California Practice Permit Test 6

4.8 out of 5 (3734 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
The sixth CA DMV practice test is not trying to reinvent the wheel — which is good, because the DMV already has enough wheels, forms, lines, and oddly specific rules to go around. What it does do is give you 20 California DMV written test questions with a heavy little wink toward turn signals, those blinking bits of basic communication that somehow become very important the second you are being graded on them. You’ll need 16 correct answers out of 20 to pass this California permit test practice, so it is not a casual “click around and hope for the best” situation. It is more like a small reality check, but without the fluorescent DMV lighting. The questions are built to help you notice what you know, what you sort of know, and what you only thought you knew because it sounded familiar from drivers ed. For teen drivers, California adds a few extra hoops — not impossible hoops, just bureaucratic ones with names. If you are under 18, the Graduated Driver Licensing program applies to you. That starts with a Provisional Instruction Permit at age 15½, after completing an approved 30-hour driver education course. And no, the permit is not magically valid the second it lands in your hand. A certified driving instructor has to start your behind-the-wheel training and sign it first, because California likes its paperwork seasoned properly. From there, the road to a provisional license includes holding that permit for at least 6 months, logging 50 supervised driving hours, 10 of them at night, and completing 6 hours of professional behind-the-wheel training with a licensed driving school. Then, at 16 or 17, there is the road test. Also, for drivers under 18, cell phone use is off-limits while driving — even hands-free — unless it is an emergency. Tiny detail. Big consequences. Adults get the shorter version, naturally. If you are 18 or older, you can apply directly for a regular Class C license, skip the GDL phases, and forget about the 6-month permit holding requirement. You still need to pass the 36-question knowledge test, road-sign questions included, plus the vision test and road skills test. This online California DMV permit practice test is available 24/7 on desktop, laptop, or phone, which means you can practice at a normal hour or at midnight when your brain suddenly decides turn signals are fascinating. Either way, it is a handy, slightly humbling warm-up before the real DMV test.
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Sample California Permit Test Questions

Question 1

A rear-end collision caused by the following driver commonly indicates that the driver was:

  1. A Checking the rearview mirror too frequently
  2. B Changing lanes too often
  3. C Following too closely for the conditions
  4. D Driving below the speed limit

Correct answer: C – Following too closely for the conditions

Tailgating blocks part of your view and reduces the time available to react when the vehicle ahead slows or stops. Drivers must not follow more closely than is reasonable and prudent for the speed, traffic, and roadway conditions. The three-second rule provides a useful minimum interval under normal conditions.

Source: CVC § 21703, California Driver’s Handbook — § 8, “Tailgating (Following Too Closely)”

Question 2

Which action gives drivers behind you the required advance warning before a turn?

  1. A Signal continuously during the final 100 feet before turning
  2. B Shorten your following distance before the turn
  3. C Pump the brakes only after reaching the corner
  4. D Drive much slower than surrounding traffic

Correct answer: A – Signal continuously during the final 100 feet before turning

A turn signal communicates your intended movement to drivers and other road users. CVC § 22108 requires a right- or left-turn signal to operate continuously during the last 100 feet before the turn. Signal early enough to provide clear notice, and turn the signal off when it is no longer needed.

Source: CVC § 22108, California Driver’s Handbook — § 5, “Signaling”

Question 3

What is the effective way to lower your BAC after drinking alcohol?

  1. A Drink strong coffee
  2. B Exercise vigorously
  3. C Allow time for your body to process the alcohol
  4. D Take a cold shower

Correct answer: C – Allow time for your body to process the alcohol

The body processes alcohol at a limited rate, and only time will sober a person. Coffee and cold showers do not speed up that process, and exercise is not a substitute for waiting. Do not drive while alcohol is still affecting your ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — § 2.22.1, “How Alcohol Works”, California Driver’s Handbook — § 9, “Alcohol and Drugs”

Question 4

Which driving habit helps reduce surprises and conflicts with other road users?

  1. A Use signals, lights, and the horn appropriately to communicate
  2. B Ignore the movements of surrounding drivers
  3. C Use side streets whenever possible
  4. D Avoid every period of heavy traffic

Correct answer: A – Use signals, lights, and the horn appropriately to communicate

Signals, horns, and headlights are important tools for communicating with drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Use signals before turning, changing lanes, slowing, stopping, or moving to or from the curb. Use the horn when appropriate to alert others to your presence or warn of a hazard.

Source: California Driver’s Handbook — § 5, “Signals, Horns, And Headlights”

Question 5

At a California location posted NO STOPPING, when may you stop?

  1. A Long enough to unload packages
  2. B When necessary to avoid a traffic conflict or obey a police officer, traffic device, or signal
  3. C Long enough to discharge a passenger
  4. D Whenever the stop lasts less than five minutes

Correct answer: B – When necessary to avoid a traffic conflict or obey a police officer, traffic device, or signal

When stopping is prohibited, CVC § 587 treats any cessation of movement as a stop. The exceptions are stopping to avoid conflict with other traffic or to comply with a police officer, official traffic-control device, or signal. Brief passenger stops, package unloading, and stops lasting less than five minutes are not included in those exceptions.

Source: CVC § 587

Question 6

California law permits driving while under the influence of a drug:

  1. A When the drug was legally purchased
  2. B When the drug was prescribed by a doctor
  3. C Under no circumstances
  4. D When the driver travels at a reduced speed

Correct answer: C – Under no circumstances

CVC § 23152(f) prohibits driving while under the influence of any drug; prescription status does not create an exception. For a first violation, § 23536(a) sets 96 hours to six months in county jail and a $390 to $1,000 fine. If probation is granted, § 23538(a)(1) requires the same fine and permits the court to impose 48 hours to six months in jail as a probation condition.

Source: CVC § 23152(f), CVC § 23536(a), CVC § 23538(a)(1)

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