California Driver's License Test: 36 Questions 2026 [UPDATED]

California Driver’s License Test: 36 Questions 2026 [UPDATED]. If you are planning to get your California driver’s license in 2026, 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 2026 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) This sign means:

A) Stop

B) Traffic signal ahead

C) Yield the right-of-way.

2 / 36

2) A broken yellow centerline indicates that:

A) Passing is not permitted.

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

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

3 / 36

3) 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

4 / 36

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

A) Swerve into the lane next to you

B) Take your foot off the gas pedal.

C) Honk and steep on the brake firmly.

5 / 36

5) 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 involved in collision.

C) Only if you are stopped and cited.

6 / 36

6) This sign means:

A) All traffic must turn left.

B) No U-turn

C) No left turn

7 / 36

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

A) Wait for the owner to return

B) Call you insurance company when you get home

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

8 / 36

8) California’s move over law requires:

A) Trucks to use the left lane.

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

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

9 / 36

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

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

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

C) Parallel with the pavement.

10 / 36

10) 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

11 / 36

11) 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

12 / 36

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

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

13 / 36

13) U-turns in business districts are:

A) Legal whenever oncoming vehicles are not a hazard.

B) Always illegal because they are dangerous.

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

14 / 36

14) You should yield to a pedestrian:

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

B) Only if they are in a crosswalk.

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

15 / 36

15) 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.

16 / 36

16) You are required to stop your vehicle:

A) Where there is a red traffic light.

B) Both of the above

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

17 / 36

17) This sign means:

A) No right turn

B) Watch for traffic on your right

C) You must turn right

18 / 36

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

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

B) Use your high beam headlights

C) Keep your headlights on the low beam setting

19 / 36

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

A) Under no circumstances because it is always legal.

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

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

20 / 36

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

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

B) Slow down or stop, only if necessary.

C) Stop, then proceed when safe.

21 / 36

21) 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.

22 / 36

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

A) Take some caffeine pills

B) Take a break.

C) Try to fight it.

23 / 36

23) This sign means:

A) Merge

B) Winding road ahead

C) Reserved parking for persons with disabilities

24 / 36

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

A) They take longer to stop than passenger vehicles.

B) They are more maneuverable than passenger vehicles

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

25 / 36

25) 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

26 / 36

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

A) Pedestrians must wait for you to cross

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

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

27 / 36

27) 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

28 / 36

28) What usually causes a locked wheel skid?

A) Braking lightly at a slow speed.

B) Braking too hard at a fast speed.

C) Braking too hard at a slow speed.

29 / 36

29) When can you drive in a bike lane?

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

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

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

30 / 36

30) When driving in fog, you should:

A) Use your low beam headlights

B) Use your high beam headlights

C) Use your parking lights

31 / 36

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

A) Quickly swerve into the next lane.

B) Slow down and proceed with caution

C) Speed up to scare them away

32 / 36

32) If your vehicle has a mechanical problem:

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

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

C) Signal and pull into the slow lane

33 / 36

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

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

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

C) Slow down before entering curves and intersections.

34 / 36

34) This sign means:

A) School zone and crossing

B) Two-way traffic

C) Change in direction ahead.

35 / 36

35) Drivers turning left must yield to:

A) No one in particular

B) Passing cars

C) Oncoming vehicles traveling straight or turning right

36 / 36

36) This symbol is used for:

A) Slow-moving vehicles

B) Dangerous intersections

C) Yield signs

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

2026 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 2026. 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 2026. 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.