California
DMV Practice Test
Prepare for your California DMV knowledge test with practice questions based on the 2026 California Driver Handbook. Covers road signs, traffic laws, HOV rules, and California-specific regulations.
California Knowledge Test Format
Computer-based test at any CA DMV office or online from home
The California DMV knowledge test consists of 36 multiple-choice questions for applicants 18 and older, or 46 questions for those under 18. You must score 83% or higher to pass — that's 30 out of 36, or 38 out of 46. The test is untimed, so take as long as you need. It's available in 35 languages and can be taken on a computer at any DMV office or online with a proctored exam from home. You get 3 attempts within 12 months with a 7-day wait between attempts. After 3 failures, you must reapply and pay the $46 application fee again.
Questions
36
46 for under 18
Pass Mark
83%
30 of 36 correct
Time Limit
Untimed
Take as long as you need
Fee
$46
Included in application
California-Specific Driving Rules
Hands-Free Phone Law
No holding or touching phone for any reason while driving. Under 18: no phone at all, even hands-free. 1 point on license since Jan 2025.
Motorcycle Lane Splitting
Legal in California — the only US state where it's allowed (CVC 21658.1). Must be done safely and prudently.
Smog Check Required
Every 2 years for vehicles 8+ model years old. EVs and diesel 1997 and older exempt. Required at change of ownership.
HOV/Carpool Lanes
2+ occupants required (3+ on some). Motorcycles exempt. Clean Air Vehicle decals for eligible EVs. Violation: ~$490+.
Move Over Law (2026)
Must slow down and move over for ANY stationary vehicle with hazard lights — not just emergency vehicles. Fine up to $1,000 for repeats.
Right on Red Restrictions
Allowed after complete stop unless posted. San Francisco banned at 200+ downtown intersections. Check signs carefully.
Speed Cameras (AB 645)
Pilot program in 6 cities: LA, SF, Oakland, San Jose, Long Beach, Glendale. Civil fines starting $50 for 11+ mph over.
Child Car Seat Law
Rear-facing until age 2, car seat/booster until age 8 AND 4'9". Children under 8 must ride in back seat.
California DMV Fees
All fees as of 2026
Knowledge test fee is included in the $46 application fee. 3 attempts allowed within 12 months.
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
Restrictions for drivers under 18
California Speed Limits
All speeds in mph
School zones dropping to 20 mph effective 2031 (AB 382). Fines doubled in construction zones.
Top Traffic Fines
Base fine + penalty assessments (~4-5x multiplier)
| Violation | Base Fine | Total (est.) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding 1–15 mph over | $35 | ~$238 | 1 |
| Speeding 16–25 mph over | $70 | ~$367 | 1 |
| Speeding 26+ mph over | $100+ | ~$490+ | 1 |
| Speeding 100+ mph | $500+ | ~$900+ | 2 |
| Running red light | $100 | ~$490 | 1 |
| Cell phone (handheld) | $20/$50 | ~$162/$285 | 1 |
| HOV lane violation | $490 | ~$600+ | 0 |
| No seatbelt | $20 | ~$162 | 0 |
Speeding 1–15 mph over
Speeding 16–25 mph over
Speeding 26+ mph over
Speeding 100+ mph
Running red light
Cell phone (handheld)
HOV lane violation
No seatbelt
California adds ~$29 in assessments per $10 of base fine, plus $40 court security, $35 conviction assessment, and 20% state surcharge.
California DUI Laws
0.08%
General (21+)
0.04%
Commercial
0.01%
Under 21
1st offense: up to 6 months jail, $390–$1,000 base fine (~$18K total with assessments), 6-month suspension, 3–9 month DUI school. Implied consent: refusing chemical test = automatic 1-year suspension.
DUI carries 2 points on your license and stays on your record for 10 years.
Negligent Operator Points System
Insurance Requirements
Minimum liability coverage as of January 2025 (SB 1107):
$30,000
Bodily injury per person
$60,000
Bodily injury per accident
$15,000
Property damage per accident
Doubled from the old 15/30/5 minimums. Will increase again to 50/100/25 in 2035.
California Road Hazards
Tule Fog
Dense fog in Central Valley (Nov–Mar), visibility below ¼ mile, major pileup risk on I-5 and CA-99
Wildfires
Year-round risk (peak Jun–Oct), Santa Ana winds in SoCal, smoke reduces visibility, road closures
Earthquakes
500+ active faults, can damage bridges/overpasses/roads, pull over and stop if shaking
Mudslides
Post-wildfire burn scars become dangerous in rain, especially hillside areas in Malibu, Santa Barbara
Coastal Fog
Common along Pacific Coast Highway and Highway 1, reduces visibility especially mornings
Freeway Congestion
LA, SF Bay Area, San Diego among worst traffic in the US, plan routes carefully
Emergency Numbers
911
Emergency (police, fire, ambulance)
1-800-835-5247
CHP Non-Emergency (24/7)
511
Freeway Roadside Assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the California DMV knowledge test?
36 multiple-choice questions for applicants 18 and older, 46 questions for those under 18. You need 83% correct to pass (30/36 or 38/46). The test is untimed and computer-based.
How much does a California driver's license cost?
The application fee is $46, which includes the knowledge test. The behind-the-wheel test is also included. If you fail the knowledge test, you get 2 more free attempts. After 3 failures, you must reapply and pay the $46 fee again.
What are the GDL restrictions for teen drivers in California?
Provisional license holders (16-17) cannot carry passengers under 20 for the first 12 months (unless a licensed driver 25+ or family member is present) and cannot drive between 11pm and 5am. They must complete 6 hours of professional training and 50 hours of supervised practice.
Is lane splitting legal in California?
Yes. California is the only US state where motorcycle lane splitting is explicitly legal (CVC 21658.1, effective 2017). Riders must do so safely and prudently.
What is the BAC limit in California?
0.08% for drivers 21 and older, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.01% for drivers under 21. A first DUI offense can result in up to 6 months jail, ~$18,000 in total fines, and a 6-month license suspension.
Do I need a smog check in California?
Yes, for gasoline vehicles 8+ model years old, every 2 years at registration renewal. EVs, hybrids within their first 8 model years, and diesel vehicles 1997 and older are exempt.
What are California's minimum insurance requirements?
As of January 2025 (SB 1107): 30/60/15 — $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, $15,000 property damage. These were doubled from the previous 15/30/5 minimums.
Can I use my phone while driving in California?
No. California's hands-free law prohibits holding or touching your phone for any reason while driving, including at red lights. Drivers under 18 cannot use a phone at all, even hands-free. Since January 2025, violations carry 1 point on your license.
Ready to Pass Your California DMV Test?
Practice with California-specific questions covering smog laws, HOV rules, GDL restrictions, and more.