California Driver's License Test: 36 Questions 2025 [UPDATED]

California Driver’s License Test: 36 Questions 2025 [UPDATED]. If you are planning to get your California driver’s license in 2025, this guide is for you. The California DMV has a 36-question written knowledge test for adult drivers. This test assesses your knowledge of the basic road rules, signs, and safe driving laws in California.

This updated guide for 2025 is designed to help you pass on your first attempt.

Test Format: Simple Breakdown

Total Questions: 36
Minimum Score to Pass: 30 correct answers (that’s 83%)
Test Location: DMV office computer or an approved remote online test
Languages Available: English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Arabic, and more
Time Limit: There is no strict limit, but most finish in about 20 minutes

If you get seven or more questions wrong, you will not pass the test. You need to get at least 30 questions right.

California Driver’s License Test: 36 Questions

/36

California Driver's License Test
Total: 36 Questions
Passing Marks: 83%
Time Limit: 60 Minutes

1 / 36

1) If you are driving and you see animals standing near the roadway:

A) Speed up to scare them away

B) Slow down and proceed with caution

C) Quickly swerve into the next lane.

2 / 36

2) Which of these statements is true about large trucks?

A) They take longer to stop than passenger vehicles.

B) They all have air brakes that allow them to stop quickly.

C) They are more maneuverable than passenger vehicles

3 / 36

3) What usually causes a locked wheel skid?

A) Braking too hard at a slow speed.

B) Braking lightly at a slow speed.

C) Braking too hard at a fast speed.

4 / 36

4) When you are facing a green light and there are pedestrians in the intersection:

A) You must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians

B) You have the right-of-way over Pedestrians

C) Pedestrians must wait for you to cross

5 / 36

5) When parking uphill on two-way street with no curb, your front wheels should be:

A) Turned to the right (away from the street).

B) Parallel with the pavement.

C) Turned to the left (toward the street).

6 / 36

6) When driving behind another vehicle at night, you should:

A) Use your high beam headlights

B) Keep your headlights on the low beam setting

C) Use your high beam headlights until you are within 10 feet of the vehicle ahead.

7 / 36

7) When you drive through a construction zone, you should:

A) Stop to watch the workers.

B) Pass the construction zone carefully and not “rubberneck”.

C) Decrease your following distance.

8 / 36

8) U-turns in business districts are:

A) Always illegal because they are dangerous.

B) Legal whenever oncoming vehicles are not a hazard.

C) Legal at intersections, unless a sign prohibits them.

9 / 36

9) This sign means:

A) School zone and crossing

B) Change in direction ahead.

C) Two-way traffic

10 / 36

10) This sign means:

A) Traffic signal ahead

B) Stop

C) Yield the right-of-way.

11 / 36

11) California’s move over law requires:

A) Trucks to use the left lane.

B) All vehicles to vacate the lane closest to an emergency vehicle that is stopped with its lights flashing.

C) All vehicles to stay in the right lane at all times

12 / 36

12) This sign means:

A) No U-turn

B) No left turn

C) All traffic must turn left.

13 / 36

13) It is a very windy day. You are driving and a dust storm blows across the freeway, reducing your visibility. You should decrease your speed and turn on your:

A) Interior lights

B) Parking lights

C) Headlights

14 / 36

14) A broken yellow centerline indicates that:

A) Passing on the right is permitted when the way ahead is clear.

B) Passing on the left is permitted when the way ahead is clear

C) Passing is not permitted.

15 / 36

15) A vehicle suddenly cuts in front of you, creating a hazard. What should you do first?

A) Take your foot off the gas pedal.

B) Swerve into the lane next to you

C) Honk and steep on the brake firmly.

16 / 36

16) This sign means:

A) You must turn right

B) Watch for traffic on your right

C) No right turn

17 / 36

17) This symbol is used for:

A) Dangerous intersections

B) Slow-moving vehicles

C) Yield signs

18 / 36

18) Which of the following is true about vehicles displaying a diamond-shaped sign that indicates a hazardous load?

A) They must stop before crossing railroad tracks

B) They are not allowed to exceed 35 mph

C) They are not allowed to drive on freeways

19 / 36

19) When planning to pass another vehicle, you should:

A) Assume the driver will let you pass if you use your turn signal.

B) Assume the driver will maintain a constant speed.

C) Not count on other drivers to make room for you.

20 / 36

20) If you drive 55 mph in a 55 mph zone, you can be given a speeding ticket:

A) Only if you are approaching a sharp curve in the road.

B) Under no circumstances because it is always legal.

C) If the road or weather conditions require a slower speed.

21 / 36

21) You hit a parked vehicle and can’t find the owner. What must you do?

A) Wait for the owner to return

B) Leave a note with your name and address on the parked vehicle.

C) Call you insurance company when you get home

22 / 36

22) You must show proof of insurance to law enforcement:

A) If you are involved in a collision or stopped for a citation

B) Only if you are stopped and cited.

C) Only if you are involved in collision.

23 / 36

23) This sign means:

A) Winding road ahead

B) Reserved parking for persons with disabilities

C) Merge

24 / 36

24) You should yield to a pedestrian:

A) Only if they are in a crosswalk.

B) Only if the traffic lights are in the pedestrian’s favor.

C) At all times, even if the pedestrian is not obeying traffic laws.

25 / 36

25) You want to park downhill on a two-way road and there is no curb. Which way do you turn your front wheels?

A) Straight ahead.

B) Right, toward the side of the road

C) Left, toward the center of the road

26 / 36

26) If you plan to pass another vehicle, you should:

A) Assume the other driver will let you pass if you use your turn signal.

B) Assume the other diver will maintain a constant speed.

C) Not assume the other drive will make space for you to return to your lane.

27 / 36

27) You are required to stop your vehicle:

A) At any intersection where a police officer orders you to stop.

B) Where there is a red traffic light.

C) Both of the above

28 / 36

28) If you become drowsy while driving, you should:

A) Take some caffeine pills

B) Take a break.

C) Try to fight it.

29 / 36

29) You want to turn left at an upcoming corner. Yield the right-of-way to:

A) Oncoming vehicles also turning left

B) Pedestrians on the sidewalk waiting for a “walk” signal.

C) All approaching vehicles

30 / 36

30) Which of the following statements about blind spots is true?

A) They are eliminated if you have one outside mirror on each side of the vehicle.

B) Blind spots can be checked by looking in your rearview mirrors.

C) Large trucks have bigger blind spots than most passenger vehicles

31 / 36

31) To help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces, you should:

A) Speed up to enter curves and slow down to exit them

B) Shift a lower gear starting down a steep hill.

C) Slow down before entering curves and intersections.

32 / 36

32) Drivers turning left must yield to:

A) No one in particular

B) Oncoming vehicles traveling straight or turning right

C) Passing cars

33 / 36

33) If your vehicle has a mechanical problem:

A) Signal and pull into the slow lane

B) Put on your hazard lights and pull off the road

C) Stop in your lane and put on your hazard lights

34 / 36

34) If a traffic signal light is not working, you must:

A) Slow down or stop, only if necessary.

B) Stop, then proceed when safe.

C) Stop before entering the intersection and let all other traffic go first.

35 / 36

35) When can you drive in a bike lane?

A) When you want to pass a driver ahead of you who is turning right.

B) During rush hour traffic if there are no bicyclists in the bike lane.

C) When you are within 200 feet of a cross street where you plan to turn right.

36 / 36

36) When driving in fog, you should:

A) Use your parking lights

B) Use your low beam headlights

C) Use your high beam headlights

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

2025 Updates You Should Know

✔️ The California DMV now allows many people to take the written test online from home through the DMV Online Permit Exam platform.
✔️ Remote test takers must verify their identity and will be monitored during the test.
✔️ Online test is available for English and Spanish as of 2025. Other languages may be added later.

Q: How many questions can I miss on the California driver’s license test?
You can miss up to 6 questions. You must answer at least 30 out of 36 questions correctly.

Q: Can I take the California driver’s license test online?
Yes, many people can now take the test online from home in 2025. You must qualify and follow the DMV’s online testing rules.

Q: Do I need an appointment for the test?
Appointments are strongly recommended, especially at busy DMV offices.

Q: What happens after I pass the test?
If you pass, you will receive a learner’s permit (if required) or schedule your behind-the-wheel driving test. Adults can often move directly to the driving test.