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Driver Licensing

California Driver's Knowledge Test Practice Test

The California Driver's Knowledge Test covers traffic laws and safe-driving decisions needed to operate a passenger vehicle. This practice set includes interpreting pavement markings, signaling, headlight use, parking on hills, yielding to emergency vehicles, and responding to hazards such as tire failure, stopped vehicles, curves, and school buses.

Exam overview

Exam providerCalifornia Department of Motor Vehicles
Exam codeNot listed
CategoryDriver Licensing

About the California Driver's Knowledge Test Exam

Safe driving depends on reading the road early and choosing actions that preserve space and control. Pavement markings indicate when passing or crossing the centerline may be restricted; turn signals communicate lane changes and turns to other road users. Headlight choices affect visibility and glare, while wheel direction when parking on a grade helps keep a vehicle from rolling into traffic. Other scenarios test yielding to emergency vehicles, managing speed through curves, and creating extra following distance behind trucks that may roll backward on an incline. Hazard-response decisions include maintaining control after sudden tire pressure loss, approaching a vehicle stopped on the shoulder cautiously, and responding correctly to a school bus displaying red lights. These situations call for recognizing changing conditions, anticipating other road users’ actions, and selecting a safe, lawful response.

Sample Practice Questions

Review a selection from this exam's published US Practice Tests practice bank.

Question 1

You are driving on a two-lane road and see a solid yellow line on your side of the centerline. What does it generally mean?

  1. APassing across the centerline is not permitted from your lane
  2. BPassing is permitted if you signal first
  3. CThe lane is about to become one-way
  4. DYou must stop before the next intersection
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline generally means you may not pass by crossing it. Observe the full set of pavement markings and signs, since markings can vary by roadway.

Question 2

When should you use your turn signal before turning or changing lanes?

  1. AOnly if another vehicle is directly behind you
  2. BEarly enough to give other road users time to respond, and in accordance with applicable law
  3. CAfter you begin moving into the turn or lane
  4. DOnly at intersections with traffic signals
Show answerCorrect answer: B

Signal in advance of a turn or lane change so others have time to understand your intention. Signaling does not give you the right to move if the maneuver is unsafe.

Question 3

At night, an oncoming vehicle is approaching while you are using high-beam headlights. What should you do?

  1. AKeep high beams on until the vehicle passes
  2. BSwitch to low beams to avoid glare
  3. CFlash high beams repeatedly
  4. DTurn off all headlights
Show answerCorrect answer: B

Switching to low beams helps prevent glare from impairing the oncoming driver's vision and improves safety for both vehicles.

Question 4

You are parked facing uphill beside a curb. Which way should you turn your front wheels before leaving the vehicle?

  1. AToward the curb
  2. BAway from the curb
  3. CStraight ahead
  4. DEither direction, as long as the parking brake is set
Show answerCorrect answer: B

When parking uphill beside a curb, turn the front wheels away from the curb. If the vehicle rolls backward, the curb can help stop it. Set the parking brake as well.

Question 5

You hear a siren nearby but cannot yet see the emergency vehicle. What should you do?

  1. AStop immediately in your lane
  2. BContinue normally because the vehicle is not visible
  3. CLook carefully, avoid blocking intersections, and be prepared to yield when its approach is clear
  4. DDrive faster until you reach the next intersection
Show answerCorrect answer: C

A siren may come from a vehicle that is obscured or approaching from another direction. Look carefully and be prepared to yield, while avoiding sudden actions that could create a hazard or block an intersection.

Question 6

A tire suddenly loses air while you are driving. What is the safest initial response?

  1. AGrip the steering wheel firmly and ease off the accelerator
  2. BSlam on the brakes and steer sharply toward the shoulder
  3. CAccelerate briefly to stabilize the vehicle
  4. DShift into reverse to slow down
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A firm grip and gradual reduction in speed help maintain control after a sudden tire failure. Avoid abrupt braking or steering, then move to a safe place when the vehicle is under control.

Question 7

A large truck is stopped on an uphill grade. Why should you leave extra space behind it?

  1. AThe truck may roll backward briefly as it starts moving
  2. BThe truck is required to reverse before moving forward
  3. CThe truck's brake lights may stay on after it moves
  4. DThe truck will always accelerate faster than a car
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A heavy vehicle may roll back slightly when starting uphill. Leaving space reduces the risk of a collision and gives you room to respond.

How to use this practice test

Practice is free. The question bank contains 30 published questions; each session presents up to 20 selected at random. After completing a session, review the displayed results and revisit the traffic situations or decisions you missed.

Preparation tips

  • For each pavement-marking scenario, identify which line is nearest your vehicle and what that line means for crossing or passing.
  • Practice giving clear turn-signal lead time, switching from high beams when an oncoming vehicle approaches, and choosing the correct wheel direction for uphill curb parking.
  • For emergency vehicles, stalled vehicles, and sudden tire failure, focus on actions that maintain control, provide space, and avoid abrupt movements.
  • Compare the hazards around curves, uphill trucks, and school buses; identify how speed, following distance, road layout, and warning signals affect your response.
Official sourceOfficial exam page ↗