This practice test gives you 20 multiple-choice questions that cover the big stuff you’ll actually see on exam day—California traffic laws, road signs, who has the right of way, safe driving habits, changing lanes, railroad crossings, and how to handle driving near other cars.
Go through each question, pick your answer, and then make sure you read the explanation afterward. That’s where the real learning happens it tells you why the right answer is correct, so you’re not just memorizing, but actually understanding the rules. Think of this test as a quick way to spot your weak areas before you walk in for the real Class C knowledge test.
And don’t forget this is just a warm-up. Your best bet is to pair these practice questions with the current California Driver’s Handbook. Read that cover to cover, take this test a few times, and you’ll be in great shape.
Free CA DMV Sample Test – 1
A broken yellow centerline means 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.
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Which of these statements is true about changing lanes?
(A)
You only need to turn and look over your right shoulder for lane changes to the right or left.
(B)
Look over your right shoulder for a right lane change and your left shoulder for a left lane change.
(C)
Vehicles with two outside mirrors do not have blind spots.
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When being followed by a tailgater, which of the following will help you avoid being hit from behind?
(A)
Merge into another lane.
(B)
Decrease your following distance.
(C)
Change lanes frequently.
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In which of the following scenarios should your wheels not be pointed straight ahead?
(A)
When waiting to make a left turn at a traffic light.
(B)
When parked on a hill or sloping driveway.
(C)
When parked on the side of a level roadway where there is no curb.
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When driving under snowy or icy conditions:
(A)
It is safe to use your cruise control.
(B)
Make speed and directional changes more gradually than you would otherwise.
(C)
Drive as you would under normal conditions.
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When you see this sign, you:
(A)
Are approaching a railroad crossing and should prepare to stop.
(B)
Will always stop at the upcoming railroad crossing.
(C)
Should stop and wait for a signal before crossing the railroad tracks.
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You should increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead when you:
(A)
Are following a small passenger vehicle.
(B)
Are being tailgated by another driver.
(C)
Are driving more slowly than the posted speed limit.
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When driving in fog, rain, or snow, use:
(A)
Low beams.
(B)
High beams.
(C)
Fog lights only.
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If a truck or bus is making a right turn where you also need to make a right turn, you should:
(A)
Quickly turn before the truck or bus is able to.
(B)
Wait until the truck or bus turns before you turn.
(C)
Squeeze between the truck or bus and the curb.
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If you approach a traffic light with a red signal and a police officer directs you to go through the intersection without stopping, you should:
(A)
Stop until the light turns green.
(B)
Go through the intersection without stopping.
(C)
Come to a complete stop before proceeding.
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Which of the following blocks the smooth flow of traffic?
(A)
Slowing down to look at the collision scene.
(B)
Avoiding unnecessary lane changes.
(C)
Using public transportation instead of your vehicle.
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An orange and red triangular sign on a vehicle always means:
(A)
The vehicle has the right-of-way.
(B)
Slow-moving vehicle.
(C)
Shoulder work ahead.
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You want to make a right turn at an upcoming intersection. You should slow down and:
(A)
Move toward the left side of your lane.
(B)
Avoid driving in the bicycle lane.
(C)
Signal for 100 feet before turning.
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Fatigue increases the risk of:
(A)
Missing an exit.
(B)
Being late for an appointment.
(C)
Falling asleep behind the wheel and crashing.
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This sign means:
(A)
Cars on the right move first.
(B)
You have the right-of-way.
(C)
Let cross traffic pass before proceeding.
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Which of the following factors affect an individual's absorption of alcohol?
(A)
Weight.
(B)
Height.
(C)
Intelligence.
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This white sign means:
(A)
You should slow down and move to the right lane.
(B)
Stay in the right lane if you are driving more slowly than other traffic.
(C)
Slower traffic must exit on the right.
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When driving in work zones, you should:
(A)
Increase your speed to get through the zone as quickly as possible.
(B)
Reduce your speed and be prepared to stop suddenly.
(C)
Maintain your normal speed the whole way through the zone.
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This sign means:
(A)
Pedestrians walking along the road ahead.
(B)
Pedestrian crossing ahead.
(C)
Pedestrians must not cross here.
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You are approaching a green traffic light, and traffic is blocking the intersection. What is the best thing to do?
(A)
Partially enter the intersection to establish your right-of-way.
(B)
Don't enter the intersection until you can get completely across.
(C)
Continue into the intersection and wait for traffic to clear.
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Continue Practicing for the California DMV Written Test
How many questions are on the California permit test?
Most tests have multiple choice questions. The exact number can vary by test version.
Do I need to memorize every road sign?
Focus on the most common warning, regulatory, and guide signs and what action they require.