2026 California DMV TEST TOP 100 QUESTIONS. DMVTestMaster.com #1

Preparing for the DMV written test in 2026 requires more than just memorizing old signs; it requires understanding new safety laws and updated road protocols. This guide provides the top 100 concepts, questions, and answers you need to master the California DMV exam.

DMV Written Test 2026: Essential Fast Facts
Total Questions: 46 (for those under 18) or 36 (for those over 18).

Passing Score: 83% (You must get at least 38 correct out of 46).

Retake Policy: If you fail, minors must wait 7 days to retake. Adults can typically retake the next business day.

Top 100 Questions & Answers (Categorized)
Part 1: New 2026 Laws & Technology
Q: What do unique colored "marker lamps" on a car indicate?

A: The vehicle is an Autonomous Vehicle (AV) in self-driving mode.

Q: What is the "Slow Down, Move Over" law expansion in 2026?

A: You must slow down or change lanes for any stationary vehicle with flashing hazards.

Q: What is the fine for using a device to obscure a license plate?

A: An infraction with a fine of $1,000.

Q: Can you request a duplicate license just for an address change?

A: Yes, under SB 506, you can now request a duplicate specifically for this reason.

Q: What is the new probation period for intoxication-related vehicular manslaughter?

A: Increased to 3 to 5 years.

Q: What is the rule for interacting with an AV during an emergency?

A: AVs must have two-way communication for first responders to talk to remote operators.

Q: Who is responsible for liability in an AV accident?

A: Liability often shifts to the manufacturer when the ADS is active.

Q: Are e-bikes under 18 required to wear helmets?

A: Yes, at all times.

Q: What is an "eMoto"?

A: An off-highway electric motorcycle, now regulated as an OHV.

Q: Can you use "DMV" in a private business website domain?

A: No, it is now banned for licensed businesses unless officially affiliated.

Part 2: Right-of-Way & Intersections
Q: Who goes first at a 4-way stop if two cars arrive at the same time?

A: The driver on the right.

Q: At a "T" intersection, who has the right-of-way?

A: Traffic on the through road.

Q: When turning left, yield to whom?

A: All oncoming traffic close enough to be a hazard.

Q: Can you turn right on a red arrow?

A: No. You must wait for the green light.

Q: What should you do at a green light if the intersection is blocked?

A: Stay out of the intersection until traffic clears.

Q: When must you yield to a transit bus?

A: When it is re-entering traffic from a bus stop.

Q: Pedestrians have the right-of-way...

A: At all crosswalks, marked or unmarked.

Q: If a school bus has red lights flashing and a stop arm out, you must...

A: Stop and wait until the lights stop and the arm is retracted.

Q: When can you ignore a school bus stop signal?

A: Only if you are on the opposite side of a divided highway.

Q: Roundabouts move in which direction?

A: Counter-clockwise.

Part 3: Speed Limits & Road Conditions
Q: What is California’s "Basic Speed Law"?

A: Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions.

Q: Speed limit in a residential or business district?

A: 25 mph.

Q: Speed limit in a blind intersection?

A: 15 mph.

Q: Speed limit in an alley?

A: 15 mph.

Q: Speed limit near railroad tracks with no warning devices?

A: 15 mph.

Q: What is the speed limit in a school zone?

A: 25 mph (unless posted as 15 mph).

Q: In heavy fog, which lights should you use?

A: Low-beam headlights.

Q: When the road is wet, you should...

A: Drive 5–10 mph slower.

Q: What is hydroplaning?

A: Tires losing contact with the road and riding on a film of water.

Q: If your car starts to skid...

A: Ease off the gas and steer in the direction of the skid.

Part 4: Lane Markings & Passing
Q: A solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line means?

A: Passing is only allowed on the side with the broken line.

Q: Two sets of solid double yellow lines (2ft apart) mean?

A: A barrier; do not cross or make U-turns over them.

Q: When can you enter a bike lane?

A: Only within 200 feet of making a turn.

Q: A solid white line indicates...

A: Lane changes are discouraged or prohibited.

Q: What is a "sharrow" marking?

A: A lane shared by both motorists and bicyclists.

Q: You may pass on the right only when...

A: The driver ahead is turning left and there is a paved lane.

Q: When passing a bicyclist, how much space must you give?

A: At least 3 feet.

Q: Can you pass on a hill or curve?

A: Only if you can see at least 1/3 of a mile ahead.

Q: What is the "fast lane" on a multi-lane road?

A: The left lane (Lane #1).

Q: HOV lanes are for...

A: Carpools, motorcycles, and low-emission vehicles with decals.

Part 5: Signaling & Safety
Q: When must you signal before a turn?

A: At least 100 feet before the turn.

Q: Signal how many seconds before a lane change on a freeway?

A: 5 seconds.

Q: What hand signal indicates a right turn?

A: Arm bent upward at a 90-degree angle.

Q: When should you use your horn?

A: To avoid collisions or on narrow mountain roads.

Q: When must headlights be turned on?

A: 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.

Q: Dim high beams within how many feet of an oncoming car?

A: 500 feet.

Q: Dim high beams within how many feet of a car you are following?

A: 300 feet.

Q: It is illegal to drive using only...

A: Parking lights.

Q: If your accelerator sticks...

A: Shift to neutral, brake, and pull off the road.

Q: What is the "3-Second Rule"?

A: The minimum following distance behind another vehicle.

Part 6: Parking & Hills
Q: When parking uphill with a curb, turn wheels...

A: Away from the curb (Left).

Q: When parking downhill with a curb, turn wheels...

A: Toward the curb (Right).

Q: How far must you park from a fire hydrant?

A: 15 feet.

Q: A painted white curb means...

A: Stop only to pick up or drop off passengers/mail.

Q: A painted blue curb means...

A: Parking for disabled persons only.

Q: A painted yellow curb means...

A: Loading/unloading zone for passengers or freight.

Q: You must park within how many inches of the curb?

A: 18 inches.

Q: Is it legal to park on a marked or unmarked crosswalk?

A: No.

Q: When parking on a hill without a curb...

A: Turn wheels toward the side of the road.

Q: Can you park in front of a driveway?

A: No, never.

Part 7: Driver Health & Violations
Q: Legal BAC limit for adults 21+?

A: 0.08%.

Q: Legal BAC limit for those under 21?

A: 0.01%.

Q: What is "Implied Consent"?

A: You agree to a chemical test if suspected of a DUI.

Q: Penalty for a first DUI conviction?

A: Up to 6 months in jail and a fine.

Q: How long does a DUI stay on your record?

A: 10 years.

Q: Is it legal to wear headphones in both ears while driving?

A: No.

Q: If you are involved in a collision, you must report it to the DMV if damage is over...

A: $1,000.

Q: How many points on your record lead to a suspension in 12 months?

A: 4 points.

Q: Can you smoke in a vehicle with a minor present?

A: No, it is illegal.

Q: Abandoning an animal on a highway is punishable by...

A: A fine up to $1,000 and/or 6 months in jail.

Part 8: Sharing the Road (Trucks & Bikes)
Q: What are a truck's "No Zones"?

A: Large blind spots on the front, back, and sides.

Q: If you cannot see a truck driver’s face in their side mirror...

A: They cannot see you.

Q: Do not pull in front of a truck until...

A: You can see its headlights in your rearview mirror.

Q: Why do trucks often swing wide?

A: To clear a turn; do not try to pass on the right during a right turn.

Q: Motorcyclists should be allowed a...

A: Full lane width.

Q: Is lane splitting legal in California?

A: Yes, if done safely.

Q: Always check for bicyclists before...

A: Opening your car door.

Q: Pedestrians using white canes or guide dogs...

A: Have the right-of-way at all times.

Q: Emergency vehicles with sirens should be allowed to pass by...

A: Pulling to the right edge of the road and stopping.

Q: Never follow within how many feet of an emergency vehicle?

A: 300 feet.

Part 9: Road Signs & Symbols
Q: An orange sign indicates...

A: Construction or maintenance zone.

Q: A diamond-shaped sign is a...

A: Warning sign.

Q: A pentagon-shaped sign indicates...

A: A school zone or school crossing.

Q: A flashing red light means the same as a...

A: Stop sign.

Q: A flashing yellow light means...

A: Proceed with caution.

Q: A yield sign is what shape?

A: An upside-down triangle.

Q: A regulatory sign (like speed limit) is usually...

A: A vertical rectangle.

Q: What color are service signs (hospitals/gas)?

A: Blue.

Q: What color are guide signs (directions)?

A: Green.

Q: A "Slow Moving Vehicle" sign is what color?

A: Fluorescent orange with a red border.

Part 10: General Knowledge & Exams
Q: What is the minimum tread depth for tires?

A: 1/32-inch.

Q: How many attempts do you have to pass the written test?

A: 3 attempts.

Q: If a minor fails the test, they must wait...

A: 7 days (not including the day of failure).

Q: Passing score for the DMV test?

A: 83% (38/46 for minors; 30/36 for adults).

Q: New steering hand positions recommended by DMV?

A: 9 and 3 o'clock or 8 and 4 o'clock.

Q: When should you use "Hand-Over-Hand" steering?

A: Low-speed turns or recovering from a skid.

Q: Can you use a backup camera during the drive test?

A: Yes, but you must still perform visual checks.

Q: Is it legal to record law enforcement during a traffic stop?

A: Yes, as long as it does not interfere with their duties.

Q: What should you do if your brakes fail?

A: Pump the brake pedal; if that fails, use the emergency brake.

Q: You must notify the DMV of an address change within...
* A: 10 days.