Master the California DMV Written Test: 50 Essential Questions & Study Guide

This guide breaks down 50 critical practice questions designed to help you study efficiently and pass with confidence.

Key Strategies for Success
Prioritize Repetition: Consistency is key. Listening to practice questions while commuting or relaxing helps cement the information in your long-term memory [00:42].

Understand the "Why": Don't just memorize answers. Understanding the logic behind traffic laws—such as why you merge into a bike lane before turning—makes it easier to recall the information during the actual exam.

Simulate the Environment: Take practice tests that mimic the official format to reduce nerves on test day [00:19].

1. To help avoid being hit from the rear when preparing to turn, you should:

Answer: Signal at least 100 feet before you turn.

2. You must NOT cross a solid double line in the center of the roadway to:

Answer: Pass another vehicle.

3. Where a left turn can be started from either of two lanes, a U-turn can be started from:

Answer: Only the left lane.

4. Pedestrians using guide dogs or carrying white canes must be:

Answer: Given the right-of-way at all times.

5. To be sure a lane is clear before moving into it, you should:

Answer: Turn your head and look (head check).

6. You may cross over a double line to pass another vehicle if the line on your side is:

Answer: Broken.

7. If you become angry or upset while driving, you should:

Answer: Calm down before you drive.

8. Driving under the influence of any drug which makes you drive unsafely is:

Answer: Against the law (even if prescribed).

9. When obeying the maximum speed limit, drivers must keep in mind:

Answer: Road traffic and weather conditions.

10. When coming to a corner with a stop sign, you must first stop:

Answer: At the limit line before the crosswalk or intersection.

11. If a driver ahead of you has stopped at a crosswalk, you should:

Answer: Stop, then proceed when safe (never pass).

12. If you become sleepy while driving, it is best to:

Answer: Drive to a safe place, stop, and rest.

13. If a traffic light is red but a police officer tells you to go, you should:

Answer: Do as the officer tells you.

14. How many days do you have to report the sale or transfer of a vehicle to the DMV?

Answer: 10 days.

15. Driving so slowly as to interfere with the normal flow of traffic is:

Answer: A violation of the law.

16. If a police officer asks you to take an alcohol test, you may choose:

Answer: A blood, breath, or urine test.

17. You should NOT drive if:

Answer: You are not alert or have taken medication that changes how you think.

18. When merging onto a freeway from an on-ramp, you should be driving at:

Answer: About the same speed as the freeway traffic.

19. Coasting with the gear shift in neutral is:

Answer: Against the law.

20. To turn right alongside a bicycle lane, you should:

Answer: Merge into the bike lane within 200 feet of the turn.

21. If you are the first to assist at a collision scene, you should pull over:

Answer: After you have passed the collision scene.

22. The "Implied Consent" law means you have agreed to take:

Answer: A chemical test for alcohol.

23. When a school bus with red lights flashing is stopped on your side of the road:

Answer: Stop until the red lights stop flashing.

24. When two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop at the same time:

Answer: The vehicle on the right has the right-of-way.

25. If you are following a large truck, you should:

Answer: Stay far enough back so you can see the truck's side mirrors.

26. It is good practice to use your headlights during the day when:

Answer: It is raining, foggy, or driving through a tunnel.

27. When parking on a hill (downward slope), you should:

Answer: Turn your wheels towards the curb.

28. On a two-lane road with an emergency vehicle approaching from behind:

Answer: Pull over to the right and stop.

29. A flashing yellow traffic light means:

Answer: Slow down and proceed with caution.

30. What is the legal BAC limit for a driver over 21?

Answer: 0.08%.

31. When is it safe to pass a vehicle on the left?

Answer: When the road ahead is clear and passing is not prohibited.

32. If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, what should you do?

Answer: Ease off the gas and steer straight.

33. When a vehicle's tire blows out, you should:

Answer: Grip the steering wheel firmly and steer straight.

34. You must use your turn signal:

Answer: Whenever you plan to turn or change lanes.

35. If a dust storm blows across the freeway, you should:

Answer: Slow down, pull over, and wait.

36. A flashing red traffic light at an intersection means:

Answer: Stop completely and proceed when safe.

37. When a traffic signal is not working, you should:

Answer: Treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

38. What does a yellow arrow on a traffic signal mean?

Answer: The protected turn signal is about to turn red.

39. When must a driver yield to a pedestrian?

Answer: At all times.

40. What is the speed limit in a residential area (unless posted)?

Answer: 25 mph.

41. What is the Basic Speed Law?

Answer: Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions.

42. When involved in an accident, you should:

Answer: Stop and exchange information with the other driver.

43. How many feet should you signal before making a turn?

Answer: 100 feet.

44. A flashing yellow arrow means:

Answer: You may turn left, but must yield to traffic and pedestrians.

45. When is it illegal to drive without a license?

Answer: It is always illegal.

46. A red and white triangular sign pointing down means:

Answer: Yield.

47. A common cause of fatal car accidents is:

Answer: Driving under the influence of alcohol.

48. When a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, you should:

Answer: Stop and wait for them to cross.

49. What should you do if your gas pedal gets stuck?

Answer: Shift to a lower gear and turn off the engine.

50. If pulled over by a police officer, you should:

Answer: Stay in the car and keep your hands on the wheel.