dmv 2025 permit test questions

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What does a solid yellow line on your side mean?

No passing

What’s the minimum age to get a Class C permit in CA?

15½

Who must wear seat belts in a moving vehicle?

Everyone

What is the 3-second rule?

Time gap to the car ahead

When must you signal before a turn on city streets?

100 feet

At what BAC is it illegal for drivers 21+?

0.08%

What does a flashing red traffic light mean?

Stop, then proceed when safe

Who has right of way at a 4-way stop?

First to arrive

Can you pass on the right when another vehicle is turning left?

Yes, if safe

What’s the speed limit in a school zone?

25 mph unless posted

Distance to stop on ice compared to dry roads?

10× more

When are you required to use headlights?

30 min after sunset to 30 before sunrise

How far must you park from a fire hydrant?

15 feet

What does a double solid yellow line mean?

No passing both directions

Who yields when entering a freeway?

Drivers entering yield to those already on freeway

At night, use high beams when there’s no oncoming traffic within?

500 feet

When is passing on a two-lane road prohibited?

Within 100 feet of intersection

What’s the minimum age for a provisional license?

16

When may you use a cell phone if 18+?

Only with hands-free device

What’s hydroplaning?

Tires riding on water causing loss of traction

When do you dim headlights for oncoming vehicles?

500 feet

DUI suspension for BAC between 0.08–0.15%?

6 months

How far from a railroad crossing should you stop?

15–50 feet

What’s a blind spot?

Areas not visible in mirrors

What’s the safe following distance in rain?

4 seconds

What’s required for lane changes?

Signal, check mirrors, blind spots

When to turn on windshield wipers?

When needed for visibility

When passing a pedestrian on sidewalk?

Yield to them always

Where is U-turn illegal?

On curves or hills with <500-ft visibility

Speed limit on CA freeway?

65–70 mph (unless posted)

What’s the purpose of anti-lock brakes?

Prevent skidding during emergency stops

When merging, you should use?

Acceleration lane

What’s hydroplaning speed threshold?

Above 35 mph in standing water

When facing red arrow turn signal?

Must stop until green or permitted

How many chances for written test?

3 attempts

Under 21, what BAC results in DUI?

0.01%

When must children use booster seats?

Under 8 or <4′9″

What does a yield sign mean?

Slow down and give right-of-way

Legal window tint darkness?

70% light transmittance both front & back

When parallel parking, how far from curb?

18 inches

Penalty for not having insurance?

Fine + registration suspension

What to do on slippery roads?

Slow, no sudden moves

Is U-turn legal in business district?

Only if signed

What’s the fine for littering?

Up to $1,000

When is cell phone use allowed for <18?

Never, even hands-free

What’s the seat belt fine?

First offense: $162

What should you do near emergency vehicles?

Move over a lane or slow down

When entering a freeway?

Yield to traffic, adjust speed

Proper hand placement on steering wheel?

8 & 4 o’clock

When must motorcycle riders wear helmets?

Always

Can you leave keys in ignition?

No, it’s illegal

What is the crosses of lanes called?

Traffic lanes

How far to signal before freeway exit?

5 seconds or 100 feet

Driving under heavy fog?

Use low beams, slow down

What does a red curb indicate?

No stopping/standing anytime

In work zones, fines are?

Doubled

When are studded tires allowed?

Nov–Apr on mountain roads

Pedestrians have right-of-way when?

At crosswalks

When overtaking a bike?

3-feet clearance required

When can you drive past flashing red?

Stop and proceed when safe

What does a yellow diamond sign mean?

Warning sign ahead

Can you park within 7.5 feet of railroad tracks?

No

What’s the child safety seat law?

Under 2: rear-facing, 2–4: forward-facing

When merging onto freeway?

Yield and match speed

What’s the point-to-point method?

Traffic speed enforcement

Driving with tinted windows?

Side and rear mirrors required

Why scan intersections?

To spot hazards early

What is defensive driving?

Anticipate others’ mistakes

What should you do at a blind intersection?

Slow and look both ways

How long is provisional period?

12 months

When do you show proof of insurance?

On request by officer

What’s the three-step lane change?

Signal, check mirror, blind spot

Leaving an accident with injury?

Call 911 and stay

What does solid white line mean?

Stay in lane, discourage lane change

How to treat missing stop sign?

As a 4-way stop

When is passing on the right allowed?

On multi-lane roads or wide shoulders

What’s the BAC for DUI under 21?

0.01%

When you can legally cross double white lines?

Never, unless permitted by sign

Criteria for yield sign at roundabout?

Yield to traffic in circle

What’s “minimum liability”?

30k/60k/15k insurance coverage

When must you stop before railroad tracks?

When gates lower or lights flash

How many feet clear from fire station driveway?

20 feet opposite side, 15 same

What to do when brakes fail?

Shift to lower, pump brakes, use parking brake

When is right turn on red allowed?

After full stop unless signed otherwise

When is left turn on red allowed?

One-way street to one-way street after stop

Distance to sound horn at blind curve?

200 feet

When do you get 1-point violation?

Cell phone use while driving

What’s the minimum tread depth?

2/32 inch

Two cars reach uncontrolled intersection same time?

Car on right goes first

What to do when tailgated?

Gradually slow to encourage pass

What is “over-driving headlights”?

Driving so fast you can’t stop within headlight range

When should you lower headlight high beams?

Within 300 feet following a vehicle

What’s the speed limit in alley?

15 mph

What does a brown sign indicate?

Recreation/cultural interest

School bus flashing red lights?

Stop until children get on/off and lights stop

What is “hand-over-hand” steering?

Technique for sharp turns

When does “yellow light” rule apply?

Stop unless in intersection already

How do you check brakes?

Press pedal for firmness before driving

Tire inflation checked when?

Cold tires

When you must report crash?

$1,000+ damage or injuries within 10 days