Ultimate 2026 California DMV Q&A (200 Questions). DMVTestMaster.com #1 in the USA

Part 1: New 2026 Law Updates
Q: According to the 2026 "Move Over" law (AB 390), what must you do when approaching any stationary vehicle with hazard lights on the shoulder?
A: Slow down and, if safe, move over one lane to provide a buffer.

Q: What does a blue marker lamp on a vehicle's roof indicate in 2026?
A: The vehicle is operating in an autonomous (self-driving) mode.

Q: What is the fine for using a product that obscures a license plate from electronic toll readers?
A: An infraction with a fine of up to $1,000.

Q: Under 2026 rules, can you request a duplicate license just for a change of address?
A: Yes, SB 506 now allows this without the license being lost or damaged.

Q: Who is now required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) after a DUI?
A: All DUI offenders, including first-time convictions (AB 366).

Part 2: Right-of-Way & Intersections
Q: You reach an intersection with a flashing red light. What do you do?
A: Stop completely, then proceed when safe (treat it like a stop sign).

Q: At an intersection without "STOP" or "YIELD" signs, who has the right of way?
A: The vehicle that arrived first, or the vehicle on the right if both arrive at once.

Q: When waiting to turn left, which way should your wheels be pointed?
A: Straight ahead (to avoid being pushed into oncoming traffic if hit from behind).

Q: When can you pass a vehicle on the right?
A: When the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is a paved lane to the right.

Q: A pedestrian is crossing in a "blind" mid-block crosswalk. Who has the right of way?
A: The pedestrian always has the right of way.

Part 3: Speed Limits & Road Conditions
Q: What is the "Basic Speed Law"?
A: Never drive faster than is safe for current weather and road conditions.

Q: What is the speed limit in a "blind" intersection?
A: 15 mph.

Q: What is the speed limit in a business district?
A: 25 mph.

Q: When driving in heavy fog, which lights should you use?
A: Low-beam headlights.

Q: If your car starts to hydroplane, what is the first thing you should do?
A: Gradually slow down; do not hit the brakes.

Part 4: Lane Markings & Passing
Q: What does a solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line mean?
A: Passing is allowed only for the side with the broken line.

Q: What is the purpose of a turnout lane?
A: To allow slow-moving vehicles to let others pass.

Q: Can you ever cross double solid white lines?
A: No, these usually separate HOV lanes from regular lanes.

Q: How many feet before a turn must you signal?
A: 100 feet.

Q: When can you drive in a bike lane?
A: Within 200 feet of making a right turn.

Part 5: Parking & Emergencies
Q: When parking uphill on a two-way street with a curb, which way do you turn the wheels?
A: Away from the curb (Left).

Q: A white painted curb means:
A: Loading/unloading passengers or mail only.

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

Q: If an emergency vehicle with sirens is behind you in a one-way street, what do you do?
A: Pull to the nearest edge of the road and stop.

Q: What should you do if your brakes fail?
A: Downshift to a lower gear and pump the brake pedal fast and hard.

Note: For the full list of 200 Questions including the Sign Identification Master List and Alcohol/Drug Penalty Table, please download our 2026 DMV Cheat Sheet directly from DMVTestMaster.com.

Quick Tips for Passing:
Read the Whole Question: The DMV often uses "trap" answers that look correct but are incomplete.

Scan for "Except": Many 2026 questions ask "All of the following are true EXCEPT..."

Update Your Handbook: Ensure you aren't studying from 2024 or 2025 materials; the laws regarding e-bikes and school zones (AB 382) have changed.

Part 6: Road Signs & Signals (Questions 26-60)
Q: A pentagon-shaped sign indicates:
A: A school zone or school crossing.

Q: A diamond-shaped sign is used for:
A: Warning of specific road conditions (e.g., slippery when wet).

Q: What does a sign with a red circle and a white horizontal line mean?
A: Do Not Enter.

Q: A yellow sign with a black "X" and the letters "RR" means:
A: You are approaching a railroad crossing.

Q: What does a "Slower Traffic Keep Right" sign mean?
A: If you are driving slower than the flow of traffic, stay in the right-hand lane.

Q: A green arrow pointing right means:
A: You may turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to pedestrians.

Q: What does a flashing yellow arrow mean?
A: Turns are permitted, but you must first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Q: A solid red light means:
A: Stop. You can turn right after stopping unless a sign prohibits it.

Q: A "Yield" sign means:
A: Let other drivers, pedestrians, or bicycles have the right-of-way before you proceed.

Q: A square red and white sign means:
A: You must follow the instruction (e.g., Wrong Way).

Part 7: Driver Safety & Alcohol (Questions 61-100)
Q: What is the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and over?
A: 0.08%.

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

Q: Under "Implied Consent" laws, by driving in CA, you agree to:
A: A chemical test of your breath, blood, or urine if suspected of DUI.

Q: How long can a first-time DUI conviction stay on your driving record?
A: 10 years.

Q: In 2026, which DUI offenders are required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
A: All offenders, including first-time convictions.

Q: What is the fine for smoking in a vehicle with a minor present?
A: Up to $100.

Q: If you are involved in a collision, you must report it to the DMV within 10 days if:
A: There is more than $1,000 in property damage or anyone was injured.

Q: "Rubbernecking" refers to:
A: Slowing down to look at collisions or objects on the side of the road, which causes traffic.

Q: If your gas pedal sticks, what should you do?
A: Shift to neutral and apply the brakes.

Q: How many seconds of "following distance" should you maintain?
A: 3 seconds (increased in poor weather).

Part 8: Lane Changes & Turning (Questions 101-140)
Q: To make a left turn from a one-way street onto another one-way street, start from:
A: The far left lane.

Q: When can you make a U-turn in a residential district?
A: When there are no vehicles approaching within 200 feet.

Q: Can you cross a double yellow line to turn into a private driveway?
A: Yes.

Q: Large trucks have "blind spots" known as:
A: No-Zones.

Q: When following a large truck, you should stay further back because:
A: You need more room to see the road ahead.

Q: To exit a freeway, you should signal for at least:
A: 5 seconds.

Q: You may cross a solid white line on the freeway only:
A: If it is necessary for safety or if signs permit.

Part 9: Pedestrians & Special Vehicles (Questions 141-180)
Q: In 2026, the speed limit in school zones when children are present is:
A: 20 mph (Updated from 25 mph in many districts per AB 382).

Q: You must park how many feet away from a crosswalk (Daylighting Law)?
A: 20 feet.

Q: E-bikes are required to have which lights in 2026?
A: A red rear reflector or light visible at all times.

Q: If a pedestrian is using a white cane or a guide dog:
A: Give them the right of way and stop at least 5 feet from the crosswalk.

Q: You must yield to a transit bus when:
A: It has signaled and is attempting to re-enter traffic from a bus stop.

Part 10: Miscellaneous Laws (Questions 181-200)
Q: What is the minimum insurance coverage for property damage in 2026?
A: $15,000 (Increased from $5,000).

Q: What is the minimum insurance for injury/death of one person?
A: $30,000.

Q: You can be fined for "abandoning" an animal on the highway. What is the penalty?
A: A fine of $1,000 and/or 6 months in jail.

Q: When can you use a handheld cell phone while driving?
A: Only in an emergency to call law enforcement, fire, or medical services.

Q: If you are a minor and get a ticket, your parents must:
A: Sign the ticket and take financial responsibility.

Q: To get a REAL ID, you must provide:
A: Proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of CA residency.

Q: If you sell your car, you must notify the DMV within:
A: 5 days.

Q: High-beam headlights should be dimmed when an oncoming vehicle is within:
A: 500 feet.

Q: What is the penalty for street racing in 2026?
A: License suspension, high fines, and vehicle impoundment.

Q: When can you drive with only parking lights on?
A: Never.

Q: If your vehicle starts to skid:
A: Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.

Q: A "blind" intersection has a speed limit of:
A: 15 mph.

Q: When you see a "Merge" sign on the freeway:
A: Adjust your speed to allow merging traffic to enter safely.

Q: Cargo extending more than 4 feet from the rear bumper must be:
A: Marked with a 12-inch red or orange square flag.

Q: It is illegal to park in an unmarked crosswalk.
A: True.

Q: Splitting lanes on a motorcycle is:
A: Legal in California if done safely.

Q: Wearing headphones in both ears while driving is:
A: Illegal.

Q: You must turn on your headlights if you are using your windshield wipers.
A: True.

Q: What is the most common cause of collisions?
A: Driver distraction.

Q: If you fail the written test, how long must you wait to retake it?
A: One week (for minors) or immediately (for adults, based on appointment availability).