California Permit Practice Test 3

25 questions written from the California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), with an explanation and page citation for every answer.

Question 1 of 25
Alcohol & drugsCalifornia rule

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

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About this test

These questions were written from the California Driver's Handbook (DL 600) (DL 600 ENGLISH). 16 of the 20 California questions in this test cover rules that are specific to California or differ between states. Every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the exact page it comes from, so you can check it yourself.

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Sample questions from this test

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

    • A 0.10% or higher
    • B 0.04% or higher
    • C 0.05% or higher
    • D 0.08% or higher
    Show answer

    D. 0.08% or higher

    For drivers 21 and older in a regular vehicle, the per se limit is 0.08% BAC. You can still be arrested below that level if alcohol impairs your driving, so the only truly safe amount is none.

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

  2. How far before a turn should you start signaling?

    • A At least 100 feet
    • B At least 300 feet
    • C At least 200 feet
    • D At least 50 feet
    Show answer

    A. At least 100 feet

    Signal at least 100 feet before you turn so drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians can react. On a freeway, signal at least five seconds before changing lanes.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 17

  3. Two cars in the same lane passing a fixed marker
    View diagram
    Two cars in the same lane passing a fixed markerYou

    What following-distance rule does the California handbook teach for normal driving?

    • A One car length per 10 mph
    • B The four-second rule
    • C The three-second rule
    • D The two-second rule
    Show answer

    C. The three-second rule

    California uses the three-second rule. When the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point, count three seconds; if you reach the point first, you are too close. The time gives you room to react if the driver ahead brakes.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 63

  4. How much can fines for traffic violations in a California work zone be?

    • A $1,000 or more
    • B Up to $250
    • C Up to $500
    • D The same as anywhere else
    Show answer

    A. $1,000 or more

    Fines for traffic violations in a work zone can be $1,000 or more. Slow down, leave extra space, and watch for workers and equipment.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 55

  5. School bus stopped on the far side of a divided highway; you approach on the other roadway
    View diagram
    School bus stopped on the far side of a divided highway; you approach on the other roadwayYouRaised median (barrier)Red lights flashing

    A school bus with flashing red lights is stopped on the other side of a divided highway. What should you do?

    • A Continue carefully; you do not need to stop
    • B Stop, then pass at no more than 10 mph
    • C Stop until the red lights stop flashing
    • D Pull onto the shoulder and wait
    Show answer

    A. Continue carefully; you do not need to stop

    If the school bus is on the other side of a divided highway or a road with two or more lanes in each direction, you do not need to stop. Still watch for children near the road.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 57