California Permit Test Practice
questions & answers
What is the primary purpose of a driver’s permit? ☑️☑️ It allows a beginner to practice driving
under supervision before getting a full license.
When must you use your headlights? ☑️☑️ From sunset to sunrise and when visibility is low such
as rain or fog.
What does a solid red traffic light mean? ☑️☑️ You must stop completely and wait until the light
turns green.
What should you do at a stop sign? ☑️☑️ Come to a complete stop and proceed only when it is
safe.
What does a yellow light indicate? ☑️☑️ The light is about to turn red and you should prepare to
stop.
What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers under 21? ☑️☑️ 0.01% or
higher is illegal.
When should you signal before turning? ☑️☑️ At least 100 feet before making the turn.
What is the purpose of a broken white line on the road? ☑️☑️ It separates lanes of traffic moving
in the same direction and allows lane changes.
What does a double solid yellow line mean? ☑️☑️ Passing is not allowed from either direction.
When can you pass another vehicle? ☑️☑️ When it is safe, legal, and the road markings allow it.
What should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and sirens? ☑️☑️ Pull
over to the right and stop.
What is the speed limit in residential areas unless posted otherwise? ☑️☑️ Typically 25 mph.
What should you do when approaching a pedestrian crossing? ☑️☑️ Yield to pedestrians and be
prepared to stop.
What does a flashing red light mean? ☑️☑️ Treat it like a stop sign.
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,What does a flashing yellow light mean? ☑️☑️ Proceed with caution.
What is the meaning of a yield sign? ☑️☑️ Slow down and give the right-of-way to other traffic.
When driving in fog, what lights should you use? ☑️☑️ Low beam headlights.
What is hydroplaning? ☑️☑️ When tires lose contact with the road due to water, causing loss of
control.
What should you do if your brakes fail? ☑️☑️ Pump the brakes, shift to a lower gear, and use the
emergency brake if needed.
What is the three-second rule? ☑️☑️ A safe following distance between your car and the vehicle
ahead.
When are you allowed to use a cellphone while driving? ☑️☑️ Only with hands-free devices if
you are over 18.
What should you do before changing lanes? ☑️☑️ Check mirrors, signal, and look over your
shoulder.
What does a round traffic sign usually indicate? ☑️☑️ It is a railroad crossing warning sign.
What should you do at a railroad crossing without gates? ☑️☑️ Slow down, look both ways, and
be prepared to stop.
What is the purpose of seat belts? ☑️☑️ To protect occupants from injury during collisions.
When should you dim your high beams? ☑️☑️ When approaching oncoming traffic or following
another vehicle.
What is tailgating? ☑️☑️ Following another vehicle too closely.
What is the safest way to handle a skid? ☑️☑️ Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.
What should you do at a green light? ☑️☑️ Proceed if the intersection is clear.
What does a pentagon-shaped sign indicate? ☑️☑️ A school zone or school crossing.
What is the meaning of a diamond-shaped sign? ☑️☑️ Warning signs indicating hazards ahead.
What should you do if an intersection is blocked? ☑️☑️ Do not enter until traffic clears.
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, What is the correct hand signal for a left turn? ☑️☑️ Left arm extended straight out.
What is the meaning of a white rectangular sign? ☑️☑️ Regulatory information such as speed
limits.
What should you do when approaching a curve? ☑️☑️ Slow down before entering the curve.
What is the right-of-way rule at uncontrolled intersections? ☑️☑️ The first vehicle to arrive goes
first, or the vehicle on the right has priority.
What should you do when merging onto a freeway? ☑️☑️ Match speed with traffic and merge
safely.
What is the purpose of an acceleration lane? ☑️☑️ To allow vehicles to gain speed before entering
traffic.
What should you do if you miss your exit? ☑️☑️ Continue to the next exit; never reverse or stop
abruptly.
What does a “No U-turn” sign mean? ☑️☑️ U-turns are not allowed in that area.
What should you do if your vehicle starts to overheat? ☑️☑️ Pull over safely and turn off the
engine.
What is defensive driving? ☑️☑️ Driving to anticipate hazards and avoid collisions.
What is the best way to avoid distracted driving? ☑️☑️ Focus solely on driving and avoid using
devices.
What does a lane marked with arrows mean? ☑️☑️ Drivers must follow the direction indicated by
the arrows.
What is the meaning of a broken yellow line? ☑️☑️ Passing is allowed when safe.
What should you do when approaching a crosswalk? ☑️☑️ Slow down and yield to pedestrians.
What is the purpose of traffic signals? ☑️☑️ To control the flow of traffic and improve safety.
What should you do if a traffic light is not working? ☑️☑️ Treat the intersection as a four-way
stop.
What is the correct response to a school bus with flashing red lights? ☑️☑️ Stop in both directions
until the lights stop flashing.
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