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CALIFORNIA DMV DRIVER'S WRITTEN TEST
2026 COMPLETE (50) CURRENT TESTING
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES.
DMV
Prepare for the California DMV Driver’s Written Test with focused review
materials covering road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, safe driving
practices, defensive driving techniques, speed limits, lane usage, parking
regulations, DUI laws, sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists,
highway driving, emergency situations, and vehicle safety requirements
under California law. Designed to build confidence in understanding
traffic rules, interpreting road signs, and applying defensive driving
strategies on California roads. Suitable for new drivers, permit applicants,
and candidates preparing for the California DMV Driver’s Written Test.
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
SECTION 1: TRAFFIC LAWS AND RULES OF THE ROAD (Questions 1–
20)
1. When is it legal to drive off the road to pass another vehicle?
A. When the vehicle ahead is turning left
B. When there is a broken yellow line
C. When the road is clear of traffic
D. Never, it is illegal
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Correct answer: D. Never, it is illegal
Rationale: It is never legal to drive off the road to pass another
vehicle. You must always stay on the paved portion of the roadway
when passing. Passing off the road is dangerous and illegal under
California law.
2. When a railroad crossing is not controlled, what is the speed limit
when you are within 100 feet and cannot see for 400 feet in both
directions?
A. 10 mph
B. 15 mph
C. 20 mph
D. 25 mph
Correct answer: B. 15 mph
Rationale: When approaching an uncontrolled railroad crossing
where you cannot see 400 feet in both directions, you must slow
down to 15 mph within 100 feet of the crossing.
3. What is the maximum speed limit on California highways?
A. 55 mph
B. 60 mph
C. 65 mph
D. 70 mph
Correct answer: D. 70 mph
Rationale: The maximum speed limit on California highways is 70
mph on some highways. However, the maximum speed limit on most
highways is 65 mph, and 55 mph is the maximum for vehicles towing
trailers.
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4. It is illegal for a person 21 years of age or older to drive with a blood
alcohol concentration (BAC) that is ______ or higher.
A. 0.05%
B. 0.08%
C. 0.10%
D. 0.15%
Correct answer: B. 0.08%
Rationale: The legal BAC limit for drivers 21 and older in California is
0.08%. For drivers under 21, the limit is 0.01% (zero tolerance).
5. How many feet away should you switch from high beam to low
beam headlights when approaching a vehicle coming towards you?
A. 100 feet
B. 300 feet
C. 500 feet
D. 1,000 feet
Correct answer: C. 500 feet
Rationale: You must dim your high beam headlights to low beams
when you are within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
6. Who can legally park next to a curb painted blue?
A. Anyone with a valid driver's license
B. Only vehicles displaying a disabled person placard or license plate
C. Emergency vehicles only
D. Commercial vehicles only
CALIFORNIA DMV DRIVER'S WRITTEN TEST
2026 COMPLETE (50) CURRENT TESTING
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH
DETAILED RATIONALES.
DMV
Prepare for the California DMV Driver’s Written Test with focused review
materials covering road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, safe driving
practices, defensive driving techniques, speed limits, lane usage, parking
regulations, DUI laws, sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists,
highway driving, emergency situations, and vehicle safety requirements
under California law. Designed to build confidence in understanding
traffic rules, interpreting road signs, and applying defensive driving
strategies on California roads. Suitable for new drivers, permit applicants,
and candidates preparing for the California DMV Driver’s Written Test.
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
SECTION 1: TRAFFIC LAWS AND RULES OF THE ROAD (Questions 1–
20)
1. When is it legal to drive off the road to pass another vehicle?
A. When the vehicle ahead is turning left
B. When there is a broken yellow line
C. When the road is clear of traffic
D. Never, it is illegal
, Page 2 of 21
Correct answer: D. Never, it is illegal
Rationale: It is never legal to drive off the road to pass another
vehicle. You must always stay on the paved portion of the roadway
when passing. Passing off the road is dangerous and illegal under
California law.
2. When a railroad crossing is not controlled, what is the speed limit
when you are within 100 feet and cannot see for 400 feet in both
directions?
A. 10 mph
B. 15 mph
C. 20 mph
D. 25 mph
Correct answer: B. 15 mph
Rationale: When approaching an uncontrolled railroad crossing
where you cannot see 400 feet in both directions, you must slow
down to 15 mph within 100 feet of the crossing.
3. What is the maximum speed limit on California highways?
A. 55 mph
B. 60 mph
C. 65 mph
D. 70 mph
Correct answer: D. 70 mph
Rationale: The maximum speed limit on California highways is 70
mph on some highways. However, the maximum speed limit on most
highways is 65 mph, and 55 mph is the maximum for vehicles towing
trailers.
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4. It is illegal for a person 21 years of age or older to drive with a blood
alcohol concentration (BAC) that is ______ or higher.
A. 0.05%
B. 0.08%
C. 0.10%
D. 0.15%
Correct answer: B. 0.08%
Rationale: The legal BAC limit for drivers 21 and older in California is
0.08%. For drivers under 21, the limit is 0.01% (zero tolerance).
5. How many feet away should you switch from high beam to low
beam headlights when approaching a vehicle coming towards you?
A. 100 feet
B. 300 feet
C. 500 feet
D. 1,000 feet
Correct answer: C. 500 feet
Rationale: You must dim your high beam headlights to low beams
when you are within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
6. Who can legally park next to a curb painted blue?
A. Anyone with a valid driver's license
B. Only vehicles displaying a disabled person placard or license plate
C. Emergency vehicles only
D. Commercial vehicles only
