CA DMV Knowledge Test Questions and Correct
Answers with Complete Solution | Graded A+ | New
Update 2026/2027
If you are under 18 years old, the hours in which you cannot drive are between...
A) 10pm - 4am
B) 11pm - 5am ✓
C) 12am - 6am
D) 9pm - 5am
Correct Answer: B) 11pm - 5am
Rationale: California's provisional license restricts drivers under 18 from driving between
11:00 PM and 5:00 AM. This nighttime restriction reduces crash risk for young drivers, as
nighttime driving is statistically more dangerous. Exceptions include driving to/from work,
school, or with a licensed parent/guardian.
True or false: If you are under 18, you cannot drive anyone under the age of 20 without a CA
licensed driver over the age of 25.
A) True ✓
B) False
Correct Answer: A) True
Rationale: For the first 12 months of holding a license, drivers under 18 cannot transport
passengers under 20 unless accompanied by a licensed parent/guardian, licensed driver 25 or
older, or a licensed driving instructor. This restriction reduces distractions and peer pressure
that contribute to teen driver crashes.
Hand Signals
,Left turn signal:
A) Hand and arm straight out ✓
B) Hand and arm upward
C) Hand and arm pointing downward
D) Hand and arm in a circular motion
Correct Answer: A) Hand and arm straight out
Rationale: A left turn is signaled by extending the left arm straight out horizontally from the
shoulder. This is the most universal and recognizable hand signal. The straight arm creates a
clear, unambiguous indication of the driver's intention to turn left.
Right turn hand signal:
A) Hand and arm straight out
B) Hand and arm upward ✓
C) Hand and arm pointing downward
D) Hand and arm in a circular motion
Correct Answer: B) Hand and arm upward
Rationale: A right turn is signaled by extending the left arm upward at a 90-degree angle
(hand pointing up). This is the secondary right-turn signal used when the right arm isn't visible
or when signaling with the left arm is preferred. The upward position creates a clear "L" shape
that is easily recognized.
Slow/stop hand signal:
A) Hand and arm straight out
B) Hand and arm upward
C) Hand and arm pointing downward ✓
D) Hand and arm waving
,Correct Answer: C) Hand and arm pointing downward
Rationale: Slowing or stopping is signaled by extending the left arm downward at a 90-degree
angle (hand pointing down). This indicates to following traffic that you are decelerating or
coming to a stop. The downward position differentiates this signal from turn signals.
Signaling Requirements
How many feet before your turn should you signal?
A) 50 feet
B) 100 feet ✓
C) 200 feet
D) 300 feet
Correct Answer: B) 100 feet
Rationale: California law requires drivers to signal at least 100 feet before making a turn. This
provides adequate warning to other drivers and pedestrians. The 100-foot distance allows
following traffic to react and adjust their speed or position accordingly.
How many seconds should you signal before changing lanes on the freeway?
A) 3 seconds
B) 4 seconds
C) 5 seconds ✓
D) 6 seconds
Correct Answer: C) 5 seconds
Rationale: On freeways, signal at least 5 seconds before changing lanes. Higher speeds require
earlier signaling to give surrounding drivers adequate time to react. This is approximately 400
feet at highway speeds, providing ample warning for lane changes.
Horn Use
When should you use your car horn?
, A) To avoid collisions ✓
B) Alert oncoming traffic on narrow mountain roads where you cannot see at least 200 feet
ahead ✓
C) To express frustration at other drivers
D) To greet friends
Correct Answer: A and B
Rationale: Horns should only be used to avoid collisions or alert other drivers to your
presence in hazardous situations. Using the horn out of frustration is considered aggressive
driving. On narrow mountain roads, a horn warning alerts oncoming traffic when visibility is
limited to less than 200 feet.
Headlight Use
Within how many feet of a car coming toward you should you dim your high beams to low
beams?
A) 300 feet
B) 500 feet ✓
C) 1000 feet
D) 1500 feet
Correct Answer: B) 500 feet
Rationale: Dim high beams at least 500 feet from oncoming vehicles. High beams can
temporarily blind oncoming drivers, creating a serious hazard. The 500-foot distance provides
adequate time for both drivers' eyes to adjust to the reduced light.
Within how many feet of a car you are following should you dim your high beams to low
beams?
A) 200 feet
B) 300 feet ✓
C) 400 feet
D) 500 feet
Correct Answer: B) 300 feet
Answers with Complete Solution | Graded A+ | New
Update 2026/2027
If you are under 18 years old, the hours in which you cannot drive are between...
A) 10pm - 4am
B) 11pm - 5am ✓
C) 12am - 6am
D) 9pm - 5am
Correct Answer: B) 11pm - 5am
Rationale: California's provisional license restricts drivers under 18 from driving between
11:00 PM and 5:00 AM. This nighttime restriction reduces crash risk for young drivers, as
nighttime driving is statistically more dangerous. Exceptions include driving to/from work,
school, or with a licensed parent/guardian.
True or false: If you are under 18, you cannot drive anyone under the age of 20 without a CA
licensed driver over the age of 25.
A) True ✓
B) False
Correct Answer: A) True
Rationale: For the first 12 months of holding a license, drivers under 18 cannot transport
passengers under 20 unless accompanied by a licensed parent/guardian, licensed driver 25 or
older, or a licensed driving instructor. This restriction reduces distractions and peer pressure
that contribute to teen driver crashes.
Hand Signals
,Left turn signal:
A) Hand and arm straight out ✓
B) Hand and arm upward
C) Hand and arm pointing downward
D) Hand and arm in a circular motion
Correct Answer: A) Hand and arm straight out
Rationale: A left turn is signaled by extending the left arm straight out horizontally from the
shoulder. This is the most universal and recognizable hand signal. The straight arm creates a
clear, unambiguous indication of the driver's intention to turn left.
Right turn hand signal:
A) Hand and arm straight out
B) Hand and arm upward ✓
C) Hand and arm pointing downward
D) Hand and arm in a circular motion
Correct Answer: B) Hand and arm upward
Rationale: A right turn is signaled by extending the left arm upward at a 90-degree angle
(hand pointing up). This is the secondary right-turn signal used when the right arm isn't visible
or when signaling with the left arm is preferred. The upward position creates a clear "L" shape
that is easily recognized.
Slow/stop hand signal:
A) Hand and arm straight out
B) Hand and arm upward
C) Hand and arm pointing downward ✓
D) Hand and arm waving
,Correct Answer: C) Hand and arm pointing downward
Rationale: Slowing or stopping is signaled by extending the left arm downward at a 90-degree
angle (hand pointing down). This indicates to following traffic that you are decelerating or
coming to a stop. The downward position differentiates this signal from turn signals.
Signaling Requirements
How many feet before your turn should you signal?
A) 50 feet
B) 100 feet ✓
C) 200 feet
D) 300 feet
Correct Answer: B) 100 feet
Rationale: California law requires drivers to signal at least 100 feet before making a turn. This
provides adequate warning to other drivers and pedestrians. The 100-foot distance allows
following traffic to react and adjust their speed or position accordingly.
How many seconds should you signal before changing lanes on the freeway?
A) 3 seconds
B) 4 seconds
C) 5 seconds ✓
D) 6 seconds
Correct Answer: C) 5 seconds
Rationale: On freeways, signal at least 5 seconds before changing lanes. Higher speeds require
earlier signaling to give surrounding drivers adequate time to react. This is approximately 400
feet at highway speeds, providing ample warning for lane changes.
Horn Use
When should you use your car horn?
, A) To avoid collisions ✓
B) Alert oncoming traffic on narrow mountain roads where you cannot see at least 200 feet
ahead ✓
C) To express frustration at other drivers
D) To greet friends
Correct Answer: A and B
Rationale: Horns should only be used to avoid collisions or alert other drivers to your
presence in hazardous situations. Using the horn out of frustration is considered aggressive
driving. On narrow mountain roads, a horn warning alerts oncoming traffic when visibility is
limited to less than 200 feet.
Headlight Use
Within how many feet of a car coming toward you should you dim your high beams to low
beams?
A) 300 feet
B) 500 feet ✓
C) 1000 feet
D) 1500 feet
Correct Answer: B) 500 feet
Rationale: Dim high beams at least 500 feet from oncoming vehicles. High beams can
temporarily blind oncoming drivers, creating a serious hazard. The 500-foot distance provides
adequate time for both drivers' eyes to adjust to the reduced light.
Within how many feet of a car you are following should you dim your high beams to low
beams?
A) 200 feet
B) 300 feet ✓
C) 400 feet
D) 500 feet
Correct Answer: B) 300 feet
