California DMV permit practice test 5
25 questions written from the California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), covering right of way, turns and intersections, speed limits, following and passing, lanes, highways and freeways and more. Pick an answer to see straight away whether you're right and why.
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Question 1You miss your exit in a roundabout. What should you do?
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A: Continue around until you return to your exit. If you miss your exit, keep going around the roundabout until you come back to your exit. Do not stop or back up. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Roundabouts, page 40.
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Question 2What is the maximum distance you may drive in a center left turn lane?
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C: 200 feet. You may only drive for 200 feet in the center left turn lane. It is not a travel or passing lane. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Types of Lanes: Center Left Turn Lanes, page 16.
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Question 3What is the speed limit in an alley?
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A: 15 mph. The speed limit in an alley is 15 mph. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Alleys, page 51.
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Question 4When is it legal to pass another vehicle on the right?
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D: When the driver ahead is turning left and you can pass safely on the right. You may pass on the right when the driver ahead is turning left and it is safe, on an open highway with two or more lanes in your direction, or on a one-way street. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): How to Pass, page 25.
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Question 5You need to cross several lanes on the freeway to reach your exit. You should:
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C: Signal and cross them one at a time, checking blind spots each time. If you need to cross several lanes, signal and cross them one at a time, checking your blind spots each time. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Merging And Exiting: Merging, page 23.
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Question 6When pulling up alongside the car in front of a parallel parking space, about how much space should you leave between the two vehicles?
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A: About two feet. Pull up alongside the vehicle in front of the space, leaving about two feet between your vehicle and the vehicle next to you. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Parallel Parking, page 26.
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Question 7You approach a tow truck stopped on the shoulder with flashing amber lights. You should:
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D: Move over and slow down. Drivers must move over and slow down for stationary emergency vehicles or tow trucks displaying flashing amber warning lights. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Move Over and Slow Down, page 49.
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Question 8At night a vehicle with only one light is coming toward you. You should:
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A: Drive as far to the right as possible. Drive as far to the right as possible. It could be a bicyclist, motorcyclist, or a vehicle with a missing headlight. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Darkness, page 59.
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Question 9If you refuse to take a chemical test when an officer suspects you of DUI, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege for:
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C: One year. If you refuse to take a blood or urine test, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege for one year. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): SECTION 9. Alcohol and Drugs, page 72.
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Question 10A provisional driver needs to drive at night for work. What is required?
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A: A note signed by their employer confirming the employment. For work, the minor must carry a note signed by their employer confirming the employment. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Minor's Restrictions and Exceptions, page 4.
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Question 11Your car stalls on railroad tracks and a train is coming with warning lights flashing. What should you do?
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B: Get out immediately and run away from the tracks diagonally toward the direction the train is coming from, then call 911. Get out immediately and run diagonally away from the tracks in the direction the train is coming from. Then call 911. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Disabled Vehicles on Railroad Tracks, page 70.
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Question 12An adult driver's phone rings while driving. What does the handbook recommend?
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D: Let the call go to voicemail; if you must call, pull safely off the road. Do not answer; let it go to voicemail. If you must make or return a call, pull safely off the road. Adults should use hands-free only when necessary. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Cell Phones and Texting, page 70.
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Question 13The traffic lights at an intersection are not working. What should you do?
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B: Stop as if there were STOP signs in all directions, then proceed when safe. When a traffic light is not working, treat the intersection as an all-way stop. Stop, then proceed cautiously when it is safe. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Traffic Light Not Working, page 34.
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Question 14What should you do when you see an X-shaped railroad crossing sign?
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B: Look, listen, slow down, and be prepared to stop for trains. At an X-shaped railroad crossing sign, look, listen, slow down, prepare to stop, and let any trains pass before you go. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Yellow and Black Circular Sign or X-shaped Sign, page 38.
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Question 15In a multilane roundabout, which lane should you choose to turn right?
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B: The right lane, and exit in the right lane. To turn right in a multilane roundabout, choose the right lane and exit in the right lane. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Roundabouts, page 40.
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Question 16A center left turn lane may be used to:
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C: Prepare for and make a left turn or U-turn. Use the center left turn lane to prepare for and make a left turn or U-turn. It is not a regular traffic lane or passing lane. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Types of Lanes: Center Left Turn Lanes, page 16.
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Question 17An alley is defined as a road no wider than:
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C: 25 feet. An alley is any road no wider than 25 feet used to access the rear or side entrances of buildings or properties. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Alleys, page 51.
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Question 18May you drive off the paved part of the road to pass another vehicle?
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C: No, never. Never drive off the paved or main-traveled part of the road to pass. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): How to Pass, page 25.
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Question 19Before changing lanes, is it necessary to slow down?
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A: No, it is not necessary to slow down before a lane change. Make sure there is enough space in the next lane; it is not necessary to slow down before a lane change. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Changing Lanes, page 15.
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Question 20What does a white painted curb mean?
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A: Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers. White: stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Parking at Colored Curbs, page 28.
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Question 21Fines for traffic violations in a highway work zone can be:
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A: $1,000 or more. Fines for traffic violations in a work zone can be $1,000 or more. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Fines and Double Fine Zones, page 49.
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Question 22When should you use high-beam headlights?
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A: On open country roads or dark city streets when no one is close ahead. Use high beams on open country roads or dark city streets, and dim them for other drivers. In fog or rain, use low beams. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Darkness, page 59.
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Question 23Where may an opened container of alcohol be kept in a passenger car?
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D: In the trunk or a place where passengers do not sit. An open container must be kept in the trunk or a place where passengers do not sit. Keeping an open container in the glove box is illegal. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Use or Possession of Alcohol or Cannabis Products in a Vehicle, page 72.
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Question 24Can a provisional driver under 18 use a hands-free cell phone while driving?
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A: No, minors may not use a cell phone to answer calls or text while driving, except to call for emergency help. It is against the law for a minor to use a cell phone or wireless device to answer calls or text while driving. The exception is a call for emergency assistance. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Minors and Cell Phones, page 71.
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Question 25Your car stalls on railroad tracks, but no train is coming and no lights are flashing. You should:
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C: Get out and call the number on the crossing post or control box, give the crossing number, then call 911. Exit the vehicle, call the number posted on the crossing post or metal control box, give the crossing number, report the vehicle on the tracks, then call 911. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600): Disabled Vehicles on Railroad Tracks, page 70.
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How to use these tests
Read each explanation, even when you get the question right: it tells you the rule and the handbook section, so you can look it up. Your answers are saved in this browser only, so the weak spots mode can give you more questions on the topics you miss. When you're scoring well, take the exam simulator: it uses 25 questions at the DMV's pass mark, since it doesn't publish the number of questions.
Our own questions, written from the California Driver's Handbook (DL 600) and checked against it. Not affiliated with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Found a mistake? Tell us.