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Created May 7, 2026 17:48
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dmv.md

DMV Practice Questions (with Correct Answers)

1. When two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at the same time, which vehicle must yield the right-of-way?

  1. Either one.
  2. Vehicle on the left.
  3. Vehicle on the right.
  4. Neither one.
Correct answer
  1. Vehicle on the left.

2. When is it legal to drive off the road to pass another vehicle?

  1. If the vehicle ahead is turning left.
  2. It is not legal under any conditions.
  3. If there are two or more one-way lanes.
Correct answer
  1. It is not legal under any conditions.

3. Where should you check to see vehicles in your blindspots?

  1. Over your shoulders out of your side windows.
  2. The rearview mirror.
  3. The rear window.
Correct answer
  1. Over your shoulders out of your side windows.

4. If a pedestrian is in a crosswalk:

  1. The pedestrian has the right-of-way.
  2. Vehicles have the right-of-way, but drivers must legally take care for the pedestrian's safety.
  3. The pedestrian must yield the right-of-way.
Correct answer
  1. The pedestrian has the right-of-way.

5. It is illegal for any person to drive a vehicle loaded with property if:

  1. They drive the vehicle at a speed greater than 35 mph.
  2. The load was not inspected and approved by a state-certified inspector.
  3. The load is unsecured and may pose a safety hazard to passengers or other motorists.
Correct answer
  1. The load is unsecured and may pose a safety hazard to passengers or other motorists.

6. You are waiting to turn right at a red traffic light and a pedestrian is waiting to cross the street you want to enter. Who has the right-of-way when your light turns green?

  1. You have the right-of-way because your light is green.
  2. You have the right-of-way only if the crosswalk is not marked.
  3. The pedestrian has the right-of-way.
Correct answer
  1. The pedestrian has the right-of-way.

7. What does this hand signal from a driver mean? (arm down)

  1. Slow or stop.
  2. Right turn.
  3. Left turn.
Correct answer
  1. Slow or stop.

8. Any driver who does not pull over when signaled to do so by law enforcement, and willfully flees the scene, even if no one is injured, may be punishable by:

  1. Not more than one year in the county jail.
  2. A citation and a warning.
  3. A fine up to $1,000.
Correct answer
  1. Not more than one year in the county jail.

9. Which locations can be used to make a legal U-turn while driving in a business district (unless a sign forbids it)?

  1. It is never legal.
  2. At intersections.
  3. Using driveways.
Correct answer
  1. At intersections.

10. You are waiting at a red light that turns green while the intersection is blocked, what should you do?

  1. Enter the intersection as much as you can safely.
  2. Wait until all traffic clears the intersection before entering.
  3. Turn on hazard signals to warn other drivers.
Correct answer
  1. Wait until all traffic clears the intersection before entering.

11. Where should you stop, if there is no limit line at an intersection, for a "STOP" sign?

  1. Before entering the intersection.
  2. After entering the intersection to check for oncoming traffic.
  3. Next to the curb of the right turn lane.
Correct answer
  1. Before entering the intersection.

12. How much space is needed when a driver is entering traffic from a complete stop on a city street?

  1. One quarter of a block.
  2. A full block.
  3. Half a block.
Correct answer
  1. Half a block.

13. Collisions are more likely to happen when:

  1. All vehicles are traveling near or at the same speed.
  2. A vehicle is traveling without any other vehicles on the roadway.
  3. A vehicle is traveling faster or slower than the flow of traffic.
Correct answer
  1. A vehicle is traveling faster or slower than the flow of traffic.

14. A flashing red traffic signal light at an intersection means:

  1. Stop and wait for the green light.
  2. Slow down before entering.
  3. Stop before entering.
Correct answer
  1. Stop before entering.

15. Which lights should be used if a driver is having trouble seeing other vehicles because of dust or smoke?

  1. Parking lights.
  2. Headlights.
  3. Emergency flashers.
Correct answer
  1. Headlights.

16. If you drive slower than the flow of traffic on a highway, you:

  1. May receive a citation for blocking the flow of traffic.
  2. Are most likely using a defensive driving technique.
  3. Will be required to travel in the most left lane.
Correct answer
  1. May receive a citation for blocking the flow of traffic.

17. Which action is recommended to help reduce the impact of sun glare while driving?

  1. Drive with low-beam headlights on.
  2. Maintain enough space between your vehicle and others.
  3. Drive close to large vehicles to block the sun.
Correct answer
  1. Maintain enough space between your vehicle and others.

18. When may a child who is 5 years old ride in the front seat in a child restraint system?

  1. When the child weighs less than 40 pounds.
  2. When the rear seats are side-facing jump seats.
  3. When the restraint system is rear facing.
Correct answer
  1. When the rear seats are side-facing jump seats.

19. What precautions must be taken if driving with cargo extending more than four feet from the rear bumper?

  1. Cargo only needs to be securely tied down.
  2. Driver must turn on hazard lights.
  3. Cargo must be marked with red or fluorescent orange flags or lights.
Correct answer
  1. Cargo must be marked with red or fluorescent orange flags or lights.

20. You must notify the DMV within 5 days if you:

  1. Receive a traffic violation.
  2. Sell or transfer ownership of your vehicle.
  3. Paint your vehicle a different color.
Correct answer
  1. Sell or transfer ownership of your vehicle.

21. Which direction should the front wheels face when parking uphill next to a curb?

  1. Straight, forward with traffic.
  2. Right, toward the side of the road.
  3. Left, toward the center of the road.
Correct answer
  1. Left, toward the center of the road.

22. Drivers must look for bicycle riders in the same lanes used by motor vehicles because:

  1. They have the same rights to share the road with others.
  2. They must ride facing oncoming traffic.
  3. They must make all turns from the right lane.
Correct answer
  1. They have the same rights to share the road with others.

23. A person convicted of manslaughter resulting from evading police during a pursuit is subject to imprisonment for a minimum of:

  1. 4 years.
  2. 3 years.
  3. 2 years.
Correct answer
  1. 4 years.

24. Which of the following should you do if you are being followed by a tailgater?

  1. Increase your speed.
  2. Change lanes and allow the tailgater to pass.
  3. Tap the brakes.
Correct answer
  1. Change lanes and allow the tailgater to pass.

25. Which passing condition should be avoided?

  1. Passing within 100 feet of an intersection.
  2. Passing when there is a broken white line.
  3. Passing in the right lane on a one-way street.
Correct answer
  1. Passing within 100 feet of an intersection.

26. When is it permitted to drive across double solid yellow lines?

  1. When making a U-turn or left turn.
  2. When the road is clear to pass the vehicle in front of you.
  3. When instructed by construction or other signs due to a road closure.
Correct answer
  1. When instructed by construction or other signs due to a road closure.

27. When is it legal to leave a child or animal in a hot vehicle?

  1. When a window is slightly open.
  2. Never.
  3. When a supervising adult is nearby.
Correct answer
  1. Never.

28. What should a driver do when driving on a slippery surface such as snow?

  1. Pump their brakes.
  2. Reduce their speed.
  3. Follow other vehicles closely.
Correct answer
  1. Reduce their speed.

29. It is legal to leave a child age six or younger in a motor vehicle:

  1. When supervised by someone 12 years or older.
  2. When it is not a hot day.
  3. When unattended for less than five minutes.
Correct answer
  1. When supervised by someone 12 years or older.

30. When may you drive through a safety zone?

  1. Not allowed under any conditions.
  2. When a bus is unloading passengers.
  3. If there is a trolley present.
Correct answer
  1. Not allowed under any conditions.

31. What does this sign mean? (cross symbol)

  1. There is a 4-way stop ahead.
  2. A T-intersection exists ahead.
  3. There is a crossroad ahead.
Correct answer
  1. There is a crossroad ahead.

32. When is parking in a crosshatched (diagonal lines) area allowed?

  1. It is never allowed to park in a crosshatched area.
  2. If labeled as a bicycle lane.
  3. If 20 feet from a railroad track.
Correct answer
  1. It is never allowed to park in a crosshatched area.

33. You must notify DMV by filing an SR-1 form if:

  1. Your vehicle fails a smog test.
  2. You change insurance companies.
  3. You were involved in a collision with an injury.
Correct answer
  1. You were involved in a collision with an injury.

34. When a railroad crossing is not controlled, what is the speed limit when you are within 100 feet and cannot see for 400 feet in both directions?

  1. 15 mph.
  2. 10 mph.
  3. 25 mph.
Correct answer
  1. 15 mph.

35. Which of the following is the proper procedure for parallel parking?

  1. Drive forward into the space without stopping.
  2. Stop next to the vehicle behind the open space, and then drive forward into the space.
  3. Stop next to the vehicle in front of the open space, and then back into the space.
Correct answer
  1. Stop next to the vehicle in front of the open space, and then back into the space.

36. What speed should you be driving when entering onto a highway?

  1. At or near the speed of traffic.
  2. Faster than the speed of traffic.
  3. Slower than the speed of traffic.
Correct answer
  1. At or near the speed of traffic.

37. How many feet away should you switch from high beam to low beam headlights when approaching a vehicle coming towards you?

  1. 900 feet.
  2. 700 feet.
  3. 500 feet.
Correct answer
  1. 500 feet.

38. Who can legally park next to curb painted blue?

  1. Someone who is either picking up or dropping off passengers at this location.
  2. A person who is disabled and has a special placard or vehicle license plate for disabled persons.
  3. A person who will only be parked at the curb for less than 15 minutes.
Correct answer
  1. A person who is disabled and has a special placard or vehicle license plate for disabled persons.

39. What should you do when there is a school bus ahead that starts flashing yellow warning lights?

  1. Slow down and prepare to stop.
  2. Stop immediately and remain stopped.
  3. Cautiously pass the school bus on the left.
Correct answer
  1. Slow down and prepare to stop.

40. Which of the following is a requirement of California's Basic Speed Law?

  1. Always drive the speed limit, regardless of conditions.
  2. Match your speed to that of your surrounding traffic.
  3. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions.
Correct answer
  1. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions.

41. Which of the following is an example of a safe driving practice?

  1. Staring only at the middle of the road.
  2. Always keep your eyes moving to scan the surroundings.
  3. Using your high-beam headlights in the fog.
Correct answer
  1. Always keep your eyes moving to scan the surroundings.

42. What should you do when reaching an intersection where a person operating a motorized wheelchair has entered the crosswalk?

  1. Remain stopped behind the crosswalk line until the motorized wheelchair has safely finished crossing.
  2. Remain stopped behind the nearest crosswalk line until the motorized wheelchair is beyond the range of your vehicle.
  3. Assume right-of-way if the motorized wheelchair stops in the crosswalk.
Correct answer
  1. Remain stopped behind the crosswalk line until the motorized wheelchair has safely finished crossing.

43. Which of the following is true about large trucks?

  1. They are made of many trailers, which make them more maneuverable than passenger vehicles.
  2. They have large blind spots, which makes it difficult for the truck driver to see other vehicles.
  3. They have large and powerful emergency brakes, which gives them the capability to stop quickly.
Correct answer
  1. They have large blind spots, which makes it difficult for the truck driver to see other vehicles.

44. What is one of the most common causes of traffic collisions?

  1. Paying attention to your surroundings.
  2. Better traffic flow.
  3. Driver distractions.
Correct answer
  1. Driver distractions.

45. Any driver who willfully flees or attempts to evade law enforcement, during which a person is seriously injured, is subject to:

  1. Imprisonment in a state prison for up to seven years.
  2. A fine of less than $1,000.
  3. Attending an anger-management class.
Correct answer
  1. Imprisonment in a state prison for up to seven years.

46. What should a driver do who is stopped at an intersection and wants to make a left turn?

  1. Turn immediately if there are no pedestrians.
  2. Take the right-of-way turn before oncoming traffic.
  3. Give the right-of-way to any approaching vehicle that is close enough to be dangerous.
Correct answer
  1. Give the right-of-way to any approaching vehicle that is close enough to be dangerous.

47. In addition to setting your parking brake, what should you do when parking on a hill?

  1. Make sure the front vehicle wheels are parallel to the road.
  2. Make sure your vehicle is left in the "neutral" position.
  3. Make sure your vehicle is in the "park" position or in gear.
Correct answer
  1. Make sure your vehicle is in the "park" position or in gear.

48. You are under 18 years of age and have had your license for eight months. You may drive:

  1. At any time.
  2. Between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
  3. Between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Correct answer
  1. Between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.

49. Where should you begin a left turn from a one-way street onto a one-way street?

  1. The lane closest to the center of the street.
  2. The far-left lane.
  3. You can turn from any lane.
Correct answer
  1. The far-left lane.

50. You are required to notify DMV by filing a Report of Traffic Accident Occuring in California (SR-1) form if:

  1. You allowed a licensed driver from another state to drive your vehicle.
  2. You were involved in a collision with more than $1,000 in damages.
  3. You failed to pay your registration fees.
Correct answer
  1. You were involved in a collision with more than $1,000 in damages.

51. At what point during a rainfall are roads slippery on a hot day?

  1. Immediately after it has stopped raining.
  2. For the first several minutes.
  3. When it has been raining for a few hours.
Correct answer
  1. For the first several minutes.

52. What color curb does not allow vehicles to stop or park?

  1. Yellow.
  2. Red.
  3. White.
Correct answer
  1. Red.

53. What is indicated by two sets of double yellow lines spaced 2 feet or more apart?

  1. Lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.
  2. Barrier.
  3. Carpool/High-Occupancy (HOV) lane.
Correct answer
  1. Barrier.

54. What should you do to make a right turn at an upcoming intersection?

  1. Merge into the bicycle lane before making the turn.
  2. Wait until the bicycle lane ends, then make the turn.
  3. Make the turn from your current lane and do not enter the bicycle lane.
Correct answer
  1. Merge into the bicycle lane before making the turn.

55. A highway has a posted speed limit of 65 mph. What does this mean?

  1. You must always drive 65 mph on that highway.
  2. You may drive faster only if there are no other vehicles.
  3. You must drive 65 mph only if driving conditions are ideal.
Correct answer
  1. You must drive 65 mph only if driving conditions are ideal.

56. What should you do if your cell phone rings and you do not have a hands-free device?

  1. Answer the call and keep the conversation short.
  2. Do not answer the phone and let it go to voice mail.
  3. Answer the call if you are stopped at a red light.
Correct answer
  1. Do not answer the phone and let it go to voice mail.

57. In which lane should you end your turn when making a right turn?

  1. Any lane free of traffic.
  2. The lane closest to the left edge of the road.
  3. The lane closest to the right edge of the road.
Correct answer
  1. The lane closest to the right edge of the road.

58. When is it required for you to obey directions from a crossing guard?

  1. At all times.
  2. During school hours only.
  3. Only when children are present in front of a school.
Correct answer
  1. At all times.

59. Which of the following is illegal while driving?

  1. Wearing a headset or ear plugs that covers both ears.
  2. Wearing a headset or ear plugs that covers one ear.
  3. Using cruise control on residential streets.
Correct answer
  1. Wearing a headset or ear plugs that covers both ears.

60. What should you do when traffic is slow and heavy, and you must cross railroad tracks before reaching the upcoming intersection?

  1. Begin crossing when the vehicle in front of you is crossing the tracks.
  2. Wait on the tracks until the stoplight at the intersection turns green.
  3. Wait until you can completely cross the tracks before proceeding.
Correct answer
  1. Wait until you can completely cross the tracks before proceeding.

61. When you are driving the speed limit, you can be given a speeding ticket:

  1. If road or weather conditions require a slower speed.
  2. Under no circumstances because it is always legal.
  3. Only if you are approaching a sharp curve in the road.
Correct answer
  1. If road or weather conditions require a slower speed.

62. What does a flashing yellow traffic signal light direct a driver to do?

  1. Stop and proceed when the traffic allows you to proceed safely.
  2. Slow down and proceed with caution.
  3. Stop and wait for a flashing green signal.
Correct answer
  1. Slow down and proceed with caution.

63. What should you do if a pedestrian is still in the crosswalk after the "DON'T WALK" sign begins to flash and your light has turned green?

  1. Wait until the pedestrian is out of your path before proceeding.
  2. Wait until the pedestrian signals that it is okay for you to proceed.
  3. Wait until the pedestrian has crossed the street completely before proceeding.
Correct answer
  1. Wait until the pedestrian has crossed the street completely before proceeding.

64. When is it legal for a person to drive with an alcoholic beverage container that has been opened?

  1. If the container is under the front seat.
  2. If the container is in the trunk of the vehicle.
  3. If the container is in the glove compartment.
Correct answer
  1. If the container is in the trunk of the vehicle.
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