FirstTryEn españolCalifornia permit test study guide
The California knowledge test is written from the California Driver's Handbook. Format: under 18: 46 questions, 38 right to pass; 18 or older: 36 questions, 30 right to pass (source). This guide lists what the handbook tests, the numbers people forget and four sample questions, each with its handbook section.
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What the test covers
FirstTry's California bank has 150 questions written from the handbook. The biggest topics, by how many questions the handbook supports:
- Alcohol and drugs: 11 questions
- Parking: 8 questions
- Right-of-way: 7 questions
- Turns: 7 questions
- Speed limits: 7 questions
- Traffic signals: 6 questions
- Signals, horn and lights: 6 questions
- Weather: 6 questions
Numbers to know
Each line is in our words; the link opens the handbook section it comes from, so you can check it.
- 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. handbook section
- Where your view of cross traffic is blocked, the limit drops to 15 mph. Ease forward slowly until you can see clearly. handbook section
- 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. handbook section
- In business and residential districts, the speed limit is 25 mph unless a sign says otherwise. handbook section
- If no sign posts a different limit, 65 mph is the top speed on most California highways. handbook section
- Two-lane undivided highways have a 55 mph limit unless posted otherwise. The same 55 mph limit applies to vehicles towing trailers. handbook section
- If you are over 21, driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is illegal. Even a lower BAC can affect your driving. handbook section
- Drivers under 21 may not drive with a BAC of 0.01% or higher, which is almost no alcohol at all. handbook section
- 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. handbook section
- 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. handbook section
- You have 10 days from the day of a DUI arrest to ask the DMV for an administrative hearing. handbook section
- All DUI convictions remain on your record for 10 years, and another DUI in that time can bring added penalties. handbook section
How to study in four days
- Day 1: read the handbook chapters on rules of the road and signs. Do not skim the sign pages; shapes and colors are tested.
- Day 2: read speed limits, right-of-way, parking and the alcohol chapter. Write down every number.
- Day 3: take a full practice test in the real format. Open the handbook section on every question you miss.
- Day 4: take another test. If you pass with room to spare twice in a row, you are ready.
Sample questions
Right-of-way
Two vehicles meet on a steep, narrow mountain road where neither can pass. Which vehicle has the right-of-way?
- The vehicle facing downhill
- The vehicle facing uphill
- The vehicle that is larger
Show the answer
The vehicle facing uphill. The vehicle facing uphill goes first. The downhill vehicle has more control when backing up, so it should back up until the other can pass.
From the handbook: Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road > Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First? > Mountain Roads
Speed limits
Unless otherwise posted, what is the maximum speed limit on a two-lane undivided highway?
- 45 mph
- 55 mph
- 65 mph
Show the answer
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
Signals, horn and lights
It is raining and you turn on your windshield wipers. What else must you turn on?
- Your high-beam headlights
- Your low-beam headlights
- Your emergency flashers
Show the answer
Your low-beam headlights. If you need your windshield wipers because of fog, rain, or snow, you must also turn on your low-beam headlights.
From the handbook: Section 5: An Introduction to Driving > Signals, Horns, And Headlights > Using Your Headlights
Alcohol and drugs
Can you be convicted of DUI even if your BAC was never measured?
- Yes, depending on how impaired you are
- No, a BAC measurement is always required
- Only if you are under 21
Show the answer
Yes, depending on how impaired you are. A BAC reading isn't required. If you're impaired enough, you can be arrested and convicted of DUI without one.
From the handbook: Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs > Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits