46 Question Practice Permit Test California 2025

46 Question Practice Permit Test California 2025. Getting every one of the 46 questions right on California’s written permit test isn’t just bragging rights—it means you drive away from the DMV counter with your learner’s permit in hand and no seven-day wait for a retake.

We have designed several free simulators that mirror the DMV’s exact 46-question layout and scoring threshold; they even shuffle distractors so you can’t memorize order. Scoring 46 out of 46 feels great, but you only need 38 correct to pass.

Focus on understanding why each answer is correct, and you’ll cruise through the test—no sneaky trick question can throw you off. Grab the official handbook, hammer those practice tests with answer explanations, and walk into the DMV knowing every rule like the back of your steering wheel.

46 Question Practice Permit Test California

California DMV Practice Test
Total Items: 46 Questions
Passing Percentage: 83%
Time Limit: 60 Minutes

1 / 46

1) For a left turn from a one-way street to a multi-lane one-way street:

A) End in the center lane only.

B) End in any safe open lane.

C) End in the far-right lane only.

2 / 46

2) A single solid yellow line on a two-way road means:

A) No passing in either direction.

B) Passing is allowed if no traffic is oncoming.

C) Passing only for left-lane vehicles.

3 / 46

3) If your vehicle skids on a wet road, you should:

A) Ease off the accelerator and steer.

B) Accelerate to maintain traction.

C) Brake firmly to regain control.

4 / 46

4) At a crosswalk with no pedestrian signals, you must:

A) Proceed if the pedestrian is moving fast.

B) Yield to pedestrians per traffic signals.

C) Honk to clear the crosswalk quickly.

5 / 46

5) In an unposted residential area, the speed limit is:

A) 30 mph unless traffic is heavy.

B) 25 mph unless signs state otherwise.

C) 35 mph unless pedestrians are present.

6 / 46

6) A green arrow with a red light allows you to:

A) Stop until the entire light is green.

B) Proceed straight through the intersection.

C) Turn in the arrow’s direction if safe.

7 / 46

7) To prevent rear-end collisions, check your mirrors when:

A) Merging onto a freeway at high speed.

B) Preparing to park or pull from a curb.

C) Passing a cyclist on a narrow road.

8 / 46

8) At a railroad crossing with lowering gates, you must:

A) Proceed if gates are not fully lowered.

B) Cross quickly if no train is visible.

C) Stop until gates are fully raised.

9 / 46

9) If your turn signals fail in bright sunlight, you should:

A) Flash headlights to indicate turns.

B) Proceed without signaling if visible.

C) Use hand signals for turns or stops.

10 / 46

10) At a multi-lane roundabout, you must yield to:

A) All vehicles already in the roundabout.

B) Traffic entering from the right only.

C) Only emergency vehicles with sirens.

11 / 46

11) A pedestrian with a guide dog has right-of-way:

A) Only during “WALK” signal phases.

B) At all times, regardless of location.

C) Only in marked crosswalks.

12 / 46

12) A flashing red traffic light requires you to:

A) Stop fully, as at a stop sign.

B) Proceed if no pedestrians are present.

C) Slow down and yield to traffic.

13 / 46

13) To avoid last-minute reactions, scan your surroundings:

A) Only when changing lanes or turning.

B) Every 5 seconds for road signs.

C) At least 10 times per minute.

14 / 46

14) Minors using a cell phone while driving face:

A) No penalty if used for navigation.

B) Exemption if with an adult.

C) A violation unless it’s an emergency call.

15 / 46

15) Adult drivers may use a mounted cell phone by:

A) Operating it in light traffic only.

B) Using a single swipe or touch.

C) Holding it briefly to text.

16 / 46

16) A flashing “DON’T WALK” signal means drivers must:

A) Wait for pedestrians to finish crossing.

B) Honk to clear the intersection.

C) Proceed if the crosswalk is clear.

17 / 46

17) For a collision with over $1,000 in damage, you must:

A) Report to DMV within 10 days.

B) File a police report if no injuries.

C) Notify insurance within 24 hours.

18 / 46

18) In a work zone, extra space between vehicles allows for:

A) Avoiding wet road surfaces.

B) Sudden lane changes or stops.

C) Maintaining consistent speed.

19 / 46

19) At an intersection with an obstructed view, you should:

A) Proceed slowly if no signs are posted.

B) Honk to alert unseen traffic.

C) Stop, then inch forward to check.

20 / 46

20) A “No U-Turn” sign in a business district allows U-turns:

A) Only at night with no traffic.

B) At safe intersections or highway openings.

C) Only for emergency vehicles.

21 / 46

21) A five-sided sign near a school indicates:

A) A railroad crossing ahead.

B) A construction zone with workers.

C) A school zone with potential child crossings.

22 / 46

22) Recording a traffic stop is allowed if:

A) The officer gives prior consent.

B) You are not driving the vehicle.

C) You don’t interfere with their duties.

23 / 46

23) To merge onto a freeway, you must:

A) Match traffic speed and merge safely.

B) Yield only to emergency vehicles.

C) Stop on the ramp until a gap appears.

24 / 46

24) When driving a hybrid near a blind pedestrian, you should:

A) Be cautious due to low engine noise.

B) Honk to signal your approach.

C) Maintain speed for consistency.

25 / 46

25) At an uncontrolled intersection with simultaneous arrivals:

A) The right vehicle has priority.

B) The faster vehicle proceeds first.

C) The left vehicle yields to the right.

26 / 46

26) A school bus with flashing red lights requires you to stop:

A) Only if behind the bus in a school zone.

B) Only if children are boarding the bus.

C) From either direction unless on a divided highway.

27 / 46

27) A vehicle with a “Hazardous Loads Placards” sign must:

A) Stop at all railroad crossings.

B) Park in designated loading zones.

C) Yield at intersections only.

28 / 46

28) A U-turn is prohibited:

A) Near a fire station driveway.

B) Within 100 feet of a crosswalk.

C) On a one-way street at night.

29 / 46

29) You may receive a citation for impeding traffic if you:

A) Drive at the speed limit in a work zone.

B) Pass a vehicle on a two-lane road.

C) Travel too slowly on a highway.

30 / 46

30) When following a large truck, keep extra space because:

A) It may swing wide during turns.

B) It takes longer to stop.

C) It accelerates quickly in traffic.

31 / 46

31) It’s illegal to have objects on your windshield that:

A) Obstruct your view of the road.

B) Are placed on the passenger side only.

C) Are smaller than a 5-inch square.

32 / 46

32) In heavy rain with poor visibility, you should:

A) Use high beams to see better.

B) Stop to clear windshield and lights.

C) Drive at the posted speed limit.

33 / 46

33) In heavy fog with visibility under 100 feet, you should:

A) Maintain the posted speed limit.

B) Drive no faster than 30 mph.

C) Use high beams for better visibility.

34 / 46

34) A yellow curb allows you to:

A) Stop to load/unload, staying with vehicle.

B) Park for a limited time if signed.

C) Park indefinitely if no signs are posted.

35 / 46

35) Proof of insurance is required when:

A) Involved in a collision or drive test.

B) Parking at a colored curb.

C) Using a carpool lane with a decal.

36 / 46

36) To handle sun glare while driving, you should:

A) Use high beams to reduce glare.

B) Wear polarized sunglasses.

C) Speed up to pass the glare area.

37 / 46

37) A “WRONG WAY” sign means you:

A) Can proceed if no vehicles are oncoming.

B) Must stop and wait for a green light.

C) Are driving against traffic and must turn around.

38 / 46

38) When passing a motorcyclist, you should:

A) Pass in the same lane if space allows.

B) Give them the full lane to pass safely.

C) Honk to alert them before passing.

39 / 46

39) Hand-over-hand steering at low speeds involves:

A) Crossing hands to pull the wheel smoothly.

B) Keeping hands fixed at 9 and 3 o’clock.

C) Using one hand to steer at 12 o’clock.

40 / 46

40) To pass on a multi-lane highway, you must:

A) Stay in your lane and speed up to pass.

B) Pass on the right without signaling if clear.

C) Signal, check blind spots, and return after seeing headlights.

41 / 46

41) To use an HOV lane, your vehicle needs:

A) Required occupants or a DMV decal.

B) Speed 10 mph above traffic flow.

C) A commercial license for the driver.

42 / 46

42) On a mountain road during daylight, you must:

A) Activate high-beam headlights for curves.

B) Turn on emergency flashers for visibility.

C) Use low-beam headlights at all times.

43 / 46

43) Drivers under 21 cannot drive with a BAC of:

A) 0.05% or higher.

B) 0.01% or higher.

C) 0.08% or higher.

44 / 46

44) To make a right turn using a bike lane, enter it:

A) After stopping at the intersection.

B) Within 200 feet after checking for bikes.

C) Only with a broken white line marking.

45 / 46

45) You may use your horn to:

A) Warn of a collision risk at an intersection.

B) Signal a lane change on a freeway.

C) Alert a pedestrian to move faster.

46 / 46

46) When passing a bicyclist on a two-lane road, you must:

A) Give space to avoid forcing them off-road.

B) Wait for them to move left first.

C) Pass within one foot if safe.

Your score is

California DMV Practice Tests & Hard Sets

CA DMV Test 1	CA DMV Test 2	CA DMV Test 3	CA DMV Hard 1
CA DMV Test 4	CA DMV Test 5	CA DMV Test 6	CA DMV Hard 2
CA DMV Test 7	CA DMV Test 8	CA DMV Test 9	CA DMV Hard 3
CA DMV Test 10	CA DMV Test 11	CA Road‑Sign Test	CA DMV Hard 4

Q: Are the practice-test answers identical to the real exam?
A: No. The DMV pulls from a secure item bank, but practice tests cover the same rule set, so mastering their explanations covers the real answers too.

Q: I’m over 18—why do sites still show 46 questions?
A: They default to the teen (provisional) version. Adults get 36 questions; look for simulators labeled “adult” to avoid extra study time.

Q: How often does California update the written test?
A: Minor tweaks roll out each January when the new Driver Handbook drops. Significant rule changes—like new distracted-driving fines—appear the same year legislators pass them.

Q: Can I rely on YouTube answer keys?
A: Use them only as a side dish. Some videos recycle outdated laws; always cross-check with the current handbook PDF on DMV.ca.gov.