PermitPal
California Permit Practice Test 3
20 new questions · no repeats from Test 1 or 2 · Updated July 12, 2026
The third full set of 20 — no repeats from Tests 1 or 2 — rounding out every topic the real exam draws from. The real California exam is 36 questions at 83% to pass — that 83% bar ties California with 1 other state at #4 strictest of the 50 states.
Answer each question to see the explanation. Your score is tallied against the real passing bar at the end.
1. You're on a short road that dead-ends into a busier through road, forming a T-intersection with no signs. Who has the right-of-way?
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Correct answer: Traffic already on the through road
At an uncontrolled T-intersection, drivers on the terminating road must yield to traffic already moving on the continuous through road.
2. If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, you should:
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Correct answer: Ease off the gas and keep the wheel straight until traction returns
Hard braking or sharp steering while hydroplaning can cause a skid. Easing off the accelerator lets the tires regain contact with the road.
3. You are turning right and a bike lane runs along the curb. You should:
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Correct answer: Merge into the bike lane before the corner and yield to bicyclists already there
Before turning right across a bike lane, merge into it within about 200 feet of the corner and yield to any bicyclist — don’t cut them off from the traffic lane.
4. Your brake lights and turn signals stop working while driving. You should:
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Correct answer: Use hand signals until they are repaired
If your signal lights are out of order, use hand signals so other road users still know your intentions.
5. On a two-lane undivided highway without a posted speed limit, what is the maximum legal speed?
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Correct answer: 55 mph
Unless a different limit is posted, 55 mph is the maximum on two-lane undivided highways.
6. Why does California require turns to start and end in a specific lane?
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Correct answer: So other drivers can predict your path and turns stay orderly and safe
Proper turning position keeps traffic flow predictable and prevents drivers from cutting across multiple lanes during a turn.
7. You are lawfully arrested for DUI and refuse to take a chemical test. What happens?
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Correct answer: Your license is automatically suspended, even if you are not later convicted
Refusing a chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest triggers an automatic license suspension under the implied consent law, independent of the outcome of the DUI case itself.
8. If your accelerator pedal sticks and the engine keeps racing, you should:
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Correct answer: Shift to neutral and brake firmly to slow the car
Shifting to neutral disconnects the engine from the wheels so you can brake safely to a stop, rather than fighting the accelerator.
9. A police officer pulls you over and asks for your license. You must:
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Correct answer: Show it — driving requires carrying your license and presenting it when asked
You must carry your license (or permit) whenever you drive and show it to a peace officer on request.
10. A blue curb marks a space reserved for:
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Correct answer: Vehicles displaying a valid disabled person placard or plate
Blue curbs are reserved for vehicles displaying a valid disabled person placard or license plate.
11. Compared with a fully licensed adult, a provisional (under-18) license holder can face DMV action after accumulating just:
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Correct answer: Two at-fault collisions or violation convictions in the first 12 months, not a point count like adults use
During the first 12 months of a provisional license, DMV tracks at-fault collisions and violation convictions directly rather than points: two of either (or one of each) means you cannot drive for 30 days unless a licensed driver at least 25 years old rides along, and three leads to a 6-month suspension plus a year of probation.
12. You and another driver reach a four-way stop at the same time, facing each other, both planning to go straight through. What should happen?
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Correct answer: Both may proceed straight through at the same time
Drivers facing each other at a four-way stop who are both going straight (or one going straight and one turning right) can generally proceed together since their paths do not cross.
13. At night, "overdriving your headlights" means:
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Correct answer: Driving fast enough that you couldn't stop within the distance your headlights illuminate
If your stopping distance is longer than the distance your headlights show clearly, you are overdriving them and won't be able to stop in time for a hazard.
14. When driving near a motorcycle, you should treat its lane as:
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Correct answer: Belonging entirely to the motorcyclist — never share it side by side
A motorcycle is entitled to the full width of its lane, just like any other vehicle. Never try to share a lane with a motorcyclist.
15. Before turning at an intersection, you must signal for at least the last:
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Correct answer: 100 feet
Always signal during the last 100 feet before a turn, even if you don’t see anyone around — the car you don’t see is the most dangerous.
16. Absent any posted signs, what is the default speed limit in a business or residential district?
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Correct answer: 25 mph
California law sets 25 mph as the default limit in business and residential districts, even without a posted sign.
17. A right-turn lane is marked with an arrow painted on the pavement. You should:
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Correct answer: Follow the arrow and turn right; going straight from that lane is not allowed
Painted turn arrows mark mandatory turn lanes — you must go in the direction the arrow shows.
18. After a lawful DUI arrest, which type of chemical test may you be asked to take?
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Correct answer: A breath, blood, or urine test
Chemical testing under implied consent can be a breath, blood, or in some cases urine test, used to measure BAC or detect drugs.
19. If your right wheels drift off the edge of the pavement onto the shoulder, your first move should be to:
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Correct answer: Ease off the gas and slow down before doing anything else
Jerking the wheel back at speed can cause you to overcorrect into oncoming traffic. Slowing down first keeps the recovery controlled.
20. In California, driving is legally considered:
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Correct answer: A privilege that can be suspended or revoked
Driving is a privilege, not a right. The DMV can suspend or revoke it for unsafe driving, certain convictions, or failure to appear.
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