FirstTryEn español

California permit test: alcohol and DUI questions

You need 80% right to pass the California permit test, per the DMV. DMV test reports give 46 questions if you are under 18 and 36 if you are 18 or older. Our practice tests ask for 38 and 30 right, a little stricter. Test format source

These 10 questions come from FirstTry's California bank, written from the California Driver's Handbook. Pick your answer, then open "Show the answer". Each answer links to the handbook section it comes from.

10 alcohol and DUI questions

For a driver over 21, at what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) does it become illegal to drive?

  1. 0.05%
  2. 0.08%
  3. 0.10%
Show the answer

0.08%. If you are over 21, driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is illegal. Even a lower BAC can affect your driving.

From the handbook: Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs > Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits

If you are under 21, at what BAC does it become illegal to drive?

  1. 0.01%
  2. 0.05%
  3. 0.08%
Show the answer

0.01%. Drivers under 21 may not drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher, which is almost no alcohol at all.

From the handbook: Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs > Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits

If you are driving a passenger for hire, at what BAC does it become illegal to drive?

  1. 0.04%
  2. 0.08%
  3. 0.10%
Show the answer

0.04%. Drivers carrying a passenger for hire, and drivers of vehicles that require a commercial license, may not drive with a BAC of 0.04% or higher.

From the handbook: Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs > Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits

An officer suspects you of driving under the influence and asks you to take a blood or urine test. If you refuse, what will DMV do?

  1. Suspend or revoke your driving privilege for one year
  2. Send you a warning letter only
  3. Nothing, because the test is optional
Show the answer

Suspend or revoke your driving privilege for one year. Refusing the test leads DMV to suspend or revoke your driving privilege for one year.

From the handbook: Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs

By driving in California, what have you agreed to?

  1. Unlock your phone whenever an officer asks
  2. Give a breath, blood, or urine sample if an officer suspects DUI
  3. Take a vision test every year
Show the answer

Give a breath, blood, or urine sample if an officer suspects DUI. Driving in California counts as agreeing to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) when an officer suspects DUI. Refusing brings serious penalties.

From the handbook: Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs > DUI Arrests

Can you be charged with DUI if a prescription medication affects your driving?

  1. No, prescription medications are always allowed
  2. Only if you also drank alcohol
  3. Yes, the law treats prescription medications the same as illegal drugs
Show the answer

Yes, the law treats prescription medications the same as illegal drugs. For DUI, the law makes no distinction between illegal drugs and prescription or pharmacy medicines. Check labels and know how a medicine affects your driving.

From the handbook: Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs

If you carry an open container of alcohol in your vehicle, where must it be kept?

  1. In the glove box
  2. Under the driver's seat
  3. In the trunk or a place where passengers do not sit
Show the answer

In the trunk or a place where passengers do not sit. An open container must be in the trunk or an area where passengers do not sit. Keeping it in the glove box is illegal.

From the handbook: Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs > Use or Possession of Alcohol or Cannabis Products in a Vehicle

If you are under 21, when may you carry an alcoholic beverage in a vehicle?

  1. Any time, if the container is sealed
  2. When a person 21 or older is with you and the container is full, sealed, and unopened
  3. Never, under any circumstances
Show the answer

When a person 21 or older is with you and the container is full, sealed, and unopened. Under 21, you may not carry alcohol in a vehicle unless someone 21 or older is with you, and the container must be full, sealed, and unopened.

From the handbook: Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs > Drivers Under 21 > Possessing alcohol:

If you are arrested for DUI, how many days do you have from the date of the arrest to request a DMV administrative hearing?

  1. 10 days
  2. 30 days
  3. 60 days
Show the answer

10 days. You have 10 days from the day of a DUI arrest to ask the DMV for an administrative hearing.

From the handbook: Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs > DUI Arrests

How long does a DUI conviction stay on your driver record?

  1. 3 years
  2. 5 years
  3. 10 years
Show the answer

10 years. All DUI convictions remain on your record for 10 years, and another DUI in that time can bring added penalties.

From the handbook: Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs > DUI Convictions

Start a free California practice test

More California practice