520+ questions based on the official California Driver's Handbook (2025). Realistic exam simulator with instant scoring. No signup required.
46 random questions from our bank — matches the real California DMV Class C knowledge exam (DL 5T, minors under 18). No official time limit. You need 83% (38 out of 46 correct) to pass. Adults 18+ take a 36-question version (30 correct to pass).
Practice road signs exclusively — shapes, colors, and meanings. Perfect for targeting the sign section before your exam.
Test only the critical numbers — speed limits, distances, BAC limits, suspension periods. The most memorized facts on the real exam.
Fast 15-question session — perfect for a daily warm-up or quick review before bed.
Every question, random order, no timer. Best for deep study before your test date.
Key chapters from the official handbook — organized, summarized, and exam-focused. Read before your test!
Moved from Ohio last fall and had to redo everything. Passed at the Irvine DMV this morning — missed 3 out of 46!! The Weak Spots drill saved me.
Turning 16 in two weeks, drive test booked 😅. Been doing this every night. The teen curfew questions showed up exactly like here.
Only 8 misses allowed out of 46?? Was stressed. Ran the Key Numbers quiz like 10 times. Long Beach DMV done, first try 💯
Everything important from the California Driver's Handbook (2025) — organized for the exam
Memorize these numbers first. California test questions are frequently built around specific distances, speeds, BAC levels, and time periods. These come up constantly.
Road signs are tested heavily. Know each sign's shape, color, and meaning. The real test often shows a sign description and asks what it means.
| Shape | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Octagon (8-sided) | STOP — always and only | Stop sign |
| Triangle (pointing down) | YIELD — give right of way | Yield sign |
| Diamond | WARNING — hazard ahead | Curve, pedestrian, deer |
| Pentagon (5-sided) | SCHOOL ZONE | School crossing |
| Pennant (triangle right) | NO PASSING ZONE | No-passing pennant |
| Round (circle) | RAILROAD CROSSING advance warning | RR crossing sign |
| Rectangle (vertical) | REGULATORY — rules you must follow | Speed limit, turn restrictions |
| Rectangle (horizontal) | GUIDE or INFORMATION | Street name, mile marker |
| X-shaped crossbuck | RAILROAD CROSSING — treat like yield | Railroad crossbuck |
| Color | Category | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Regulatory — STOP / PROHIBIT | Stop, yield, do not enter, wrong way, no-turn circles |
| Yellow | WARNING | General hazard warnings — curves, hills, intersections, animals |
| Orange | WORK ZONE / CONSTRUCTION | Construction ahead, road crew, slow down and drive with care. California fines are increased in active construction or maintenance zones where workers are present — obey the flagger, reduce speed, and merge early. |
| Green | GUIDE / DIRECTIONAL | Highway exits, distances, direction, mile markers |
| Blue | SERVICES | Gas, food, lodging, hospital, rest area |
| Brown | RECREATION / CULTURAL | Parks, campgrounds, historical sites, scenic areas |
| White | REGULATORY | Speed limits, lane rules, turn restrictions |
| Fluorescent Yellow-Green | WARNING — pedestrian / school / bike | School zones, crosswalks, bike lanes |
| Fluorescent Pink | INCIDENT MANAGEMENT | Crash clean-up, debris removal, temporary traffic control |
Right of way is the #1 failure topic on the DMV knowledge test. Master every scenario below — these questions will be on your exam.
| Signal | What You Must Do |
|---|---|
| Solid GREEN | Proceed — but yield to traffic already in intersection |
| Solid YELLOW | Prepare to stop if safe; proceed only if stopping would be dangerous |
| Solid RED | Stop completely; may turn right on red after stop and yield (unless posted) |
| GREEN ARROW | Protected turn — oncoming traffic must stop. You may turn in the arrow's direction, but still yield to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection. |
| YELLOW ARROW | Protected turn is ending — prepare to yield or stop |
| Flashing YELLOW ARROW | Unprotected turn — you MAY turn but MUST yield to oncoming and pedestrians |
| Flashing RED | Treat exactly like a STOP sign — stop, yield, proceed when safe |
| Flashing YELLOW | Caution — slow down and proceed carefully. Do not need to stop. |
| RED + GREEN ARROW | Stop for through traffic; turn in direction of arrow only |
| Signal NOT working | Treat as ALL-WAY STOP — all traffic stops |
DUI questions appear on virtually every DMV knowledge test. Know the BAC levels, implied consent law, and penalties. California uses "DUI" (Driving Under the Influence).
| Situation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| BAC of 0.08%+ (driver 21+) | DUI — 1st conviction: up to 6 months in jail, DUI program required, SR 22/SR 1P filing, driving privilege suspended or revoked 1 year. Ignition interlock device may be required. All DUIs remain on your record for 10 years (Section 9). |
| Impairment below the legal BAC limit | Yes — even if your BAC is below 0.08%, you can still be arrested and convicted of DUI if an officer observes impairment from alcohol, drugs, prescriptions, or combinations (Section 9). |
| Test refusal (implied consent) | You can lose your driver's license for 1 year. California's Administrative Per Se law authorizes breath, blood, or urine testing after a DUI arrest — refusing any test triggers an immediate suspension or revocation (Section 9). |
| BAC — under 21 (Zero Tolerance) | Illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher if under 21. A PAS reading of 0.05% or higher may trigger a breath or blood test. A DUI conviction revokes driving privilege for 1 year and requires a licensed DUI program (Section 9). |
| Minor purchasing or possessing alcohol (under 21) | If caught with alcohol in the vehicle, law enforcement can impound the vehicle for up to 30 days, the court may fine the driver and suspend the license for 1 year, and DMV may delay issuing a first driver's license for up to 1 year if not already licensed (Section 9). |
| DUI — causing serious injury or death | Drivers who cause serious injury or death while under the influence of drugs or alcohol face additional civil lawsuits on top of DUI penalties. Sentences for these offenses are set by the court — the California Driver's Handbook (2025) advises to consult the Vehicle Code at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov for full, exact language (Section 9). |
School bus rules are heavily tested. You must stop for a stopped school bus with flashing red lights when approaching from any direction on an undivided road. On a divided road or multilane highway, traffic moving in the opposite direction may proceed with caution (Section 7).
| Location | Minimum Clearance |
|---|---|
| Fire hydrant | 15 ft — do not park within 15 feet (Section 6) |
| Traffic signal / stop sign / sidewalk ramp | 3 ft — do not park within 3 feet of a sidewalk ramp for persons with disabilities (Section 6) |
| Pedestrian safety zone | Do not park in or block a pedestrian safety zone or disabled-parking ramp (Section 6) |
| Crosswalk at intersection | 20 ft — do not park within 20 feet of an unmarked or marked crosswalk (Section 6) |
| Railroad crossing | 100 ft — within 100 feet of a railroad crossing, intersection, bridge, or tunnel is a no-parking zone (Section 6) |
| Fire station driveway | 15 ft — do not park within 15 feet of a fire-station driveway (Section 6) |
| Driveway entrance (public or private) | Not in front of — always prohibited |
| Accessible (disabled) space | Never — without a valid DP placard or plate. Also do not park on the diagonal access lines (Section 6) |
| Inside an intersection or on a crosswalk | Never — always illegal |
| Handicapped space (without placard) | Never park here |
| Bridge, overpass, or tunnel | Never — and no parking within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel, or railroad crossing (Section 6) |
| No Stopping zone | Never stop here, for any reason |
| No Parking zone | No parking — may stop to load/unload |
The rule: always turn wheels so that if the car rolls, it rolls away from traffic or is caught by the curb.
| Situation | Turn Wheels | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Facing DOWNHILL, WITH curb | RIGHT (into curb) | Car rolls into curb and stops |
| Facing DOWNHILL, NO curb | RIGHT (away from road) | Car rolls away from traffic |
| Facing UPHILL, WITH curb | LEFT (away from curb) | Car rolls back, caught by curb |
| Facing UPHILL, NO curb | RIGHT (away from road) | Car rolls away from traffic |
GDL questions appear on many tests. Know California's Graduated Driver Licensing program, the restrictions in each phase, and the specific ages, hold periods, and curfew hours.
| Equipment | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Headlights (on) | Turn on headlights when it is too dark to see persons or vehicles at least 1,000 feet away. Use low beams in rain, fog, and snow. Do not drive with parking lights only (Section 5). |
| High beams (dim) | Dim high beams to low beams within 500 ft of an oncoming vehicle and within 300 ft of a vehicle you are following. Also use low beams in fog and rain (Section 5). |
| Horn | Your horn must be designed for the vehicle, in proper working order, and loud enough to be heard from a distance of at least 200 feet. Use only to prevent a crash (Section 3). |
| Turn signals | Start signaling at least 100 feet before the turn or lane change. On higher-speed roads, signal five seconds (about 400 ft) before changing lanes (Section 6). |
| Windshield | Must allow a full, clear, unblocked view for the driver and the DMV examiner. Windshield cracks may postpone the drive test. Tinting must not obstruct the driver's view (Section 3). |
| TVs / video screens visible to driver | Prohibited while vehicle is in motion (navigation is excepted) |
| Muffler | Must prevent excessive or unusual noise |
| Brakes | Foot brake must have at least one inch of clearance between the bottom of the brake pedal and the floorboard when depressed. Parking brake must set and release properly (Section 3). |
| Wipers | Must adequately clean the windshield when used |
| Brake lights | Both the right and left brake lights must be operational for the behind-the-wheel drive test (Section 3). |
| Tires | Minimum tread depth of 1/32 inch uniform depth for the drive test. Donut spare tires are not allowed during the drive test (Section 3). |
| Hazard lights | For use when parked/stopped in an emergency — not while driving normally |
| Seat belts & child restraints | Primary enforcement — every driver and passenger must buckle up. Ticket also issued if a passenger under 16 is unbuckled. Rear-facing: under 2 yrs AND under 40 lbs AND under 3'4". Child restraint system: under 8 yrs OR less than 4'9" (must be in rear seat) (Section 8). |
A proven 4-phase approach that builds real understanding — not just memorization. Work through each phase at your own pace, and you'll walk into the DMV ready to pass on your first try.
| Your Score | Status | What to Do Next |
|---|---|---|
| Under 75% | Needs more work | Go back to Phase 3 — run Weak Spots mode on your wrong answers. Re-read the Study Guide for those topics. Then try the simulator again. |
| 75% – 89% | Almost there | Run Weak Spots on what you missed, then take the simulator again. You're close — one more round should get you there. |
| 90%+ | Ready! 🎉 | Run the simulator one more time to confirm. Score 90%+ twice → you are ready for the real test. |
Before you walk into the California Department of Motor Vehicles office:
46 questions (minors, DL 5T) · need 83% (38 correct) · miss up to 8 · adults 18+ test 36 and can miss 6
The official handbook from the California Department of Motor Vehicles — the single source of truth for the written test.
California Driver's Handbook · 2025 edition (DL 600 R6) · Published by California DMV
Download Official Manual →Source: California DMV · Free download
We've distilled the official manual into 12 focused study sections. Every number, rule, and fact verified against the handbook. Click any topic to start studying.
The original California DMV Class C knowledge test has 36 multiple-choice questions for adult applicants and 46 for minors under 18. Pass with 83% — 30 of 36 correct for adults, 38 of 46 for minors. Road signs are mixed into the same test. Confirm current format by calling 1-800-777-0133 or visiting dmv.ca.gov/dl.
DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence — California uses this for both alcohol and drugs. Adult drivers 21+ are at 0.08% BAC; drivers under 21 are at 0.01% (Zero Tolerance); 0.04% applies to commercial drivers and anyone driving a passenger for hire; 0.01% applies at any age on DUI probation. Impairment observed below these limits can still result in a DUI arrest.
California uses a 3-second rule — pick a fixed point ahead; if you reach it in less than three seconds, you are following too closely. Always scan the road at least 10 seconds ahead of your vehicle so you have time to react to hazards. Increase the gap in rain, fog, slippery surfaces, or when following a motorcyclist (Section 8: Safe Driving).
You must be at least 15½ years old for a California instruction permit. Under 18: complete a DMV-approved driver education program, have a parent or guardian sign to accept financial responsibility, then hold the permit at least 6 months (or turn 18) before the behind-the-wheel drive test. You must also log 50 hours of practice (10 at night) with a California-licensed driver 25+.
Yes, this practice site is completely free. Every question is verified against the California Driver's Handbook (2025).
Pull over to the right shoulder, exit on the right (away from traffic), and call 511 from your cell phone to reach the California Highway Patrol's Freeway Service Patrol (FSP). FSP provides free roadside help during commute hours in many areas — gas, jump start, flat tire, radiator refill, or a tow to a CHP-approved location. Stay inside with your seat belt on until help arrives unless there's no safe shoulder (Section 8).
California is one of the only states in the country that publishes its driver handbook in nine languages and issues standard driver's licenses to residents regardless of immigration status — both written into law in Sacramento, not federal policy. The license is issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the written test is called the Class C knowledge test. It is one of the few state knowledge tests where no testing aids of any kind — no handbook, no phone, no notes — are permitted, and where the number of questions actually differs by age: adults get 36, minors get 46.
Every fact on this page is verified against the California Driver's Handbook (2025 edition, DL 600 R6) published by the California DMV. Key numbers you'll be tested on: BAC 0.08% (21+), 0.01% (under 21 — "Zero Tolerance") or on DUI probation, 0.04% for commercial drivers and passenger-for-hire; school zone 25 mph when children are present; ideal maximum 65 mph on most highways and 55 mph on two-lane undivided roads and when towing a trailer; signal before turn/lane change 100 feet; dim high beams 500 ft oncoming and 300 ft when following; headlights on when visibility drops below 1,000 ft; bicycle passing clearance 3 feet; California's 3-second following rule. The state's Basic Speed Law adds a wrinkle: you can be cited for driving the posted limit if rain, fog, or traffic makes that speed unsafe.
California's Graduated Driver License (GDL) for drivers under 18 is two-phase rather than three. The instruction permit is available at 15½ after completing a DMV-approved driver education program and getting a parent or guardian's signature to accept financial responsibility. The permit must be held for at least 6 months (or until the driver turns 18), during which the teen must log 50 hours of supervised practice driving — 10 at night — with a California-licensed driver at least 25 years old. The provisional driver's license issues at 16. For the first 12 months, the minor driver cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. and cannot transport passengers under 20 unless a parent, guardian, or licensed 25+ driver rides along. Minors may not use any wireless device — including hands-free — except for emergency calls. Curfew and passenger restrictions lift automatically at age 18; suspensions and probation do not.
This free practice test is verified against the California Driver's Handbook (2025) and is built for anyone testing at DMV field offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Riverside, Stockton, and Irvine, and every other California location. The DMV charges a non-refundable application fee at the office — current amount at dmv.ca.gov — and beginning May 2025 you need a REAL ID-compliant license to board a domestic flight or enter most federal facilities. Free practice here, no signup, no paywall, verified against the California Driver's Handbook (2025).
Permit rules vary between states. If you or someone you're helping is testing in a different state, we have free practice tests verified against each state's current manual: