California DMV Knowledge Test
Safe driving: practice questions
Our California DMV bank has 20 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
Can you get a ticket if a passenger under 16 isn't wearing a seat belt?
- No, only the passenger is responsible
- Only on highways
- Only if a collision happens
- Yes, the driver can be ticketed
Show the answer
D. Yes, the driver can be ticketed — Everyone must wear seat belts.
Question 2
When should you use your horn on a narrow mountain road?
- Never on mountain roads
- When you can't see at least 200 feet ahead
- Only when another car is close behind you
- Every time you start a curve
Show the answer
B. When you can't see at least 200 feet ahead — It alerts oncoming traffic.
Question 3
How should you handle a call on your cell phone while driving?
- Answer on speaker by holding the phone in your lap below the window
- Slow down below the limit while talking
- Hold the phone and keep the call short
- Let it go to voicemail, or pull safely off the road first
Show the answer
D. Let it go to voicemail, or pull safely off the road first — Hand-held phone use is illegal.
Question 4
May you leave a child aged six or younger alone in a vehicle?
- Yes, if a window is open
- Yes, for up to 15 minutes
- Yes, if the engine is off
- No, unless supervised by someone at least 12 years old
Show the answer
D. No, unless supervised by someone at least 12 years old — Hot cars can kill quickly.
Question 5
When must you dim your high beams for an oncoming vehicle?
- Within 100 feet
- Only when it flashes its lights
- Within 500 feet
- Within 1,000 feet
Show the answer
C. Within 500 feet — Dim them within 300 feet when following a vehicle.