Free California DMV permit practice test online
Free California permit practice for road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and more—with explanations that point back to the official California Department of Motor Vehicles handbook.
The California permit knowledge test has 46 questions; you need 38 correct (83%) to pass. That is above the median of 30 questions across the 51 states QuizLane tracks, so budget more study time than a shorter state would need.
Also preparing for a commercial license? California CDL practice · Study guides
Official California permit test
California DMV permit test facts
These figures reflect the standard California Class D permit knowledge test and can change. Always confirm current requirements with California Department of Motor Vehicles (official source).
What you will practice
Build coverage topic by topic.
Each question carries a topic, difficulty, explanation, and source section so your review has context.
Sample questions
5 California DMV permit practice questions
Try these California sample questions now — each shows the correct answer with a plain-language explanation and a source section. The full 173-question bank is in the practice run, including 12 items that test California law specifically.
1. In California, motorcycles sharing a lane with other vehicles (lane splitting) is:
- Legal, and other drivers must still give a motorcycle the full lane when possible
- BAllowed only on surface streets
- CAllowed only below 25 mph
- DIllegal in all cases
Answer: Legal, and other drivers must still give a motorcycle the full lane when possible. The California Driver's Handbook states it is legal to share lanes with motorcycles (lane splitting) and reminds drivers to give a motorcycle the full lane and never pass a motorcycle in the same lane.
Source: California Driver's Handbook — Sharing the Road — Motorcycles
2. While driving in California, wearing a headset or earplugs in both ears is:
- AAllowed on freeways only
- Illegal
- CRequired with loud music
- DAllowed if the volume is low
Answer: Illegal. Vehicle Code §27400 and the California Driver's Handbook both prohibit operating a motor vehicle while wearing a headset or earplugs covering both ears.
Source: California Vehicle Code — §27400
3. When using a designated two-way left-turn lane in California, you may drive in that lane for no more than:
- A50 feet
- B100 feet
- 200 feet
- D500 feet
Answer: 200 feet. Vehicle Code §21460.5(c) limits travel in a two-way left-turn lane to 200 feet while preparing for and making the turn or merging back.
Source: California Vehicle Code — §21460.5(c)
4. In California, a child under eight years of age must generally be secured:
- In a rear seat in an appropriate child passenger restraint system
- BOnly if the trip exceeds 10 miles
- CWith a booster seat in any seating position
- DIn the front seat with a lap belt
Answer: In a rear seat in an appropriate child passenger restraint system. Vehicle Code §27360 requires children under eight to ride in a rear seat in an appropriate child passenger restraint system meeting federal standards.
Source: California Vehicle Code — §27360(a)
5. California's Three Feet for Safety Act requires motorists overtaking a bicyclist to leave at least:
- ATwo feet of space
- Three feet of space
- COne full lane
- DOne foot of space
Answer: Three feet of space. Vehicle Code §21760 requires a safe pass that leaves at least three feet between any part of the motor vehicle and any part of the bicycle or its operator.
Source: California Vehicle Code — §21760 (Three Feet for Safety Act)
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