California DMV Test 2026. 25 Real Questions & Answers

1: CRITICAL RIGHT-OF-WAY & INTERSECTIONS
Q1. You are approaching an intersection with a solid green traffic light, but traffic is blocking the intersection. What should you do? A: Do not enter the intersection. You must wait behind the limit line until traffic clears enough for you to get completely through the intersection without blocking it (anti-gridlock law).

Q2. You arrive at a "T" intersection without STOP or YIELD signs. You are on the road that ends. Who has the right-of-way? A: Traffic and pedestrians on the through road (the top of the "T") have the right-of-way. You must yield.

Q3. When can you legally make a left turn on a red light in California? A: Only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street where traffic moves to the left.

Q4. You are approaching an intersection where the traffic signal lights are completely blacked out (not working). How must you treat this intersection? A: Treat it exactly like a four-way stop intersection.

Q5. A pedestrian is crossing the street in an unmarked crosswalk at a corner. You must: A: Yield the right-of-way. All intersections are considered to have crosswalks, even if they are not painted.

SECTION 2: LANES, LINES & MARKINGS
Q6. What does a center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line on the outside and a broken yellow line on the inside indicate? A: A center left-turn lane. It may be used by traffic in either direction only to make a left turn or a U-turn, not for passing or regular travel.

Q7. What is the maximum distance you are allowed to drive in a center left-turn lane before making your turn? A: 200 feet.

Q8. You see a white diamond painted on the pavement in your lane. What does this indicate? A: This is a High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) or "carpool" lane. You must meet the passenger requirements (or have a specific clean-air decal) to use it during operative hours.

Q9. A curb painted RED means: A: No stopping, standing, or parking allowed at any time (except for buses, in some specific zones).

Q10. A curb painted YELLOW means: A: Stopping only long enough to load or unload passengers or freight for the time posted (usually commercial loading zones).

SECTION 3: SPEED LAWS & SAFE DISTANCES
Q11. California's "Basic Speed Law" states that: A: You may never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit. (e.g., If it is foggy, the safe speed might be 35 mph in a 55 mph zone).

Q12. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in a business or residential district is: A: 25 mph.

Q13. When driving within 500 to 1,000 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street, the speed limit is _______ unless otherwise posted. A: 25 mph. (Note: Some school zones may be posted as low as 15 mph).

Q14. Under California law, how much distance must you keep when passing a bicyclist? A: You must provide at least 3 feet of clearance. If you cannot give 3 feet, you must slow down and only pass when it is safe to do so without endangering the cyclist.

Q15. How far before turning or changing lanes must you signal? A: At least 100 feet.

SECTION 4: CALIFORNIA SPECIFIC LAWS & NEW EMPHASES
Q16. Explain the California "Move Over" Law regarding emergency and roadsides vehicles. A: When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck, Caltrans vehicle, or any vehicle with flashing warning lights on a freeway, you must move over to a lane not adjacent to the stopped vehicle if safe to do so. If you cannot move over, you must slow down significantly.

Q17. Under what circumstances is it legal for a driver over 18 to use a handheld wireless telephone while driving? A: Only in an emergency situation to call law enforcement, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services. Otherwise, it must be hands-free.

Q18. What is the definition of an illegal "Sideshow" under California law? A: An event in which two or more persons block or impede traffic on a highway or in an offstreet parking facility for the purpose of performing motor vehicle stunts, motor vehicle speed contests, exhibitions of speed, or reckless driving.

Q19. You must yield the right-of-way to a public transit bus when: A: The bus has signaled its intention to re-enter the traffic flow from a bus stop (look for the yield sign on the back of the bus).

Q20. It is illegal to smoke in a vehicle at any time when: A: A minor (anyone under 18 years old) is in the vehicle.

SECTION 5: ALCOHOL, DRUGS & PARKING MANEUVERS
Q21. California’s "Implied Consent" law means that just by driving in the state, you have agreed to: A: Submit to a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine to determine alcohol or drug content if arrested for DUI.

Q22. Regarding cannabis (marijuana) use and driving in California: A: It is illegal to drive while under the influence of cannabis. It is also illegal to have an "open container" of cannabis in the vehicle while driving, even if you have a medical recommendation.

Q23. What is the "Zero Tolerance" law for drivers under 21? A: It is illegal for any person under age 21 to operate a motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.01% or higher.

Q24. When parking your vehicle facing downhill on a street with a curb, you should turn your front wheels: A: Toward the curb (so the car rolls into the curb if the brakes fail).

Q25. Is it legal to wear headsets or earplugs in both ears while driving? A: No, it is illegal to wear a headset covering, or earplugs in, both ears while driving. (Exceptions exist for hearing aids or specialized safety equipment for emergency personnel).
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