California permit practice test
Every question is written from the official California Driver's Handbook, and every answer shows the section it comes from, so you can check it yourself.
The California knowledge test, per the DMV's published format. Under 18: 46 questions, 38 right to pass. 18 or older: 36 questions, 30 right to pass. Test format source
Sample questions
At an intersection with no STOP or YIELD signs, you and another vehicle arrive at the same time. Who has the right-of-way?
- The vehicle on your right
- The vehicle on your left
- Whichever vehicle is larger
Show the answer
The vehicle on your right. When two road users reach an intersection without STOP or YIELD signs at the same time, you give the right-of-way to the one on your right.
From the handbook: Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road > Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First? > Intersections
A pedestrian is still crossing in front of you when the Don't Walk signal starts flashing. What must you do?
- Honk so the pedestrian hurries
- Drive around the pedestrian
- Yield to the pedestrian
Show the answer
Yield to the pedestrian. A flashing Don't Walk signal tells pedestrians not to start crossing, but drivers must still yield to anyone already in the street.
From the handbook: Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road > Traffic Control > Pedestrian Signals and Signs > Flashing Don’t Walk or Flashing Raised Hand
When you enter a roundabout, who must you yield to?
- Only vehicles entering at the same time as you
- All traffic already in the roundabout
- No one; drivers inside must yield to you
Show the answer
All traffic already in the roundabout. Slow down as you approach and wait for a big enough gap, because you must yield to all traffic already in the roundabout.
From the handbook: Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road > Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First? > Roundabouts
What should you do at a flashing red traffic light?
- Stop, then go when it is safe
- Slow down and go through without stopping
- Stop and wait for the light to turn green
Show the answer
Stop, then go when it is safe. A flashing red light means STOP. After you stop, you may go when it is safe.
From the handbook: Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road > Traffic Control > Traffic Signals > Flashing Red Light
What should you do when you come to a red YIELD sign?
- Slow down and be ready to stop to let others pass
- Always come to a complete stop
- Speed up to merge ahead of other traffic
Show the answer
Slow down and be ready to stop to let others pass. A YIELD sign means slow down and be ready to stop so vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians can pass before you go.
From the handbook: Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road > Traffic Control > Signs > Red YIELD Sign
What does a single solid yellow line mark?
- The center of a road with two-way traffic
- Lanes going in the same direction
- The edge of a bicycle lane
Show the answer
The center of a road with two-way traffic. One solid yellow line shows the middle of a road where traffic moves in both directions. Don't pass across it when it is on your side and only one lane goes your way.
From the handbook: Section 6: Navigating the Roads > Traffic Lanes > Lane Markings > Single Solid Yellow Line