Permito

California permit practice test

Here are 10 practice questions written for California, based on the California driver handbook and vehicle code. Think of your answer first, then open “Show answer” to see the explanation and the source.

This is practice, not the state test, and the questions are not taken from it. The set changes every quarter (this one is 2026-Q4).

Question 1

You approach a blind intersection where you cannot see cross traffic. What is the limit?

  1. 30 mph
  2. 10 mph
  3. 25 mph
  4. 15 mph
Show answer

Answer: D. 15 mph

Cross the blind intersection at 15 mph or less and move forward slowly until you can see. You cannot see cross traffic, so you must be able to stop quickly.

Sources: CVC 22352; Driver handbook, Section 7

Question 2

Driving with willful or wanton disregard for safety is called what?

  1. Defensive driving
  2. Reckless driving
  3. Basic speed law
  4. Careful, safe driving
Show answer

Answer: B. Reckless driving

Willful or wanton disregard for safety is reckless driving, with up to 90 days in jail. It is a serious charge because the driver chooses to ignore danger.

Sources: CVC 23103; Driver handbook, Section 7

Question 3

Your collision causes $600 in damage and everyone is unhurt. Is a DMV report required?

  1. Yes, every collision needs one
  2. No, it needs over $1,000 or injury
  3. Yes, if you caused the crash
  4. Yes, but only after 30 days
Show answer

Answer: B. No, it needs over $1,000 or injury

The DMV report is required only when damage is above $1,000 or someone is hurt. Smaller crashes with no injury need no SR 1.

Sources: CVC 16000; Driver handbook, Section 10

Question 4

You want to tow a trailer with a pickup on a Class C license. What is the heaviest trailer rating allowed?

  1. 10,000 pounds
  2. 2,000 pounds
  3. 40,000 pounds
  4. 26,000 pounds
Show answer

Answer: A. 10,000 pounds

A Class C driver may tow a trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less behind a two-axle vehicle.

Sources: CVC 12804.9; Driver handbook, Section 1

Question 5

For how far before a turn must you signal?

  1. The last 100 feet
  2. The last 10 feet
  3. Last 500 feet
  4. The last 25 feet
Show answer

Answer: A. The last 100 feet

Signal continuously during the last 100 feet before a turn. A steady signal gives other drivers time to see your plan and react.

Sources: CVC 22108; Driver handbook, Section 5

Question 6

Lane splitting by motorcycles is legal in California.

  1. True
  2. False
Show answer

Answer: A. True

California law defines lane splitting and allows it. Even so, watch your mirrors and blind spots, because a motorcycle can slip between lanes without warning.

Sources: CVC 21658.1; Driver handbook, Section 7

Question 7

You want to drive a three-axle vehicle on a Class C license. What is the most it may weigh?

  1. 6,000 pounds gross
  2. 16,000 pounds gross
  3. 26,000 pounds gross
  4. 10,000 pounds gross
Show answer

Answer: A. 6,000 pounds gross

A three-axle vehicle falls under Class C only when its gross weight is 6,000 pounds or less. Heavier ones need another class.

Sources: CVC 12804.9; Driver handbook, Section 1

Question 8

You want to wear earbuds in both ears while you drive. Is that legal?

  1. Yes, on freeways only
  2. Yes, if low volume
  3. No, it is illegal
  4. Yes, for calls
Show answer

Answer: C. No, it is illegal

Headsets or earplugs in both ears are banned while driving or biking. You need to hear sirens, horns, and other warnings from around you.

Sources: CVC 27400; Driver handbook, Section 5

Question 9

A fire engine with its siren on is ahead of you. How close may you follow it?

  1. Not within 50 feet of it
  2. Not within 1,000 feet
  3. Not within 100 feet of it
  4. Not within 300 feet
Show answer

Answer: D. Not within 300 feet

It is illegal to follow within 300 feet of an emergency vehicle with its siren or lights on.

Sources: CVC 21706; Driver handbook, Section 7

Question 10

You near a blind intersection beside a roadside fruit stand. Hedges hide the cross street and no limit is posted. What is the speed limit?

  1. 15 mph at a blind intersection
  2. 35 mph on a county road
  3. 25 mph on a residential street
  4. 20 mph near a school
Show answer

Answer: A. 15 mph at a blind intersection

At a blind intersection with a poor view, the limit is 15 mph. Creep forward until you can see, ready to stop.

Sources: CVC 22352; Driver handbook, Section 7

More California practice

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