California permit test numbers to know

Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 68 California numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.

Numbers quiz

12 questions a round from the 54 number questions in our California bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.

Free and unlimited. Your answers count toward your readiness and mistake review.

Numbers flashcards

54 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.

Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.

See 3 of the cards
  • Alcohol & drugs

    If you are 21 or older, at what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is it illegal to drive a regular car in California?

    0.08% or higher

    For drivers 21 and older in a regular vehicle, the per se limit is 0.08% BAC.

    California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 79

  • Fines, points & penalties

    As an adult California driver, which point total can lead to a license suspension as a negligent operator?

    4 points in 12 months

    California counts points over rolling periods: 4 points in 12 months, 6 in 24 months, or 8 in 36 months can lead to suspension.

    California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 60

  • Speed limits

    Unless signs say otherwise, what is the maximum speed limit on most California highways?

    65 mph

    Unless otherwise posted, the maximum on most California highways is 65 mph.

    California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 73

Every California number, by topic

Official test facts and California laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.

Alcohol & drugs

12 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.08%Legal BAC limit for adult driversleginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Quote
It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.
0.01%BAC limit for drivers under 21leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Quote
it is unlawful for a person under the age of 21 years who has a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent or greater, as measured by a preliminary alcohol screening test or other chemical test, to drive a vehicle.
0.04%BAC limit in a commercial vehicleleginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Quote
It is unlawful for a person who has 0.04 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in Section 15210.
96 hours to 6 months, $390 to $1,000, six-monthDrunk driving (DUI)96 hours to 6 months in county jail, a fine of $390 to $1,000, and a six-month license suspension that ends only after proof of insurance and completion of a DUI programleginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Quote
that person shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not less than 96 hours, at least 48 hours of which shall be continuous, nor more than six months, and by a fine of not less than three hundred ninety dollars ($390), nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
one yearDrunk driving (DUI)DMV suspends the driving privilege for one yearleginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Quote
Suspend the person’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle for a period of one year.
0.08%If you are 21 or older, at what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is it illegal to drive a regular car in California?Answer: 0.08% or higherCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 79
Quote
It is illegal for you to drive if you have a BAC of: • 0.08% or higher if you are over 21 years old.
0.01%What is the legal BAC limit for a California driver under 21?Answer: 0.01% or higher is illegalCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 79
Quote
0.01% or higher if you are under 21 years old.
0.04%You are 30 and drive for a rideshare company. While carrying a paying passenger, what BAC is illegal for you?Answer: 0.04% or higherCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 79
Quote
• 0.04% or higher if you drive a vehicle that requires a commercial driver's license. • 0.04% or higher if you are driving a passenger for hire.
one yearAn officer suspects you of DUI and asks you to take a chemical test, but you refuse. What will DMV do?Answer: Suspend or revoke your driving privilege for one yearCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 78
Quote
If you refuse to take one, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege for one year.
10 daysYou were arrested for DUI and the officer took your license. How long do you have to request a DMV administrative hearing?Answer: 10 days from the date of your arrestCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 80
Quote
You may request a DMV administrative hearing within 10 days from the date of your arrest.
0.05%A 19-year-old driver takes a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) test. At what result may the officer require a further breath or blood test?Answer: 0.05% or higherCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 81
Quote
If your PAS shows a BAC of 0.05% or higher, the officer may require you to take a breath or blood test.
10 yearsHow long does a DUI conviction stay on your California driver record?Answer: 10 yearsCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 80
Quote
All DUI convictions remain on your driver's record for 10 years.

Fines, points & penalties

8 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$20, $50Phone useInfraction with a base fine of $20 for a first offense and $50 for each later offenseleginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Quote
A violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a base fine of twenty dollars ($20) for a first offense and fifty dollars ($50) for each subsequent offense.
$50Move Over lawFine up to $50leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Quote
A violation of subdivision (a) is an infraction, punishable by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50).
4 points, 12 monthsAs an adult California driver, which point total can lead to a license suspension as a negligent operator?Answer: 4 points in 12 monthsCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 60
Quote
• 4 points in 12 months. • 6 points in 24 months. • 8 points in 36 months.
18-monthA judge offers you traffic violator school for a one-point ticket. What does completing it do, and how often can you use it?Answer: Keeps the ticket from your insurer; allowed once in any 18-month periodCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 60
Quote
attend a traffic violator school to have the citation not reported to your insurance company but remain on your driver's record. You can do this once in any 18-month period.
$30,000, $60,000, $15,000What are the minimum liability insurance amounts California requires?Answer: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per crash, $15,000 property damageCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 82
Quote
• $30,000 for a single death or injury. • $60,000 for death or injury to more than one person. • $15,000 for property damage.
$1,000, one-yearWhat penalty can you face in California for failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?Answer: A fine up to $1,000 and a one-year suspensionCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 57
Quote
If you fail to stop, you may be fined up to $1,000 and your driving privilege could be suspended for one year.
$1,000How much can fines for traffic violations in a California work zone be?Answer: $1,000 or moreCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 55
Quote
Fines for traffic violations in a work zone can be $1,000 or more.
$2,000, one yearWhat penalty does someone face for assaulting a highway worker in California?Answer: Fines up to $2,000 and up to one year in prisonCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 55
Quote
Anyone convicted of assaulting a highway worker faces fines of up to $2,000 and imprisonment for up to one year.

Speed limits

10 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
55 mphSpeed limits: Rural highways55 mph on two-lane undivided highways unless posted higherleginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Quote
no person may drive a vehicle upon a two-lane, undivided highway at a speed greater than 55 miles per hour unless that highway, or portion thereof, has been posted for a higher speed
65 mphSpeed limits: Rural highways65 mph on other highwaysleginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Quote
Except as provided in Section 22356, no person may drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than 65 miles per hour.
65 mphUnless signs say otherwise, what is the maximum speed limit on most California highways?Answer: 65 mphCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 73
Quote
Unless otherwise posted, the ideal maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph.
55 mphYou are pulling a small trailer on a California highway with no other posted limit. What is your maximum speed?Answer: 55 mphCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 73
Quote
It is 55 mph on a two-lane undivided highway and for vehicles towing trailers.
25 mphUnless a lower limit is posted, what is the speed limit within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing?Answer: 25 mphCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 56
Quote
The speed limit is 25 mph within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street.
15 mphYou approach an intersection with no stop signs on any corner, and buildings block your view. What is the speed limit?Answer: 15 mphCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 57
Quote
An intersection is considered blind if it has no stop signs at any corner. If your view is blocked, move slowly forward until you can see. The speed limit for a blind intersection is 15 mph.
10 mphA streetcar is stopped at a safety zone to let passengers on. How fast may you pass it?Answer: No more than 10 mphCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 49
Quote
you may pass at no more than 10 mph.
35 mphOn which roads are neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) restricted from driving?Answer: Roads with a speed limit over 35 mphCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 52
Quote
NEVs and LSVs reach a maximum speed of 25 mph. They are restricted from roads where the speed limit is greater than 35 mph.
30 mphDuring a heavy rainstorm, you cannot see more than 100 feet ahead. What is the fastest speed that is safe?Answer: 30 mphCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 68
Quote
If you cannot see farther than 100 feet, it is not safe to drive faster than 30 mph.
5 mphAccording to the California handbook, how fast should you drive on ice?Answer: No more than 5 mphCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 67
Quote
Ice: Reduce your speed to no more than 5 mph.

Distances & following gaps

14 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
three-secondWhat following-distance rule does the California handbook teach for normal driving?Answer: The three-second ruleCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 63
Quote
Use the three-second rule to ensure a safe following distance and avoid a collision.
10 secondsHow far ahead should you scan the road while driving?Answer: At least 10 seconds aheadCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 63
Quote
always keep your eyes moving and scan the road at least 10 seconds ahead of your vehicle.
300 feetAbout how much open space do you need to merge into traffic on a highway?Answer: A full block, about 300 feetCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 30
Quote
Half a block on city streets, which is about 150 feet. • A full block on the highway, which is about 300 feet.
200 feetWhat is the most distance you may drive in a two-way center left turn lane?Answer: 200 feetCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 22
Quote
You may only drive for 200 feet in the center left turn lane.
100 feetHow far before a turn should you start signaling?Answer: At least 100 feetCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 17
Quote
At least 100 feet before you turn.
200 feetIn a residential district, when may you make a U-turn?Answer: When no vehicles are approaching within 200 feetCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 26
Quote
In a residential district if no vehicles are approaching you within 200 feet.
100 feetWithin what distance of an intersection, bridge, tunnel or railroad crossing should you not pass?Answer: 100 feetCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 30
Quote
Within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, railroad crossing, or other hazardous area.
five secondsOn a California freeway, how far in advance should you signal before changing lanes?Answer: At least five secondsCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 17
Quote
At least five seconds before you change lanes on a freeway.
five seconds, 400 feetOnce you are in the proper lane to exit a freeway, when should you signal?Answer: About five seconds (roughly 400 feet) before the exitCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 29
Quote
When in the proper lane, signal five seconds (approximately 400 feet) before you exit.
3 feetYou want to pass a bicyclist in your lane and cannot change lanes. How much space must you give?Answer: At least 3 feetCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 54
Quote
When you cannot change lanes to pass a bicyclist, allow at least three feet between your vehicle and the bicyclist.
300 feet, 400 feetAt 55 mph, how does a large truck's stopping distance compare with a passenger car's?Answer: Car within 300 feet; truck up to 400 feetCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 48
Quote
The average passenger vehicle traveling at 55 mph can stop within 300 feet. A large vehicle traveling at the same speed can take up to 400 feet to stop.
300 feetA fire engine with its siren on has passed you. How closely may you follow it?Answer: No closer than 300 feetCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 51
Quote
It is against the law to follow within 300 feet of any fire engine, law enforcement vehicle, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle when their siren or flashing lights are on.
15 feetRailroad signals show a train is coming. Where should you stop?Answer: At least 15 feet from the nearest trackCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 57
Quote
When the crossing devices or a person warns you a train is coming, stop at least 15 feet from the nearest track.
300 feetYou are driving at night with your high beams on and catch up to another car. Within what distance must you dim to low beams?Answer: 300 feetCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 17
Quote
Dim your high-beam headlights to low beams within 500 feet of a vehicle coming toward you or within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.

Parking

3 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
15 feetHow close to a fire hydrant may you park in California?Answer: No closer than 15 feetCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 34
Quote
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or fire station driveway.
20 feetWhere there is no curb extension, how close to a crosswalk may you park in California?Answer: No closer than 20 feetCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 34
Quote
Within 20 feet of an unmarked or marked crosswalk, or within 15 feet of a crosswalk where a curb extension is present.
3 feetHow close may you park to a sidewalk ramp for disabled persons?Answer: No closer than 3 feetCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 34
Quote
Within three feet of a sidewalk ramp for disabled persons.

Ages, permits & the test

11 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
80%Passing scoredmv.ca.gov
Quote
passing score is 80%
$46Feedmv.ca.gov
Quote
License Class Class C Application – Original – Renewal – Adding a motorcycle license (Class M1/M2) Fee $46
under 18Phone useDrivers under 18 may not use a wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device while driving, even hands-freeleginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Quote
This section applies to a person under the age of 18 years.
15 and a half yearsWhat is the youngest age at which a California teen can be issued a provisional instruction permit?Answer: 15 and a half years oldCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 9
Quote
If you are under 18 years old, you will also need to: • Be at least 15½ years old. • Complete a driver education program.
50 hours, 10 hoursBefore a California minor can get a provisional license, how much supervised practice driving is required?Answer: 50 hours, including 10 hours at nightCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 9
Quote
Practice driving for at least 50 hours with a California-licensed driver who is at least 25 years old. Ten hours must be at night.
6 monthsYou are 16 and got your California instruction permit 4 months ago. What must happen before you can schedule your behind-the-wheel drive test?Answer: You must hold the permit for at least 6 monthsCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 9
Quote
Have an instruction permit from California or another state for at least 6 months (or turn 18 years old)
age 25You are 16 and got your provisional license last week. You want to drive your 19-year-old friend to the beach. Under the passenger rule, when is this allowed?Answer: Only if a parent, guardian, or California-licensed driver age 25 or older rides alongCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 10
Quote
With passengers under 20 years old, unless your parent or guardian or other California-licensed driver (at least 25 years old) rides with you.
seven daysA 16-year-old fails the California knowledge test on a Tuesday. What is the rule for retaking it?Answer: Wait seven days, not counting the day of the failureCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 11
Quote
Minors must wait seven days to retake a failed knowledge test, not including the day of the failure.
80%What score does the California DMV require to pass the instruction permit knowledge test?Answer: 80%California Department of Motor Vehicles website
Quote
passing score is 80%
30 daysIn your first year with a provisional license, you are convicted of two traffic violations. What can DMV do?Answer: Bar you from driving for 30 days unless a licensed adult 25 or older rides with youCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 61
Quote
Two at fault collisions, two traffic violation convictions, or one of each: You cannot drive for 30 days unless a licensed adult, at least 25 years old, rides with you.
six-month, one yearA provisional driver has three at-fault collisions in the first 12 months. What is the result?Answer: A six-month suspension followed by one year of probationCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 61
Quote
Three at fault collisions, three traffic violation convictions, or a combination: Your driving privilege will be suspended for six months. You will be on probation for one year.

Time limits & deadlines

5 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
10 days, $1,000CrashesDMV: within 10 days for any crash causing injury, death, or more than $1,000 damage to any one person's property, filed by the driver or their insurance agent, broker or legal representativeleginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Quote
that has resulted in damage to the property of any one person in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000), or in bodily injury, or in the death of any person shall report the accident, within 10 days after the accident
24 hoursCrashesLaw enforcement: within 24 hours of a crash with injury or death, to the CHP or, in a city, the CHP or city policeleginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Quote
involved in any accident resulting in injuries to or death of any person shall within 24 hours after the accident make or cause to be made a written report of the accident to the Department of the California Highway Patrol
four yearsYou are in a collision that was not your fault, but you have no insurance. What can happen to your driving privilege?Answer: It can be suspended for up to four yearsCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 82
Quote
Your driving privilege will be suspended for up to four years if you are in a collision and do not have proper insurance coverage. It does not matter who was at fault.
5 daysYou sell your car to a private buyer. How soon must you notify the California DMV?Answer: Within 5 days, with a Notice of Transfer and Release of LiabilityCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 85
Quote
When you sell a vehicle, you must notify DMV within five days by completing a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability
24 hoursYou are in a collision in which someone is injured. How soon must a report be made to law enforcement?Answer: Within 24 hoursCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 83
Quote
You must make a report to law enforcement within 24 hours of the collision if anyone is injured or killed.

Seat belts, lights & equipment

5 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
4 ft 9 inSeat beltsA child under 8 who is 4 ft 9 in or taller may use a safety belt insteadleginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Quote
a child or ward under eight years of age who is four feet nine inches in height or taller may be properly restrained by a safety belt
under 16Seat beltsThe driver and every passenger 16 or older must wear a seat belt, and the driver can be ticketed for any unbelted passenger under 16leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Quote
A person shall not operate a motor vehicle on a highway unless that person and all passengers 16 years of age or over are properly restrained by a safety belt.
18 yearsUnder California law, which bicyclists must wear a helmet?Answer: Riders under 18 years oldCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 53
Quote
Wear a helmet (if under 18 years old).
30 minutesOn a clear evening with good visibility, at what time does California require your headlights to be on?Answer: 30 minutes after sunsetCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 17
Quote
Beginning 30 minutes after sunset.
10 inchesHow far should you sit from the steering-wheel airbag?Answer: At least 10 inchesCalifornia Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 73
Quote
Ride at least 10 inches from the airbag cover, as long as you can maintain full control of your vehicle.

Memory tips

Straight from the handbook:

How to study them (our advice, not official rules):

  • Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
  • Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
  • Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.

Questions about the numbers

What numbers do I need to know for the California permit test?

Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 68 of them for California, each with its source.

Why focus on numbers?

A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.

Where do these numbers come from?

Each one is quoted from the California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), California statutes or DMV pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.

Is the numbers drill free?

Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.

Keep going