California Permit Practice Test 4

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

Question 1 of 25
Parking & stoppingCalifornia rule

How close to a fire hydrant may you park in California?

Keyboard: press 1–4 or A–D to answer, Enter for the next question, S to save, R to read aloud, P to pause reading, L to listen and answer.

About this test

These questions were written from the California Driver's Handbook (DL 600) (DL 600 ENGLISH). 15 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. How close to a fire hydrant may you park in California?

    • A No closer than 15 feet
    • B No closer than 10 feet
    • C No closer than 5 feet
    • D No closer than 20 feet
    Show answer

    A. No closer than 15 feet

    You may not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or a fire station driveway. Firefighters need clear access to connect hoses quickly.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 34

  2. You want to pass a bicyclist in your lane and cannot change lanes. How much space must you give?

    • A At least 5 feet
    • B At least 1 foot
    • C At least 2 feet
    • D At least 3 feet
    Show answer

    D. At least 3 feet

    When you cannot change lanes, allow at least three feet between your vehicle and a bicyclist. If you cannot give three feet, wait behind the cyclist until you can.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 54

  3. What must you do at a flashing red traffic light?

    • A Yield only to vehicles on your right
    • B Stop and wait for the light to turn green
    • C Stop, then go when it is safe
    • D Slow down and proceed with caution
    Show answer

    C. Stop, then go when it is safe

    A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign: come to a full stop, then go when it is safe. A flashing yellow, by contrast, only means slow down and proceed with caution.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 39

  4. You are 15½ and just received your California instruction permit at the DMV. When may you start driving with it?

    • A After you begin behind-the-wheel training and an instructor validates it
    • B Right away, with any California-licensed driver 18 or older
    • C Right away, as long as a licensed parent sits next to you
    • D Only after you finish your 50 hours of supervised practice
    Show answer

    A. After you begin behind-the-wheel training and an instructor validates it

    A minor's California permit is not usable on the day it is issued. You must wait until you start behind-the-wheel training with a driving instructor, who validates the permit. This makes sure your first time behind the wheel is with a professional.

    Source: California Driver's Handbook (DL 600), page 9

  5. On a clear evening with good visibility, at what time does California require your headlights to be on?

    • A 30 minutes after sunset
    • B One hour after sunset
    • C At sunset
    • D 15 minutes after sunset
    Show answer

    A. 30 minutes after sunset

    Use your headlights from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and any time you cannot see 1,000 feet ahead.

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