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) A flashing red traffic light requires you to:

A) Slow down and yield to traffic.

B) Stop fully, as at a stop sign.

C) Proceed if no pedestrians are present.

2 / 46

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

A) A commercial license for the driver.

B) Speed 10 mph above traffic flow.

C) Required occupants or a DMV decal.

3 / 46

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

A) Sudden lane changes or stops.

B) Avoiding wet road surfaces.

C) Maintaining consistent speed.

4 / 46

4) 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.

5 / 46

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

A) 0.01% or higher.

B) 0.05% or higher.

C) 0.08% or higher.

6 / 46

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

A) Only with a broken white line marking.

B) Within 200 feet after checking for bikes.

C) After stopping at the intersection.

7 / 46

7) Minors using a cell phone while driving face:

A) Exemption if with an adult.

B) No penalty if used for navigation.

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

8 / 46

8) 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.

9 / 46

9) 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.

10 / 46

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

A) Using a single swipe or touch.

B) Operating it in light traffic only.

C) Holding it briefly to text.

11 / 46

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

A) Use high beams to see better.

B) Drive at the posted speed limit.

C) Stop to clear windshield and lights.

12 / 46

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

A) Stop, then inch forward to check.

B) Proceed slowly if no signs are posted.

C) Honk to alert unseen traffic.

13 / 46

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

A) At safe intersections or highway openings.

B) Only for emergency vehicles.

C) Only at night with no traffic.

14 / 46

14) 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.

15 / 46

15) You may use your horn to:

A) Warn of a collision risk at an intersection.

B) Alert a pedestrian to move faster.

C) Signal a lane change on a freeway.

16 / 46

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

A) Proceed straight through the intersection.

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

C) Stop until the entire light is green.

17 / 46

17) 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.

18 / 46

18) A yellow curb allows you to:

A) Park for a limited time if signed.

B) Park indefinitely if no signs are posted.

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

19 / 46

19) 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.

20 / 46

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

A) Yield to pedestrians per traffic signals.

B) Proceed if the pedestrian is moving fast.

C) Honk to clear the crosswalk quickly.

21 / 46

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

A) Turn on emergency flashers for visibility.

B) Use low-beam headlights at all times.

C) Activate high-beam headlights for curves.

22 / 46

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

A) Notify insurance within 24 hours.

B) File a police report if no injuries.

C) Report to DMV within 10 days.

23 / 46

23) 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.

24 / 46

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

A) Only during “WALK” signal phases.

B) Only in marked crosswalks.

C) At all times, regardless of location.

25 / 46

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

A) It accelerates quickly in traffic.

B) It may swing wide during turns.

C) It takes longer to stop.

26 / 46

26) 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.

27 / 46

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

A) Wait for them to move left first.

B) Pass within one foot if safe.

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

28 / 46

28) 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.

29 / 46

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

A) Obstruct your view of the road.

B) Are smaller than a 5-inch square.

C) Are placed on the passenger side only.

30 / 46

30) Recording a traffic stop is allowed if:

A) You don’t interfere with their duties.

B) The officer gives prior consent.

C) You are not driving the vehicle.

31 / 46

31) 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.

32 / 46

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

A) Drive no faster than 30 mph.

B) Use high beams for better visibility.

C) Maintain the posted speed limit.

33 / 46

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

A) Every 5 seconds for road signs.

B) At least 10 times per minute.

C) Only when changing lanes or turning.

34 / 46

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

A) Brake firmly to regain control.

B) Accelerate to maintain traction.

C) Ease off the accelerator and steer.

35 / 46

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

A) Use high beams to reduce glare.

B) Speed up to pass the glare area.

C) Wear polarized sunglasses.

36 / 46

36) 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 the far-right lane only.

C) End in any safe open lane.

37 / 46

37) At an uncontrolled intersection with simultaneous arrivals:

A) The faster vehicle proceeds first.

B) The right vehicle has priority.

C) The left vehicle yields to the right.

38 / 46

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

A) Cross quickly if no train is visible.

B) Stop until gates are fully raised.

C) Proceed if gates are not fully lowered.

39 / 46

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

A) Crossing hands to pull the wheel smoothly.

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

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

40 / 46

40) 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.

41 / 46

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

A) From either direction unless on a divided highway.

B) Only if children are boarding the bus.

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

42 / 46

42) A U-turn is prohibited:

A) On a one-way street at night.

B) Within 100 feet of a crosswalk.

C) Near a fire station driveway.

43 / 46

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

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

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

C) Travel too slowly on a highway.

44 / 46

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

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

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

C) Pass on the right without signaling if clear.

45 / 46

45) 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.

46 / 46

46) A “WRONG WAY” sign means you:

A) Can proceed if no vehicles are oncoming.

B) Are driving against traffic and must turn around.

C) Must stop and wait for a green light.

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.