46 Question Practice Permit Test California 2026

46 Question Practice Permit Test California 2026. 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 yellow curb allows you to:

A) Park indefinitely if no signs are posted.

B) Park for a limited time if signed.

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

2 / 46

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

A) End in any safe open lane.

B) End in the center lane only.

C) End in the far-right lane only.

3 / 46

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

A) After stopping at the intersection.

B) Only with a broken white line marking.

C) Within 200 feet after checking for bikes.

4 / 46

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

A) Passing only for left-lane vehicles.

B) No passing in either direction.

C) Passing is allowed if no traffic is oncoming.

5 / 46

5) 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.

6 / 46

6) To merge onto a freeway, you must:

A) Yield only to emergency vehicles.

B) Match traffic speed and merge safely.

C) Stop on the ramp until a gap appears.

7 / 46

7) 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.

8 / 46

8) 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.

9 / 46

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

A) 25 mph unless signs state otherwise.

B) 30 mph unless traffic is heavy.

C) 35 mph unless pedestrians are present.

10 / 46

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

A) A school zone with potential child crossings.

B) A construction zone with workers.

C) A railroad crossing ahead.

11 / 46

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

A) Proceed if the crosswalk is clear.

B) Honk to clear the intersection.

C) Wait for pedestrians to finish crossing.

12 / 46

12) A flashing red traffic light requires you to:

A) Slow down and yield to traffic.

B) Proceed if no pedestrians are present.

C) Stop fully, as at a stop sign.

13 / 46

13) 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.

14 / 46

14) When passing a motorcyclist, you should:

A) Honk to alert them before passing.

B) Give them the full lane to pass safely.

C) Pass in the same lane if space allows.

15 / 46

15) 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.

16 / 46

16) 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.

17 / 46

17) 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.

18 / 46

18) You may use your horn to:

A) Signal a lane change on a freeway.

B) Warn of a collision risk at an intersection.

C) Alert a pedestrian to move faster.

19 / 46

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

A) Use high beams for better visibility.

B) Drive no faster than 30 mph.

C) Maintain the posted speed limit.

20 / 46

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

A) At least 10 times per minute.

B) Every 5 seconds for road signs.

C) Only when changing lanes or turning.

21 / 46

21) 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.

22 / 46

22) At an uncontrolled intersection with simultaneous arrivals:

A) The right vehicle has priority.

B) The left vehicle yields to the right.

C) The faster vehicle proceeds first.

23 / 46

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

A) Passing a cyclist on a narrow road.

B) Preparing to park or pull from a curb.

C) Merging onto a freeway at high speed.

24 / 46

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

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

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

C) Crossing hands to pull the wheel smoothly.

25 / 46

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

A) Sudden lane changes or stops.

B) Maintaining consistent speed.

C) Avoiding wet road surfaces.

26 / 46

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

A) Stop until gates are fully raised.

B) Proceed if gates are not fully lowered.

C) Cross quickly if no train is visible.

27 / 46

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

A) Stop at all railroad crossings.

B) Yield at intersections only.

C) Park in designated loading zones.

28 / 46

28) 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.

29 / 46

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

A) Only emergency vehicles with sirens.

B) Traffic entering from the right only.

C) All vehicles already in the roundabout.

30 / 46

30) 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.

31 / 46

31) Proof of insurance is required when:

A) Involved in a collision or drive test.

B) Using a carpool lane with a decal.

C) Parking at a colored curb.

32 / 46

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

A) Notify insurance within 24 hours.

B) Report to DMV within 10 days.

C) File a police report if no injuries.

33 / 46

33) A U-turn is prohibited:

A) On a one-way street at night.

B) Near a fire station driveway.

C) Within 100 feet of a crosswalk.

34 / 46

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

A) 0.05% or higher.

B) 0.08% or higher.

C) 0.01% or higher.

35 / 46

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

A) Honk to signal your approach.

B) Maintain speed for consistency.

C) Be cautious due to low engine noise.

36 / 46

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

A) Honk to clear the crosswalk quickly.

B) Proceed if the pedestrian is moving fast.

C) Yield to pedestrians per traffic signals.

37 / 46

37) 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.

38 / 46

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

A) At all times, regardless of location.

B) Only during “WALK” signal phases.

C) Only in marked crosswalks.

39 / 46

39) 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.

40 / 46

40) 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.

41 / 46

41) 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.

42 / 46

42) 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.

43 / 46

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

A) Use hand signals for turns or stops.

B) Proceed without signaling if visible.

C) Flash headlights to indicate turns.

44 / 46

44) Recording a traffic stop is allowed if:

A) You are not driving the vehicle.

B) The officer gives prior consent.

C) You don’t interfere with their duties.

45 / 46

45) 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.

46 / 46

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

A) Speed 10 mph above traffic flow.

B) Required occupants or a DMV decal.

C) A commercial license for the driver.

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.