California permit test: speed limits & control
Posted and basic speed laws, statutory limits and adjusting speed to conditions. 7 questions.
What does California's Basic Speed Law say?
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 speed limits & control questions
What does California's Basic Speed Law say?
- A You may exceed the limit by 5 mph to pass safely
- B Always drive at exactly the posted speed limit
- C Drive at the speed most other drivers are using
- D Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions
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D. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions
Under the Basic Speed Law, you may never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, whatever the posted limit. Traffic, road surface, weather, and pedestrians or bicyclists all affect what speed is safe.
Unless signs say otherwise, what is the maximum speed limit on most California highways?
- A 55 mph
- B 65 mph
- C 75 mph
- D 70 mph
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B. 65 mph
Unless otherwise posted, the maximum on most California highways is 65 mph. Some highways are posted higher, and two-lane undivided highways default to 55 mph.
You are pulling a small trailer on a California highway with no other posted limit. What is your maximum speed?
- A 60 mph
- B 65 mph
- C 55 mph
- D 50 mph
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C. 55 mph
Vehicles towing trailers are limited to 55 mph, the same as the limit on two-lane undivided highways. Trailers need more distance to stop and can sway at higher speeds.
Unless a lower limit is posted, what is the speed limit within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing?
- A 25 mph
- B 20 mph
- C 15 mph
- D 35 mph
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A. 25 mph
Unless a lower limit is posted, the California school-zone limit is 25 mph within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street. Some school zones are posted lower. Children can dart out without warning, so slow down and watch for them.