California DMV Practice Test 9

4.6 out of 5 (6508 votes)
80% Passing score
20 Questions
4 Mistakes allowed
This ninth California DMV practice test zooms in on one of those rules that sounds easy when you’re reading it on a quiet screen and gets weirdly tense the second you imagine an actual school bus, actual flashing red lights, and actual children doing that unpredictable kid-walk across the road. California is not especially relaxed about this, for obvious reasons. On an undivided road, when a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing, traffic in both directions has to stop. Not slow down in a thoughtful, “I’m basically stopping” kind of way. Stop. The practice test gives you 20 multiple-choice questions, with a passing score of 16 out of 20, so it works as a compact little rehearsal before the real California DMV permit test starts asking for official answers. The actual DMV knowledge test is larger: under-18 applicants get 46 questions and need 38 correct, while adults 18 and over get 36 questions and need 30 correct. DMV describes the passing threshold as 80%, though the required totals land a bit above that when you calculate them, because apparently even the permit process wanted a tiny math wrinkle. This CA DMV test practice also fits into the bigger testing picture. Eligible applicants may take the knowledge test online from home with a webcam-equipped computer, while in-person testing is still available at California DMV offices, usually on a touchscreen kiosk, with paper tests available by request. Passing online is helpful, yes, but it is not a magic portal to instant permit ownership. You still have to visit the DMV in person for biometrics, a photo, and the physical permit. Minors testing online also need parental supervision and consent, because of course there is one more adult involved. And for teen drivers, the whole thing sits inside California’s Graduated Driver Licensing program. The minimum age for a provisional instruction permit is 15½, driver education is required for applicants under 18, and supervised driving means a California-licensed driver age 25 or older needs to be close enough to take control. So, yes, this California DMV driving test practice is mostly about school bus rules—but it also helps you get used to the broader rhythm of permit prep: read carefully, answer deliberately, and don’t let one flashing-red-light question turn into a very avoidable mess.
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Sample California Permit Test Questions

Question 1

Should you switch the ignition to the lock position while your vehicle is moving?

  1. A No, because the steering may lock and cause a loss of control
  2. B Yes, because switching off the ignition does not affect steering
  3. C Yes, whenever you want to coast downhill
  4. D Only when traveling below 25 mph

Correct answer: A – No, because the steering may lock and cause a loss of control

Never turn the ignition to the lock position while the vehicle is moving. In many vehicles, doing so can lock the steering wheel and prevent you from controlling the vehicle's direction. During an emergency such as a stuck accelerator or brake failure, keep steering until the vehicle is stopped before switching off the ignition.

Source: California Driver Handbook — “Steering Wheel Locking Device”

Question 2

Which substances may impair a person's ability to drive safely?

What kinds of drugs, other than alcohol, can affect your driving ability?
  1. A Certain allergy medications
  2. B Cannabis
  3. C Some over-the-counter cold remedies
  4. D All of these choices

Correct answer: D – All of these choices

California's impaired-driving rules apply to any drug that affects a person's ability to drive safely, not only alcohol or illegal substances. Prescription and over-the-counter medications may cause drowsiness or slow reactions, and cannabis can also impair driving. Read medication labels, understand the drug's effects, and do not drive after taking any substance that reduces your ability to operate a vehicle safely.

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

Question 3

While driving, where should you direct your visual search?

  1. A Toward the roadway beyond the vehicle directly ahead
  2. B Only at the rear of the vehicle ahead
  3. C Only along the right edge of your lane
  4. D Only along the left edge of your lane

Correct answer: A – Toward the roadway beyond the vehicle directly ahead

The driver handbook directs motorists to keep their eyes moving and scan the road at least 10 seconds ahead. Looking beyond the vehicle directly in front helps you detect slowing traffic and other hazards earlier. Maintain a safe following interval, but do not fix your gaze on one vehicle.

Source: California Driver’s Handbook — § 8, “Scan Your Surroundings”

Question 4

At a California intersection, a protected left-turn arrow changes to a circular green. You may turn left only after:

  1. A Yielding to oncoming vehicles that present a hazard and to traffic or pedestrians in the intersection
  2. B Waiting until you can proceed straight instead
  3. C Assuming the turn remains protected
  4. D Entering the intersection without checking traffic

Correct answer: A – Yielding to oncoming vehicles that present a hazard and to traffic or pedestrians in the intersection

A green arrow permits the movement indicated and provides a protected turn. A circular green still permits a left turn, but drivers must yield to lawful traffic and pedestrians in or near the intersection. A left-turning driver must also yield to opposing vehicles close enough to create a hazard until the turn can be made with reasonable safety.

Source: CVC § 21451(a)–(b), CVC § 21801(a), California Driver’s Handbook — § 7, “Traffic Signals”

Question 5

After meeting any required move-over, slowing, or traffic-control duty near a roadside collision, which action best supports normal traffic flow?

  1. A Drive far below the traffic speed throughout the area
  2. B Watch the roadway instead of slowing merely to stare at the scene
  3. C Stop beside the scene to observe the responders
  4. D Change routes even when traffic controls do not require it

Correct answer: B – Watch the roadway instead of slowing merely to stare at the scene

An accident scene is an external distraction that can take a driver’s attention from the roadway. After complying with signs, officer directions, and applicable move-over or slowing duties, avoid unnecessary slowing merely to look at the scene. Drivers should remain attentive and avoid blocking normal and reasonable traffic flow by driving unnecessarily slowly.

Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — § 2.9, “Distracted Driving”, California Driver’s Handbook — § 7, “Move Over and Slow Down”; “Heavy Traffic or Bad Weather”

Question 6

What following interval should you normally maintain behind a motorcycle?

When traveling behind a motorcycle:
  1. A At least one second
  2. B At least two seconds
  3. C At least three seconds
  4. D At least one motorcycle length

Correct answer: C – At least three seconds

The driver handbook recommends a safe following distance of at least three seconds behind a motorcycle. This space gives you more time to respond if the rider brakes or falls. Increase the gap when surfaces such as bridge gratings, railroad tracks, or gravel could cause the motorcycle to change speed or direction suddenly.

Source: California Driver’s Handbook — § 7, “Motorcycles”, California Driver’s Handbook — § 8, “Tailgating (Following Too Closely)”

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