State guides · California

California DMV written test guide

Everything you need to know about the written test in California, with the rules your state asks about and practice questions with answers.

🗣️ DMV says the knowledge test is offered in 35 languages. California DMV

Applicants 18 and older: 36 questions, max 6 wrong, so 30 correct to pass. Under 18: 46 questions, max 8 wrong, so 38 correct to pass. Source is an official DMV research report (2006); the current handbook and dmv.ca.gov give no counts, and no official newer format was found.

California rules you need to know

• Alcohol, 21 and over: In California, drivers 21 and over may not drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. Official source ↗
• Alcohol, under 21: Drivers under 21 in California may not drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher. Official source ↗
• Following distance: Keep a following distance of at least 3 seconds. Official source ↗
• High beams: Dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 300 feet of a vehicle you follow. Official source ↗
• Turn signal: Signal at least 100 feet before a turn and at least 5 seconds before changing lanes on a freeway. Official source ↗
• Fire hydrant: Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or fire station driveway. Official source ↗
• Crosswalk: Do not park within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk, or within 15 feet where there is a curb extension. Official source ↗
• School bus: You do not need to stop for a school bus on the other side of a divided or multilane highway. Official source ↗
• Right on red: You may turn right on red after a complete stop unless a NO TURN ON RED sign is posted. Official source ↗
• Left on red: You may turn left on red only from a one-way street onto a one-way street. Official source ↗
• Cell phone: Handheld phone use while driving is illegal, and minors may not use a phone at all except for emergencies. Official source ↗
• Move Over law: Move over and slow down for stopped emergency, tow, and road work vehicles with flashing lights. Official source ↗
• Permit age: You can get a California instruction permit at 15½. Official source ↗

California test FAQ

Documents guide → · How to pass on the first try →

11 California practice questions

1. 1. In California, what does a white-painted curb mean?

   1. Limited-time parking
   2. Loading freight and passengers
   3. No stopping, standing or parking
   4. Stop only to pick up or drop off passengers
   Show answer

   Answer: Stop only to pick up or drop off passengers

   White: passengers only. Green: limited time. Yellow: loading. Red: no stopping. Blue: disabled parking.

   Official source ↗

2. 2. In California, what is the speed limit at a blind intersection (no stop signs at any corner)?

   1. 10 mph
   2. 15 mph
   3. 20 mph
   4. 25 mph
   Show answer

   Answer: 15 mph

   California sets 15 mph for blind intersections. Alleys also have a 15 mph limit.

   Official source ↗

3. 3. In California, what is the speed limit within 500 feet of a school while children are outside?

   1. 15 mph in all cases
   2. 25 mph
   3. 20 mph
   4. 35 mph
   Show answer

   Answer: 25 mph

   25 mph within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing. Some zones may post 15 mph.

   Official source ↗

4. 4. You crash in California with over $1,000 in property damage. Within how many days must you report it to DMV?

   1. It does not need to be reported
   2. 30 days
   3. 10 days
   4. 5 days
   Show answer

   Answer: 10 days

   File form SR 1 with DMV within 10 days if damage exceeds $1,000 or anyone is injured or killed.

   Official source ↗

5. 5. You are 19 in California. At what BAC is it illegal for you to drive?

   1. 0.08% or higher
   2. 0.01% or higher
   3. 0.05% or higher
   4. 0.04% or higher
   Show answer

   Answer: 0.01% or higher

   California drivers under 21 may not drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher.

   Official source ↗

6. 6. In California, what is the minimum space you must give when passing a bicyclist?

   1. 1 foot
   2. 6 feet
   3. 10 feet
   4. 3 feet
   Show answer

   Answer: 3 feet

   Give at least 3 feet. If you cannot give 3 feet, do not pass until you safely can.

   Official source ↗

7. 7. In California, within how many feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk is parking prohibited?

   1. 10 feet
   2. 50 feet
   3. 5 feet
   4. 20 feet
   Show answer

   Answer: 20 feet

   No parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk, marked or unmarked, or within 15 feet where there is a curb extension.

   Official source ↗

8. 8. You are 17 and driving in California. When may you use a cell phone?

   1. While stopped at a light
   2. Only to call for emergency help
   3. When it is mounted on the dash
   4. When it is hands-free
   Show answer

   Answer: Only to call for emergency help

   Minors may not use a cell phone or wireless device while driving, except to call for emergency assistance.

   Official source ↗

9. 9. In California, how close to a fire hydrant may you park, at minimum?

   1. 20 feet
   2. 25 feet
   3. 30 feet
   4. 15 feet
   Show answer

   Answer: 15 feet

   Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or fire station driveway.

   Official source ↗

10. 10. In California, within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection may you NOT park?

    1. 25 feet
    2. 30 feet
    3. 50 feet
    4. 20 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 20 feet

    Do not park within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk, or within 15 feet where there is a curb extension.

    Official source ↗

11. 11. In California, at least how far ahead must you signal before turning?

    1. 50 feet
    2. 500 feet
    3. 100 feet
    4. 200 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 100 feet

    Signal at least 100 feet before a turn and at least 5 seconds before changing lanes on a freeway.

    Official source ↗

Facts checked against the official state handbook and website in October 2026. Rules change: always check the official handbook.