Prepare for your California DMV written exam with our free practice test for 2026.

This quiz includes questions about speed limits, traffic signs, safe driving practices, and rules for young drivers.

Test your knowledge, improve your confidence, and get ready to pass your DMV test on the first try!

Use this practice test as a study tool before taking the official DMV written test. Answer each question carefully and review the hints to understand the correct responses.

California DMV Written Test Practice 1

Welcome to your California DMV Written Test 1

What should a driver do, who is stopped at an intersection and wants to make a left turn?

Deselect Answer

Take the right-of-way turn before oncoming traffic.

Turn immediately if there are no pedestrians.

Give the right-of-way to any approaching vehicle that is close enough to be dangerous.

When is it legal to drive off the road to pass another vehicle?

Deselect Answer

If there are two or more one-way lanes.

If the vehicle ahead is turning left.

It is not legal under any conditions.

Who can legally park next to a curb painted blue?

Deselect Answer

Someone who is either picking up or dropping off passengers at this location.

A person who will only be parked at the curb for less than 15 minutes.

A person who is disabled and has a special placard or vehicle license plate for disabled persons.

You are driving on a freeway and see a vehicle stopped on the shoulder with flashing amber lights. What should you do?

Deselect Answer

Speed up to pass quickly to avoid danger

Stay in your lane but slow down slightly

Move over one lane if possible, or slow down if you cannot safely move over

A highway has a posted speed limit of 65 mph. What does this mean?

Deselect Answer

You must always drive 65 mph on that highway.

You may drive faster only if there are no other vehicles.

You must drive 65 mph only if driving conditions are ideal.

Which of the following should you do if you are being followed by a tailgater?

Deselect Answer

Tap the brakes to signal you are moving at a slower pace.

Change lanes and allow the tailgater to pass.

Increase your speed to match the speed of the vehicle.

You see a warning sign indicating a crossroad ahead. What should you do?

Warning sign – Crossroad — Warning Sign – Crossroad

Deselect Answer

Turn immediately to avoid the crossroad.

Slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary.

Maintain your current speed; crossroad traffic must yield.

At what point during a rainfall are roads slippery on a hot day?

Deselect Answer

When it has been raining for a few hours.

Immediately after it has stopped raining.

For the first several minutes.

What should you do when there is a school bus ahead that starts flashing yellow warning lights?

Deselect Answer

Stop immediately and remain stopped

Slow down and prepare to stop.

Cautiously pass the school bus on the left.

What color curb does not allow vehicles to stop or park?

Deselect Answer

White.

Yellow.

Red.

You are under 18 years of age and have had your license for eight months. You may drive:

Deselect Answer

Between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

At any time.

Between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.

When may you legally drive in a bicycle lane in California?

Deselect Answer

When you want to stop briefly to pick up a passenger

Whenever traffic is heavy and you need to pass slower vehicles

Only when you are turning right, and it is safe to do so

What does the “Right Turn Only” regulatory sign mean?

Regulatory sign – Right Turn Only — Regulatory Sign – Right Turn Only

Deselect Answer

You may turn right or go straight.

Right turns are prohibited at the intersection.

Drivers must make a right turn; going straight or left is not allowed.

When a railroad crossing is not controlled, what is the speed limit when you are within 100 feet and cannot see for 400 feet in both directions?

Deselect Answer

10 mph.

15 mph.

25 mph.

When is it required for you to obey directions from a crossing guard?

Deselect Answer

Only when children are present in front of a school.

During school hours only.

At all times.

Where should you begin a left turn from a one-way street onto a one-way street?

Deselect Answer

The far-left lane.

The lane closest to the center of the street.

You can turn from any lane.

You must notify the DMV within 5 days if you:

Deselect Answer

Receive a traffic violation.

Sell or transfer ownership of your vehicle.

Paint your vehicle a different color.

You see a warning sign that says "Soft Shoulder." What should you do?

Soft Shoulder warning sign — Soft Shoulder – Warning Sign

Deselect Answer

Avoid driving on the shoulder and stay on the paved road.

Drive onto the shoulder at normal speed.

Pull over immediately; the road ends.

Which of the following is a requirement of California’s Basic Speed Law?

Deselect Answer

Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions.

Always drive the speed limit, regardless of conditions.

Match your speed to that of your surrounding traffic.

What speed should you be driving when entering onto a highway?

Deselect Answer

At or near the speed of traffic.

Slower than the speed of traffic.

Faster than the speed of traffic.

You see a warning sign indicating a narrow bridge ahead. What should you do?

Narrow Bridge warning sign — Narrow Bridge – warning sign

Deselect Answer

Maintain your current speed; other vehicles will yield.

Slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary.

Honk your horn continuously while crossing.

In addition to setting your parking brake, what should you do when parking on a hill?

Deselect Answer

Make sure your vehicle is left in the “neutral” position.

Make sure the front vehicle wheels are parallel to the road.

Make sure your vehicle is in the “park” position or in gear.

What should you do if a pedestrian is still in the crosswalk after the “DON’T WALK” sign begins to flash and your light has turned green?

Deselect Answer

Wait until the pedestrian is out of your path before proceeding.

Wait until the pedestrian is almost out of your path before proceeding.

Wait until the pedestrian has crossed the street completely before proceeding.

What should you do to make a right turn at an upcoming intersection?

Deselect Answer

Merge into the bicycle lane before making the turn.

Wait until the bicycle lane ends, then make the turn.

Make the turn from your current lane and do not enter the bicycle lane.

What should you do when traffic is slow and heavy, and you must cross railroad tracks before reaching the upcoming intersection?

Deselect Answer

Wait until you can completely cross the tracks before proceeding.

Wait on the tracks until the stoplight at the intersection turns green.

Begin crossing when the vehicle in front of you is crossing the tracks.

When is it legal for a person to drive with an alcoholic beverage container that has been opened?

Deselect Answer

If the container is in the front seat.

If the container is in the trunk of the vehicle.

If the container is under the front seat.

When approaching a vehicle coming toward you, how many feet away should you switch from high beam to low beam headlights?

Deselect Answer

900 feet.

500 feet.

700 feet.

Which of the following is the proper procedure for parallel parking?

Deselect Answer

Stop next to the vehicle in front of the open space, and then back into the space.

Drive forward into the space without stopping.

Stop next to the vehicle behind the open space, and then drive forward into the space.

When is parking in a crosshatched (diagonal lines) area allowed?

crosshatched (diagonal lines) area - drivingtestexam

Deselect Answer

If the area is at least twenty feet away from a railroad track.

It is never allowed to park in a crosshatched (diagonal lines) area.

If the area is labeled as a bicycle lane, unless otherwise posted.

Any driver who willfully flees or attempts to evade law enforcement, during which a person is seriously injured, is subject to:

Deselect Answer

A fine of less than $1,000.

Attending an anger-management class.

Imprisonment in a state prison for up to seven years.

What does this “Two Way Traffic Ahead” regulatory sign mean?

Regulatory sign – Two-Way Traffic Ahead — Regulatory Sign – Two-Way Traffic Ahead

Deselect Answer

You must stay in the left lane only.

The road ahead will carry traffic in both directions.

You are entering a one-way street.

What is one of the most common causes of traffic collisions?

Deselect Answer

Driver distractions.

Paying attention to your surroundings.

Better traffic flow.

In which lane should you end your turn when making a right turn?

Deselect Answer

The lane closest to the left edge of the road.

Any lane free of traffic.

The lane closest to the right edge of the road.

Which of the following is true about large trucks?

Deselect Answer

They are made of many trailers, which make them more maneuverable than passenger vehicles.

They have large blind spots, which makes it difficult for the truck driver to see other vehicles.

They have large and powerful emergency brakes, which gives them the capability to stop quickly.

What should you do if your cell phone rings and you do not have a hands-free device?

Deselect Answer

Do not answer the phone and let it go to voice mail.

Answer the call and keep the conversation short.

Answer the call if you are stopped at a red light.

What should you do when reaching an intersection where a person operating a motorized wheelchair has entered the crosswalk?

Deselect Answer

Assume right-of-way if the motorized wheelchair stops in the crosswalk.

Remain stopped behind the nearest crosswalk line until the motorized wheelchair is beyond the range of your vehicle.

Remain stopped behind the crosswalk line until the motorized wheelchair has safely finished crossing.

If a traffic signal is green, but traffic is blocking the intersection, what should you do?

Deselect Answer

Partially enter the intersection, as allowed by traffic.

Wait and do not enter the intersection until your vehicle can get completely across.

Drive around the traffic on the shoulder to help ease the congestion.

You see a red octagon-shaped sign with the word STOP. What must you do?

Regulatory sign – Stop sign — Regulatory Sign – Stop Sign

Deselect Answer

Honk your horn before entering the intersection.

Slow down and proceed without stopping.

Stop completely, check for traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when safe.

Which lights should be used if a driver is having trouble seeing other vehicles because of dust or smoke blowing across the roadway?

Deselect Answer

Parking lights.

Emergency lights.

Headlights.

When you are driving the speed limit, you can be given a speeding ticket:

Deselect Answer

Only if you are approaching a sharp curve in the road.

If road or weather conditions require a slower speed.

Under no circumstances because it is always legal.

You see this regulatory sign: NO LEFT TURN What should you do?

No Left Turn sign — Regulatory Sign – No Left Turn

Deselect Answer

Turn left only after checking traffic.

Slow down and prepare to turn left.

Go straight or turn right, but not left.

What is indicated by two sets of double yellow lines spaced 2 feet or more apart?

Deselect Answer

Carpool/High-Occupancy (HOV) lane.

Barrier.

Lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.

Which of the following is an example of a safe driving practice?

Deselect Answer

Staring only at the middle of the road.

Using your high-beam headlights in the fog.

Always keep your eyes moving to scan the surroundings.

What does a flashing yellow traffic signal light direct a driver to do?

Deselect Answer

Stop and proceed when the traffic allows you to proceed safely.

Slow down and proceed with caution.

Stop and wait for a flashing green signal.

You are required to notify DMV by filing a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1) form if:

Deselect Answer

You allowed a licensed driver from another state to drive your vehicle.

You failed to pay your registration fees.

You were involved in a collision with more than $1,000 in damages.

Which of the following is illegal while driving?

Deselect Answer

Wearing a headset or ear plugs that covers one ear.

Wearing a headset or ear plugs that covers both ears.

Using cruise control on residential streets.

Name

FAQ – California DMV Written Test Practice 1

1. When can you receive a speeding ticket even if driving at the speed limit?

Drivers can be given a speeding ticket if road or weather conditions require a slower speed. Always adjust your driving to current conditions for safety.

2. When must you file a Report of Traffic Accident (SR-1) with the DMV?

You must file an SR-1 form if you were involved in a collision causing more than $1,000 in damage. This ensures legal compliance and proper insurance documentation.

3. How do you make a safe right turn at an intersection with a bicycle lane?

Make the turn from your current lane without entering the bicycle lane until it ends. Always yield to bicyclists and check your surroundings carefully.

4. What should you do if a pedestrian is still in the crosswalk when your light turns green?

Wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed your path before proceeding. Safety of pedestrians is always the top priority.

5. Is it ever legal to drive off the road to pass another vehicle?

It is never legal to drive off the road to pass another vehicle. Passing must always be done within designated lanes and safe conditions.

6. What do two sets of double yellow lines spaced 2 feet or more apart indicate?

These lines act as a barrier separating opposing lanes of traffic. Crossing is generally prohibited unless directed by signage.

7. What is the correct response to a narrow bridge warning sign?

Slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. Maintain awareness and yield to oncoming traffic to cross safely.

8. What is the penalty for willfully evading law enforcement that causes serious injury?

Imprisonment in a state prison for up to seven years. Always comply with law enforcement and avoid risky driving behaviors.

9. When must you obey directions from a crossing guard?

You must follow the directions of a crossing guard at all times, regardless of the presence of children or time of day.

10. What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean?

Slow down and proceed with caution. A flashing yellow light indicates potential hazards or that extra attention is required.