California DMV Permit Practice Test 2: 50 Questions
Practice Test 2 has 50 multiple-choice questions on California driving rules, including stop sign rules, school zone speed limits, wet brake recovery and parallel parking technique. Each answer is explained as soon as you pick it, and every question is listed with its answer in the study guide below.
More California Practice Tests
What Practice Test 2 Covers
The questions in this test ask about:
- Stop Sign Rules
- School Zone Speed Limits
- Wet Brake Recovery
- Parallel Parking Technique
- Turn Lane Usage
- Roundabout Right-of-Way
- Work Zone Rules
- Bicycle Lane Rules
- Uncontrolled Intersection Right-of-Way
Try 5 Questions from This Test
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When approaching an intersection with a stop sign but no stop line, where should you stop?
Show answer
A. Before the crosswalk
If there is no stop line, you must stop before the crosswalk to allow pedestrians to cross safely.
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What is the speed limit in a California school zone when children are present (unless otherwise posted)?
Show answer
A. 25 mph
In most California school zones, the limit is 25 mph when children are present unless signs indicate otherwise.
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After parallel parking, your vehicle should be parallel to the curb and within:
Show answer
C. 18 inches of the curb
The handbook’s parallel parking steps end with your vehicle parallel to and within 18 inches of the curb.
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When entering a roundabout, you must:
Show answer
C. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
Always yield to vehicles already in the roundabout before merging in.
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A white painted curb means:
Show answer
C. Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers
White curbs allow brief stops for passenger loading/unloading.
Complete Study Guide: All 50 Questions with Answers
Every question in Practice Test 2, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.
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Q1. When approaching an intersection with a stop sign but no stop line, where should you stop?
Correct answer: Before the crosswalk
Why: If there is no stop line, you must stop before the crosswalk to allow pedestrians to cross safely.
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Q2. What is the speed limit in a California school zone when children are present (unless otherwise posted)?
Correct answer: 25 mph
Why: In most California school zones, the limit is 25 mph when children are present unless signs indicate otherwise.
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Q3. If you are involved in a minor accident with no injuries, you should:
Correct answer: Stop, move your vehicle out of traffic if safe, and exchange information
Why: California law requires you to stop and exchange information after any collision, even if there are no injuries.
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Q4. When can you legally use a turn lane in the center of the road?
Correct answer: To make a left turn or a permitted U-turn
Why: The center turn lane is only for preparing to turn left or making a permitted U-turn, not for passing or parking.
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Q5. If you miss your exit on the freeway, you should:
Correct answer: Continue to the next exit
Why: Reversing or stopping on the freeway is illegal and dangerous. You must continue to the next exit and circle back.
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Q6. What should you do if your brakes get wet after driving through water?
Correct answer: Lightly press the gas and brake pedals at the same time
Why: Lightly pressing the accelerator and brake together dries the brakes. Only do this until they are dry.
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Q7. After parallel parking, your vehicle should be parallel to the curb and within:
Correct answer: 18 inches of the curb
Why: The handbook’s parallel parking steps end with your vehicle parallel to and within 18 inches of the curb.
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Q8. When driving at night, how should you use your headlights if you are following another vehicle?
Correct answer: Use low beams
Why: Low beams prevent blinding the driver ahead of you and maintain safe visibility.
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Q9. If you park facing uphill with a curb, how should you position your front wheels?
Correct answer: Away from the curb
Why: Turning your wheels away from the curb prevents the car from rolling into traffic if the brakes fail.
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Q10. You must use your headlights:
Correct answer: Whenever you need your windshield wipers because of rain, fog or snow
Why: If you need your windshield wipers because of fog, rain or snow, California law requires your low-beam headlights to be on.
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Q11. What is the penalty for not wearing a seat belt?
Correct answer: A ticket and a fine
Why: You and your passengers must wear seat belts. You can get a ticket if you do not, and also if a passenger under 16 is not buckled up.
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Q12. If your vehicle starts to skid on ice, you should:
Correct answer: Steer gently in the direction of the skid
Why: Steering in the direction of the skid helps you regain control without spinning further.
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Q13. When can you legally turn right at a red light?
Correct answer: After coming to a complete stop and ensuring it’s safe
Why: California law allows right turns on red after stopping completely, unless signs prohibit it.
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Q14. If a tire blows out while driving, you should:
Correct answer: Grip the steering wheel firmly and slow down gradually
Why: Gradual slowing while maintaining control helps avoid accidents when a tire blows.
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Q15. What is the speed limit in most residential areas, unless otherwise posted?
Correct answer: 25 mph
Why: The default speed limit in most residential areas is 25 mph unless signs indicate otherwise.
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Q16. When a school bus stops and flashes yellow lights, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down and prepare to stop
Why: Flashing yellow lights mean the bus is preparing to stop; slow down and be ready to stop.
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Q17. If you approach a flashing red traffic signal, you should:
Correct answer: Stop completely, then proceed when safe
Why: A flashing red light is treated like a stop sign — you must stop completely before proceeding.
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Q18. When must you use your turn signals?
Correct answer: At least 100 feet before turning
Why: State law requires signaling at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes.
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Q19. What should you do if you’re drowsy while driving?
Correct answer: Pull over and rest
Why: The only safe solution for drowsy driving is to stop and rest.
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Q20. If you see a yield sign, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary
Why: Yield signs require slowing down and stopping if necessary to give right-of-way to others.
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Q21. When driving downhill, you should:
Correct answer: Shift to a lower gear
Why: Shifting to a lower gear helps control speed and reduces brake strain when driving downhill.
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Q22. You are driving through a mountain tunnel in California on a sunny day. What does the handbook say about your headlights?
Correct answer: Turn them on, even on a sunny day
Why: Use your headlights on mountain roads and in tunnels, even on sunny days.
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Q23. When is it legal to pass another vehicle on the right?
Correct answer: When the vehicle ahead is turning left
Why: You may pass on the right if the vehicle ahead is turning left and there’s enough space to do so safely.
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Q24. What is the “basic speed law”?
Correct answer: Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions
Why: The basic speed law requires driving at a safe speed for conditions, regardless of the posted limit.
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Q25. When approaching a crosswalk where a blind pedestrian is waiting, you should:
Correct answer: Stop and let them cross
Why: You must yield the right-of-way to blind pedestrians using a white cane or guide dog.
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Q26. What is the legal speed limit when driving within 500 to 1,000 feet of a school with children present?
Correct answer: 25 mph
Why: The school zone speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted.
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Q27. If your vehicle stalls on train tracks and a train is approaching, you should:
Correct answer: Exit the vehicle and run toward the train at an angle
Why: Running toward the train at an angle keeps you clear of debris if the train hits your vehicle.
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Q28. When driving at night, you should dim your high beams when you are within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle?
Correct answer: 500 feet
Why: High beams must be dimmed within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle to prevent glare.
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Q29. If another driver cuts you off, you should:
Correct answer: Stay calm and give them space
Why: Staying calm and giving more space helps avoid road rage and accidents.
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Q30. When parking uphill with a curb, your front wheels should be turned:
Correct answer: Away from the curb
Why: Turning wheels away from the curb prevents rolling into traffic if brakes fail.
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Q31. If you see orange signs and cones on a freeway, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared for workers and equipment
Why: Orange signs indicate construction or maintenance zones where caution is required.
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Q32. When entering a roundabout, you must:
Correct answer: Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
Why: Always yield to vehicles already in the roundabout before merging in.
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Q33. When exiting a freeway, how early should you signal?
Correct answer: About 5 seconds (roughly 400 feet) before the exit
Why: Once you are in the proper lane, signal about five seconds, roughly 400 feet, before you exit. Also signal before every lane change.
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Q34. When is it legal to cross a double solid yellow line?
Correct answer: When turning left into or out of a driveway
Why: Crossing double solid yellow lines is only allowed for left turns into driveways or side roads.
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Q35. What should you do if your engine overheats?
Correct answer: Pull over safely and let the engine cool
Why: Overheating requires stopping and letting the engine cool before adding coolant.
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Q36. When can you use your horn?
Correct answer: To alert another driver of danger
Why: The horn is meant to warn others of danger, not for aggressive use.
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Q37. When are roads most slippery?
Correct answer: Just after it starts to rain
Why: Oil and dirt mix with the first rain, making roads especially slippery at the start.
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Q38. If you are involved in a minor traffic collision, you must:
Correct answer: Stop and exchange information
Why: You must stop, exchange details, and move vehicles if safe after a minor crash.
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Q39. If you plan to tow a trailer, you must:
Correct answer: Drive in the far-right lane or a lane marked for slower vehicles
Why: When towing a trailer, use the far-right lane or a lane marked for slower vehicles. The speed limit when towing is 55 mph.
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Q40. When driving in a dust storm, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down and turn on your low-beam headlights
Why: California requires headlights when dust, smoke or fog keeps you from seeing other vehicles. Use low beams and slow down.
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Q41. If a traffic officer directs you to drive through a red light, you should:
Correct answer: Follow the officer’s direction
Why: Law enforcement instructions override traffic signals.
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Q42. When can you park in a disabled parking space?
Correct answer: Only if you display a disabled placard or plates
Why: Disabled spaces are reserved for vehicles with proper placards or license plates.
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Q43. What does a solid green traffic light mean?
Correct answer: Go, but yield to pedestrians and other vehicles in the intersection
Why: A green light means proceed when safe, yielding to those already in the intersection.
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Q44. If your car is equipped with airbags, you should:
Correct answer: Sit at least 10 inches from the steering wheel
Why: Sitting at least 10 inches away reduces injury risk if airbags deploy.
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Q45. When merging onto a freeway, you should:
Correct answer: Match the speed of traffic in the right lane
Why: Matching speed allows a smooth and safe merge into freeway traffic.
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Q46. When can you legally block an intersection?
Correct answer: Never, unless directed by police
Why: Blocking intersections is prohibited unless instructed by an officer.
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Q47. If your headlights fail at night, you should:
Correct answer: Try the headlight switch, then use hazards
Why: Attempt to restore headlights, use hazards, and pull over if needed.
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Q48. A white painted curb means:
Correct answer: Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers
Why: White curbs allow brief stops for passenger loading/unloading.
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Q49. When can you drive in a bicycle lane?
Correct answer: Within 200 feet of a turn or driveway
Why: You may enter a bike lane only when preparing to turn or enter/exit a driveway.
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Q50. What should you do when approaching an uncontrolled intersection?
Correct answer: Slow down and be prepared to stop
Why: Uncontrolled intersections require slowing and yielding as necessary.