California DMV Test 2026 — 100 Questions & Answers You MUST Know (Official Study Guide)

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📘 California DMV Written Test Overview (2026)

Administered by: California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Based on: California Driver Handbook

Format: Multiple-choice

Passing score: ≈83%–85%

Common fail reason: Poor understanding of wording & judgment-based questions

This guide solves that.

🚦 CATEGORY 1: BASIC TRAFFIC LAWS (1–15)

Q: What does a solid red traffic light mean?
A: Stop completely before the limit line or crosswalk.

Q: What must you do at a stop sign?
A: Come to a full stop before the limit line or crosswalk.

Q: Who has the right-of-way at an uncontrolled intersection?
A: The vehicle that arrives first, or the vehicle on the right if arriving together.

Q: What is the speed limit in a residential area unless posted otherwise?
A: 25 mph.

Q: When may you turn right on a red light?
A: After stopping completely, unless prohibited, and when safe.

Q: What does a flashing red signal mean?
A: Stop, then proceed when safe.

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

Q: Are drivers required to obey traffic signs even if no other vehicles are present?
A: Yes.

Q: When must you obey a law enforcement officer over a traffic signal?
A: Always.

Q: What does a steady yellow light mean?
A: The red light is about to appear.

Q: When is it illegal to block an intersection?
A: At all times.

Q: What is the basic speed law?
A: Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions.

Q: When approaching a green light, you should:
A: Proceed if safe but watch for hazards.

Q: Who must yield at a T-intersection?
A: The vehicle on the road that ends.

Q: What happens if traffic signals are not working?
A: Treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

🛑 CATEGORY 2: ROAD SIGNS & MARKINGS (16–30)

Q: What does a red octagon-shaped sign mean?
A: Stop.

Q: What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign indicate?
A: Warning of hazards ahead.

Q: What does a white rectangular sign usually indicate?
A: Laws or regulations.

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

Q: What does a round yellow sign indicate?
A: Railroad crossing ahead.

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

Q: What does a broken yellow line mean?
A: Passing is allowed when safe.

Q: What does a solid white line mean?
A: Discourages lane changes.

Q: What does a broken white line mean?
A: Lane changes permitted.

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

Q: What does a blue curb indicate?
A: Disabled parking.

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

Q: What does a yellow curb mean?
A: Commercial loading zone.

Q: What does an orange sign indicate?
A: Construction or maintenance.

Q: What does a triangle-shaped sign mean?
A: Yield.

🚗 CATEGORY 3: SAFE & DEFENSIVE DRIVING (31–45)

Q: What is defensive driving?
A: Driving to prevent accidents by anticipating hazards.

Q: What is a safe following distance in good conditions?
A: At least 3 seconds.

Q: When should you increase following distance?
A: In rain, fog, traffic, or at night.

Q: What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?
A: Ease off the gas and steer where you want to go.

Q: What should you do if your wheels leave the pavement?
A: Slow gradually and re-enter safely.

Q: What should you do when driving in fog?
A: Use low-beam headlights.

Q: What is the safest way to handle road rage?
A: Avoid eye contact and disengage.

Q: What should you do if blinded by headlights?
A: Look toward the right edge of the road.

Q: When should headlights be used?
A: From sunset to sunrise or when visibility is poor.

Q: What increases stopping distance?
A: Speed, weather, and road conditions.

Q: What is the most important rule of safe driving?
A: Stay alert and focused.

Q: When driving downhill, you should:
A: Use a lower gear.

Q: When passing another vehicle, you should:
A: Return to your lane only when you see both headlights.

Q: What is hydroplaning?
A: Loss of traction due to water on the road.

Q: What should you do during heavy rain?
A: Slow down and increase following distance.

🚶 CATEGORY 4: PEDESTRIANS, SCHOOL ZONES & BUSES (46–60)

Q: Who always has the right-of-way?
A: Pedestrians in crosswalks.

Q: When must you stop for a school bus?
A: When red lights are flashing.

Q: How far must you stop from a school bus?
A: At least 20 feet.

Q: When can you pass a stopped school bus?
A: Never when red lights are flashing.

Q: What is the speed limit in a school zone when children are present?
A: 25 mph (or posted lower).

Q: When approaching a blind pedestrian, you must:
A: Stop and yield.

Q: What is a safety zone?
A: Area for pedestrians marked in the roadway.

Q: When must drivers stop for pedestrians at corners?
A: Always, marked or unmarked.

Q: Can pedestrians cross outside crosswalks?
A: Yes, but they must yield to vehicles.

Q: What color are school zone signs?
A: Yellow-green.

Q: What should you do near playgrounds?
A: Reduce speed and stay alert.

Q: When turning, drivers must yield to:
A: Pedestrians and bicyclists.

Q: What should you do when children are present?
A: Slow down and be prepared to stop.

Q: Who is responsible for pedestrian safety?
A: Drivers.

Q: What happens if you fail to stop for a school bus?
A: Fines and license points.

🚨 CATEGORY 5: EMERGENCY VEHICLES & SPECIAL SITUATIONS (61–75)

Q: What must you do for emergency vehicles with lights and sirens?
A: Pull to the right and stop.

Q: When can emergency vehicles break traffic laws?
A: When responding and using lights/sirens.

Q: What is California’s Move Over Law?
A: Move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles.

Q: What should you do at a railroad crossing?
A: Stop if signals are active.

Q: Can you drive around lowered railroad gates?
A: No.

Q: What vehicles must stop at railroad crossings?
A: School buses and hazardous vehicles.

Q: What should you do if your car stalls on tracks?
A: Exit immediately and move away.

Q: What should you do during an earthquake?
A: Pull over and stop.

Q: What is a work zone?
A: Area with construction activity.

Q: What should you do in work zones?
A: Slow down and obey signs.

Q: What is the penalty for speeding in work zones?
A: Increased fines.

Q: What should you do if traffic lights are out?
A: Treat as four-way stop.

Q: What should you do if your vehicle overheats?
A: Pull over safely.

Q: When should hazard lights be used?
A: When stopped or driving very slowly due to emergency.

Q: What is the safest response to sudden hazards?
A: Slow down, don’t panic.

🍺 CATEGORY 6: ALCOHOL, DRUGS & LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES (76–90)

Q: What is BAC?
A: Blood Alcohol Concentration.

Q: Legal BAC limit for drivers 21+?
A: 0.08%.

Q: BAC limit for drivers under 21?
A: 0.01%.

Q: BAC limit for commercial drivers?
A: 0.04%.

Q: Can prescription drugs impair driving?
A: Yes.

Q: What is implied consent?
A: You agree to testing by driving.

Q: Can you refuse a chemical test?
A: You can, but penalties apply.

Q: What happens after a DUI conviction?
A: Fines, suspension, possible jail.

Q: Does coffee sober you up?
A: No.

Q: Does time sober you up?
A: Only time reduces BAC.

Q: Can marijuana impair driving?
A: Yes.

Q: Is driving while tired dangerous?
A: Yes.

Q: Can emotions affect driving?
A: Yes.

Q: What should you do if feeling impaired?
A: Do not drive.

Q: What is the safest choice after drinking?
A: Use a designated driver.

🅿️ CATEGORY 7: PARKING, ACCIDENTS & RESPONSIBILITIES (91–100)

Q: How close can you park to a fire hydrant?
A: 15 feet.

Q: Can you park in front of a driveway?
A: No.

Q: When must you signal before turning?
A: At least 100 feet.

Q: What should you do after a minor accident?
A: Move vehicles out of traffic.

Q: What information must you exchange after a collision?
A: Name, insurance, vehicle info.

Q: When must you report an accident to DMV?
A: Injury, death, or damage over $1,000.

Q: What should you do if you hit a parked car?
A: Leave contact info and notify police.

Q: When is it illegal to open a car door?
A: If it interferes with traffic.

Q: What is the penalty for hit-and-run?
A: Fines, license suspension, jail.

Q: What is the #1 way to pass the CA DMV test?
A: Practice real DMV-style exams repeatedly.

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