Free California DMV Test Simulator 2026
This DMV Test Simulator is modeled on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) written knowledge exam, whose length the agency does not publish; to pass you need 80% correct. It is a mock test: 46 questions (the DMV does not publish the real test length) scored to the 80% pass mark. Answers are marked only when you submit the whole test, then you review every question with its explanation. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
California DMV mock test
Answer all 46 questions first. Nothing is marked until you submit the whole test, so the score shows how ready you are, and then you review every answer with its explanation.
- 46 questions (our test length; the official count is not published)
- To pass: 80% correct
- Skip, go back and change answers until you submit
- Unanswered questions count as wrong
Time: We found no published time limit for the California knowledge test.
What's on the California DMV Test Simulator
You need at least 80% correct. The DMV does not publish the number of questions on the test, so the number you can miss depends on the test you get - on our 46-question simulator that is 9. The simulator draws a fresh set from all 206 California permit questions each time, so no two attempts are the same.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 68
- Traffic laws 56
- Safe driving 30
- Right of way 16
- Parking 9
- Alcohol & drugs 8
- Emergencies 8
- Speed limits 6
- Vehicle equipment 5
206 questions in the pool, 43 of them written specifically for California. Each attempt shows 46 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. In California, when you are approaching a funeral procession, you:
- A. May drive through it when their light is green
- B. Must yield and not drive through or join it (correct)
- C. Need to yield only if they are turning left
- D. Have no special obligation toward it
Why: California drivers must not interfere with or interrupt a funeral procession. Yield and let the whole procession pass; do not cut through it or drive between its vehicles.
Source: official California driver handbook, PDF p.59 (printed p.53), Other Important Roadway Information
2. In California, when turning right at a red light after a complete stop, you must:
- A. Proceed immediately - right turns on red are always allowed
- B. Yield to all pedestrians and approaching vehicles, then turn if safe (correct)
- C. Only turn if there is a 'Right Turn on Red' sign
- D. Wait for a green light - right turns on red are illegal in California
Why: In California, right turns on red are permitted after a complete stop UNLESS a 'No Turn on Red' sign is posted. You must yield to all pedestrians and approaching traffic before turning.
Source: official California driver handbook, PDF p.24 (printed p.18), Right Turn Against a Red Light
3. What does this pentagon-shaped sign indicate?
- A. A hospital zone ahead
- B. A school zone or crossing (correct)
- C. A park or picnic area
- D. A no-passing zone begins ahead
Why: This five-sided (pentagon) yellow-green sign marks a school zone or school crossing. Slow to the posted school-zone speed and watch carefully for children.
Source: Federal MUTCD 11th ed. (Dec 2023) 2A.05, Table 2A-1 Use of Sign Shapes
4. When should you use your windshield wipers?
- A. Only once rain is heavy, to save the blades
- B. Whenever rain, snow or spray blurs your view (correct)
- C. Only when the car's rain sensor turns them on
- D. Only in rain, not for snow or road spray
Why: Use your wipers whenever precipitation or road spray reduces your view. Many states also require your headlights to be on whenever your wipers are in use because of weather.
5. What does an orange-colored sign indicate?
- A. A school zone ahead
- B. A work zone ahead (correct)
- C. A railroad crossing ahead
- D. A hospital zone ahead
Why: Orange signs indicate construction and maintenance work zones. Reduce speed, watch for workers and equipment, and be prepared for changed traffic patterns. Fines are often doubled.
6. If your right wheels drift off the pavement onto the shoulder, you should:
- A. Brake hard and steer back onto the road
- B. Ease off the gas and steer back gently (correct)
- C. Speed up and steer back on right away
- D. Jerk the wheel left to get back at once
Why: If your wheels drift onto the shoulder, do not brake hard or jerk the wheel. Ease off the accelerator, keep a firm grip, and steer back onto the pavement gently once your speed has decreased - this prevents loss of control.
More California facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the California permit practice test page.
California DMV Test Info
- Questions on real test
- Not published by the DMV
- Passing score
- 80%
- Correct needed
- 80% correct
- Minimum age
- 15½ years old
- Testing agency
- Department of Motor Vehicles
More California Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this California DMV Test Simulator once - keep taking it until you score 80% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your DMV exam.