California DUI Practice Quiz
DUI questions appear on every California DMV test. The state has stricter rules than most — especially for drivers under 21 (Zero Tolerance) and commercial drivers. Test yourself on the most-missed scenarios.
Sample Questions
1. A 19-year-old driver is stopped with a BAC of 0.04%. Are they DUI?
A. No, they are under the 0.08% adult limit
B. Yes — Zero Tolerance applies under 21 ✓
C. Only if they fail field sobriety tests
D. Only if they're already on probation
Why: California's Zero Tolerance Law (VC 23136) sets the limit at 0.01% for any driver under 21. 0.04% is far above that.
2. A commercial truck driver (CDL) has a BAC of 0.05%. While driving their personal car. Is this DUI?
A. No, they are not in their commercial vehicle
B. Yes — CDL holders have a 0.04% limit at all times ✓
C. Only if their employer is notified
D. Only with prior DUI conviction
Why: CDL holders are held to a 0.04% BAC limit when operating any motor vehicle, not just the commercial one.
3. You refuse a post-arrest blood or breath test. What is the immediate consequence?
A. Nothing — you have the right to refuse
B. A small fine
C. Automatic 1-year license suspension on first refusal ✓
D. 6-month suspension
Why: California's Implied Consent Law triggers a separate 1-year suspension when you refuse the chemical test, in addition to any DUI penalty.
4. When you accept a California driver license, you give "implied consent" to:
A. Random vehicle searches
B. Insurance pricing changes
C. A chemical test if lawfully arrested for DUI ✓
D. Vehicle inspections
Why: Holding a CA license means you have implicitly consented to a chemical test (breath/blood) when arrested for DUI.
5. A first-offense DUI typically results in license suspension of approximately:
A. 1 month
B. 3 months
C. 6 months ✓
D. 1 year minimum
Why: A first-offense DUI conviction commonly results in 6 months of suspension (4 months administrative + additional based on conviction).
6. How long does a DUI conviction stay on your California driving record?
A. 3 years
B. 5 years
C. 10 years ✓
D. Lifetime
Why: A DUI conviction in California stays on your driving record for 10 years and counts as a prior for any future DUI offense within that window.
7. Open alcohol containers in a vehicle are illegal:
A. Only when the driver is consuming
B. Only in the front seat
C. Anywhere accessible to the driver ✓
D. Only if minors are present
Why: Open containers anywhere accessible to the driver are illegal, even if no one is drinking. The trunk is the only legal storage.
8. A driver on DUI probation has a BAC of 0.02%. Is this a violation?
A. No — under 0.08%
B. Yes — probation BAC limit is 0.01% ✓
C. Only if they are under 21
D. Only with witnesses
Why: DUI probationers face a 0.01% limit (same as Zero Tolerance under-21 rule), regardless of age.
9. Which is true about marijuana DUI in California?
A. There is a specific legal THC limit like alcohol BAC
B. Recreational use exempts you
C. Officer observation, blood test, and DRE evaluation determine impairment ✓
D. Only edibles are illegal
Why: There is no THC equivalent to BAC. Officers determine impairment through observation, chemical testing, and Drug Recognition Expert evaluation.
10. A first-offense DUI with BAC of 0.16% (twice the legal limit) likely triggers:
A. Standard penalties only
B. Aggravated DUI with enhanced fines and longer DUI school ✓
C. Automatic felony
D. Federal review
Why: BAC of 0.15% or higher is considered an aggravating factor — longer DUI school, enhanced fines, and possible IID required.