Alcohol & Drugs

Study questions with answers

11 sample Alcohol & Drugs questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. In California, it is illegal to have an open container of alcohol:

   Correct answer: In the passenger area of the vehicle

   It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of your vehicle, even if you are not drinking it. Store it in the trunk or an area not occupied by passengers.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Open Container Law

2. 2. Under California's "zero tolerance" law, a driver under 21 may not drive with a BAC at or above:

   Correct answer: 0.01%

   For drivers under 21, the zero-tolerance law makes it illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher — essentially any measurable alcohol.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Zero Tolerance Law

3. 3. By driving in California, you have already agreed ("implied consent") to:

   Correct answer: Chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI

   Under the implied-consent law, driving means you consent to chemical testing (breath or blood) if lawfully arrested for DUI. Refusing leads to an automatic license suspension.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Implied Consent

4. 4. A driver transporting a passenger for hire, such as a rideshare or taxi passenger, may not drive with a BAC at or above:

   Correct answer: 0.04%

   It is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.04% or higher while transporting a passenger for hire, the same limit that applies to commercial driver's license holders.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — BAC Limits

5. 5. If you refuse a lawfully requested chemical test after being arrested for DUI, DMV will:

   Correct answer: Suspend or revoke your driving privilege for one year

   Refusing a breath, blood, or urine test after a lawful DUI arrest results in DMV suspending or revoking your driving privilege for one year.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — DUI Arrests

6. 6. A first-time DUI conviction for a driver 21 or older in California can result in:

   Correct answer: Fines, possible jail, a DUI program, and license suspension

   Even a first DUI is serious. Penalties can include fines, possible jail time, a required DUI program, and suspension of your driver license.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — DUI Penalties

7. 7. For a driver with a commercial driver license (CDL) operating a commercial vehicle, the illegal BAC level is:

   Correct answer: 0.04%

   Commercial drivers are held to a stricter standard: it is illegal to operate a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Alcohol and Drugs

8. 8. Driving after using cannabis (marijuana) in California is:

   Correct answer: Illegal if it impairs your driving, the same as alcohol

   It is illegal to drive while impaired by cannabis, just as with alcohol. It is also illegal to have an open container of cannabis in the passenger area of a vehicle.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Drugs and Driving

9. 9. For a driver of any age who is on DUI probation, it is illegal to drive with a BAC at or above:

   Correct answer: 0.01%

   Age does not matter here — anyone on DUI probation is barred from driving once their blood alcohol content reaches 0.01 percent.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — BAC Limits

10. 10. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines:

    Correct answer: Can impair driving, and driving while impaired by them is illegal

    Legal drugs can still impair driving. It is illegal to drive while impaired by any drug — prescription or over-the-counter. Read labels and warnings before driving.

    Source: California Driver Handbook — Drugs and Driving

11. 11. For a driver 21 years or older, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above:

    Correct answer: 0.08%

    Drivers 21 and older may not drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. Even a lower BAC can make driving unsafe and still lead to arrest.

    Source: California Driver Handbook — Alcohol and Drugs