Free California Permit Practice Test 3 (2026)
Real questions from the official California driver handbook, each with a plain-English explanation. Free, unlimited retakes, no signup.
Smart Review drills only the questions you get wrong. Full-length mock exams in the real format. Progress saved on every device — and the same account unlocks the mobile app.
Get Smart Review & Mock ExamsWhat this test covers
This draw of 20 questions breaks down like this:
- Traffic Signs & Signals — 5
- Right-of-Way & Intersections — 3
- Vehicle Equipment — 3
- Adverse Conditions — 2
- Sharing the Road — 2
- Alcohol, Drugs & the Law — 1
- Emergencies & Crashes — 1
- Licensing & Permits — 1
- Signaling & Communication — 1
- Traffic Lanes, Passing & Turning — 1
Heaviest on Traffic Signs & Signals (5 of 20) — that is the section to revise first if you miss several here.
5 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. The only thing that lowers your BAC is:
- Food
- Coffee
- A shower
- Time
Show answer
Answer: Time
Only time removes alcohol from your body.
2. If an emergency vehicle approaches while you're in an intersection, you should:
- Reverse
- Continue through, then pull right and stop
- Stop in the intersection
- Turn around
Show answer
Answer: Continue through, then pull right and stop
Clear the intersection first, then pull to the right and stop.
3. California law requires:
- The driver and all passengers to be buckled
- Nothing
- Only front seat at night
- Only kids
Show answer
Answer: The driver and all passengers to be buckled
Everyone must buckle up in California.
4. To ride a motorcycle in California you need:
- Nothing extra
- A car license only
- A Class M license/endorsement
- A CDL
Show answer
Answer: A Class M license/endorsement
A Class M license is required for motorcycles.
5. California child-restraint law requires proper car seats/boosters for:
- Young children by age/height/weight
- No one
- Only infants
- Only on freeways
Show answer
Answer: Young children by age/height/weight
Young children must be in appropriate child restraints.
6. If your right wheels drift onto the shoulder, you should:
- Ease off the gas and steer back gently when it's safe
- Speed up
- Jerk the wheel back onto the road
- Brake hard
Show answer
Answer: Ease off the gas and steer back gently when it's safe
Don't jerk the wheel — slow down and steer back onto the pavement smoothly.
7. An orange diamond reading REDUCED SPEED AHEAD tells you to:
- Turn around
- Stop and park
- Speed up
- Reduce your speed for the work zone ahead
Show answer
Answer: Reduce your speed for the work zone ahead
Orange reduced-speed signs mean slow down for the upcoming work zone.
8. A blue sign with an 'H' or a bed symbol tells you:
- A speed limit
- Where to find services like hospitals or lodging
- A construction zone
- A warning
Show answer
Answer: Where to find services like hospitals or lodging
Blue guide signs point to services — hospitals, lodging, gas, food.
9. What does this sign mean?
- A sharp turn to the right ahead
- No right turn
- A gentle curve
- Right lane ends
Show answer
Answer: A sharp turn to the right ahead
A sharp-turn (right-angle) arrow warns of a sharp turn ahead — slow down considerably.
10. At a four-way stop, if the driver to your right stopped just before you, then:
- You both go
- The driver on the right goes first
- You go first
- Largest vehicle goes
Show answer
Answer: The driver on the right goes first
First to stop goes first; here the right-hand driver stopped first, so they proceed.
11. In strong crosswinds (or when passing a large truck), you should:
- Brake hard
- Keep a firm grip on the wheel and be ready to steer to stay in your lane
- Drive on the shoulder
- Speed up
Show answer
Answer: Keep a firm grip on the wheel and be ready to steer to stay in your lane
Grip the wheel firmly and correct gently for gusts, especially near trucks and open areas.
12. A blind pedestrian pulls in their cane and steps back from the curb. This may mean:
- They want you to go
- Honk
- Speed up
- You should still proceed with caution and be ready to yield
Show answer
Answer: You should still proceed with caution and be ready to yield
Never assume; proceed carefully and be ready to yield to a pedestrian who may still cross.
13. A motorcycle's small size can make it:
- Slower to stop
- Louder
- Easier to see
- Appear farther away and moving slower than it is
Show answer
Answer: Appear farther away and moving slower than it is
Motorcycles look farther and slower than they are — misjudging this causes crashes. Look twice.
14. A blue sign with a fork-and-knife or bed symbol indicates:
- A rest stop closed
- A warning
- A hospital only
- Food or lodging services nearby
Show answer
Answer: Food or lodging services nearby
Blue service signs use symbols for food, lodging, gas, and other services.
15. Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle can result in:
- Nothing
- A reward
- A discount
- A citation and endangering lives
Show answer
Answer: A citation and endangering lives
Not yielding to emergency vehicles is illegal and dangerous.
16. You must dim your high beams when:
- Only in cities
- Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or 300 feet behind one
- Never
- Only when tired
Show answer
Answer: Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or 300 feet behind one
Lower your high beams within 500 ft of oncoming traffic and 300 ft when following.
17. In heavy fog you should use:
- Hazard lights while driving fast
- High beams
- No lights
- Low beams and reduce speed
Show answer
Answer: Low beams and reduce speed
Low beams cut through fog better; high beams reflect back. Slow down.
18. Another driver is passing you. You should:
- Move left to block them
- Stay in your lane and do not increase your speed
- Brake hard
- Speed up so they can't pass
Show answer
Answer: Stay in your lane and do not increase your speed
When being passed, keep a steady speed (or slow slightly) and stay in your lane.
19. What does this blue sign with a wheelchair symbol indicate?
- A bus stop
- Parking reserved for people with disabilities
- A hospital
- A ramp
Show answer
Answer: Parking reserved for people with disabilities
The blue wheelchair sign marks disabled parking — a valid permit is required.
20. Windshield wipers are required so that you can:
- Look cool
- Pass inspection only
- Save the glass
- Keep the windshield clear in rain
Show answer
Answer: Keep the windshield clear in rain
Wipers must be in good working order to keep your view clear in bad weather.