California DMV Exam Simulator

Correct answer: Find another legal place to stop — a red curb never allows stopping

Unlike white or green curbs, red curb restrictions do not depend on a posted sign — stopping there is always prohibited.

Correct answer: Complete a probation period or driving improvement requirements before full driving privileges return

A negligent-operator suspension usually comes with probation, and reinstatement can require a clean record or proof of improvement.

Correct answer: Yield to all cross traffic, since it doesn't have to stop

A stop sign only controls your approach — cross traffic on the other street isn't required to stop, so you must wait until it's clear before entering.

Correct answer: Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle, or 300 feet when following another vehicle

California law requires dimming your high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming car and within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following, to avoid blinding the other driver.

Correct answer: Legal lane splitting, which you should expect and allow room for

California is the only state that explicitly allows lane splitting. Don’t block or open your door on a motorcyclist doing it — check your mirrors before changing lanes in slow traffic.

Correct answer: 5 seconds

At freeway speeds, signal at least 5 seconds before changing lanes to give drivers behind you time to react.

Correct answer: It is the safe speed for that curve, based on the conditions there

Advisory speed signs mark the safe speed for a specific hazard like a curve — going faster can be unsafe even if it doesn't exceed the general limit.

Correct answer: Stay in your lane through the turn instead of angling into another lane

When multiple lanes turn in the same direction, stay in your own lane throughout the turn rather than drifting across lanes.

Correct answer: No — it is illegal for the driver to have one there

It is illegal for the driver to keep an open container of alcohol anywhere in the vehicle’s passenger compartment, whether or not they are drinking from it.

Correct answer: Steer gently back onto the pavement once your speed is under control

A gentle steering input back onto the pavement, made after you have slowed down, avoids a sharp overcorrection into another lane.

Correct answer: Toward the curb

Facing downhill with a curb, turn your wheels toward the curb so the vehicle rolls only a short distance before the tire wedges against it.

Correct answer: Mounted and operated hands-free, such as by voice command or a single tap

Adult drivers may use a phone only in hands-free mode — mounted in place and operated with a glance or a single touch, not held.

Correct answer: They say who must yield — right-of-way must be given, not taken

Right-of-way is never something you can just claim — it has to be yielded to you by other drivers, so stay ready to slow down even when the rules favor you.

Correct answer: About 3 seconds of travel time

The 3-second rule gives you enough space to react and stop if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly.

Correct answer: Its small size makes it look farther away and slower than it is

Because motorcycles present a much smaller profile than cars, drivers often underestimate their speed and how close they are — so check twice before turning or changing lanes.

Correct answer: After a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it

A right turn on a solid red is legal after a full stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic — unless a "NO TURN ON RED" sign is posted.

Correct answer: 15 mph

An intersection with no stop signs at any corner is considered blind if your view is blocked. Move slowly forward until you can see, and keep your speed to 15 mph.

Correct answer: Left turns only, by traffic from either direction

This is a two-way left-turn lane, shared by vehicles from both directions solely to complete a left turn.

Correct answer: Both the driver and any passengers in the vehicle

The law bans open containers of alcohol in the passenger area for everyone in the vehicle, not just the driver.

Correct answer: Get everyone out of the vehicle and move well away from the tracks immediately

A stalled vehicle can be struck within seconds. Getting people away from the tracks first is more important than trying to save the car.

Correct answer: Away from the curb, toward the street

Facing uphill with a curb present, turn your wheels away from the curb — if the vehicle rolls backward, the wheel will catch against the curb.

Correct answer: No — drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all while driving, even hands-free

California bans all cell phone use for drivers under 18, including hands-free devices, except in a verified emergency.

Correct answer: Yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then turn when it's clear

A plain green light doesn't protect a left turn — you must yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians before completing the turn.

Correct answer: Adding extra seconds beyond the normal 3-second minimum

Reduced visibility or traction means you need more time and distance to react and stop, so add a few extra seconds to the normal following gap.

Correct answer: If you can’t see the truck driver’s mirrors, they can’t see you

Large trucks have huge blind spots on all four sides. A quick check: if you can’t see the driver in their side mirror, they can’t see you.

Correct answer: Treat it like a stop sign — stop, then go when safe

A flashing red signal means the same as a STOP sign: come to a complete stop, yield, then proceed when safe.

Correct answer: 15 mph

Like blind intersections, a blind railroad crossing — where your view of the tracks is obstructed — has a 15 mph maximum approach speed.

Correct answer: No more than 200 feet before the turn

Enter a two-way left-turn lane no more than 200 feet before your turn — it is not meant for extended travel.

Correct answer: In the trunk, or another area not normally occupied by riders if there is no trunk

An open container must be stored in the trunk. If the vehicle has no trunk, it must go in a place not normally occupied by the driver or passengers, such as behind the last upright seat.

Correct answer: Move away at an angle toward the train, not straight back along the tracks

Walking toward the train at an angle away from the tracks keeps you clear of flying debris, which scatters forward in the direction the train is moving.

Correct answer: Toward the edge of the road, whether facing uphill or downhill

Without a curb, turn your wheels toward the edge of the road so a rolling vehicle moves off the roadway rather than into traffic.

Correct answer: Illegal for every driver, even while stopped in traffic

Texting behind the wheel is banned outright, including while momentarily stopped in traffic, unless the vehicle is safely parked.

Correct answer: Keep them pointed straight ahead until you are ready to turn

Keep your wheels pointed straight while waiting to turn left — if you're hit from behind with your wheels already turned, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic.

Correct answer: Ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the car to go

Braking hard during a skid can make you lose control further. Steering toward where you want to travel, while easing off the gas, helps the tires regain grip.

Correct answer: Stay back — never try to pass or squeeze between the truck and the curb

Large trucks need extra space to swing wide before a right turn. A driver who slips into that gap risks being crushed against the curb.

Correct answer: The light is about to turn red — stop if you can do so safely

A solid yellow warns that the signal is about to turn red. Stop if you can do it safely; if you cannot, cross the intersection cautiously.