of your score on the laws section.

Skip Option: On the digital touch-screen test, you can often "skip" a question and come back to it at the end. Use this for questions you aren't 100% sure about!