California Car / Permit Exam Simulation
36 questions · 30 correct to pass. You won't see any feedback until you finish — just like the real test.
California Car / Permit questions with answers
20 sample questions from the California Car / Permit question bank — each with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the section of the official handbook it comes from.
1. Which of the following helps reduce the effects of sun glare while driving?
Correct answer: Wearing polarized sunglasses and keeping the windshield clean
Keeping your windshield clean, wearing polarized sunglasses, and avoiding driving directly toward sunrise or sunset all help manage sun glare.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Sun Glare
2. At a T-intersection without signs or signals, who has the right-of-way?
Correct answer: Traffic on the through road
At an uncontrolled T-intersection, traffic on the through road (the top of the 'T') has the right-of-way. A driver on the ending road must yield.
3. You approach a white rectangular sign reading 'SPEED LIMIT' above a number. What does it tell you to do?
Correct answer: The maximum legal speed in ideal conditions; slow down for weather, traffic, or road conditions.
The maximum legal speed in ideal conditions; slow down for weather, traffic, or road conditions. (This is the "Speed Limit" sign.)
4. If your brakes suddenly stop working, you should first:
Correct answer: Pump the pedal, downshift, and use the parking brake gradually
If your brakes fail, pump the brake pedal quickly to try to build pressure, shift to a lower gear, and use the parking brake gradually. Steer to a safe place off the road.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Handling Emergencies / Brake Failure
5. You may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?
Correct answer: 15 feet
You may not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant so that fire crews can reach it in an emergency.
6. When following a large truck or bus that blocks your view, you should:
Correct answer: Increase your following distance so you can see ahead
Drop back and leave more space when behind a large vehicle. The extra distance lets you see farther ahead and gives the truck driver a chance to see you in the mirrors.
7. A large truck or bus is making a right turn in front of you and swings wide to the left first. You should:
Correct answer: Stay back and never squeeze to the right of the truck
Trucks and buses often swing wide (even into the left lane) to complete a right turn. Never try to squeeze between the vehicle and the curb — you could be crushed. Wait until the turn is complete.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Sharing the Road with Trucks
8. While driving in California, you are required to carry proof of:
Correct answer: Vehicle insurance (financial responsibility)
California's financial-responsibility law requires you to carry evidence of insurance and show it when asked. Driving without insurance can lead to fines and a suspended registration.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Financial Responsibility
9. A solid yellow line on your side of the center of a two-way road means:
Correct answer: Passing is not allowed on your side
A solid yellow line on your side means passing is not allowed. You may cross it only to make a legal left turn.
10. Before changing lanes on a freeway, how far in advance should you signal your intention?
Correct answer: At least five seconds before you change lanes
On a freeway you should signal at least five seconds before changing lanes, giving other drivers time to react at higher speeds.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Signaling
11. 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.
12. California's seat belt law requires that:
Correct answer: The driver and all passengers wear a seat belt
The driver and every passenger age 8 or older (or at least 4 ft 9 in tall) must wear a properly fastened seat belt in both the front and back seats. The driver can be cited for unbelted passengers under 16.
13. Two vehicles meet on a steep, narrow mountain road where neither can pass. Which vehicle has the right-of-way?
Correct answer: The vehicle facing uphill
Priority goes to the driver headed uphill, since the downhill driver typically finds it easier to reverse and clear space for the other car to get by.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Mountain Roads
14. At many railroad crossings, a separate blue-and-white sign posted near the tracks is meant to:
Correct answer: Give you a number to call in a railroad-crossing emergency
Posted alongside many crossings, this blue-and-white sign lists a phone number drivers can call for help if trouble happens close to the tracks — for example, if a car ends up stuck on the rails.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Warning Signs
15. When driving in high winds, you should avoid using cruise control because:
Correct answer: You need full control of the accelerator to react to gusts
Cruise control reduces your control over the accelerator, and you need to be able to react quickly to sudden wind gusts, so it is safer to control your speed manually.
Source: California Driver Handbook — High Winds
16. Under California's "daylighting" law, you generally may not stop or park within 20 feet of:
Correct answer: The approach side of a crosswalk
To make pedestrians easier to see, you may not park within 20 feet of the approach (vehicle) side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk — even where the curb is not painted red. The distance is 15 feet where a curb extension is present.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Parking / Daylighting Law
17. You should increase your following distance when:
Correct answer: The road is wet or your view is blocked
Increase your following distance in rain, fog, or ice, when being tailgated, when following a motorcycle, or when behind a large vehicle that blocks your view.
18. When passing a bicyclist traveling in the same direction, you must give a clearance of at least:
Correct answer: 3 feet
California's Three Feet for Safety Act requires at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist. If you cannot, slow down and pass only when it is safe.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Sharing the Road with Bicyclists
19. Your driving privilege may be suspended as a "negligent operator" if you receive:
Correct answer: 4 points in 12 months
You may be declared a negligent operator and have your license suspended if you accumulate 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months.
20. A flashing yellow traffic signal light (not an arrow) means:
Correct answer: Proceed with caution; you do not need to stop
This flashing signal is telling you to slow down and stay alert as you continue through; unlike a flashing red light, a full stop is not required.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Traffic Signal Lights