California: Licensing basics — Part 3 Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “How many attempts do you get to pass the knowledge test before you must reapply?” · “What must the driver-side window of your test vehicle be able to do?”
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "California Driver Handbook" (2025), California DMV.
All 18 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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How many attempts do you get to pass the knowledge test before you must reapply?
- One
- Two
- Three
- As many as you want
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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)
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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
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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)
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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)
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Which of these may you use during a DMV knowledge test?
- The California Driver's Handbook
- A cell phone
- Handwritten notes
- None of these
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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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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)
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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)
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What must the driver-side window of your test vehicle be able to do?
- Open
- Lock automatically
- Be tinted
- Close with one hand
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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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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)
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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)
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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)