Free California DMV Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 3 2026
This Practice Test 3 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. These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the DMV tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
You are stopped at a steady red light and no sign prohibits turning. What must you do before you turn right?
What's on the California Practice Test 3
The DMV does not publish how many questions are on the real California knowledge test, and to pass you need 80% correct. Practice Test 3 is a 25-question set drawn from 53 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 16
- Traffic laws 15
- Safe driving 8
- Alcohol & drugs 4
- Emergencies 4
- Parking 2
- Vehicle equipment 2
- Speed limits 1
- Right of way 1
53 questions in the pool, 10 of them written specifically for California. Each attempt shows 25 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. California law makes it illegal to follow a fire engine, ambulance or police vehicle with its siren or flashing lights on within how many feet?
- A. 100 feet
- B. 300 feet (correct)
- C. 500 feet
- D. 1,000 feet
Why: Stay more than 300 feet behind any emergency vehicle that is using its siren or flashing lights. Following closer is against the law and can put you in the way of rescue crews.
Source: official California driver handbook, p.45 (PDF p.51), Emergency Vehicles
2. In California, you should never make a U-turn:
- A. On any street at any time
- B. When you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction (correct)
- C. Across a double yellow line when it is safe
- D. At an intersection on a green light when no sign prohibits it
Why: California prohibits U-turns wherever you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction. U-turns are also banned where a NO U-TURN sign is posted, on a one-way street, at a railroad crossing, in front of a fire station, and in business districts except at an intersection or a divider opening. U-turns across a double yellow line, or at an intersection on a green light, are allowed when safe.
Source: official California driver handbook, PDF p.26 (printed p.20), U-TURN
3. The single most effective way to avoid an alcohol-related crash is to:
- A. Drink coffee and wait 30 minutes before driving
- B. Drive slowly and stay in the right lane
- C. Not drive at all after drinking any alcohol (correct)
- D. Stay under 0.08% by counting your drinks
Why: There is no safe way to drive after drinking. The only sure prevention is to not drive at all after consuming alcohol - arrange a designated sober driver, taxi, or rideshare instead.
4. You are on a freeway on-ramp and the ramp meter signal shows red. What should you do?
- A. Merge carefully if the freeway looks clear
- B. Stop at the line and wait for green (correct)
- C. Slow down but keep rolling onto the freeway
- D. Use the shoulder to go around the signal
Why: A ramp meter works like a traffic light. Stop at the stop line on red and go when it turns green, then speed up to merge.
5. You are driving at 60 mph on a highway. How many feet does your vehicle travel per second?
- A. 44 feet
- B. 66 feet
- C. 88 feet (correct)
- D. 100 feet
Why: At 60 mph, a vehicle travels about 88 feet per second (60 x 5,280 / 3,600 = 88). Understanding stopping distances is critical - at 60 mph you need approximately 300 feet to stop.
6. A front tire blows out while you are driving on the highway. When should you start using the brakes?
- A. Right away, pressing the pedal as hard as you can
- B. As soon as the car starts to pull to one side
- C. After the car has slowed and is under control (correct)
- D. Immediately, using quick hard pumps of the pedal
Why: Braking hard during a blowout can make you lose control. Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, let the car slow down, and brake gently only once it is under 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 Practice Test 3 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.