California permit test: alcohol & drugs
BAC limits, implied consent, penalties, open containers and impairment. 9 questions.
If you are 21 or older, at what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is it illegal to drive a regular car 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.
Sample alcohol & drugs questions
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
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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.
What is the legal BAC limit for a California driver under 21?
- A 0.05% or higher is illegal
- B 0.01% or higher is illegal
- C 0.08% or higher is illegal
- D 0.02% or higher is illegal
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B. 0.01% or higher is illegal
California has a zero-tolerance law: drivers under 21 may not drive with a BAC of 0.01% or more. That is less than the BAC from a single standard drink, so for young drivers any drinking before driving is illegal.
You are 30 and drive for a rideshare company. While carrying a paying passenger, what BAC is illegal for you?
- A 0.08% or higher
- B 0.06% or higher
- C 0.01% or higher
- D 0.04% or higher
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D. 0.04% or higher
California sets a 0.04% limit for anyone driving a passenger for hire, the same as for commercial drivers. People who carry the public are held to a stricter standard because more lives depend on them.
An officer suspects you of DUI and asks you to take a chemical test, but you refuse. What will DMV do?
- A Nothing, because the test is voluntary in California
- B Suspend your driving privilege for 30 days only
- C Suspend or revoke your driving privilege for one year
- D Issue a warning unless you are later convicted of DUI
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C. Suspend or revoke your driving privilege for one year
California's implied consent law means you agree to a breath, blood or urine test when you drive. Refusing leads DMV to suspend or revoke your license for one year, separate from any DUI conviction.