Are you preparing to get your California driver’s permit in 2025? Practice makes perfect! Taking a practice test is one of the most effective ways to study for the real written exam. Here, we’ll guide you through Practice Test 1, featuring 30 questions that closely mirror those you’ll encounter on the actual DMV written test. Read on to understand the structure of the test, tips to succeed, and a sample of the types of questions you can expect.
About the California DMV Written Exam
The California DMV written test is designed to assess your knowledge of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. To pass, you need to score at least 80%. This means you must answer at least 24 out of 30 questions correctly on Practice Test 1.
Why Take a Practice Test?
- Build Confidence: Familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions.
- Identify Weak Spots: Practice tests highlight areas where you need more study.
- Learn from Mistakes: Reviewing correct answers and explanations helps reinforce knowledge.
- Reduce Test Anxiety: Knowing what to expect makes the real test less intimidating.
What to Expect on Practice Test 1
Practice Test 1 includes 30 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as:
Traffic signs and signals
Safe driving laws and practices
Sharing the road with others
Emergency procedures
Each question has three answer choices, and you’ll need to select the correct one. After completing the test, review the explanations for both correct and incorrect answers to deepen your understanding.
Below are a few sample questions from Practice Test 1:
Question 1
What action should a driver take when approaching a road marked with a "Flooded" sign?
A. Drive through quickly to avoid stalling.
B. Turn around and find another route.
C. Continue at the same speed. Answer: B. Turn around and find another route. Explanation: It’s safest to avoid flooded roads entirely to prevent damage to your vehicle and ensure your safety.
Question 2
If you see a "Bike Route" sign, what should you be prepared to do?
A. Increase speed.
B. Share the road and watch for cyclists.
C. Honk to alert cyclists. Answer: B. Share the road and watch for cyclists.
Explanation: Drivers should be aware that cyclists frequently use bike routes and adjust their driving to ensure safety.
Question 3
What does a "No Turn on Red" sign mean?
A. Stop and wait for the green light before turning.
B. Turn right if no traffic is coming.
C. Ignore the sign if no pedestrians are present.
Answer: A. Stop and wait for the green light before turning.
Explanation: A "No Turn on Red" sign prohibits making a right turn at a red light. Wait until the signal turns green.
Tips for Success
Study the Driver’s Handbook: The California Driver’s Handbook is your primary resource.
Take Multiple Practice Tests: Repetition helps you retain information and prepare for different question formats.
Stay Calm: On the day of the test, take deep breaths and focus.
Review Road Signs: Many test questions involve recognizing and interpreting road signs.
Passing the California DMV written exam is an essential step toward earning your permit. Practice Test 1 is an excellent starting point to gauge your readiness and build confidence. Remember, preparation is key—study diligently, take practice tests, and review any mistakes to ensure success.
Good luck with your preparation! Ready to test your knowledge? Start Practice Test 1 now and take one step closer to your California driver’s permit.
Question 1
What action should a driver take when approaching a road marked with a flooded sign?
A. Drive through quickly to avoid stalling.
B. Turn around and find another route.
C. Continue at the same speed.
Answer: B. Turn around and find another route.
Explanation: When approaching a road marked with a flooded sign, it's safest to turn around and find another route to avoid the risk of stalling or losing control of the vehicle.
Question 2
If you see a bike route sign, what should you be prepared to do?
A. Increase speed.
B. Share the road and watch for cyclists.
C. Honk to alert cyclists.
Answer: B. Share the road and watch for cyclists.
Explanation: A bike route sign indicates that cyclists frequently use the road. Drivers should be prepared to share the road and watch for cyclists.
Question 3
Describe the behavior a driver should exhibit when encountering a "No Turn on Red" sign.
A. Stop and wait for the green light before turning.
B. Turn right if no traffic is coming.
C. Ignore the sign if no pedestrians are present.
Answer: A. Stop and wait for the green light before turning.
Explanation: A "No Turn on Red" sign means you must come to a complete stop and wait for the signal to turn green before making a right turn.
Question 4
What does a "Two-Way Left Turn" sign indicate about the center lane?
A. It is for right turns only.
B. It is reserved for left turns from both directions.
C. It is a passing lane.
Answer: B. It is reserved for left turns from both directions.
Explanation: A "Two-Way Left Turn" sign indicates that the center lane is shared for left turns for traffic traveling in both directions.
Question 5
How should a driver respond to a slow-moving vehicle sign on a rural road?
A. Overtake immediately.
B. Maintain a safe following distance.
C. Flash headlights to urge the vehicle to speed up.
Answer: B. Maintain a safe following distance.
Explanation: When encountering a slow-moving vehicle sign, it is important to maintain a safe following distance and pass only when it is safe and legal to do so.
Question 6
What precaution must be taken when you approach a "Divided Highway" sign?
A. Prepare to stop.
B. Watch for vehicles turning left.
C. Be aware that the road ahead is divided into two separate roadways by a median.
Answer: C. Be aware that the road ahead is divided into two separate roadways by a median.
Explanation: A "Divided Highway" sign warns drivers that the road ahead is split into two separate roadways by a median or physical barrier.
Question 7
What does the "Ramp Closed Schedule" sign inform you about highway access?
A. The ramp is always open.
B. The ramp has limited access at certain times.
C. There are no restrictions on the ramp.
Answer: B. The ramp has limited access at certain times.
Explanation: A "Ramp Closed Schedule" sign indicates that the ramp is closed during certain hours or days, and drivers should plan their route accordingly.
Question 8
How should a driver adjust their driving upon seeing a speed limit sign that displays a lower speed than previously posted?
A. Ignore the sign if no other cars are around.
B. Gradually slow down to match the new speed limit.
C. Increase speed to get through the area quickly.
Answer: B. Gradually slow down to match the new speed limit.
Explanation: When a speed limit sign indicates a lower speed than previously posted, drivers should adjust their speed gradually to comply with the new limit.
Question 9
What does a "No Parking" sign explicitly prohibit?
A. Stopping your vehicle temporarily.
B. Parking at any time.
C. Loading and unloading of passengers.
Answer: B. Parking at any time.
Explanation: A "No Parking" sign means that parking is not allowed at any time in the designated area, although brief stops for picking up or dropping off passengers might be allowed.
Question 10
How should a driver interpret a "No Shoulder" sign along a highway?
A. The highway has a wide shoulder for emergencies.
B. There is no shoulder for stopping or emergency use.
C. Parking is allowed on the shoulder.
Answer: B. There is no shoulder for stopping or emergency use.
Explanation: A "No Shoulder" sign indicates that there is no space beside the travel lane for stopping or emergencies.
Question 11
What is indicated by a "Crossroad" sign, and how should drivers prepare?
A. Increase speed to cross quickly.
B. Be prepared for traffic from the right only.
C. Be prepared to stop or yield, watching for traffic from all directions.
Answer: C. Be prepared to stop or yield, watching for traffic from all directions.
Explanation: A "Crossroad" sign warns of an upcoming intersection. Drivers should be ready to stop or yield and watch for traffic from all directions.
Question 12
If a "Lane Ends, Merge Left" sign is posted, what must a driver do?
A. Continue in the same lane and ignore the sign.
B. Speed up and force their way into the left lane.
C. Check mirrors and blind spots, then merge left safely.
Answer: C. Check mirrors and blind spots, then merge left safely.
Explanation: When a "Lane Ends, Merge Left" sign is encountered, drivers should prepare to merge left by checking mirrors and blind spots and merging safely into the flow of traffic.
Question 13
Upon seeing a "Road Work Next 5 Miles" sign, what adjustments should a driver make?
A. Increase speed to pass the area quickly.
B. Prepare for potential stops and slow down.
C. Ignore the sign if no workers are visible.
Answer: B. Prepare for potential stops and slow down.
Explanation: A "Road Work Next 5 Miles" sign indicates upcoming road work, and drivers should slow down, prepare for possible stops, and be cautious of road workers and equipment.
Question 14
What should a driver expect when they see an "Added Lane" sign on a highway?
A. The current lane is ending.
B. A new lane is beginning, and no merging is needed.
C. They must yield to other vehicles.
Answer: B. A new lane is beginning, and no merging is needed.
Explanation: An "Added Lane" sign indicates that a new lane begins, and drivers in the current lane do not need to merge but should be aware of other vehicles entering the new lane.
Question 15
What is the proper response when encountering a "Left Turn Yield on Green" sign?
A. Turn immediately without yielding.
B. Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then turn when safe.
C. Wait for a green arrow before turning.
Answer: B. Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then turn when safe.
Explanation: A "Left Turn Yield on Green" sign means that the driver must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians and can turn left only when it is safe to do so.
Question 16
When driving over a road marked with loose gravel, what driving behavior is recommended?
A. Accelerate to get over the gravel quickly.
B. Maintain or reduce speed and avoid sudden changes in direction.
C. Stop and check tire pressure.
Answer: B. Maintain or reduce speed and avoid sudden changes in direction.
Explanation: When driving over loose gravel, it is advisable to maintain or reduce speed and avoid sudden maneuvers to prevent loss of control.
Question 17
How should a driver react upon approaching a "Trolley Station" sign?
A. Increase speed to clear the area quickly.
B. Be alert and prepared to stop for trolleys and passengers.
C. Ignore the sign if no trolley is visible.
Answer: B. Be alert and prepared to stop for trolleys and passengers.
Explanation: A "Trolley Station" sign indicates the presence of a trolley station ahead, and drivers should be alert and prepared to stop or yield to trolleys and passengers.
Question 18
What must a driver do upon encountering a "Pedestrian Crossing" sign?
A. Continue at the same speed.
B. Stop at the sign regardless of pedestrian presence.
C. Be alert and yield to pedestrians.
Answer: C. Be alert and yield to pedestrians.
Explanation: A "Pedestrian Crossing" sign indicates that pedestrians may be crossing the road ahead, and drivers should be ready to slow down and yield to them.
Question 19
What does the sign "Right Lane Must Turn Right" imply about lane usage?
A. The right lane is optional for turning right.
B. All lanes must turn right.
C. Vehicles in the right lane must turn right.
Answer: C. Vehicles in the right lane must turn right.
Explanation: The sign "Right Lane Must Turn Right" indicates that vehicles in the right lane are required to turn right at the intersection.
Question 20
What safe precautions should be taken when a "Men at Work" sign is visible?
A. Speed up to pass the area quickly.
B. Ignore the sign unless workers are visible.
C. Slow down and follow posted safety signs.
Answer: C. Slow down and follow posted safety signs.
Explanation: When a "Men at Work" sign is visible, drivers should slow down, be prepared for unexpected movements, and follow any additional posted safety signs to ensure the safety of workers and themselves.
Question 21
When driving in heavy fog, what should a driver do to ensure safety and comply with California driving laws?
A. Turn off all lights to reduce glare.
B. Use high beam headlights to improve visibility.
C. Use low beam headlights and reduce speed.
Answer: C. Use low beam headlights and reduce speed.
Explanation: In heavy fog, drivers should use low beam headlights because high beams can create glare that worsens visibility. Reducing speed is also crucial due to decreased visibility.
Question 22
How far away from a fire hydrant is it legal to park in California?
A. At least 15 feet.
B. At least 10 feet.
C. At least 5 feet.
Answer: A. At least 15 feet.
Explanation: In California, it is required to park no closer than 15 feet from a fire hydrant to ensure that emergency services have unimpeded access if needed.
Question 23
Describe the legal requirements for yielding the right-of-way when multiple drivers arrive at a stop sign at the same time.
A. The driver on the left has the right-of-way.
B. The driver on the right has the right-of-way.
C. All drivers should move simultaneously.
Answer: B. The driver on the right has the right-of-way.
Explanation: When multiple drivers arrive at a stop sign at the same time, the driver to the right has the right-of-way, and others should yield to them.
Question 24
Under what circumstances is it legal to overtake another vehicle on the right?
A. When driving in a residential area.
B. When the vehicle ahead is making a left turn, and there is room to pass.
C. When on a one-lane road.
Answer: B. When the vehicle ahead is making a left turn, and there is room to pass.
Explanation: It's legal to overtake on the right if the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is sufficient room on the roadway to safely pass.
Question 25
What are the consequences of failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign?
A. A warning for the first offense.
B. A fine and possible points on the driver's record.
C. No consequences as long as no children are present.
Answer: B. A fine and possible points on the driver's record.
Explanation: Failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign results in a fine and points on the driver’s record, emphasizing the seriousness of protecting children.
Question 26
How does California law regulate the use of headlights during rainy or foggy conditions?
A. Headlights are optional.
B. Headlights must be turned on when visibility is reduced.
C. Headlights should only be used at night.
Answer: B. Headlights must be turned on when visibility is reduced.
Explanation: California law requires drivers to use their headlights during rainy or foggy conditions or whenever visibility is significantly reduced.
Question 27
What is the correct action for a driver when a traffic signal is not working at an intersection?
A. Proceed with caution.
B. Treat it as a four-way stop.
C. Ignore the malfunction and proceed as usual.
Answer: B. Treat it as a four-way stop.
Explanation: When traffic signals are not working, drivers should treat the intersection as a four-way stop, taking turns with other drivers based on arrival time.
Question 28
Describe the steps a driver should take when making a U-turn on a residential street.
A. Signal, check for pedestrians and oncoming traffic, then proceed when safe.
B. Make a quick turn without stopping.
C. Wait for a traffic signal before proceeding.
Answer: A. Signal, check for pedestrians and oncoming traffic, then proceed when safe.
Explanation: When making a U-turn, it's important to signal, check for any pedestrians and oncoming traffic, and only proceed when it's safe to do so.
Question 29
What is the minimum following distance a driver should maintain behind another vehicle under ideal driving conditions?
A. 2 seconds.
B. 3 seconds.
C. 4 seconds.
Answer: B. 3 seconds.
Explanation: Under ideal conditions, maintaining a minimum following distance of 3 seconds ensures enough time to react and avoid collisions if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly.
Question 30
Explain the rules regarding the use of carpool lanes in California during designated hours.
A. Carpool lanes are open to all vehicles.
B. Only vehicles with two or more occupants can use carpool lanes.
C. Motorcycles are not allowed in carpool lanes.
Answer: B. Only vehicles with two or more occupants can use carpool lanes.
Explanation: During designated hours, carpool lanes in California are reserved for vehicles with multiple occupants to promote more efficient traffic flow and reduce congestion.
Congratulations on taking the first step toward getting your California driver’s permit! With consistent practice and focus, you’ll be well-prepared to ace the real written exam. Practice Test 1 is just the beginning—keep practicing, stay confident, and soon you’ll be hitting the road safely and legally. Good luck!
