California: Licensing basics — Part 4 Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “Which signals must you be able to demonstrate before the drive test begins?” · “What happens to your license card when you report a change of address?”
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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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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
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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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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)
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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)
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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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)