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California permit test: speed limits 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 speed limits questions

Children are outside or crossing near a school. Unless a sign says otherwise, what is the usual speed limit within 500 feet of it?

  1. 25 mph
  2. 35 mph
  3. 45 mph
Show the answer

25 mph. Near schools, the limit is 25 mph within 500 feet while children are outside or crossing. Some school zones have limits as low as 15 mph.

From the handbook: Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued) > Sharing the Road > Around Children

What is the speed limit at a blind intersection?

  1. 15 mph
  2. 25 mph
  3. 35 mph
Show the answer

15 mph. Where your view of cross traffic is blocked, the limit drops to 15 mph. Ease forward slowly until you can see clearly.

From the handbook: Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued) > Sharing the Road > Blind Intersections

You're within 100 feet of a railroad crossing and can't see the tracks for 400 feet each way. What is the speed limit?

  1. 15 mph
  2. 25 mph
  3. 35 mph
Show the answer

15 mph. The limit is 15 mph near such a crossing. You may go faster only if the crossing is controlled by gates, a warning signal, or a flagman.

From the handbook: Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued) > Sharing the Road > Near Railroad or Light Rail Tracks

Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit in a business or residential district?

  1. 15 mph
  2. 25 mph
  3. 35 mph
Show the answer

25 mph. In business and residential districts, the speed limit is 25 mph unless a sign says otherwise.

From the handbook: Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued) > Sharing the Road > Business or Residential Districts

What does California's Basic Speed Law say?

  1. Never drive faster than is safe for current road conditions
  2. Always drive at exactly the posted speed limit
  3. You may go 10 mph over the limit to pass
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Never drive faster than is safe for current road conditions. Whatever the posted limit, you may never drive faster than is safe for current conditions such as traffic, weather, and the road surface.

From the handbook: Section 8: Safe Driving (Continued) > Manage Your Speed

Unless otherwise posted, what is the maximum speed limit on most California highways?

  1. 55 mph
  2. 65 mph
  3. 75 mph
Show the answer

65 mph. If no sign posts a different limit, 65 mph is the top speed on most California highways.

From the handbook: Section 8: Safe Driving (Continued) > Manage Your Speed

Unless otherwise posted, what is the maximum speed limit on a two-lane undivided highway?

  1. 45 mph
  2. 55 mph
  3. 65 mph
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55 mph. Two-lane undivided highways have a 55 mph limit unless posted otherwise. The same 55 mph limit applies to vehicles towing trailers.

From the handbook: Section 8: Safe Driving (Continued) > Manage Your Speed

A bus is stopped at a safety zone. What is the fastest speed at which you may pass it?

  1. 5 mph
  2. 10 mph
  3. 25 mph
Show the answer

10 mph. A bus, streetcar or trolley stopped at a safety zone or traffic light may have people getting on or off. Go past it no faster than 10 mph.

From the handbook: Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued) > Sharing the Road > Buses, Streetcars, Trolleys

On an icy road, what is the fastest you should drive?

  1. 5 mph
  2. 15 mph
  3. 25 mph
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5 mph. Ice is the slipperiest condition, so keep your speed at 5 mph or less.

From the handbook: Section 8: Safe Driving > Understand the Road Conditions > Slippery Roads

In a heavy rainstorm, you cannot see farther than 100 feet ahead. What is the fastest it is safe to drive?

  1. 30 mph
  2. 45 mph
  3. 55 mph
Show the answer

30 mph. When rain cuts your view to 100 feet or less, 30 mph is the most you can safely drive.

From the handbook: Section 8: Safe Driving > Understand the Road Conditions > Slippery Roads

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