California DMV Permit Practice Quick Test: 25 Questions
Quick Test has 25 multiple-choice questions on California driving rules, including flashing signal rules, BAC limits, parking & curb colors and road sign shapes. 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 Quick Test Covers
The questions in this test ask about:
- Flashing Signal Rules
- BAC Limits
- Parking & Curb Colors
- Road Sign Shapes
- Safe Following Distance
- Headlight Requirements
- School Bus Laws
- Wet Road Safety
Try 5 Questions from This Test
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When approaching an intersection with a flashing yellow light, you should:
Show answer
B. Slow down and proceed with caution
A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed carefully, yielding to any traffic or pedestrians.
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What is the legal BAC limit for drivers 21 and older in California?
Show answer
A. 0.08%
The legal limit for drivers 21 and over is 0.08% BAC.
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A pentagon-shaped sign means:
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B. School zone or school crossing
Five-sided signs warn of a school zone or school crossing ahead.
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When a traffic signal turns green, you should:
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C. Look left and right before proceeding
Even with a green light, check for crossing traffic and pedestrians before moving.
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If your brakes fail while driving, you should:
Show answer
A. Shift to a lower gear and use the parking brake
Downshifting and applying the parking brake helps you stop safely.
Complete Study Guide: All 25 Questions with Answers
Every question in Quick Test, with the correct answer and an explanation for each.
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Q1. When approaching an intersection with a flashing yellow light, you should:
Correct answer: Slow down and proceed with caution
Why: A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed carefully, yielding to any traffic or pedestrians.
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Q2. What is the legal BAC limit for drivers 21 and older in California?
Correct answer: 0.08%
Why: The legal limit for drivers 21 and over is 0.08% BAC.
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Q3. When parking downhill with a curb, turn your front wheels:
Correct answer: Toward the curb
Why: Turning the wheels toward the curb prevents the vehicle from rolling into traffic if brakes fail.
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Q4. A red arrow traffic signal means:
Correct answer: Do not turn in that direction until the light turns green
Why: A red arrow means no turning in that direction until the signal changes.
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Q5. What does a solid white line between lanes mean?
Correct answer: Lane changes are discouraged
Why: A solid white line discourages lane changes but does not fully prohibit them.
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Q6. If you are being tailgated, you should:
Correct answer: Keep your speed, then move right when safe to let them pass
Why: Do not brake suddenly or speed up. Keep your course and speed, then change to the right lane when it is safe so the tailgater can pass.
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Q7. When must you use your headlights?
Correct answer: Anytime visibility is less than 1,000 feet
Why: Headlights are required when visibility is poor, including darkness, fog, or heavy rain.
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Q8. If your accelerator sticks, you should:
Correct answer: Shift to neutral and apply brakes
Why: Shifting to neutral disconnects power so you can safely slow down and stop.
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Q9. You must stop for a school bus when:
Correct answer: It is stopped with flashing red lights
Why: California law requires all drivers to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights, unless on a divided highway.
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Q10. When two vehicles arrive at an intersection at the same time, the right-of-way goes to:
Correct answer: The driver on the right
Why: The vehicle to the right has the right-of-way at the same-time arrival.
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Q11. A white painted curb means:
Correct answer: Passenger loading only
Why: A white curb allows brief stops for passengers to get in or out.
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Q12. On a wet road, you should:
Correct answer: Reduce speed
Why: Reducing speed lowers the risk of losing control.
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Q13. A pentagon-shaped sign means:
Correct answer: School zone or school crossing
Why: Five-sided signs warn of a school zone or school crossing ahead.
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Q14. When driving at night, you should dim high beams within:
Correct answer: 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle
Why: High beams must be dimmed within 500 feet to avoid blinding other drivers.
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Q15. When a traffic signal turns green, you should:
Correct answer: Look left and right before proceeding
Why: Even with a green light, check for crossing traffic and pedestrians before moving.
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Q16. Which statement is true about seat belts?
Correct answer: They reduce injury in most collisions
Why: Seat belts greatly reduce the risk of serious injury in most accidents.
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Q17. When entering a freeway, you should:
Correct answer: Match the speed of traffic
Why: Matching freeway speed ensures a smoother and safer merge.
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Q18. A yellow curb means:
Correct answer: Loading zone for freight or passengers
Why: Yellow curbs allow loading and unloading of passengers or freight during posted hours.
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Q19. At an uncontrolled intersection, you must yield to:
Correct answer: Vehicles on your right
Why: At intersections without signs, yield to vehicles on your right.
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Q20. What does a red painted curb mean?
Correct answer: No stopping, standing, or parking
Why: Red curbs mean stopping or parking is not allowed, except for buses where posted.
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Q21. If your brakes fail while driving, you should:
Correct answer: Shift to a lower gear and use the parking brake
Why: Downshifting and applying the parking brake helps you stop safely.
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Q22. When driving in fog, you should:
Correct answer: Use low-beam headlights
Why: Low beams reduce glare and improve visibility in fog.
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Q23. When passing a bicyclist, you must leave at least:
Correct answer: 3 feet
Why: California law requires a minimum of 3 feet when passing a bicycle.
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Q24. Which road surface is most slippery?
Correct answer: Just after it starts to rain
Why: Oil and dirt mix with the first rain, making roads extra slippery.
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Q25. If you miss your exit on the freeway, you should:
Correct answer: Continue to the next exit
Why: Backing up on a freeway is illegal and dangerous - always go to the next exit.