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CALIFORNIA DMV DRIVER'S WRITTEN TEST 2025/2026
Edition | Actual Test Questions & Answers 100%
Verified | Complete Study Guide
SECTION 1: TRAFFIC LAWS AND SAFE DRIVING PRACTICES
Question 1
What is the maximum speed limit on most California freeways, unless otherwise
posted?
A) 55 mph
B) 60 mph
C) 65 mph
D) 70 mph
E) 75 mph
Answer : C) 65 mph
RATIONALE:
The maximum speed limit on most California freeways is 65 mph unless a
different speed is posted. However, on some rural freeways, the speed limit may
be 70 mph where posted. The maximum speed limit on two-lane undivided
highways is 55 mph unless otherwise posted. In residential and business districts,
the speed limit is 25 mph. In school zones, the speed limit is 25 mph (or as
posted) when children are present. Always obey the posted speed limit. The
"Basic Speed Law" states that you must never drive faster than is safe for current
conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.
Question 2
What does a solid red traffic light mean?
A) Proceed with caution
B) Stop completely and wait for a green light before proceeding
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C) Yield to pedestrians only
D) Speed up to clear the intersection
E) Stop only if turning left
Answer : B) Stop completely and wait for a green light before proceeding
RATIONALE:
A solid red light means STOP. You must come to a complete stop at the limit line,
crosswalk, or intersection. You may turn RIGHT on a red light AFTER coming to a
complete stop, UNLESS there is a sign prohibiting it ("NO TURN ON RED"). When
turning right on red, you must yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles with
the right-of-way. You may also turn LEFT on a red light from a one-way street
onto another one-way street after stopping, unless prohibited by a sign. A red
arrow means STOP—you may NOT turn in the direction of the arrow until the
green arrow appears.
Question 3
What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers age 21 and
older in California?
A) 0.05%
B) 0.08%
C) 0.10%
D) 0.15%
E) 0.00%
Answer : B) 0.08%
RATIONALE:
In California, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%
or higher if you are age 21 or older. For drivers under 21, the limit is 0.01% (zero
tolerance—any detectable alcohol). For drivers on DUI probation, the limit is
0.01%. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%. Even if your BAC is below the
legal limit, you can still be arrested for DUI if the officer determines you are
impaired. California's "implied consent" law means that by driving in California,
you have consented to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) if arrested for
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DUI. Refusal to take the test results in automatic license suspension and
enhanced penalties.
Question 4
When approaching a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign
arm, what must you do?
A) Slow down and proceed cautiously
B) Stop only if children are crossing the street
C) Stop and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is
withdrawn
D) Pass the bus on the right side only
E) Honk to alert children
Answer : C) Stop and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and
the stop arm is withdrawn
RATIONALE:
When a school bus has its RED LIGHTS FLASHING and STOP SIGN ARM EXTENDED,
you MUST STOP from EITHER direction (unless there is a divided highway or a
multi-lane highway with two or more lanes in each direction—in that case, only
vehicles behind the bus must stop; oncoming traffic may proceed with caution).
Remain stopped until the bus driver turns off the flashing red lights and retracts
the stop sign. This law protects children who are boarding or exiting the bus.
Violations result in significant fines ($250-$1,000) and points on your driving
record.
Question 5
What is the correct hand signal for a LEFT turn?
A) Left arm extended straight out horizontally
B) Left arm extended upward at a 90-degree angle
C) Left arm extended downward at a 90-degree angle
D) Right arm extended straight out horizontally
E) Both arms extended outward
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Answer : A) Left arm extended straight out horizontally
RATIONALE:
Hand signals for turning and stopping:
• LEFT TURN: Left arm extended STRAIGHT OUT horizontally
• RIGHT TURN: Left arm extended UPWARD at a 90-degree angle (or right
arm extended straight out)
• STOP or SLOW: Left arm extended DOWNWARD at a 90-degree angle, palm
facing rear
These signals should be used when your vehicle's turn signals are not working or
when you are driving a vehicle without turn signals. Hand signals should be given
for at least 100 feet before turning. The correct hand signal for a right turn using
the LEFT arm is UP (forming an "L" with the upper arm and forearm—the "L"
stands for "Left turn" is straight out, the "up" for right turn is the opposite).
Question 6
When parking UPHILL on a two-way street with a curb, which way should you turn
your front wheels?
A) Straight ahead
B) Toward the curb (to the right)
C) Away from the curb (to the left)
D) It doesn't matter
E) Parallel to the curb
Answer : C) Away from the curb (to the left)
RATIONALE:
When parking on a hill, always set your parking brake and turn your wheels
appropriately:
• UPHILL WITH A CURB: Turn wheels AWAY from the curb (to the LEFT). If the
vehicle rolls, the back of the front tire will contact the curb and stop the
vehicle.
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CALIFORNIA DMV DRIVER'S WRITTEN TEST 2025/2026
Edition | Actual Test Questions & Answers 100%
Verified | Complete Study Guide
SECTION 1: TRAFFIC LAWS AND SAFE DRIVING PRACTICES
Question 1
What is the maximum speed limit on most California freeways, unless otherwise
posted?
A) 55 mph
B) 60 mph
C) 65 mph
D) 70 mph
E) 75 mph
Answer : C) 65 mph
RATIONALE:
The maximum speed limit on most California freeways is 65 mph unless a
different speed is posted. However, on some rural freeways, the speed limit may
be 70 mph where posted. The maximum speed limit on two-lane undivided
highways is 55 mph unless otherwise posted. In residential and business districts,
the speed limit is 25 mph. In school zones, the speed limit is 25 mph (or as
posted) when children are present. Always obey the posted speed limit. The
"Basic Speed Law" states that you must never drive faster than is safe for current
conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.
Question 2
What does a solid red traffic light mean?
A) Proceed with caution
B) Stop completely and wait for a green light before proceeding
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C) Yield to pedestrians only
D) Speed up to clear the intersection
E) Stop only if turning left
Answer : B) Stop completely and wait for a green light before proceeding
RATIONALE:
A solid red light means STOP. You must come to a complete stop at the limit line,
crosswalk, or intersection. You may turn RIGHT on a red light AFTER coming to a
complete stop, UNLESS there is a sign prohibiting it ("NO TURN ON RED"). When
turning right on red, you must yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles with
the right-of-way. You may also turn LEFT on a red light from a one-way street
onto another one-way street after stopping, unless prohibited by a sign. A red
arrow means STOP—you may NOT turn in the direction of the arrow until the
green arrow appears.
Question 3
What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers age 21 and
older in California?
A) 0.05%
B) 0.08%
C) 0.10%
D) 0.15%
E) 0.00%
Answer : B) 0.08%
RATIONALE:
In California, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%
or higher if you are age 21 or older. For drivers under 21, the limit is 0.01% (zero
tolerance—any detectable alcohol). For drivers on DUI probation, the limit is
0.01%. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%. Even if your BAC is below the
legal limit, you can still be arrested for DUI if the officer determines you are
impaired. California's "implied consent" law means that by driving in California,
you have consented to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) if arrested for
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DUI. Refusal to take the test results in automatic license suspension and
enhanced penalties.
Question 4
When approaching a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign
arm, what must you do?
A) Slow down and proceed cautiously
B) Stop only if children are crossing the street
C) Stop and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is
withdrawn
D) Pass the bus on the right side only
E) Honk to alert children
Answer : C) Stop and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and
the stop arm is withdrawn
RATIONALE:
When a school bus has its RED LIGHTS FLASHING and STOP SIGN ARM EXTENDED,
you MUST STOP from EITHER direction (unless there is a divided highway or a
multi-lane highway with two or more lanes in each direction—in that case, only
vehicles behind the bus must stop; oncoming traffic may proceed with caution).
Remain stopped until the bus driver turns off the flashing red lights and retracts
the stop sign. This law protects children who are boarding or exiting the bus.
Violations result in significant fines ($250-$1,000) and points on your driving
record.
Question 5
What is the correct hand signal for a LEFT turn?
A) Left arm extended straight out horizontally
B) Left arm extended upward at a 90-degree angle
C) Left arm extended downward at a 90-degree angle
D) Right arm extended straight out horizontally
E) Both arms extended outward
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Answer : A) Left arm extended straight out horizontally
RATIONALE:
Hand signals for turning and stopping:
• LEFT TURN: Left arm extended STRAIGHT OUT horizontally
• RIGHT TURN: Left arm extended UPWARD at a 90-degree angle (or right
arm extended straight out)
• STOP or SLOW: Left arm extended DOWNWARD at a 90-degree angle, palm
facing rear
These signals should be used when your vehicle's turn signals are not working or
when you are driving a vehicle without turn signals. Hand signals should be given
for at least 100 feet before turning. The correct hand signal for a right turn using
the LEFT arm is UP (forming an "L" with the upper arm and forearm—the "L"
stands for "Left turn" is straight out, the "up" for right turn is the opposite).
Question 6
When parking UPHILL on a two-way street with a curb, which way should you turn
your front wheels?
A) Straight ahead
B) Toward the curb (to the right)
C) Away from the curb (to the left)
D) It doesn't matter
E) Parallel to the curb
Answer : C) Away from the curb (to the left)
RATIONALE:
When parking on a hill, always set your parking brake and turn your wheels
appropriately:
• UPHILL WITH A CURB: Turn wheels AWAY from the curb (to the LEFT). If the
vehicle rolls, the back of the front tire will contact the curb and stop the
vehicle.
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