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) 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.

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

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

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

C) Crossing hands to pull the wheel smoothly.

4 / 46

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

A) Operating it in light traffic only.

B) Holding it briefly to text.

C) Using a single swipe or touch.

5 / 46

5) 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.

6 / 46

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

A) Stop, then inch forward to check.

B) Honk to alert unseen traffic.

C) Proceed slowly if no signs are posted.

7 / 46

7) 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.

8 / 46

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

A) Within 200 feet after checking for bikes.

B) Only with a broken white line marking.

C) After stopping at the intersection.

9 / 46

9) To merge onto a freeway, you must:

A) Match traffic speed and merge safely.

B) Stop on the ramp until a gap appears.

C) Yield only to emergency vehicles.

10 / 46

10) A flashing red traffic light requires you to:

A) Proceed if no pedestrians are present.

B) Slow down and yield to traffic.

C) Stop fully, as at a stop sign.

11 / 46

11) A “WRONG WAY” sign means you:

A) Must stop and wait for a green light.

B) Are driving against traffic and must turn around.

C) Can proceed if no vehicles are oncoming.

12 / 46

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

A) Every 5 seconds for road signs.

B) Only when changing lanes or turning.

C) At least 10 times per minute.

13 / 46

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

A) At all times, regardless of location.

B) Only in marked crosswalks.

C) Only during “WALK” signal phases.

14 / 46

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

A) Passing a cyclist on a narrow road.

B) Merging onto a freeway at high speed.

C) Preparing to park or pull from a curb.

15 / 46

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

A) From either direction unless on a divided highway.

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

C) Only if children are boarding the bus.

16 / 46

16) 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.

17 / 46

17) Minors using a cell phone while driving face:

A) No penalty if used for navigation.

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

C) Exemption if with an adult.

18 / 46

18) A yellow curb allows you to:

A) Park for a limited time if signed.

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

C) Park indefinitely if no signs are posted.

19 / 46

19) 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.

20 / 46

20) 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.

21 / 46

21) 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.

22 / 46

22) 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.

23 / 46

23) 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.

24 / 46

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

A) A construction zone with workers.

B) A school zone with potential child crossings.

C) A railroad crossing ahead.

25 / 46

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

A) Passing is allowed if no traffic is oncoming.

B) No passing in either direction.

C) Passing only for left-lane vehicles.

26 / 46

26) 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.

27 / 46

27) 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.

28 / 46

28) 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.

29 / 46

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

A) Yield at intersections only.

B) Park in designated loading zones.

C) Stop at all railroad crossings.

30 / 46

30) 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.

31 / 46

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

A) 0.05% or higher.

B) 0.08% or higher.

C) 0.01% or higher.

32 / 46

32) 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.

33 / 46

33) 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.

34 / 46

34) When passing a motorcyclist, you should:

A) Give them the full lane to pass safely.

B) Pass in the same lane if space allows.

C) Honk to alert them before passing.

35 / 46

35) 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.

36 / 46

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

A) Honk to clear the crosswalk quickly.

B) Yield to pedestrians per traffic signals.

C) Proceed if the pedestrian is moving fast.

37 / 46

37) 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.

38 / 46

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

A) Only at night with no traffic.

B) Only for emergency vehicles.

C) At safe intersections or highway openings.

39 / 46

39) 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.

40 / 46

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

A) Drive at the posted speed limit.

B) Stop to clear windshield and lights.

C) Use high beams to see better.

41 / 46

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

A) Activate high-beam headlights for curves.

B) Use low-beam headlights at all times.

C) Turn on emergency flashers for visibility.

42 / 46

42) 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.

43 / 46

43) 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.

44 / 46

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

A) Wait for pedestrians to finish crossing.

B) Proceed if the crosswalk is clear.

C) Honk to clear the intersection.

45 / 46

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

A) Are smaller than a 5-inch square.

B) Obstruct your view of the road.

C) Are placed on the passenger side only.

46 / 46

46) 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.

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.