California: Licensing basics
Age rules, permits, license types, the testing process, and renewals. Split into 4 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
Independent educational site · not affiliated with any government agency or DMV
Choose a part
Licensing basics — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “Before California will issue you a driver's license, which tests must you pass?”
StartLicensing basics — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “While practicing with an instruction permit, how old must the California-licensed driver riding with you be?”
StartLicensing basics — Part 3
Questions in this part include: “How many attempts do you get to pass the knowledge test before you must reapply?”
StartLicensing basics — Part 4
Questions in this part include: “Which signals must you be able to demonstrate before the drive test begins?”
StartAll 72 Licensing basics questions with answers
Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.
Show the questions and answersHide the questions
-
Before California will issue you a driver's license, which tests must you pass?
- The knowledge test and the behind-the-wheel drive test
- Only a written test about road signs and pavement markings
- A first-aid course and a hearing exam
- A mechanical inspection of your own car
Show answer
Correct answer: The knowledge test and the behind-the-wheel drive test
California requires applicants to pass both the knowledge test and the behind-the-wheel drive test, which are based on the material in the driver handbook.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
-
What class of driver's license do most California drivers need for an ordinary passenger vehicle?
- A commercial Class B license
- A Class M license
- Any class, as long as it has not expired
- A noncommercial Class C license
Show answer
Correct answer: A noncommercial Class C license
You must hold the license class that matches your vehicle type; the noncommercial Class C covers the vehicles most people drive, while motorcycles and commercial vehicles need a different class.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
-
Starting in May 2025, when must your California driver's license or ID card be REAL ID compliant?
- Whenever you rent a car or reserve a hotel room through a private company
- To board domestic flights and enter military or most federal facilities
- Only if you plan to drive in another state
- To renew your vehicle registration by mail
Show answer
Correct answer: To board domestic flights and enter military or most federal facilities
A REAL ID compliant card is the identification required for domestic air travel and for entry to military bases and most federal buildings; an ordinary card no longer works for those purposes.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
-
Who is eligible to apply for a California driver's license?
- Only U.S. citizens
- Only residents who have lived in the state for five years
- Only people holding a federal work permit
- California residents, regardless of immigration status
Show answer
Correct answer: California residents, regardless of immigration status
California issues driver's licenses to all of its residents, and immigration status is not a barrier to applying.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
-
What is true about a California identification (ID) card?
- It is issued at any age and does not allow you to drive
- It can be used in place of a driver's license while driving
- It is available only to people 18 and older
- It removes the need to carry vehicle registration
Show answer
Correct answer: It is issued at any age and does not allow you to drive
ID cards are issued to eligible people of any age purely for identification purposes, and they give no driving privileges at all.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
-
Which documents must you provide to get a California ID card?
- A birth certificate, a recent utility bill, and a signed statement from your landlord
- An identity document, residency documents, and your social security number
- A passport and a copy of your driving record
- Two photographs and a signed affidavit
Show answer
Correct answer: An identity document, residency documents, and your social security number
An ID card application requires proof of who you are, proof of where you live, and your social security number.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 1 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 1)
-
You have never been licensed in California or any other state. What must you get before you can take the behind-the-wheel drive test?
- An instruction permit
- A commercial learner's certificate
- A temporary insurance binder
- A letter of readiness from a driving school
Show answer
Correct answer: An instruction permit
Applicants with no existing license from California or another state must first obtain an instruction permit, and only then may they take the drive test.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
-
How many proofs of residency does DMV normally require when you apply for an instruction permit or driver's license?
- None
- One
- Two
- Four
Show answer
Correct answer: Two
The application asks for two documents showing that you live in California, although exceptions may apply in some cases.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
-
When do you need to provide a legal full name document with your application?
- Every time you renew your license or report a change to your mailing address
- When the name on your identity document does not match your application
- Only if you were born outside California
- Only when applying for a commercial license
Show answer
Correct answer: When the name on your identity document does not match your application
A legal full name document proves your current name, and it is required whenever the name on your identity document differs from the name on the application.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
-
What should you know about the application fee for an instruction permit?
- It is refunded if you fail the knowledge test
- It is charged only after you pass every test
- It is non-refundable
- It is waived for applicants under 18
Show answer
Correct answer: It is non-refundable
The application fee is non-refundable, so you do not get it back even if things do not go as planned.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
-
Which tests are part of applying for a Class C instruction permit?
- A knowledge test and a vision test
- A drive test and a hearing test
- A knowledge test and a road-sign drawing test
- A vision test only
Show answer
Correct answer: A knowledge test and a vision test
The permit application steps include passing the required knowledge test or tests and passing a vision test; the drive test comes later, for the license itself.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 2 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 2)
-
What is the minimum age to apply for an instruction permit in California if you are under 18?
- 14 years old
- 15 years old
- 15½ years old
- 16½ years old
Show answer
Correct answer: 15½ years old
A minor cannot apply for an instruction permit until reaching 15½ years of age.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
-
Besides meeting the age requirement, what must an applicant under 18 finish before getting an instruction permit?
- A driver education program
- A defensive driving refresher
- Six months of paid work experience
- A vehicle maintenance course
Show answer
Correct answer: A driver education program
Applicants under 18 must complete a driver education program as one of the conditions for an instruction permit.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
-
Why must a parent or guardian sign the application of an applicant under 18?
- To guarantee the teen will pass the drive test on the first attempt
- To approve the application and accept financial responsibility
- To confirm the teen owns a vehicle
- To register the teen to vote
Show answer
Correct answer: To approve the application and accept financial responsibility
The signature both approves the minor's application and makes the adult financially responsible for the minor's driving.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
-
Your parents share joint custody of you and you are under 18. Who must sign your application?
- Whichever parent you live with most of the time
- Only the parent listed on your birth certificate
- One parent plus an adult witness
- Both parents
Show answer
Correct answer: Both parents
When parents or guardians share joint custody, both of them are required to sign the minor's application.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
-
When may a driver under 18 begin using a new instruction permit?
- Immediately after paying the fee
- After behind-the-wheel training starts and the instructor validates the permit
- Thirty days after the permit is printed
- As soon as a parent or guardian signs the application and pays the required fees
Show answer
Correct answer: After behind-the-wheel training starts and the instructor validates the permit
A minor's permit stays unusable until behind-the-wheel driver training begins and the instructor validates it.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
-
Where can California learners get driver education and driver training?
- Only at a DMV field office
- Only through an online video course approved by the state
- Only from a relative over the age of 25
- At DMV-licensed driving schools and some high schools
Show answer
Correct answer: At DMV-licensed driving schools and some high schools
Both driver education and driver training are offered by driving schools licensed by DMV and by some high schools.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
-
What should you do when you meet a professional driving instructor?
- Ask to see the instructor's ID card
- Ask for a copy of the school's tax records
- Request the instructor's personal driving record
- Sign a liability waiver before the first lesson
Show answer
Correct answer: Ask to see the instructor's ID card
Instructors are required to carry an instructor's ID card, and learners are encouraged to ask to see it.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
-
While practicing with an instruction permit, how old must the California-licensed driver riding with you be?
- At least 18, or 25 for minors
- At least 21 in every case
- Any age, as long as they are licensed
- At least 30 in every case
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 18, or 25 for minors
Practice driving must be supervised by a California-licensed driver who is at least 18, and minors must be supervised by someone at least 25.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
-
Where must the licensed driver who supervises your practice driving sit?
- In the back seat, directly behind you
- Anywhere inside the vehicle
- Close enough to take control of the vehicle
- Outside the vehicle, watching from the curb
Show answer
Correct answer: Close enough to take control of the vehicle
The supervising driver must sit close enough to take control of the vehicle if needed.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
-
What is the minimum age to get a provisional driver's license in California?
- 15½
- 16
- 17
- 18
Show answer
Correct answer: 16
A driver under 18 must be at least 16 years old before a driver's license can be issued.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
-
Before a driver under 18 can schedule the behind-the-wheel drive test, how long must they have held an instruction permit (unless they turn 18 first)?
- 30 days
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 12 months
Show answer
Correct answer: 6 months
A minor must hold a California or out-of-state instruction permit for at least six months, or reach age 18, before the drive test can be scheduled.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
-
An applicant under 18 must prove completion of which program or programs?
- Driver education only
- Driver training only
- Both driver education and driver training
- A traffic violator school course approved by a court
Show answer
Correct answer: Both driver education and driver training
To be licensed before turning 18, an applicant must show proof of finishing driver education and driver training.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
-
How many hours of supervised practice driving must a driver under 18 complete?
- 20 hours
- 30 hours
- 50 hours
- 75 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: 50 hours
Minors must log at least 50 hours of practice with a California-licensed driver who is at least 25 years old.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
-
Of a minor's required supervised practice hours, how many must be driven at night?
- Five
- Ten
- Fifteen
- Twenty
Show answer
Correct answer: Ten
Ten of the 50 required practice hours must take place at night so the new driver gains experience in darkness.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 3 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 3)
-
What word appears on the driver's license of a driver under 18?
- Provisional
- Restricted
- Temporary
- Junior
Show answer
Correct answer: Provisional
A license issued to someone under 18 is marked provisional, which signals that extra restrictions apply.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
-
During the first 12 months with a provisional license, when may you not drive?
- Between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Between midnight and 4 a.m.
- At any time after sunset
Show answer
Correct answer: Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Provisional drivers are barred from driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for their first 12 months of licensed driving.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
-
A provisional driver may not carry passengers under 20 years old unless:
- The trip is shorter than ten miles and stays on local residential streets only
- The passengers are family members
- The drive takes place in daylight
- A parent, guardian, or California-licensed driver at least 25 rides along
Show answer
Correct answer: A parent, guardian, or California-licensed driver at least 25 rides along
Passengers under 20 are only allowed when a parent or guardian, or another California-licensed driver aged 25 or older, is in the vehicle.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
-
Which of these is a provisional driver forbidden to do?
- Drive for pay or operate a commercial Class A, B, or C vehicle
- Drive on a freeway
- Drive outside the county where they live
- Drive a vehicle that has a manual transmission or a towing hitch attached
Show answer
Correct answer: Drive for pay or operate a commercial Class A, B, or C vehicle
Provisional drivers may not be paid to drive and may not operate vehicles that require a commercial Class A, B, or C license.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
-
A minor drives under the medical-need exception. Who must sign the note they carry, and what must it show?
- A pharmacist; the medication being taken
- A school nurse; the days of treatment and the expected dates of absence
- A parent; the name of the clinic
- A physician; the medical condition and expected recovery date
Show answer
Correct answer: A physician; the medical condition and expected recovery date
The medical exception applies only when no reasonable alternative transport exists, and the physician's note must name the condition and the date recovery is expected.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
-
Under the schooling exception, who signs the note a provisional driver must carry?
- A classroom teacher
- The school bus driver
- The district superintendent or a school board member
- The school principal, dean, or their designee
Show answer
Correct answer: The school principal, dean, or their designee
Driving for schooling or a school activity is allowed only with a note signed by the principal, the dean, or a person they designate.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
-
For the work-related exception, what must the provisional driver's note do?
- Be signed by the employer and confirm the job
- List the hourly wage and the scheduled work shifts
- Be renewed every 30 days by DMV
- Be notarized at a DMV office
Show answer
Correct answer: Be signed by the employer and confirm the job
When a minor must drive for work reasons, the note has to be signed by the employer and confirm that the minor is employed.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
-
A minor must drive an immediate family member. The note signed by a parent or legal guardian must state:
- The insurance policy number
- The route that will be taken
- The make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle used
- The reason, the family member, and when the need ends
Show answer
Correct answer: The reason, the family member, and when the need ends
This exception requires a parent or legal guardian's note identifying why the driving is needed, which family member is involved, and the date the need will end.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
-
What can a parent or guardian do if they no longer want their teen to hold a license?
- Nothing until the teen turns 18
- Report the license as stolen
- Ask the teen's school to withdraw its approval
- Submit a request to cancel or surrender the license
Show answer
Correct answer: Submit a request to cancel or surrender the license
A parent or guardian may end the teen's driving privilege by completing the request for cancellation or surrender of the license.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 4 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 4)
-
You take your vision test wearing contact lenses. How does that affect your license?
- It is issued with a corrective lenses restriction
- It is issued for only one year
- Nothing on the license changes
- It is limited to daytime driving within your county
Show answer
Correct answer: It is issued with a corrective lenses restriction
If you pass the vision test with glasses or contacts, DMV adds a corrective lenses restriction, meaning you must wear them whenever you drive.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 5)
-
What happens if you do not pass the DMV vision test?
- Your driving privilege is cancelled permanently and cannot be reinstated later
- You are asked to have an eye doctor complete a vision examination report
- You must retake the knowledge test
- You must wait one year to reapply
Show answer
Correct answer: You are asked to have an eye doctor complete a vision examination report
Failing the vision screening does not end the process; DMV asks your eye doctor to complete a Report of Vision Examination so your eyesight can be evaluated properly.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 5)
-
How many attempts do you get to pass the knowledge test before you must reapply?
- One
- Two
- Three
- As many as you want
Show answer
Correct answer: Three
You are allowed three attempts at the knowledge test; after a third failure the application is finished and you must apply again.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 5)
-
A minor fails the knowledge test. How long must they wait before retaking it?
- Seven days, not counting the day of the failure
- Until the next business day at a DMV field office
- Fourteen days
- Thirty days
Show answer
Correct answer: Seven days, not counting the day of the failure
Minors must wait a full seven days before a retake, and the day the test was failed is not counted in that wait.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 5)
-
When renewing a driver's license, what alternative testing option may be offered?
- A no-fail, self-paced eLearning course with a quiz after each module
- A one-hour live class held at a DMV office
- A practice test that replaces the drive test
- A printed mail-in booklet available only to seniors and disabled drivers
Show answer
Correct answer: A no-fail, self-paced eLearning course with a quiz after each module
eLearning is a no-fail, self-paced interactive course with quizzes after each module, and it can be taken on a computer, tablet, or mobile device.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 5)
-
Which of these may you use during a DMV knowledge test?
- The California Driver's Handbook
- A cell phone
- Handwritten notes
- None of these
Show answer
Correct answer: None of these
Testing aids of any kind, including the handbook and a phone, are banned during the knowledge test.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 5)
-
Who may be required to take a behind-the-wheel drive test when renewing a license?
- Every driver over the age of 60
- Anyone who renews by mail
- Only drivers with commercial licenses
- Drivers with a vision or medical condition
Show answer
Correct answer: Drivers with a vision or medical condition
At renewal, a drive test may be required of drivers who have a vision or medical condition that could affect safe driving.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 5)
-
Why might the examiner give you two instructions at the same time during the drive test?
- To save time on the test route
- To see whether you can understand and follow both
- Because the route must be finished in ten minutes
- To check your hearing
Show answer
Correct answer: To see whether you can understand and follow both
Combined instructions such as turning left at one street and again at the next intersection let the examiner check that you can understand and properly carry out both directions.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 5 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 5)
-
What must you bring with you on the day of your behind-the-wheel drive test?
- A copy of your school transcript
- Two passport-size photographs
- A receipt showing a recent smog check and a recent oil change
- Valid proof of insurance and vehicle registration
Show answer
Correct answer: Valid proof of insurance and vehicle registration
Along with your permit and a vehicle that is safe to drive, you must present valid proof of insurance and current vehicle registration.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
-
You plan to use a rental car for the drive test. What must be true?
- The rental must be less than two years old
- The rental company must send one of its representatives to ride along during the test
- Your name must be on the contract, and the contract must not exclude drive tests
- The rental must be insured directly by DMV
Show answer
Correct answer: Your name must be on the contract, and the contract must not exclude drive tests
A rental vehicle is acceptable only if the applicant is named on the rental contract and that contract does not exclude behind-the-wheel drive tests.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
-
A minor fails the behind-the-wheel drive test. How long must they wait to retake it?
- Seven days
- Ten days
- Fourteen days, not counting the day of the failure
- Thirty days, counted from the day the test was failed
Show answer
Correct answer: Fourteen days, not counting the day of the failure
The waiting period for a minor to retake a failed drive test is 14 days, and the day of the failure is not included in the count.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
-
What must the driver-side window of your test vehicle be able to do?
- Open
- Lock automatically
- Be tinted
- Close with one hand
Show answer
Correct answer: Open
Before the drive test, the examiner checks that the window on the driver side opens.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
-
Why can a cracked windshield be a problem on drive-test day?
- It lowers the vehicle's resale value
- It requires a police report
- It adds an extra fee to the test
- It may cause your test to be postponed
Show answer
Correct answer: It may cause your test to be postponed
The windshield must give you and the examiner a full, clear, unblocked view, so cracks can lead to the test being postponed.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
-
How many rearview mirrors must your drive-test vehicle have?
- One, anywhere on the vehicle
- At least two, one of them on the left side
- Three, including an interior mirror
- Mirrors are not checked
Show answer
Correct answer: At least two, one of them on the left side
A test vehicle needs at least two rearview mirrors, and one of them has to be on the left side of the vehicle.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
-
What is checked about the brake lights before the drive test?
- That they are red and amber
- That both the right and the left light work
- That they were replaced within the past year
- That they flash during hard braking
Show answer
Correct answer: That both the right and the left light work
Before the drive test, both the right and the left brake lights must be operational.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
-
What is the minimum tire tread depth allowed on a drive-test vehicle?
- 1/16 inch
- 1/8 inch
- 1/32 inch of uniform tread
- There is no minimum requirement
Show answer
Correct answer: 1/32 inch of uniform tread
Tires on the test vehicle must have at least 1/32 inch of uniform tread depth.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
-
May you take the drive test with a donut (compact temporary) spare tire on the vehicle?
- Yes, if it is properly inflated
- Yes, but only on a rear wheel
- Yes, for tests shorter than 15 minutes
- No, a donut tire is not allowed
Show answer
Correct answer: No, a donut tire is not allowed
Donut spare tires are not permitted during a behind-the-wheel drive test, so the vehicle must be on its normal tires.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
-
How much clearance must there be between the bottom of the brake pedal and the floorboard when the pedal is pressed?
- At least one inch
- At least three inches
- No clearance is needed
- Exactly half an inch
Show answer
Correct answer: At least one inch
When the brake pedal is pressed, there must be at least one inch of clearance between its bottom and the floorboard.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
-
From how far away must your vehicle's horn be able to be heard?
- 50 feet
- 100 feet
- 200 feet
- 500 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 200 feet
The horn must be the one designed for the vehicle, in working order, and loud enough to be heard from at least 200 feet away.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
-
What will the examiner ask you to demonstrate about the parking brake?
- How to set and release it
- The date it was last serviced
- That it holds the car on a ten percent grade
- That it is connected to the front wheels
Show answer
Correct answer: How to set and release it
During the pre-drive check you must show that you know how to set the emergency (parking) brake and how to release it.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
-
Which signals must you be able to demonstrate before the drive test begins?
- Left turn, right turn, and slowing or stopping
- Left turn and hazard lights
- Right turn and high beams
- Reverse lights, parking lights, and the hazard flashers
Show answer
Correct answer: Left turn, right turn, and slowing or stopping
You must show the turn or arm signals for a left turn, a right turn, and for slowing down or stopping.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
-
What is the rule about seat belts during a behind-the-wheel drive test?
- Only the driver needs to wear one
- They are optional in older vehicles that have lap belts only
- They may be unbuckled during parallel parking
- They must all work and be worn by everyone in the vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: They must all work and be worn by everyone in the vehicle
Every seat belt in the test vehicle must be in proper working order and actually worn by each person riding in the car.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
-
Your vehicle does not meet the DMV's requirements on test day. What happens?
- You may take the test in the examiner's car
- Your drive test is rescheduled
- You get a warning and are tested anyway
- Your application is cancelled
Show answer
Correct answer: Your drive test is rescheduled
If the vehicle fails the pre-drive inspection, the examiner cannot proceed and the drive test is rescheduled for another day.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 6 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 6)
-
When may an interpreter assist you with your behind-the-wheel test?
- During the drive test, from the back seat
- During the pre-drive inspection only
- At any point, including while you are driving
- Never, under any circumstance
Show answer
Correct answer: During the pre-drive inspection only
An interpreter may help you identify and use vehicle controls during the pre-drive inspection, but may not ride along during the drive test itself.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 7 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 7)
-
Who is normally allowed to ride with you during the behind-the-wheel drive test?
- A parent or guardian
- Your driving instructor
- Any licensed adult you choose
- Only the DMV examiner
Show answer
Correct answer: Only the DMV examiner
Only the examiner may accompany you on the drive test. Exceptions are made for training, service animals, and certain law enforcement situations.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 7 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 7)
-
What is the rule about recording devices during the drive test?
- Audio recording is allowed throughout the test, but video recording is never allowed
- They are permitted if the examiner agrees
- They are required for safety reasons
- They are prohibited, and a device that cannot be turned off must be blocked
Show answer
Correct answer: They are prohibited, and a device that cannot be turned off must be blocked
No recording device may capture video or audio during the drive test, and a device that cannot be powered off or disabled has to be covered or blocked.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 7 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 7)
-
Which vehicle features are NOT permitted during the behind-the-wheel drive test?
- Power steering, power door locks, and any form of automatic transmission
- Automated parallel parking, lane departure, and adaptive cruise control
- Anti-lock brakes
- Air conditioning
Show answer
Correct answer: Automated parallel parking, lane departure, and adaptive cruise control
The test measures your own driving skill, not the car's technology, so advanced driver assistance systems may not be used.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 7 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 7)
-
How should you treat a backup camera or blind spot monitor during the drive test?
- You may use it, but still check your mirrors and blind spots yourself
- You must cover it before the test begins
- You may rely on it completely instead of turning your head to look behind
- It disqualifies the vehicle from testing
Show answer
Correct answer: You may use it, but still check your mirrors and blind spots yourself
Vehicle safety technology is allowed on the test, but it never replaces an actual visual check of your mirrors and blind spots.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 7 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 7)
-
How soon must you notify DMV after you move to a new address?
- Within five days
- Within ten days
- Within thirty days
- At your next renewal
Show answer
Correct answer: Within ten days
You are responsible for keeping DMV's records accurate, and a change of address must be reported within ten days of moving.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
-
What happens to your license card when you report a change of address?
- DMV mails you a new card automatically
- The old card becomes invalid at once
- No new card is issued, but you may pay for a replacement
- You must surrender the card until a new one arrives
Show answer
Correct answer: No new card is issued, but you may pay for a replacement
Changing your address does not produce a new license card automatically; if you want one showing the new address you must request a replacement and pay the fee.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
-
What does California law say about driving with an expired driver's license?
- It is allowed for 30 days after expiration
- It is allowed if you carry the renewal notice
- It is allowed within your home county
- It is against the law
Show answer
Correct answer: It is against the law
Driving on an expired license is illegal, so you must renew before the expiration date on the card.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
-
Your driver's license and your identity document expire on the same date. What will DMV require?
- A valid identity document
- A new photograph only
- A second behind-the-wheel drive test
- A notarized statement from a witness
Show answer
Correct answer: A valid identity document
DMV cannot renew a license on an expired identity document, so you must present a current, valid one before the card is issued.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
-
A driver under 18 is replacing a lost driver's license. What does the application need?
- A police report number
- A school enrollment letter
- A newly issued social security card
- A parent or guardian signature
Show answer
Correct answer: A parent or guardian signature
Minors still need a parent or guardian to sign when they renew or replace a driver's license.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
-
You receive a replacement license and later find your old card. What should you do?
- Keep it as a backup form of identification
- Mail it to the Secretary of State
- Destroy it, because it is no longer valid
- Carry both cards together
Show answer
Correct answer: Destroy it, because it is no longer valid
Once a replacement card is issued, the old card stops being valid, so it should be destroyed if you find it.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
-
You are out of state and cannot renew your California license. What may you request?
- A permanent waiver of renewal
- A one-year extension, requested before the license expires
- A license from the state you are visiting
- An automatic six-month grace period after the expiration date
Show answer
Correct answer: A one-year extension, requested before the license expires
Drivers away from California may ask DMV for a one-year extension, but the request must be submitted before the license expires and must include their identifying details and both addresses.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
-
Which drivers are NOT eligible for the out-of-state renewal extension?
- Drivers over the age of 70
- Drivers who also hold a commercial license
- Drivers who have moved more than once in a year
- Holders of a limited-term driver's license
Show answer
Correct answer: Holders of a limited-term driver's license
Limited-term driver's licenses are specifically excluded from the one-year out-of-state extension.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 8 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 8)
-
Why does the handbook say good eyesight matters behind the wheel?
- It is only required of drivers over 70, who must pass an extra vision screening at every renewal appointment.
- Good vision removes the need to use your mirrors.
- It only matters on freeways.
- You must see hazards in different light, judge distances, and read road signs.
Show answer
Correct answer: You must see hazards in different light, judge distances, and read road signs.
Your vision must let you spot hazards in varied lighting, judge distances, adjust to traffic speed, and read road signs.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)
-
Physicians must report certain patients to DMV. From what age does this duty apply?
- 14 years old
- 18 years old
- 16 years old
- 21 years old
Show answer
Correct answer: 14 years old
Doctors must report patients aged 14 or older who have medical conditions, such as a lapse of consciousness, that could affect safe driving.
Source: California Driver Handbook (2025), page 9 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 9)