2026 California DMV Written Test 100 Questions & Answers

🚦 Essential Rules of the Road
Q: When a traffic light turns green, should you go immediately?

A: No. Yield to any vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians still in the intersection.

Q: 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.

Q: At what distance should you signal before making a turn?

A: At least 100 feet.

Q: How far before a lane change on a freeway should you signal?

A: At least 5 seconds.

Q: What is the speed limit in a "blind" intersection (where you can't see 100 feet in either direction)?

A: 15 mph.

Q: Under the new 2025 "Daylighting" law, how far from a crosswalk must you park?

A: You cannot park within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk.

Q: When a school bus has flashing red lights on a multi-lane road divided by a physical barrier, do you have to stop if you are on the opposite side?

A: No, you may proceed with caution.

Q: What should you do if your vehicle begins to hydroplane?

A: Ease off the gas pedal and steer in the direction you want to go. Do not brake hard.

Q: When must you dim your high-beam headlights for an oncoming vehicle?

A: Within 500 feet.

Q: When must you dim your high beams when following another vehicle?

A: Within 300 feet.

90 More Rapid-Fire Q&A Highlights
Q: Can you turn right on a red arrow? A: No.

Q: What does a flashing yellow arrow mean? A: Yield and turn when safe.

Q: Who has the right of way at a T-intersection? A: Traffic on the through road.

Q: Minimum age for a learner’s permit? A: 15½.

Q: How long must a minor hold a permit before a license? A: 6 months.

Q: When do you notify the DMV about selling a car? A: Within 5 days.

Q: When do you notify the DMV about a change of address? A: Within 10 days.

Q: If you hit a parked car and can't find the owner, what do you do? A: Leave a note and report it to the police/CHP.

Q: Speed limit in a business district? A: 25 mph.

Q: Speed limit in a school zone? A: 25 mph (unless otherwise posted).

Q: What does a blue curb mean? A: Parking for disabled persons with a placard only.

Q: What does a green curb mean? A: Limited time parking.

Q: What does a white curb mean? A: Passenger loading/unloading or mail.

Q: What does a yellow curb mean? A: Freight loading (usually for commercial vehicles).

Q: What does a red curb mean? A: No stopping, standing, or parking.

Q: When can you cross double solid yellow lines? A: To turn left into a driveway or private road.

Q: What is the "Three-Second Rule"? A: The recommended following distance behind another vehicle.

Q: When should you use your headlights? A: 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.

Q: Should you use high beams in fog? A: No, use low beams.

Q: Can you wear headsets in both ears while driving? A: No, it is illegal.

Q: What is the legal BAC limit for adults 21+? A: 0.08%.

Q: What is the legal BAC limit for minors under 21? A: 0.01%.

Q: Can you use a cell phone while driving? A: Only in hands-free mode (if over 18).

Q: Where should you place your hands on the steering wheel? A: 9 and 3 o’clock or 8 and 4 o’clock.

Q: When must you report an accident to the DMV (Form SR-1)? A: If damage exceeds $1,000 or if there is any injury/death.

Q: You are driving on a one-way street. You may turn left onto another one-way street only if: A: Traffic on the street moves to the left.

Q: At a blind intersection, the speed limit is: A: 15 mph.

Q: To avoid tailgating, you should follow the: A: 3-second rule.

Q: A center lane between lanes of traffic in opposite directions is used for: A: Starting or completing left turns.

Q: Smoking inside a vehicle with a minor present is: A: Illegal at all times.

Q: If you are minor and your cell phone rings while driving: A: Do not answer it.

Q: Dumping an animal on the highway is punishable by: A: $1,000 fine and 6 months in jail.

Q: What is the first thing to do if your brakes fail? A: Pump the brake pedal.

Q: Large trucks have "No Zones." These are: A: Blind spots.

Q: You must turn on your headlights if you use your: A: Windshield wipers.

Q: On a mountain road, if two vehicles meet on a narrow road where they cannot pass, who yields? A: The vehicle facing downhill must backup.

Q: The maximum speed limit on most California highways is: A: 65 mph.

Q: When can you drive in a bike lane? A: Within 200 feet of a turn.

Q: A "Yield" sign means: A: Let other traffic go first.

Q: What color are construction signs? A: Orange.

Q: Can you park in a tunnel? A: No.

Q: When merging onto a freeway, you should be driving: A: At or near the speed of traffic.

Q: If you are towed, how long do you have to claim your vehicle? A: Varies by local law, but report it immediately.

Q: Can you pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk? A: No, never.

Q: What is the speed limit in an alley? A: 15 mph.

Q: If you see a "Wrong Way" sign, what do you do? A: Stop and pull to the side.

Q: What does a pentagon-shaped sign mean? A: School zone or school crossing.

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

Q: What is the "Zero Tolerance" law? A: No alcohol for drivers under 21.

Q: Should you signal when pulling away from a curb? A: Yes.

Q: Can you cross a solid white line? A: Generally, no, unless avoiding a hazard.

Q: What is a "stale" green light? A: One that has been green for a long time and is about to turn yellow.

Q: When can you pass on the right? A: Only if there are two or more lanes moving in your direction.

Q: Do you stop for a yellow light? A: Yes, if you can do so safely.

Q: How much space should you give a bicyclist? A: 3 feet.

Q: What is "Lane Splitting"? A: Motorcycles driving between lanes (legal in CA).

Q: Can you block an intersection? A: No, "Don't Block the Box."

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: When parking on a hill with no curb, turn wheels: A: Toward the side of the road.

Q: What is a roundabout? A: A circular intersection where you travel counter-clockwise.

Q: Who has the right of way in a roundabout? A: Traffic already in the circle.

Q: What is a "NEV" sign? A: Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (slow-moving).

Q: Can you use a HOV lane with only one person? A: Only if you have a qualifying "Clean Air Vehicle" sticker.

Q: What do you do if your accelerator sticks? A: Shift to neutral and apply brakes.

Q: Can you park on a bridge? A: No.

Q: What is the "Hand-over-Hand" steering used for? A: Low-speed turns or recovering from skids.

Q: If you miss your exit, what do you do? A: Go to the next exit; do not back up.

Q: When are roads most slippery? A: During the first few minutes of rain.

Q: What does a "Slippery When Wet" sign look like? A: A car with wavy lines behind the tires.

Q: Can you pass over a single broken yellow line? A: Yes, if safe.

Q: What is a "Sharrow"? A: A lane marking indicating bikes and cars share the lane.

Q: Can you leave a child 6 years old or younger in a car? A: No, unless supervised by someone at least 12.

Q: What is "Rubbernecking"? A: Slowing down to look at accidents (causes traffic).

Q: Should you stop for a funeral procession? A: It is respectful, and in some areas, mandatory.

Q: What is the "Implied Consent" law? A: You agree to a breath/blood test just by driving.

Q: Can you park in a bike lane? A: No.

Q: What is the speed limit on a two-lane undivided highway? A: 55 mph.

Q: How do you check your blind spot? A: Turn your head to look over your shoulder.

Q: What is "Defensive Driving"? A: Driving to save lives, time, and money in spite of the conditions around you.

Q: If an emergency vehicle with sirens is behind you, you should: A: Pull to the right edge and stop.

Q: Can you pass a car if there is a solid yellow line on your side? A: No.

Q: What is a "Protected Turn"? A: A turn made with a green arrow.

Q: How often should you check your mirrors? A: Every 2–5 seconds.

Q: What do you do if you have a tire blowout? A: Grip the wheel firmly and ease off the gas.

Q: Can you enter a freeway via an off-ramp? A: No, it is illegal and dangerous.

Q: What is the "Scanned Area"? A: 10–15 seconds ahead of your vehicle.

Q: What is the penalty for "Exhibition of Speed" (Sideshows) in 2026? A: Potential vehicle impoundment for 30 days.

Q: What does a "Chevron" sign indicate? A: A sharp curve in the road.

Q: What is the best way to prepare for the test? A: Read the 2026 California Driver Handbook and take practice tests!