California DMV Written Test 2026: 20 Real Questions & Answers,"

California DMV Written Test 2026: 20 Real Questions & Answers,"
20 questions featuring 2026-specific law updates like AV marker lamps, expanded "Move Over" rules, and the new "Daylighting" law.

Master the 2026 California DMV Written Test with these 20 real questions and answers. Updated with new 2026 laws on Autonomous Vehicles, Move Over rules, and school zone changes. Powered by DMVTestMaster #1.

California DMV Written Test 2026: 20 Real Questions & Answers
Passing your California driver’s license exam in 2026 requires more than just knowing stop signs. The DMV has integrated several new safety laws effective January 1, 2026. Use this guide from DMVTestMaster #1 to study the most likely questions to appear on your exam.

Section 1: 2026 New Laws & Rules
1. You are approaching a stationary vehicle on the roadside with its hazard lights flashing. According to the expanded 2026 "Move Over" law, you must:

A) Only move over for emergency vehicles.

B) Move over a lane or slow down for any stationary vehicle with hazard lights.

C) Maintain your speed and stay in your lane.

Answer: B. The law now includes all stationary vehicles with warning lights, including passenger cars and maintenance vehicles.

2. What is the purpose of the new "Marker Lamps" found on Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) in 2026?

A) To make the car look futuristic.

B) To notify others that the vehicle is operating in automated mode.

C) To provide extra light for the vehicle’s cameras.

Answer: B. These lamps communicate to pedestrians and drivers that the AI is driving.

3. Under the 2026 "Daylighting" law (AB 413), you are prohibited from parking within how many feet of any crosswalk?

A) 10 feet.

B) 20 feet.

C) 45 feet.

Answer: B. You must stay 20 feet back to ensure pedestrians are visible to approaching traffic.

4. If a driver is convicted of a DUI in 2026, an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is:

A) Only required for second offenses.

B) Now required for all offenders, including first-time convictions.

C) Optional if you pay a higher fine.

Answer: B. California has expanded the IID program to all DUI offenders to increase road safety.

5. What is the fine for using a device that intentionally obscures a license plate from electronic toll readers?

A) $250.

B) $500.

C) $1,000.

Answer: C. California has increased penalties for license plate obstruction to prevent toll evasion.

Section 2: Speed Limits & Intersections
6. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in a residential area is:

A) 20 mph.

B) 25 mph.

C) 30 mph.

Answer: B. (Note: Some cities may lower this to 20 mph, but the state default remains 25 mph unless signed).

7. You are approaching a school zone where children are present. The 2026 speed limit is typically:

A) 25 mph.

B) 20 mph.

C) 15 mph.

Answer: B. Many California school zones have officially transitioned from 25 mph to 20 mph in 2026 to save lives.

8. At an intersection where the traffic signal is not working, you should:

A) Yield to traffic on the right.

B) Treat it like a four-way stop.

C) Stop only if other cars are present.

Answer: B.

9. When two vehicles meet on a steep mountain road where neither can pass, who has the right-of-way?

A) The vehicle traveling downhill.

B) The vehicle traveling uphill.

C) The bigger vehicle.

Answer: B. The vehicle facing downhill must yield and back up until the uphill vehicle can pass.

10. You may turn right on a red light after a complete stop unless:

A) It is raining.

B) There is a "No Turn on Red" sign.

C) You are in a business district.

Answer: B.

Section 3: Road Signs & Markings
11. A diamond-shaped yellow sign indicates:

A) A regulatory rule.

B) A warning of upcoming hazards.

C) Road construction only.

Answer: B.

12. A solid white line between lanes means:

A) You should stay in your lane.

B) You are in a carpool lane.

C) You may change lanes at any time.

Answer: A. Solid white lines discourage lane changes in high-risk areas.

13. What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean?

A) Stop and wait for green.

B) Yield to all cross traffic.

C) Proceed with caution.

Answer: C.

14. A large "X" painted on the road with the letters "RR" indicates:

A) A restricted road.

B) A railroad crossing ahead.

C) A roundabout ahead.

Answer: B.

15. A blue curb means parking is reserved for:

A) Emergency vehicles only.

B) People with disabilities and a valid placard.

C) Loading and unloading of passengers.

Answer: B.

Section 4: Safety & Defensive Driving
16. To avoid "Hydroplaning" in heavy rain, you should:

A) Slam on your brakes.

B) Slow down gradually and avoid standing water.

C) Speed up to get through the puddle faster.

Answer: B.

17. When merging onto a freeway, your speed should be:

A) 10 mph slower than traffic.

B) At or near the speed of freeway traffic.

C) The posted limit, regardless of traffic flow.

Answer: B.

18. You must use your headlights 30 minutes after sunset until:

A) 30 minutes before sunrise.

B) High noon.

C) You can see 1,000 feet ahead.

Answer: A.

19. In 2026, all e-bikes must have a red rear reflector or light visible from:

A) 200 feet.

B) 500 feet.

C) 1,000 feet.

Answer: B. This is part of the new safety visibility requirements.

20. If your vehicle starts to skid, you should:

A) Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the skid.

B) Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.

C) Lock your brakes immediately.

Answer: B.

How to Pass the California DMV Test 2026
Studying these 20 questions is a great start, but the real exam has 36 to 46 questions. DMVTestMaster #1 recommends:

Reviewing the 2026 California Driver Handbook.

Taking at least 5 full-length practice tests.

Focusing on the new 2026 laws regarding Autonomous Vehicles and Daylighting.