CA Household Movers Practice Exam 2026/2027 BHGS-Style –
Complete Exam-Style Questions with Detailed Rationales | 100%
Verified – Pass Guaranteed – A+ Graded
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INSTRUCTIONS: Select the best answer for each question. This examination is based
on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Maximum Rate Tariff 4, Title 13 of
the California Code of Regulations, the California Business and Professions Code
(Household Moving Act), and Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) rules
effective 2026/2027. Suggested time: 90 minutes.
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Question 1
Under California law, which permit is required for a household goods carrier to legally
operate an intrastate move within California?
A. A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) operating authority only
B. A Household Mover Permit (Cal-T number) issued by the Bureau of Household Goods
and Services (BHGS)
C. A California Department of Motor Vehicles Motor Carrier Permit
D. A municipal business license from the city of operation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under Public Utilities Code Section 5133 and BHGS regulations, any person or
entity transporting household goods for compensation entirely within California must
hold a valid Household Mover Permit (Cal-T number) issued by BHGS. Distractor A is
incorrect because FMCSA authority applies only to interstate moves. Distractor C is
,incorrect because the DMV Motor Carrier Permit is for property carriers, not household
goods carriers. Distractor D is incorrect because a municipal business license does not
authorize regulated transportation services.
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Question 2
What is the minimum cargo insurance coverage a California household goods carrier
must maintain per shipment?
A. $5,000 per shipment
B. $10,000 per shipment
C. $20,000 per shipment
D. $50,000 per shipment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: BHGS regulations require household goods carriers to maintain minimum
cargo insurance of $20,000 per shipment. Distractor A reflects an amount below the
statutory minimum. Distractor B is a common misconception. Distractor D exceeds the
minimum requirement but is not the mandated floor.
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Question 3
A mover provides a customer with a verbal estimate of $1,200 over the phone for a local
move in Los Angeles. The customer agrees. On moving day, the final bill is $2,800.
Which statement is most accurate under CPUC regulations?
A. The verbal estimate is binding, and the mover cannot charge more than $1,200
B. The mover can charge any amount because the customer agreed verbally
C. Verbal estimates are not compliant; the mover should have provided a written
estimate, and the customer may have recourse through BHGS
,D. The customer must pay the full $2,800 because the move is complete
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: CPUC regulations and Maximum Rate Tariff 4 require written estimates for
household goods moves. Verbal estimates are non-compliant and unenforceable as
binding agreements. The customer may file a complaint with BHGS. Distractor A is
incorrect because verbal estimates are not binding. Distractor B ignores consumer
protection requirements. Distractor D incorrectly assumes completion obligates
payment of an unlawful charge.
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Question 4
Which of the following is a required component of a binding estimate under California
BHGS rules?
A. An oral confirmation from the customer
B. A written description of all services, the total price, and signatures of both parties
C. A deposit of at least 50% of the estimated cost
D. A guarantee that the final weight will not exceed the estimate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A binding estimate must be in writing, describe all services and the shipment,
state the total price, and be signed by both the mover and the shipper. Distractor A is
incorrect because oral confirmations do not satisfy the writing requirement. Distractor C
is incorrect because deposit limits are restricted (see Question 6). Distractor D is
incorrect because binding estimates are based on services and scope, not weight
guarantees.
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, Question 5
A customer receives a non-binding estimate of $3,000 for a move from San Francisco to
Sacramento. Upon delivery, the actual charges are $3,600. How much can the mover
legally demand before releasing the goods?
A. The full $3,600
B. $3,300 (110% of the non-binding estimate)
C. $3,000 (the original estimate amount)
D. $2,700 (90% of the estimate)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under the "110% Rule" in Maximum Rate Tariff 4 and CPUC regulations, a
mover with a non-binding estimate may demand only 110% of the estimated amount at
delivery. The remaining balance must be billed within 30 days. Calculation: $3,000 ×
1.10 = $3,300. Distractor A violates the 110% rule. Distractor C ignores the 10% buffer.
Distractor D has no regulatory basis.
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Question 6
Under California law, what is the maximum deposit a household goods carrier may
require from a customer before the move?
A. There is no limit on deposits
B. The deposit cannot exceed the cost of the move
C. The deposit cannot exceed $100 or 10% of the estimated cost, whichever is less
D. The deposit cannot exceed 25% of the estimated cost
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: CPUC regulations limit deposits to the lesser of $100 or 10% of the estimated
cost. This protects consumers from excessive upfront payments. Distractor A is
incorrect because deposit limits are strictly regulated. Distractor B is incorrect because
Complete Exam-Style Questions with Detailed Rationales | 100%
Verified – Pass Guaranteed – A+ Graded
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
════════════════════════
INSTRUCTIONS: Select the best answer for each question. This examination is based
on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Maximum Rate Tariff 4, Title 13 of
the California Code of Regulations, the California Business and Professions Code
(Household Moving Act), and Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) rules
effective 2026/2027. Suggested time: 90 minutes.
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════
════════════════════════
Question 1
Under California law, which permit is required for a household goods carrier to legally
operate an intrastate move within California?
A. A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) operating authority only
B. A Household Mover Permit (Cal-T number) issued by the Bureau of Household Goods
and Services (BHGS)
C. A California Department of Motor Vehicles Motor Carrier Permit
D. A municipal business license from the city of operation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under Public Utilities Code Section 5133 and BHGS regulations, any person or
entity transporting household goods for compensation entirely within California must
hold a valid Household Mover Permit (Cal-T number) issued by BHGS. Distractor A is
incorrect because FMCSA authority applies only to interstate moves. Distractor C is
,incorrect because the DMV Motor Carrier Permit is for property carriers, not household
goods carriers. Distractor D is incorrect because a municipal business license does not
authorize regulated transportation services.
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────────────────────────
Question 2
What is the minimum cargo insurance coverage a California household goods carrier
must maintain per shipment?
A. $5,000 per shipment
B. $10,000 per shipment
C. $20,000 per shipment
D. $50,000 per shipment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: BHGS regulations require household goods carriers to maintain minimum
cargo insurance of $20,000 per shipment. Distractor A reflects an amount below the
statutory minimum. Distractor B is a common misconception. Distractor D exceeds the
minimum requirement but is not the mandated floor.
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Question 3
A mover provides a customer with a verbal estimate of $1,200 over the phone for a local
move in Los Angeles. The customer agrees. On moving day, the final bill is $2,800.
Which statement is most accurate under CPUC regulations?
A. The verbal estimate is binding, and the mover cannot charge more than $1,200
B. The mover can charge any amount because the customer agreed verbally
C. Verbal estimates are not compliant; the mover should have provided a written
estimate, and the customer may have recourse through BHGS
,D. The customer must pay the full $2,800 because the move is complete
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: CPUC regulations and Maximum Rate Tariff 4 require written estimates for
household goods moves. Verbal estimates are non-compliant and unenforceable as
binding agreements. The customer may file a complaint with BHGS. Distractor A is
incorrect because verbal estimates are not binding. Distractor B ignores consumer
protection requirements. Distractor D incorrectly assumes completion obligates
payment of an unlawful charge.
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Question 4
Which of the following is a required component of a binding estimate under California
BHGS rules?
A. An oral confirmation from the customer
B. A written description of all services, the total price, and signatures of both parties
C. A deposit of at least 50% of the estimated cost
D. A guarantee that the final weight will not exceed the estimate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A binding estimate must be in writing, describe all services and the shipment,
state the total price, and be signed by both the mover and the shipper. Distractor A is
incorrect because oral confirmations do not satisfy the writing requirement. Distractor C
is incorrect because deposit limits are restricted (see Question 6). Distractor D is
incorrect because binding estimates are based on services and scope, not weight
guarantees.
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, Question 5
A customer receives a non-binding estimate of $3,000 for a move from San Francisco to
Sacramento. Upon delivery, the actual charges are $3,600. How much can the mover
legally demand before releasing the goods?
A. The full $3,600
B. $3,300 (110% of the non-binding estimate)
C. $3,000 (the original estimate amount)
D. $2,700 (90% of the estimate)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under the "110% Rule" in Maximum Rate Tariff 4 and CPUC regulations, a
mover with a non-binding estimate may demand only 110% of the estimated amount at
delivery. The remaining balance must be billed within 30 days. Calculation: $3,000 ×
1.10 = $3,300. Distractor A violates the 110% rule. Distractor C ignores the 10% buffer.
Distractor D has no regulatory basis.
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Question 6
Under California law, what is the maximum deposit a household goods carrier may
require from a customer before the move?
A. There is no limit on deposits
B. The deposit cannot exceed the cost of the move
C. The deposit cannot exceed $100 or 10% of the estimated cost, whichever is less
D. The deposit cannot exceed 25% of the estimated cost
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: CPUC regulations limit deposits to the lesser of $100 or 10% of the estimated
cost. This protects consumers from excessive upfront payments. Distractor A is
incorrect because deposit limits are strictly regulated. Distractor B is incorrect because
