Free California DMV Practice Test 2026

These sample questions come from the same bank we use for full practice tests, and each one is drawn from the official California driver handbook. Every answer explains why it is right — and why the tempting wrong answer is wrong, which is usually where the score is actually lost. For the current length and passing score of the California DMV test, check the agency directly.

The handbook confirms multiple-choice format but does not publish one count for every applicant.

Exam format checked against California DMV on 2026-07-27.

400 practice questions available for California.

5 sample questions with answers

1. Signs & Signals

   1. A red curb in California means:

   • No stopping, standing, or parking
   • Loading and unloading only
   • Limited-time parking

   Correct answer: No stopping, standing, or parking

   Why: Red = no parking, stopping, or standing. The colors are uniform statewide so visitors don't need to decode local signage. Memorize: red/yellow/white/green/blue map to standardized restrictions.

2. Right-of-Way Rules

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

   • Turn immediately if there are no pedestrians.
   • Take the right-of-way turn before oncoming traffic.
   • Give the right-of-way to any approaching vehicle that is close enough to be dangerous.

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

   Why: A left turn crosses the path of oncoming traffic, making it one of the most collision-prone maneuvers. The driver turning left must yield to any approaching vehicle close enough to pose a hazard because those vehicles have less time and distance to react to a crossing vehicle. This rule exists to prevent T-bone and head-on collisions that result from misjudging the speed or distance of oncoming traffic.

3. Alcohol & Drugs

   3. A driver under 21 is legally impaired in California at a BAC of:

   • 0.01%
   • 0.04%
   • 0.08%

   Correct answer: 0.01%

   Why: Under 21 = zero-tolerance: 0.01% BAC. The age-21 threshold matches the legal drinking age, and 0.01% is essentially the noise floor of the breathalyzer — meaning any detectable alcohol counts.

4. Speed & Following Distance

   4. On a two-lane undivided highway in California, the maximum speed limit (unless otherwise posted) is:

   • 55 mph
   • 65 mph
   • 70 mph

   Correct answer: 55 mph

   Why: California's default maximum speed limit on a two-lane undivided highway is 55 mph unless signs say otherwise. This is a fixed handbook number to memorize. It also fits the Basic Speed Law idea: undivided roads have opposing traffic close by, so the legal default is lower than many divided highways.

5. Parking Rules

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

   • Drive forward into the space without stopping.
   • Stop next to the vehicle behind the open space, and then drive forward into the space.
   • Stop next to the vehicle in front of the open space, and then back into the space.

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

   Why: Parallel parking requires backing into the space because it gives the driver precise control when fitting the vehicle into a tight spot. You stop alongside (parallel to) the vehicle in front of the open space, then reverse at an angle so the rear of your car enters the space first, then straighten out. This technique works because backing allows you to use your reference points (rear bumper of the front car, front bumper of the rear car) to guide your entry, whereas driving forward into a parallel space is nearly impossible without hitting adjacent vehicles.

DLStudy is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with the California DMV. Questions are written from the official handbook, not copied from the real exam.