California speed control practice questions
2 questions below test California’s own speed control law, each with the statute or California Department of Motor Vehicles handbook section it came from, plus 10 more on speed control rules that apply in every state.
The California permit knowledge test has 46 questions in total and needs 38 correct (83%) to pass.
California law
2 questions on California’s own speed control rules
These differ from the rules that hold nationally — they are the ones that catch out drivers who studied another state’s handbook.
1. Unless a lower limit is posted, the California speed limit within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing is:
- A20 mph
- 25 mph
- C30 mph
- D15 mph
Answer: 25 mph. The California Driver's Handbook states the limit is 25 mph within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing; some zones may be posted as low as 15 mph.
Source: California Driver's Handbook — Speed Limits — Near Schools
2. The California speed limit in an alley is:
- 15 mph
- B20 mph
- C25 mph
- D10 mph
Answer: 15 mph. The California Driver's Handbook sets the alley speed limit at 15 mph.
Source: California Driver's Handbook — Speed Limits — Alleys
Sources for the California items above
Applies everywhere
Speed control rules that hold in every state
A sample of the national speed control bank. All 10 are in the practice run, combined with the California items above for 12 questions in total.
1. A posted minimum speed limit on a highway exists to:
- AApply only to trucks
- BGuarantee a fast journey
- Keep unusually slow vehicles from obstructing traffic
- DSet the speed for exit ramps
Answer: Keep unusually slow vehicles from obstructing traffic. Traffic moving far below the general flow creates conflict. If you cannot maintain the minimum safely, use another route.
Source: Official state driver handbook — Speed management — minimum limits
2. A posted speed limit represents:
- AA suggestion with no legal force
- BThe average speed of traffic
- The maximum permitted under ideal conditions
- DThe speed you must maintain
Answer: The maximum permitted under ideal conditions. Limits are set for good weather, light traffic, and clear visibility. Conditions that fall short of that call for a lower speed.
Source: Official state driver handbook — Speed management — speed limits
3. Driving well below the speed of surrounding traffic is:
- ARequired in the left lane
- BOnly a problem at night
- CAlways the safest choice
- Potentially hazardous because it disrupts traffic flow
Answer: Potentially hazardous because it disrupts traffic flow. Large speed differences cause other drivers to brake suddenly and make risky passes. Keep pace with traffic within the limit or move right.
Source: Official state driver handbook — Speed management — traffic flow
More California topics
Other California rules with their own questions
Speed control elsewhere
Speed control rules in other states
Speed control law is set state by state — compare how another state handles it.
Confirm current California rules
Statutes and handbooks change. California Department of Motor Vehicles is authoritative for California speed control rules and for the permit test itself.
Visit California Department of Motor VehiclesCommon questions
About California speed control rules and this practice set.