DMV Written Test Question Bank (CA)

You are approaching a railroad crossing with no warning devices and are unable to see 400 feet down the tracks in one direction. The speed limit is: A)15 mph. B)20 mph. C)25 mph.

A)15 mph.

You just sold your vehicle. You must notify the DMV within ___ days. A)5 B)10 C)15

A)5

With a Class C drivers license a person may drive: A)A 3-axle vehicle if the Gross Vehicle Weight is less than 6,000 pounds. B)Any 3-axle vehicle regardless of the weight. C)A vehicle pulling two trailers.

A)A 3-axle vehicle if the Gross Vehicle Weight is less than 6,000 pounds.

When you see this sign, you: A)Are approaching a railroad crossing and should prepare to stop. B)Will always stop at the upcoming railroad crossing. C)Should stop and wait for a signal before crossing the railroad tracks.

A)Are approaching a railroad crossing and should prepare to stop.

When you are merging onto the freeway, you should be driving: A)At or near the same speed as the traffic on the freeway. B)5 to 10 MPH slower than the traffic on the freeway. C)The posted speed limit for traffic on the freeway.

A)At or near the same speed as the traffic on the freeway.

Reaction time is slower after: A)Drinking alcohol. B)Sleeping. C)Working hard.

A)Drinking alcohol.

When driving at night on a dimly lit street, you should: A)Drive slowly enough that you can stop within the area illuminated by your headlights. B)Turn on your high beam headlights to better see the vehicles ahead of you. C)Keep the instrument panel lights bright to be more visible to other drivers.

A)Drive slowly enough that you can stop within the area illuminated by your headlights.

It is illegal to park your vehicle: A)In an unmarked crosswalk. B)Within three feet of a private driveway. C)In a bicycle lane.

A)In an unmarked crosswalk.

When driving behind another vehicle at night, you should: A)Keep your headlights on the low beam setting. B)Use your high beam headlights until you are within 10 feet of the vehicle ahead. C)Use your high beam headlights.

A)Keep your headlights on the low beam setting.

All of the following practices are dangerous to do while driving. Which of these is also illegal? A)Listening to music through headphones that cover both ears. B)Adjusting your outside mirrors. C)Transporting an unrestrained animal inside the vehicle.

A)Listening to music through headphones that cover both ears.

When backing up: A)Look through the rear window. B)Press hard on the gas pedal. C)Rely only on your rearview mirror.

A)Look through the rear window.

When driving in fog, rain, or snow, use: A)Low beams. B)High beams. C)Fog lights only.

A)Low beams.

When being followed by a tailgater, which of the following will help you avoid being hit from behind? A)Merging into another lane B)Decreasing your following distance C)Changing lanes frequently

A)Merging into another lane

This sign means: A)No U-turn. B)Traffic signal ahead. C)Railroad ahead.

A)No U-turn.

Should you always drive more slowly than other traffic? A)No, you can block traffic when you drive too slowly. B)Yes, it is a good defensive driving technique. C)Yes, it is always safer than driving faster than other traffic.

A)No, you can block traffic when you drive too slowly.

Should you always drive slower than other traffic? A)No, you can block traffic when you drive too slowly. B)Yes, it is a good defensive driving technique. C)Yes, it is always safer than driving faster than other traffic.

A)No, you can block traffic when you drive too slowly.

If you plan to pass another vehicle, you should: A)Not assume the other driver will make space for you to return to your lane. B)Assume the other driver will let you pass if you use your turn signal. C)Assume the other driver will maintain a constant speed.

A)Not assume the other driver will make space for you to return to your lane.

From top to bottom, the following is the proper order for traffic lights: A)Red, yellow, green. B)Red, green, yellow. C)Green, red, yellow.

A)Red, yellow, green.

If you are about to be hit from the rear, you should not: A)Release your seat belt. B)Brace yourself. C)Press your head against the head restraint.

A)Release your seat belt.

You must notify the DMV within 5 days if you: A)Sell or transfer your vehicle. B)Fail a smog test for your vehicle. C)Get a new prescription for lenses or contacts.

A)Sell or transfer your vehicle.

This sign means: A)Side road. B)Merge. C)Yield the right-of-way.

A)Side road.

Which of the following blocks the smooth flow of traffic? A)Slowing down to look at collision scene. B)Avoiding unnecessary lane changes. C)Using public transportation instead of your vehicle.

A)Slowing down to look at collision scene.

If you have a green light, but traffic is blocking the intersection, you should: A)Stay out of the intersection until traffic clears. B)Enter the intersection and wait until traffic clears. C)Merge into another lane and try to go around the traffic.

A)Stay out of the intersection until traffic clears.

When approaching a person who is crossing the street while using a white cane or guide dog, you should: A)Stop until the person is well away from your path of travel. B)Honk your horn as you proceed past them. C)Carefully drive around them.

A)Stop until the person is well away from your path of travel.

Which of these vehicles must always stop before crossing railroad tracks? A)Tank trucks marked with hazardous materials placards. B)Motor homes or pickup trucks towing a boat trailer. C)Any vehicle with 3 or more axles or weighing more than 4,000 pounds.

A)Tank trucks marked with hazardous materials placards.

The safest precaution that you can take regarding the use of cellular phones and driving is: A)Use hands-free devices so you can keep both hands on the steering wheel. B)Keep your phone within easy reach so you won't need to take your eyes off the road. C)Review the number before answering a call.

A)Use hands-free devices so you can keep both hands on the steering wheel.

Which of the following factors affect an individual's absorption of alcohol? A)Weight B)Height C)Intelligence

A)Weight

This sign means: A)Yield the right-of-way. B)No passing zone. C)Reduction in lanes.

A)Yield the right-of-way.

When you tailgate other drivers (drive close to their rear bumper): A)You can frustrate the other drivers and make them angry. B)Your actions cannot result in a traffic citation. C)You help reduce traffic congestion.

A)You can frustrate the other drivers and make them angry.

When you tailgate other drivers (drive closely to their rear bumper): A)You can frustrate the other drivers and make them angry. B)Your actions cannot result in a traffic citation. C)You help reduce traffic congestion.

A)You can frustrate the other drivers and make them angry.

Always stop before you cross railroad tracks when: A)You don't have room on the other side to completely cross the tracks. B)The railroad crossing is located in a city or town that has frequent train traffic. C)You transport two or more young children in a passenger vehicle.

A)You don't have room on the other side to completely cross the tracks.

To avoid last minute moves, you should be looking down the road to where your vehicle will be in about ______________. A)5 to 10 seconds B)10 to 15 seconds C)15 to 20 seconds

B)10 to 15 seconds

Unless otherwise posted the speed limit in a residential area is ____. A)20 mph B)25 mph C)30 mph

B)25 mph

You should increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead when you: A)Are following a small passenger vehicle. B)Are being tailgated by another driver. C)Are driving more slowly than the posted speed limit.

B)Are being tailgated by another driver.

You are approaching a green traffic light and traffic is blocking the intersection. What is the best thing to do? A)Partially enter the intersection to establish your right-of-way. B)Don't enter the intersection until you can get completely across. C)Continue into the intersection and wait for traffic to clear.

B)Don't enter the intersection until you can get completely across.

Which of these statements is true about drugs and driving? A)Any prescription drug is safe to use if you don't feel drowsy. B)Even over-the-counter drugs can impair your driving. C)Only illegal drugs can impair your driving.

B)Even over-the-counter drugs can impair your driving.

You are driving on the freeway. The vehicle in front of you is a large truck. You should drive: A)Closely behind the truck in bad weather because the driver can see farther ahead. B)Farther behind the truck than you would for a passenger vehicle. C)No more than one car length behind the truck so the driver can see you.

B)Farther behind the truck than you would for a passenger vehicle.

If you approach a traffic light with a red signal and a police officer directs you to go through the intersection without stopping, you should: A)Stop until the light turns green. B)Go through the intersection without stopping. C)Come to a complete stop before proceeding.

B)Go through the intersection without stopping.

If you are involved in a traffic collision, you are required to complete and submit a written report (SR1) to the DMV: A)if you or the other driver is injured. B)If there is property damage in excess of $1,000 or if there are any injuries. C)Only if you are at fault.

B)If there is property damage in excess of $1,000 or if there are any injuries.

If you drive faster than other vehicles on a road with one lane in each direction and continually pass the other cars, you will: A)Get you to your destination much faster and safer. B)Increase your chances of an accident. C)Help prevent traffic congestion.

B)Increase your chances of an accident.

Which of the following statements about blind spots is true? A)They are eliminated if you have one outside mirror on each side of the vehicle. B)Large trucks have bigger blind spots than most passenger vehicles. C)Blind spots can be checked by looking in your rear view mirrors.

B)Large trucks have bigger blind spots than most passenger vehicles.

If your cell phone rings while you are driving and you do not have a hands-free device, you should: A)Answer the call because it may be an emergency. B)Let the call go to voicemail. C)Check the incoming number before answering the call.

B)Let the call go to voicemail.

A white painted curb means: A)Loading zone for freight or passengers. B)Loading zone for passengers or mail only. C)Loading zone for freight only.

B)Loading zone for passengers or mail only.

Which of these statements is true about changing lanes? A)You only need to turn and look over your right shoulder for lane changes to the right or left. B)Look over your right shoulder for a right lane change and your left shoulder for a left lane change. C)Vehicles with two outside mirrors do not have blind spots.

B)Look over your right shoulder for a right lane change and your left shoulder for a left lane change.

At intersections, crosswalks, and railroad crossings, you should always: A)Stop, listen, and proceed cautiously. B)Look to the sides of your vehicle to see what is coming. C)Slowly pass vehicles that seem to be stopped for no reason.

B)Look to the sides of your vehicle to see what is coming.

When being passed by another vehicle: A)Brake hard. B)Maintain a constant speed. C)Speed up.

B)Maintain a constant speed.

When driving under snowy or icy conditions: A)It is safe to use your cruise control. B)Make speed and directional changes more gradually than you would otherwise. C)Drive as you would under normal conditions.

B)Make speed and directional changes more gradually than you would otherwise.

If you must park your vehicle in an area not usually used for parking: A)Park with your reverse lights on. B)Make sure your vehicle is visible to drivers approaching from any direction. C)Park five feet from the curb.

B)Make sure your vehicle is visible to drivers approaching from any direction.

A large truck is ahead of you and is turning right onto a street with two lanes in each direction. The truck: A)May complete its turn in either of the two lanes. B)May have to swing wide to complete the right turn. C)Must stay in the right lane at all times while turning.

B)May have to swing wide to complete the right turn.

Two sets of solid, double, yellow lines that are two or more feet apart: A)May be crossed to enter or exit a private driveway. B)May not be crossed for any reason. C)Should be treated as a separate traffic lane.

B)May not be crossed for any reason.

You may not park your vehicle: A)On the side of the freeway in an emergency. B)Next to a red painted curb. C)Within 100 feet of an elementary school.

B)Next to a red painted curb.

A solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line means that vehicles: A)In both directions may pass. B)Next to the broken line may pass. C)Next to the solid line may pass.

B)Next to the broken line may pass.

This sign means: A)Pedestrians walking along the road ahead. B)Pedestrian crossing ahead. C)Pedestrians must not cross here.

B)Pedestrian crossing ahead.

When driving in work zones, you should: A)Increase your speed to get through the zone as quickly as possible. B)Reduce your speed and be prepared to stop suddenly. C)Maintain your normal speed the whole way through the zone.

B)Reduce your speed and be prepared to stop suddenly.

Before returning to your original lane after passing another vehicle, you should: A)Beep your horn. B)See both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror. C)Flash your headlights.

B)See both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.

An orange and red triangular sign on a vehicle always means: A)The vehicle has the right-of-way. B)Slow-moving vehicle. C)Shoulder work ahead.

B)Slow-moving vehicle.

This white sign means: A)You should slow down and move to the right lane. B)Stay in the right lane if you are driving more slowly than other traffic. C)Slower traffic must exit on the right.

B)Stay in the right lane if you are driving more slowly than other traffic.

The driver ahead of you stops at a crosswalk. What should you do? A)Cautiously pass the vehicle at 10 mph or slower. B)Stop, proceeding only when all the pedestrians have crossed. C)Change lanes, look carefully, and pass the stopped vehicle.

B)Stop, proceeding only when all the pedestrians have crossed.

To turn left from a multilane one-way street onto a one-way street, you should start your turn from: A)Any lane (as long as it is safe). B)The lane closest to the left curb. C)The lane in the center of the road.

B)The lane closest to the left curb.

Yellow lines separate: A)Traffic lanes on one-way streets. B)Traffic moving in opposite directions on two-way roads. C)All carpool lanes from regular traffic lanes.

B)Traffic moving in opposite directions on two-way roads.

If you park facing uphill on a street with a curb, set the parking brake and: A)Turn the front wheels toward the curb. B)Turn the front wheels away from the curb. C)Leave the front wheels straight.

B)Turn the front wheels away from the curb.

When parking uphill on a two-way street with no curb, your front wheels should be: A)Turned to the left (toward the street). B)Turned to the right (away from the street). C)Parallel with the pavement.

B)Turned to the right (away from the street).

If a truck or bus is making a right turn where you also need to make a right turn, you should: A)Quickly turn before the truck or bus is able to. B)Wait until the truck or bus turns before you turn. C)Squeeze between the truck or bus and the curb.

B)Wait until the truck or bus turns before you turn.

In which of the following scenarios should your wheels not be pointed straight ahead? A)When waiting to make a left turn at a traffic light. B)When parked on a hill or sloping driveway. C)When parked on the side of a level roadway where there is no curb.

B)When parked on a hill or sloping driveway.

When can you drive in a bike lane? A)During rush hour traffic if there are no bicyclists in the bike lane. B)When you are within 200 feet of a cross street where you plan to turn right. C)When you want to pass a driver ahead of you who is turning right.

B)When you are within 200 feet of a cross street where you plan to turn right.

When passing, you should move back into the right lane when: A)You are one vehicle length ahead of the passed vehicle. B)You can see both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror. C)You are 50 feet ahead of the passed vehicle.

B)You can see both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.

California's "Basic Speed Law" says: A)You should never drive faster than posted speed limits. B)You should never drive faster than is safe for current conditions. C)The maximum speed limit in California is 70 mph on certain freeways.

B)You should never drive faster than is safe for current conditions.

You may cross a double yellow line to pass another vehicle, if the yellow line next to: A)The other side of the road is a solid line. B)Your side of the road is a broken line. C)The other side of the road is a broken line.

B)Your side of the road is a broken line.

When parking your vehicle parallel to the curb on a level street: A)Your front wheels must be turned toward the street. B)Your wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb. C)One of your rear wheels must touch the curb.

B)Your wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb.

You are about to make a left turn. You must signal continuously during the last ____ feet before the turn. A)50 B)75 C)100

C)100

Which child would require a child passenger restraint system? A)A 9-year-old who is 4 feet 10 inches tall B)A 10-year-old who is 5 feet 3 inches tall C)A 7-year-old who is 4 feet 8 inches tall

C)A 7-year-old who is 4 feet 8 inches tall

When you are behind a motorcycle, you should: A)Be ready to use your horn. B)Drive more slowly. C)Allow a larger following distance.

C)Allow a larger following distance.

Drivers must use their seat belt: A)Unless they are driving a vehicle built before 1978. B)Unless they are driving a limousine. C)And failure to do so will result in a traffic ticket.

C)And failure to do so will result in a traffic ticket.

You see a signal person at a road construction site ahead. You should obey his or her instructions: A)Only if you see orange cones on the road ahead. B)Unless they conflict with existing signs, signals, or laws. C)At all times.

C)At all times.

Which of the following is a dangerous habit when driving in work zones? A)Tailgating another vehicle B)Failing to carefully watch for workers and moving equipment C)Both of the above

C)Both of the above

You have been involved in a minor traffic collision with a parked vehicle and you can't find the owner. You must: A)Leave a note on the vehicle. B)Report the accident without delay to the city police or, in unincorporated areas, to the CHP. C)Both of the above.

C)Both of the above.

A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline means: A)Reduce your speed. B)Traffic light ahead. C)Do not pass.

C)Do not pass.

Fatigue increases the risk of: A)Missing an exit. B)Being late for an appointment. C)Falling asleep behind the wheel and crashing.

C)Falling asleep behind the wheel and crashing.

It is a very windy day. You are driving and a dust storm blows across the freeway reducing your visibility. You should drive slower and turn on your: A)Interior lights. B)Parking lights. C)Headlights.

C)Headlights.

A person may legally ride in the back of a pickup truck when: A)The sides of the pickup bed are at least 24 inches high. B)The back of the pickup is covered with a camper shell. C)In a secured seat and while using an approved safety belt.

C)In a secured seat and while using an approved safety belt.

It is necessary to use your low beams any time you are: A)On a lighted street. B)On a freeway. C)In fog.

C)In fog.

You drive defensively when you: A)Always put one car length between you and the car ahead. B)Look only at the car in front of you while driving. C)Keep your eyes moving to look for possible hazards.

C)Keep your eyes moving to look for possible hazards.

This sign means: A)Cars on the right move first. B)You have the right-of-way. C)Let cross traffic pass before proceeding.

C)Let cross traffic pass before proceeding.

When driving in fog, you should use your: A)Fog lights only. B)High beams. C)Low beams.

C)Low beams.

There are two traffic lanes moving in your direction. You are driving in the left lane and many vehicles are passing you on the right. If the driver behind you wishes to drive faster, you should: A)Stay in your lane so you don't impede the flow of traffic. B)Drive onto the left shoulder to let the other vehicles pass. C)Move into the right lane when it is safe.

C)Move into the right lane when it is safe.

You are driving on a freeway posted for 65 MPH. The traffic is traveling at 70 MPH. You may legally drive: A)70 mph or faster to keep up with the speed of traffic. B)Between 65 mph and 70 mph. C)No faster than 65 mph.

C)No faster than 65 mph.

You are driving on a freeway posted for 65 mph. Most of the other vehicles are driving 70 mph or faster. You may legally drive: A)70 mph or faster to keep up with the speed of traffic. B)Between 65 mph and 70 mph. C)No faster than 65 mph.

C)No faster than 65 mph.

A broken yellow centerline means that: A)Passing is not permitted. B)Passing on the right is permitted when the way ahead is clear. C)Passing on the left is permitted when the way ahead is clear.

C)Passing on the left is permitted when the way ahead is clear.

You want to make a right turn at an upcoming intersection. You should slow down and: A)Move toward the left side of your lane. B)Avoid driving in the bicycle lane. C)Signal for 100 feet before turning.

C)Signal for 100 feet before turning.

You see a flashing yellow traffic signal at an upcoming intersection. The flashing yellow light means: A)Stop before entering the intersection as long as you can do so safely. B)Stop. Yield to all cross traffic before crossing the intersection. C)Slow down and cross the intersection carefully.

C)Slow down and cross the intersection carefully.

You are getting ready to make a right turn. You should: A)Signal and turn immediately. B)Stop before entering the right lane and let all other traffic go first. C)Slow down or stop, if necessary, and then make the turn.

C)Slow down or stop, if necessary, and then make the turn.

There is no crosswalk and you see a pedestrian crossing your lane ahead. You should: A)Make eye contact and then pass him/her. B)Slow down as you pass him/her. C)Stop and let him/her finish crossing the street.

C)Stop and let him/her finish crossing the street.

A school bus ahead of you in your lane is stopped with red lights flashing. You should: A)Stop, then proceed when you think all of the children have exited the bus. B)Slow to 25 MPH and pass cautiously. C)Stop as long as the red lights are flashing.

C)Stop as long as the red lights are flashing.

You are approaching an intersection at the posted speed limit when the signal turns yellow. You should: A)Slow down and proceed through the intersection without caution. B)Speed up to cross the intersection before the light turns red. C)Stop before entering the intersection, if you can do so safely.

C)Stop before entering the intersection, if you can do so safely.

Roadways are the most slippery: A)During a heavy downpour. B)After it has been raining for awhile. C)The first rain after a dry spell.

C)The first rain after a dry spell.

When you see this black and yellow sign, it means: A)The road to the right is for one-way traffic only. B)There is a detour to the right due to road construction. C)The road ahead changes direction at an extreme angle.

C)The road ahead changes direction at an extreme angle.

You are driving on a one-way street. You may turn left onto another one-way street only if: A)A sign permits the turn. B)Traffic on the street moves to the right. C)Traffic on the street moves to the left.

C)Traffic on the street moves to the left.

You may drive off of the paved roadway to pass another vehicle: A)If the shoulder is wide enough to accommodate your vehicle. B)If the vehicle ahead of you is turning left. C)Under no circumstances.

C)Under no circumstances.

You may legally block an intersection: A)When you entered the intersection on the green light. B)During rush hour traffic. C)Under no circumstances.

C)Under no circumstances.