California DMV Learner's Permit Test Online: 46 Questions in English.

California DMV Learner’s Permit Test Online: 46 Questions in English. A learner’s permit (also called an instruction permit) lets you practice driving with an adult before you take the road test. To get that permit, you must pass a short written test at the DMV.

Age	Must you test?	Question count	Score to pass
15 ½ – 17 ½ years	Yes	46	38 or more right answers (83 %)
18 + years	Yes, if there is no prior U.S. license	36

If you already hold a full driver’s license from another U.S. state, you can skip the written test.

California DMV Learner’s Permit Test Online

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California DMV Learner’s Permit Test Online
Total Items: 46 Questions
Passing Percentage: 83%
Time Limit: 60 Minutes

1 / 46

1) What does a sign with the letters “DIP” mean?

A) There’s a valley ahead

B) Dip your headlights for oncoming traffic

C) There’s a slight dip in the road ahead

2 / 46

2) What is the purpose of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in the context of traffic accidents?

A) To measure blood-alcohol content

B) To restart a heart that has stopped beating

C) To clear the airways of accident victims

3 / 46

3) What does a circular green signal light mean?

A) You may turn left without yielding

B) You may go straight or turn right if clear

C) You have the right of way over all other traffic

4 / 46

4) What is the purpose of an “all-way stop”?

A) To confuse drivers

B) To ensure all directions take turns proceeding through the intersection

C) To allow pedestrians to cross in any direction

5 / 46

5) What is the rule for using a cell phone while driving in California?

A) It’s allowed for drivers over 21

B) It’s only allowed with a hands-free device

C) It’s never allowed under any circumstances

6 / 46

6) What is the move-over law in California?

A) Change lanes when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights

B) Move to the right lane when a faster vehicle approaches from behind

C) Move to the center lane on a three-lane highway

7 / 46

7) What is the maximum speed limit for vehicles towing trailers on California freeways?

A) 55 mph

B) 65 mph

C) 70 mph

8 / 46

8) When parking downhill on a street with a curb, which way should you turn your front wheels?

A) Towards the curb

B) Away from the curb

C) Parallel to the curb

9 / 46

9) What should you do if you see a pedestrian crossing your lane with a white cane or guide dog?

A) Honk to alert them of your presence

B) Stop and wait for them to cross

C) Proceed slowly, as you have the right of way

10 / 46

10) How often are drivers over 70 required to renew their license in person at a DMV office?

A) Every 2 years

B) Every 5 years

C) Every 8 years

11 / 46

11) What should you do if you miss your intended exit on a freeway?

A) Stop and back up on the shoulder

B) Make a U-turn using the center divider

C) Continue to the next exit

12 / 46

12) What is the rule for using headlights when it’s raining?

A) Headlights must be on when windshield wipers are in use

B) Headlights are only required at night during rain

C) Headlights are optional during daytime rain

13 / 46

13) When driving on a multilane highway, which lane should you use for normal driving?

A) The left lane

B) The right lane

C) The middle or right lane

14 / 46

14) What does a white rectangular sign with “SPEED LIMIT” indicate?

A) The recommended speed for ideal conditions

B) The maximum legal speed under ideal conditions

C) The minimum speed you must maintain

15 / 46

15) When is it legal to drive in the bike lane?

A) When passing slower traffic

B) Within 200 feet of making a right turn

C) Anytime, if no bicycles are present

16 / 46

16) What is the speed limit in a residential area unless otherwise posted?

A) 20 mph

B) 25 mph

C) 30 mph

17 / 46

17) In California, at what blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is a driver considered to be driving under the influence (DUI)?

A) 0.05 %

B) 0.08 %

C) 0.10 %

18 / 46

18) What does a red arrow traffic signal mean?

A) You may turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to oncoming traffic

B) You may turn in the direction of the arrow after coming to a complete stop

C) You must stop and may not turn in the direction of the arrow

19 / 46

19) When approaching a railroad crossing with no gates or warning lights, you should:

A) Maintain your speed and cross quickly

B) Slow down, listen, and look both ways before crossing

C) Stop completely, then proceed if no train is coming

20 / 46

20) What is the minimum following distance you should maintain behind the vehicle in front of you under usual driving conditions?

A) 2 seconds

B) 3 seconds

C) 4 seconds

21 / 46

21) What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean?

A) Stop and proceed when safe

B) Slow down and proceed with caution

C) Stop and wait for a green light

22 / 46

22) What is the color of the curb marking where you are allowed to park only for a very short time?

A) Red

B) Green

C) White

23 / 46

23) How long must you notify the DMV if you change your address?

A) 5 days

B) 10 days

C) 30 days

24 / 46

24) What is the move-over law in California?

A) Move to the left lane when passing a stopped emergency vehicle

B) Slow down and move over for stopped emergency vehicles if it is safe to do so

C) Always move to the right lane when an emergency vehicle approaches from behind

25 / 46

25) When is it legal to pass on the right?

A) When the vehicle ahead is turning left

B) On a one-way street with two or more lanes of traffic

C) Both A and B

26 / 46

26) What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

A) Shift to neutral and use the emergency brake

B) Turn off the engine immediately

C) Aim for something to crash into

27 / 46

27) What is the minimum following distance you should maintain behind the vehicle in front of you?

A) 2 seconds

B) 3 seconds

C) 4 seconds

28 / 46

28) When driving in fog, you should use:

A) High-beam headlights

B) Low-beam headlights

C) Fog lights only

29 / 46

29) What does a white-painted curb mean?

A) Loading zone for freight or passengers

B) Limited parking zone

C) Emergency vehicles only

30 / 46

30) What is the speed limit in a school zone when children are present?

A) 15 mph

B) 20 mph

C) 25 mph

31 / 46

31) How often must you renew your vehicle registration in California?

A) Every year

B) Every two years

C) Every four years

32 / 46

32) What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign indicate?

A) Stop ahead

B) Warning

C) School zone

33 / 46

33) When parking uphill with a curb, which way should you turn your front wheels?

A) Away from the curb

B) Towards the curb

C) Parallel to the curb

34 / 46

34) What does a sign with the letters “SOFT SHOULDER” mean?

A) The shoulder is made of softer material than the main road

B) There’s a comfortable rest area ahead

C) The area beside the pavement is soft and might not support a vehicle’s weight

35 / 46

35) How long is a driver’s-license suspension for a first DUI offense in California?

A) 30 days

B) 6 months

C) 1 year

36 / 46

36) When driving in fog, you should use:

A) High-beam headlights

B) Low-beam headlights

C) Parking lights only

37 / 46

37) What does a white rectangular sign with black lettering typically indicate?

A) Warning

B) Regulatory

C) Guide

38 / 46

38) What should you do when approaching a roundabout?

A) Speed up to merge quickly

B) Slow down and yield to traffic already in the roundabout

C) Stop completely before entering

39 / 46

39) What does a flashing yellow arrow at a traffic light mean?

A) Come to a complete stop before proceeding

B) Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then proceed with caution

C) You have the right of way to turn in the direction of the arrow

40 / 46

40) When can you drive in a bike lane?

A) Anytime, if no bicycles are present

B) Never, under any circumstances

C) When making a right turn, if a broken white line marks the bike lane

41 / 46

41) What is the rule about driving in the left lane on a multilane highway?

A) It’s only for passing and faster traffic

B) It’s for any vehicle at any time

C) It’s reserved for emergency vehicles

42 / 46

42) If you’re involved in a traffic collision resulting in injury or death, how soon must you report it to the DMV?

A) Within 24 hours

B) Within 10 days

C) Within 30 days

43 / 46

43) What does a yellow “X” sign above a freeway lane indicate?

A) The lane is reserved for carpools

B) The lane will soon be closed

C) The lane is for exiting traffic only

44 / 46

44) When making a right turn, you should:

A) Move as far left as possible to prevent bicycles from passing

B) Stay in the center of the lane

C) Move as close as possible to the right side of the road

45 / 46

45) What does a solid yellow line on your side of the center line mean?

A) Passing is permitted when safe

B) Passing is permitted only on the right

C) Passing is not permitted

46 / 46

46) What should you do when approaching a school bus with flashing red lights on a two-lane road?

A) Slow down and proceed with caution

B) Stop at least 20 feet away from the bus

C) Pass slowly on the left

Your score is

How much time do I get?
Enough. Most people finish in 15 – 25 minutes, but the DMV does not rush you.

Can I skip questions?
Yes, up to three. You must answer them before you finish the test.

Is the test on paper or a screen?
Almost always on a touch-screen kiosk. Paper is rare and only if the kiosk is down.

After I pass, can I drive alone?
No. You must sit with a licensed driver aged 25 or older (or 18 or older with an instruction permit for adults).

Tips

You must read 10 pages a day from the handbook and complete it within a week. Write down any rule that surprises you. Take a free 46-question practice quiz online every night. Aim for 90% before the actual test. Use flashcards for sign shapes and colors; you cannot miss those. The night before, sleep at least 8 hours—tired brains forget easy stuff.

California DMV Learner’s Permit Test Online

California DMV Learner’s Permit Test Online

Tips

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