California: Driving record & points Practice Test
How points on your record work and when your license can be suspended.
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "California Driver Handbook" (2025), California DMV.
All 15 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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What can be the basis for DMV ordering a driver reexamination?
- Reaching a certain age, such as 70 years old
- A physical or mental condition, or a poor driving record
- Driving an older vehicle that has failed a smog check
- Living in a rural area far from any major city
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Correct answer: A physical or mental condition, or a poor driving record
A reexamination is based on a physical or mental condition or a poor driving record. Age alone is never the reason.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 80 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 80)
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After reviewing a driver's case, what may DMV do?
- Only revoke the license, with no other option
- Refer the driver to court for sentencing
- Require a knowledge, vision, or driving test
- Nothing without the driver's written permission
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Correct answer: Require a knowledge, vision, or driving test
DMV has a range of options, from requesting medical records or testing up to immediate suspension when public safety is at risk, and it may also decide to take no action.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 80 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 80)
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You receive a Notice of Priority Reexamination of Driver with the top box checked. What must you do?
- Contact DMV within five working days
- Mail the form back within 30 days
- Wait for DMV to contact you
- Appear in traffic court within 10 days
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Correct answer: Contact DMV within five working days
The checked top box starts a five-working-day clock. If you do not contact DMV in that time, your driving privilege is suspended automatically.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 81 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 81)
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When you sign a traffic ticket, what are you agreeing to?
- That you admit guilt for the violation
- That you will appear in traffic court
- That you will pay the fine within 24 hours
- That you will attend traffic school within a week
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Correct answer: That you will appear in traffic court
Signing a traffic ticket is a promise to appear in traffic court.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
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What can happen if you fail to appear (FTA) in traffic court after signing a ticket?
- DMV may suspend your driving privilege until you appear
- Your vehicle registration is automatically canceled
- Your insurance company is notified immediately
- Nothing happens until your next license renewal
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Correct answer: DMV may suspend your driving privilege until you appear
A failure to appear can lead DMV to suspend your driving privilege until you appear in court, and the FTA itself goes on your driver's record.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 54 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 54)
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Whose traffic convictions can be added to your California driver's record?
- Only convictions from California courts
- Only convictions for violations while driving a rented vehicle
- Convictions reported by other states and by juvenile court
- Only convictions involving a collision
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Correct answer: Convictions reported by other states and by juvenile court
Convictions reported by other states and by juvenile court are also added to your California driver's record, not just California convictions.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 54 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 54)
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About how long do traffic convictions and collisions stay on your driver's record?
- 6 months
- 12 months
- 36 months or longer, depending on the type
- They are removed after you pay the fine
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Correct answer: 36 months or longer, depending on the type
Traffic convictions and collisions stay on your record for 36 months or longer, depending on the type of conviction.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 54 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 54)
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Which point total on an adult's driver's record can lead to a license suspension?
- 2 points in 6 months
- 4 points in 12 months
- 3 points in 12 months
- 3 points in 36 months
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Correct answer: 4 points in 12 months
An adult's license may be suspended at 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 54 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 54)
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Besides 4 points in 12 months, which other point totals can also lead to a license suspension for an adult driver?
- 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months
- 5 points in 18 months, or 7 points in 30 months
- 3 points in 24 months only
- There are no other point totals besides 4 in 12 months
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Correct answer: 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months
The three suspension thresholds are 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, and 8 points in 36 months.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 54 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 54)
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If a judge offers you traffic violator school for a one-point violation, what is the benefit of attending?
- The violation is not reported to your insurer but stays on your record
- The violation is completely erased from your driver's record
- You are refunded the full amount of the fine
- Your license is upgraded automatically
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Correct answer: The violation is not reported to your insurer but stays on your record
Traffic violator school keeps the citation off your insurance report, but it still remains on your driver's record.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 54 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 54)
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How often can you use the traffic violator school option to keep a one-point violation off your insurance report?
- As many times as you want
- Once in any 18-month period
- Once per calendar year
- Only once in your lifetime
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Correct answer: Once in any 18-month period
You may choose traffic violator school for a one-point violation once in any 18-month period.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 54 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 54)
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What is a driver with too many points on their record considered by DMV?
- A negligent driver
- A commercial driver automatically
- Exempt from further point accumulation
- Eligible for an automatic license upgrade
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Correct answer: A negligent driver
Too many points makes you a negligent driver, and DMV can place you on probation, suspend, or revoke your driving privilege.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 54 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 54)
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If DMV takes action against your driving privilege due to points, what right do you have?
- The right to a hearing
- An automatic 90-day grace period with no consequences
- A one-time waiver of all points
- The right to transfer the points to another driver
Show answer
Correct answer: The right to a hearing
DMV must notify you in writing of any action against your driving privilege and inform you of your right to a hearing.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 54 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 54)
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For which of these will DMV revoke your driving privilege?
- A conviction for hit-and-run or reckless driving that caused injury
- A single parking ticket
- Failing a smog check
- Letting your vehicle registration lapse by one day or more
Show answer
Correct answer: A conviction for hit-and-run or reckless driving that caused injury
DMV will revoke your driving privilege if you are convicted of a hit-and-run or of reckless driving that resulted in injury.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 54 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 54)
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What must you show to apply for a replacement driver's license at the end of a suspension or revocation?
- Proof of financial responsibility, such as SR 22/SR 1P
- A letter of recommendation from your employer
- A certificate of completion from driving school only
- Proof that you sold your vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Proof of financial responsibility, such as SR 22/SR 1P
At the end of a suspension or revocation, you must show proof of financial responsibility, such as an SR 22 or SR 1P, before you can apply for a replacement license.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 54 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 54)