California DMV Permit Practice Q&A 2026

California DMV Permit Practice Q&A 2026 (Sample 30)

1. Q: What is the minimum age to apply for a California instruction permit?
A: 15½ years old.

2. Q: What documents are required to apply for a permit?
A: Proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.

3. Q: What is the first step in getting a learner’s permit?
A: Pass a written knowledge test at the DMV.

4. Q: How many questions are on the California permit test?
A: 46 questions.

5. Q: What is the passing score for the permit test for those under 18?
A: At least 38 correct answers (83%).

6. Q: Are there restrictions on driving with a learner’s permit?
A: Yes, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver 25 or older.

7. Q: Can you drive alone with a learner’s permit?
A: No, except to and from a driver training course.

8. Q: When are you allowed to drive with a learner’s permit at night?
A: Only when accompanied by a licensed adult 25 or older.

9. Q: How long must you hold a learner’s permit before applying for a provisional license?
A: At least 6 months.

10. Q: What is the speed limit in a residential area if not posted?
A: 25 mph.

11. Q: What should you do at a stop sign?
A: Come to a complete stop, check traffic, and proceed when safe.

12. Q: What is the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for drivers under 21?
A: 0.01% (essentially zero tolerance).

13. Q: When can you legally use a cell phone while driving?
A: Only hands-free devices; texting or holding a phone is illegal.

14. Q: Who must wear a seatbelt in the vehicle?
A: All passengers and the driver.

15. Q: What does a flashing red traffic light mean?
A: Stop completely and proceed when safe.

16. Q: What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean?
A: Slow down and proceed with caution.

17. Q: When should you use your headlights?
A: Between sunset and sunrise, or when visibility is low.

18. Q: What should you do if you approach a school bus with flashing red lights?
A: Stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing.

19. Q: How far must you park from a fire hydrant?
A: At least 15 feet.

20. Q: What is the proper hand signal for a left turn?
A: Left arm straight out the window.

21. Q: What is the proper hand signal for stopping?
A: Left arm bent downward at 90 degrees.

22. Q: What should you do if you are in a collision?
A: Stop, check for injuries, exchange information, and report if required.

23. Q: When is it safe to pass another vehicle?
A: When the road ahead is clear and it is legal to do so.

24. Q: What does a solid double yellow line mean?
A: No passing in either direction.

25. Q: How far in advance should you signal before turning?
A: At least 100 feet in urban areas; 200 feet on highways.

26. Q: What is the correct lane for making a right turn?
A: The lane closest to the right curb.

27. Q: What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?
A: Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go and avoid braking hard.

28. Q: When must you yield to pedestrians?
A: Always, especially at crosswalks and intersections.

29. Q: What is the minimum following distance under normal conditions?
A: At least 3 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.

30. Q: What should you do when entering a freeway?
A: Accelerate to match traffic speed and merge safely.