Free CA DMV Sample Test – 10 [UPDATED 2026]

In cold, wet weather, which part of the roadway usually freezes first?

(A) Bridges and overpasses. (B) Residential streets. (C) Busy intersections.

This sign means:

(A) Road curves ahead. (B) Road may be slippery when wet. (C) Winding road ahead.

To check your blind spots before changing lanes, you should:

(A) Look over your shoulder. (B) Use only your inside mirror. (C) Use only your outside mirrors.

When traffic is merging onto the freeway, you should:

(A) Make room for merging traffic whenever possible. (B) Speed up to prevent merging. (C) Always stop to let traffic enter.

Driving while impaired by prescription medication is:

(A) Allowed if prescribed by your doctor. (B) Illegal if the medication affects your ability to drive safely. (C) Allowed if you have taken the medication before.

Even when no other vehicles are nearby, you should:

(A) Signal before every turn or lane change. (B) Signal only at intersections. (C) Signal only when changing lanes.

A flashing red traffic signal should be treated like:

(A) A stop sign. (B) A yield sign. (C) A green light.

If your vehicle has both a lap belt and a shoulder belt, you should:

(A) Wear both properly. (B) Use only the shoulder belt. (C) Use only the lap belt.

While driving, it is illegal to:

(A) Wear headphones covering both ears. (B) Adjust your mirrors. (C) Listen to the radio.

This sign means:

(A) Road work begins. (B) Flagger ahead. (C) School crossing ahead.

A flashing yellow traffic signal means:

(A) Proceed with caution. (B) Come to a complete stop. (C) Stop until the signal changes.

When turning left from a one-way street onto a two-way street, you should begin the turn from:

(A) The far left lane. (B) Any lane. (C) The right lane.

Keeping a space cushion around your vehicle gives you:

(A) More time to react if another driver makes a mistake. (B) The right-of-way at intersections. (C) Better fuel economy.

Following another vehicle too closely can:

(A) Increase your risk of a rear-end collision. (B) Help traffic move faster. (C) Improve your fuel economy.

When parking uphill on a road without a curb, you should turn your front wheels:

(A) Toward the edge of the road. (B) Toward the center of the road. (C) Straight ahead.

When following a large truck on the freeway, you should:

(A) Leave more following distance than you would behind a passenger car. (B) Drive close behind to improve visibility. (C) Stay beside the truck whenever possible.

If your accelerator becomes stuck, you should first:

(A) Shift to Neutral and steer to a safe location. (B) Turn off the ignition immediately while moving. (C) Pump the accelerator repeatedly.

When approaching a hill with limited visibility, you should:

(A) Stay on your side of the road and avoid passing. (B) Move toward the centerline for a better view. (C) Accelerate to reach the top quickly.

If your tire suddenly blows out while driving, you should:

(A) Grip the steering wheel firmly and slow down gradually. (B) Brake hard immediately. (C) Steer sharply onto the shoulder.

Before entering an intersection on a green light, you should:

(A) Make sure the intersection is clear. (B) Assume cross traffic will stop. (C) Accelerate through without looking.

What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean in California?

A flashing yellow signal means slow down, stay alert, and proceed carefully if the intersection is clear. You do not have to stop unless it is necessary for safety.

Can I drive while taking prescription medication?

Only if the medication does not impair your ability to drive safely. If it causes drowsiness, dizziness, or slows your reaction time, you should not drive.

Why should I leave extra space behind a large truck?

Large trucks require more distance to stop and have large blind spots. Leaving extra following distance gives you more time to react and improves your visibility.

Why is checking over my shoulder important before changing lanes?

Mirrors cannot show every area around your vehicle. Looking over your shoulder helps you detect vehicles, motorcycles, or bicyclists in your blind spot.