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

A) Maintaining consistent speed.

B) Avoiding wet road surfaces.

C) Sudden lane changes or stops.

2 / 46

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

A) Honk to alert unseen traffic.

B) Proceed slowly if no signs are posted.

C) Stop, then inch forward to check.

3 / 46

3) A flashing red traffic light requires you to:

A) Proceed if no pedestrians are present.

B) Stop fully, as at a stop sign.

C) Slow down and yield to traffic.

4 / 46

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

A) 30 mph unless traffic is heavy.

B) 35 mph unless pedestrians are present.

C) 25 mph unless signs state otherwise.

5 / 46

5) 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.

6 / 46

6) 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.

7 / 46

7) A yellow curb allows you to:

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

B) Park indefinitely if no signs are posted.

C) Park for a limited time if signed.

8 / 46

8) 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.

9 / 46

9) 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.

10 / 46

10) 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.

11 / 46

11) You may use your horn to:

A) Alert a pedestrian to move faster.

B) Signal a lane change on a freeway.

C) Warn of a collision risk at an intersection.

12 / 46

12) 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.

13 / 46

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

A) Turn on emergency flashers for visibility.

B) Activate high-beam headlights for curves.

C) Use low-beam headlights at all times.

14 / 46

14) 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.

15 / 46

15) 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.

16 / 46

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

A) Stop to clear windshield and lights.

B) Drive at the posted speed limit.

C) Use high beams to see better.

17 / 46

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

A) Ease off the accelerator and steer.

B) Brake firmly to regain control.

C) Accelerate to maintain traction.

18 / 46

18) Minors using a cell phone while driving face:

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

B) Exemption if with an adult.

C) No penalty if used for navigation.

19 / 46

19) When passing a motorcyclist, you should:

A) Honk to alert them before passing.

B) Pass in the same lane if space allows.

C) Give them the full lane to pass safely.

20 / 46

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

A) It takes longer to stop.

B) It may swing wide during turns.

C) It accelerates quickly in traffic.

21 / 46

21) 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.

22 / 46

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

A) Only if children are boarding the bus.

B) From either direction unless on a divided highway.

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

23 / 46

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

A) Wait for them to move left first.

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

C) Pass within one foot if safe.

24 / 46

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

A) Holding it briefly to text.

B) Operating it in light traffic only.

C) Using a single swipe or touch.

25 / 46

25) 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.

26 / 46

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

A) Only in marked crosswalks.

B) Only during “WALK” signal phases.

C) At all times, regardless of location.

27 / 46

27) 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.

28 / 46

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

A) Honk to clear the intersection.

B) Wait for pedestrians to finish crossing.

C) Proceed if the crosswalk is clear.

29 / 46

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

A) Yield at intersections only.

B) Stop at all railroad crossings.

C) Park in designated loading zones.

30 / 46

30) 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.

31 / 46

31) 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.

32 / 46

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

A) Traffic entering from the right only.

B) All vehicles already in the roundabout.

C) Only emergency vehicles with sirens.

33 / 46

33) Proof of insurance is required when:

A) Parking at a colored curb.

B) Using a carpool lane with a decal.

C) Involved in a collision or drive test.

34 / 46

34) 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.

35 / 46

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

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

B) Travel too slowly on a highway.

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

36 / 46

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

A) Proceed without signaling if visible.

B) Use hand signals for turns or stops.

C) Flash headlights to indicate turns.

37 / 46

37) A U-turn is prohibited:

A) Within 100 feet of a crosswalk.

B) On a one-way street at night.

C) Near a fire station driveway.

38 / 46

38) A “WRONG WAY” sign means you:

A) Must stop and wait for a green light.

B) Can proceed if no vehicles are oncoming.

C) Are driving against traffic and must turn around.

39 / 46

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

A) Maintain the posted speed limit.

B) Use high beams for better visibility.

C) Drive no faster than 30 mph.

40 / 46

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

A) 0.05% or higher.

B) 0.01% or higher.

C) 0.08% or higher.

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

A) Are placed on the passenger side only.

B) Are smaller than a 5-inch square.

C) Obstruct your view of the road.

43 / 46

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

A) A school zone with potential child crossings.

B) A railroad crossing ahead.

C) A construction zone with workers.

44 / 46

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

A) Pass on the right without signaling if clear.

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

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

45 / 46

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

A) Maintain speed for consistency.

B) Honk to signal your approach.

C) Be cautious due to low engine noise.

46 / 46

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

A) Preparing to park or pull from a curb.

B) Merging onto a freeway at high speed.

C) Passing a cyclist on a narrow road.

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.