Free California Permit Practice Test 2 (2026)
Real questions from the official California driver handbook, each with a plain-English explanation. Free, unlimited retakes, no signup.
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Get Smart Review & Mock ExamsWhat this test covers
This draw of 20 questions breaks down like this:
- Alcohol, Drugs & the Law — 5
- Licensing & Permits — 4
- Sharing the Road — 3
- Points & Penalties — 2
- Safe Driving — 2
- Speed Limits & Speed Management — 2
- Signaling & Communication — 1
- Vehicle Equipment — 1
Heaviest on Alcohol, Drugs & the Law (5 of 20) — that is the section to revise first if you miss several here.
20 are California-specific questions, drawn from the state handbook rather than general road rules.
Each test on this site draws a different set, so Test 1, 2 and 3 never repeat a question.
Questions on this test
1. When an emergency vehicle approaches with siren/lights, you should:
- Stop in place
- Turn left
- Speed up
- Drive to the right edge and stop until it passes
Show answer
Answer: Drive to the right edge and stop until it passes
Pull to the right edge and stop until it passes (clear the intersection first if you're in one).
2. When a school bus stops with red lights flashing on an undivided road, traffic:
- Only behind stops
- May pass slowly
- In both directions must stop
- Slows to 20
Show answer
Answer: In both directions must stop
Both directions stop for a stopped school bus on an undivided road.
3. By driving in California you consent to:
- A vision test
- Chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI; refusal has penalties
- Insurance ads
- Pay tolls
Show answer
Answer: Chemical testing if lawfully arrested for DUI; refusal has penalties
Driving = implied consent to testing; refusal brings penalties.
4. An applicant under 18 needs a parent/guardian to:
- Pay a fine
- Do nothing
- Sign to approve and accept financial responsibility
- Drive for them
Show answer
Answer: Sign to approve and accept financial responsibility
A parent/guardian must sign to approve and accept financial responsibility.
5. Replace tires when the tread is:
- Worn too low to grip the road
- Clean
- New
- Any brand
Show answer
Answer: Worn too low to grip the road
Worn tread loses traction — replace low tires.
6. For a commercial-license driver in California, the BAC limit is:
- 0.01%
- 0.08%
- 0.10%
- 0.04%
Show answer
Answer: 0.04%
Commercial drivers are limited to 0.04%.
7. In California, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of ___ or higher if you are over 21:
- 0.10%
- 0.05%
- 0.08%
- 0.02%
Show answer
Answer: 0.08%
0.08% or higher is illegal for drivers over 21.
8. You should signal continuously before a turn for at least:
- 10 feet
- 50 feet
- 25 feet
- 100 feet
Show answer
Answer: 100 feet
Signal at least 100 feet before turning.
9. To be licensed in California you must pass a:
- Swim test
- Vision test
- Fitness test
- Hearing test
Show answer
Answer: Vision test
A vision test is required.
10. The safest choice if you'll be drinking is to:
- Use a designated driver or ride
- Wait 10 minutes
- Drive slowly
- Drink coffee
Show answer
Answer: Use a designated driver or ride
Plan a sober ride — never drive impaired.
11. Convictions and collisions stay on your California record for:
- 6 months
- 36 months or longer
- 1 month
- Forever always
Show answer
Answer: 36 months or longer
They remain 36 months or longer depending on the type.
12. California's Basic Speed Law says you must never drive:
- Faster than is safe for current conditions
- Slower than others
- 10 over
- The posted number always
Show answer
Answer: Faster than is safe for current conditions
Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions — even below the posted limit.
13. When passing a bicyclist in California, you should give at least:
- 2 feet
- No room
- 3 feet
- 1 foot
Show answer
Answer: 3 feet
California requires at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist.
14. An adult California driver may be suspended (negligent operator) at:
- No threshold
- 10 points
- 2 points in 12 months
- 4 points in 12 months
Show answer
Answer: 4 points in 12 months
Suspension can occur at 4 points in 12 months (also 6 in 24, 8 in 36).
15. The provisional night/passenger restrictions can be waived if you:
- Have a signed note for a documented need (medical, school, work, family)
- Are a good driver
- Drive slowly
- Just want to
Show answer
Answer: Have a signed note for a documented need (medical, school, work, family)
Exceptions apply with a signed note for documented needs.
16. In California, holding a cell phone to talk or text while driving is:
- Legal on freeways
- Fine at stops
- Illegal — use hands-free
- Legal
Show answer
Answer: Illegal — use hands-free
Hand-held phone use is illegal; use hands-free (and no phone use at all for drivers under 18).
17. While driving you must:
- Carry a copy only
- Memorize it
- Carry your license and show it on request
- Leave your license home
Show answer
Answer: Carry your license and show it on request
Carry and present your license when asked.
18. For a driver under 21 in California, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of:
- 0.01% or higher
- 0.08%
- 0.05%
- 0.02%
Show answer
Answer: 0.01% or higher
Under 21, a BAC of 0.01% or higher is illegal (zero tolerance).
19. Keeping a space cushion around your vehicle helps you:
- Drive faster
- Look important
- Save fuel only
- Have time and room to avoid hazards
Show answer
Answer: Have time and room to avoid hazards
Space gives you time and room to react to problems.
20. The prima facie limit at an alley, blind intersection, or railroad crossing is:
- 10 MPH
- 30 MPH
- 25 MPH
- 15 MPH
Show answer
Answer: 15 MPH
15 MPH applies at alleys, blind intersections, and railroad crossings.