California Numbers and Distances Quiz
California is one of the strictest states for memorizing exact distances. Most-missed test questions involve specific feet, BAC percentages, or following distances. These 10 questions cover the highest-priority numbers from the 2025 Driver's Handbook.
Sample Questions
1. You must signal at least how far before turning or changing lanes?
A. 50 feet
B. 100 feet ✓
C. 200 feet
D. 500 feet
Why: California requires a continuous turn signal for at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes.
2. The legal BAC limit for an adult driver in California is:
A. 0.05%
B. 0.08% ✓
C. 0.10%
D. 0.12%
Why: The standard adult BAC limit is 0.08%. Lower for drivers under 21 (0.01%) and CDL holders (0.04%).
3. How close to a fire hydrant can you legally park (without painted curb)?
A. 10 feet
B. 15 feet ✓
C. 20 feet
D. 25 feet
Why: No closer than 15 feet to a fire hydrant, even on streets without painted curbs.
4. In ideal conditions, you should keep at least how many seconds between you and the vehicle ahead?
A. 1 second
B. 2 seconds
C. 3 seconds ✓
D. 5 seconds
Why: California uses the 3-second rule. Increase to 4+ in rain, fog, or heavy traffic.
5. In a residential or business district, the speed limit (unless posted otherwise) is:
A. 15 mph
B. 25 mph ✓
C. 35 mph
D. 40 mph
Why: The default in residential and business districts is 25 mph unless signs say otherwise.
6. On a two-lane undivided road or when towing a trailer, the maximum speed is:
A. 45 mph
B. 55 mph ✓
C. 65 mph
D. 70 mph
Why: The maximum is 55 mph on two-lane undivided roads and when towing a trailer.
7. You must dim your high-beam headlights when an oncoming vehicle is within:
A. 100 feet
B. 300 feet
C. 500 feet ✓
D. 1000 feet
Why: Dim high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle (and 300 feet when following another vehicle).
8. When passing a bicyclist on the road, you must give at least how much clearance?
A. 1 foot
B. 3 feet ✓
C. 5 feet
D. No specific distance
Why: California's Three Feet for Safety Act requires a minimum 3-foot clearance when passing a bicyclist.
9. When parked on a downhill grade with a curb, your front wheels should be turned:
A. Toward the curb ✓
B. Away from the curb
C. Straight ahead
D. It doesn't matter
Why: When parked downhill, turn wheels toward the curb so a runaway car is stopped by the curb.
10. You must report any collision causing more than how much in property damage to DMV within 10 days?
A. $500
B. $750
C. $1,000 ✓
D. $2,500
Why: Collisions causing more than $1,000 in damage (or any injury) must be reported to DMV within 10 days using form SR 1.