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Real exam-style questions
Written from your state’s official driver handbook — the same material the real exam is based on.
Explanations after every answer
Learn why each answer is right — not just whether you got it.
The test at a glance
- Questions
- 36
- To pass
- 83% (30/36 correct, or 28/36 if 18+)
- Minimum age
- 15½ with driver-ed
- Fee
- $41 application fee
- Re-takes
- 3 free attempts; then re-pay the application fee
- Official handbook
- California Driver Handbook (2026)
What the California permit test covers
Every question in our California practice bank is written from the official California Driver Handbook (2026). These are the core topics you’ll be tested on:
- Right of way at intersections
- Speed limits and the basic-speed law
- DUI / zero-tolerance laws
- Sharing the road with bikes, motorcycles, and pedestrians
- Road signs, signals, and pavement markings
Sample questions for California
Three sample questions from our practice bank. Read the explanation after each.
Question 1 · Traffic signals
What should you do when you see a yellow traffic light?
- Speed up to get through the intersection
- Slow down and prepare to stop
- Stop immediately wherever you are
- Honk your horn to warn others
See the explanation
Correct answer: Slow down and prepare to stop
Yellow means slow down and prepare to stop — don’t speed up to beat the light.
Question 2 · Right of way
When must you yield the right of way to a pedestrian?
- Only at marked crosswalks with signals
- Only when a school crossing guard is present
- At all crosswalks, marked or unmarked
- Never — the driver always has right of way
See the explanation
Correct answer: At all crosswalks, marked or unmarked
Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks — marked or not.
Question 3 · Safe driving distance
What is the minimum following distance you should keep behind the vehicle ahead?
- 1 second
- 2 seconds
- 3 seconds
- 5 seconds
See the explanation
Correct answer: 3 seconds
Keep at least 3 seconds of space between you and the car ahead.
Free DMV practice test FAQ
Is this DMV practice test really free?
Yes. You can answer questions with no account and no credit card. Create a free account anytime to save your progress and unlock more.
Do I need to sign up?
No. You can start practicing immediately. We’ll only suggest an account once you’re ready for the full experience.
Are these real DMV questions?
They’re exam-style questions written from each state’s official driver handbook. They’re for study only and aren’t the actual DMV test.