California DMV Practice Mock Exam 1

All 20 questions from Mock Exam 1, with answers and explanations.

A mixed exam: 5 sign questions, 5 road diagrams and 10 questions on the rules of the road, including right of way and crossings, safe driving and hazards and parking and backing.

These are the 20 questions from Mock Exam 1, original practice questions on signs and the rules of the road, checked against the California Driver Handbook. Read through them with Show answer, or take the exam online first with the answers hidden and see your score. No sign-in needed.

These are original practice questions, not actual DMV test questions. Each links to the California Driver Handbook so you can check the rule. Questions were last reviewed in November 2026; read how we write and check them.

Take this exam online with answers hiddenMock Exams 1–7 are free. No sign-in needed.

  1. Question 1 · Lanes and Turns

    Road diagram. A follows a slower vehicle on a two-way road. The centerline is broken on A’s side and solid on the opposite side. The view ahead is clear.

    A follows a slower vehicle on a two-way road. The centerline is broken on A’s side and solid on the opposite side. The view ahead is clear. What should happen next?

    1. A. Pass without checking oncoming traffic.
    2. B. Use the oncoming shoulder.
    3. C. Pass only if it is otherwise legal and there is enough safe space.
    4. D. Stay behind the slow car.
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Pass only if it is otherwise legal and there is enough safe space.

    A broken line on your side permits a pass only when the maneuver is also safe and legal.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Broken yellow sideReviewed November 2026Report an error

  2. Question 2 · Safe Driving and Hazards

    An oncoming vehicle approaches while you are using high beams. What should you do?

    1. A. Leave them on until the other driver dims theirs first, then switch to low beams.
    2. B. Dim high beams for nearby oncoming or leading vehicles as required.
    3. C. Keep high beams aimed at the other driver.
    4. D. Switch off all headlights.
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Dim high beams for nearby oncoming or leading vehicles as required.

    High beams can dazzle other drivers. Use low beams when approaching or closely following traffic.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Night headlight courtesyReviewed November 2026Report an error

  3. Question 3 · Parking and Backing

    You are about to reverse out of a parking place. What should happen first?

    1. A. Use the camera as the only check.
    2. B. Check around the vehicle and blind spots, then back slowly while continuing to observe.
    3. C. Back quickly before anyone arrives.
    4. D. Rely on the backup camera alone.
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Check around the vehicle and blind spots, then back slowly while continuing to observe.

    Backing requires direct awareness of people and obstacles; a camera supplements observation.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Safe backingReviewed November 2026Report an error

  4. Question 4 · Signs and Signals

    Traffic sign illustration. The sign’s wording is given in the question.

    The illustrated STOP sign faces your lane. What is the appropriate response?

    1. A. Slow down and roll through carefully if no other vehicles or people are in sight.
    2. B. Stop only when another car arrives.
    3. C. Come to a complete stop, then yield before proceeding.
    4. D. Accelerate to clear the junction.
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Come to a complete stop, then yield before proceeding.

    A stop sign requires a full stop. Afterward, check for conflicts and yield before entering.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Stop controlReviewed November 2026Report an error

  6. Question 5 · Signs and Signals

    Traffic sign illustration. The sign’s wording is given in the question.

    The illustrated SCHOOL sign faces your lane. What is the appropriate response?

    1. A. Expect children to wait on the curb, and keep moving at the normal speed limit.
    2. B. Sound the horn instead of slowing.
    3. C. Look only for cars.
    4. D. Watch for children and obey crossing guards and posted controls.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Watch for children and obey crossing guards and posted controls.

    The school warning calls attention to children; posted speed and crossing instructions still govern.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: School warningReviewed November 2026Report an error

  7. Question 6 · Signs and Signals

    Traffic sign illustration. The sign’s wording is given in the question.

    The illustrated SLIPPERY WHEN WET sign faces your lane. What is the appropriate response?

    1. A. Follow in the tire tracks of the car ahead at your usual distance.
    2. B. Assume normal traction in rain.
    3. C. Brake hard to test grip.
    4. D. Allow extra space and avoid abrupt steering or braking when wet.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Allow extra space and avoid abrupt steering or braking when wet.

    Water can reduce available grip, so smooth control and additional space are appropriate.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Reduced tractionReviewed November 2026Report an error

  8. Question 7 · Sharing the Road

    A bicyclist is ahead and an adjacent lane is available for a safe lane change. How should you plan the pass?

    1. A. Use the horn to force the rider off the road.
    2. B. Move into another available lane when required and safe; otherwise allow adequate clearance and slow as necessary.
    3. C. Pass within the same lane as long as the rider stays close to the curb, and keep up your speed so the pass is short.
    4. D. Pass despite unsafe clearance.
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Move into another available lane when required and safe; otherwise allow adequate clearance and slow as necessary.

    A safe bicycle pass requires compliance with California lane-change and clearance rules; never force a close pass.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Bicycle passing spaceReviewed November 2026Report an error

  9. Question 8 · Right of Way and Crossings

    Road diagram. A is leaving a driveway. P is walking along the sidewalk directly across the driveway exit.

    A is leaving a driveway. P is walking along the sidewalk directly across the driveway exit. What should happen next?

    1. A. P must stop and let A pull out.
    2. B. A yields to P, since P is already crossing the driveway.
    3. C. A blocks the sidewalk until P stops.
    4. D. A edges out slowly so P walks around the car.
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A yields to P, since P is already crossing the driveway.

    A driver crossing a sidewalk must yield to pedestrians and then to roadway traffic.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Driveway pedestrianReviewed November 2026Report an error

  10. Question 9 · Safe Driving and Hazards

    Fog makes the next bend hard to see although the speed-limit sign has not changed. How should you choose your speed?

    1. A. Keep to the number on the sign in any weather.
    2. B. Match the fastest vehicle.
    3. C. Ignore visibility if the road is familiar.
    4. D. Pick a speed that keeps you in control for the visibility, surface and traffic around you, even if it is under the posted number.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Pick a speed that keeps you in control for the visibility, surface and traffic around you, even if it is under the posted number.

    California's Basic Speed Law makes the conditions, not just the sign, set your top speed. You can be cited for going the posted limit if fog, rain or crowds make that unsafe.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Basic speed lawReviewed November 2026Report an error

  12. Question 10 · Right of Way and Crossings

    Your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks. What is the immediate priority?

    1. A. Try to restart the car or push it off the rails first, then get out if a train comes into view.
    2. B. Stand on the tracks to signal with your hands.
    3. C. Stay in the vehicle to protect belongings.
    4. D. Evacuate everyone well clear of the rails, then phone the railroad's posted emergency number or 911.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Evacuate everyone well clear of the rails, then phone the railroad's posted emergency number or 911.

    People matter more than the car. Move away from the tracks, angled toward the train's direction so debris won't hit you, then report the blocked crossing.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Rail vehicle stallReviewed November 2026Report an error

  13. Question 11 · Signs and Signals

    Traffic sign illustration. The sign’s wording is given in the question.

    The illustrated NO TURN ON RED sign faces your lane. What is the appropriate response?

    1. A. Turn whenever no pedestrians are present.
    2. B. Turn if no cars are coming from the left.
    3. C. Wait for a signal that permits the turn.
    4. D. Turn after pausing briefly.
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Wait for a signal that permits the turn.

    A posted prohibition prevents a red-light turn even after stopping.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Red turn restrictionReviewed November 2026Report an error

  14. Question 12 · Right of Way and Crossings

    Road diagram. A approaches railroad tracks. Traffic beyond the tracks is stopped, leaving too little space for A beyond the far rail.

    A approaches railroad tracks. Traffic beyond the tracks is stopped, leaving too little space for A beyond the far rail. What should happen next?

    1. A. A follows the vehicle ahead regardless of space.
    2. B. A pulls forward until only the front wheels are across, leaving the rest of the car on the tracks.
    3. C. A stays short of the crossing until the full length of the car will fit past the far rail.
    4. D. A queues on the tracks.
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A stays short of the crossing until the full length of the car will fit past the far rail.

    Never start across railroad tracks unless there is room for your entire car beyond them. Getting stuck on the rails in a queue is how vehicles get hit by trains.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Rail exit blockedReviewed November 2026Report an error

  15. Question 13 · Parking and Backing

    Road diagram. A is parked facing downhill beside a curb on its right.

    A is parked facing downhill beside a curb on its right. What should happen next?

    1. A. Turn the front wheels away from the curb so they would roll toward the street, then set the brake.
    2. B. Rely only on steering lock.
    3. C. Leave the wheels straight and release the brake.
    4. D. Steer the front tires in against the curb, then apply the parking brake.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Steer the front tires in against the curb, then apply the parking brake.

    Facing downhill with a curb on the right, angle the tires into the curb. If the car creeps forward, the curb catches the front wheel instead of letting it roll into the street.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Downhill parkingReviewed November 2026Report an error

  16. Question 14 · Safe Driving and Hazards

    A passenger leaves the shoulder belt behind their back for comfort. What should happen before you drive?

    1. A. Skip restraints for a short trip.
    2. B. Let them wear the shoulder belt behind their back.
    3. C. Share one belt between two people.
    4. D. Make sure the required occupants are properly restrained before driving.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Make sure the required occupants are properly restrained before driving.

    Proper restraints reduce injury risk. Trip length does not make incorrect belt use safe.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Seat belt useReviewed November 2026Report an error

  18. Question 15 · Signs and Signals

    You approach a circular red light to turn right. No sign prohibits the turn. What must happen before you turn?

    1. A. Slow down, check for cross traffic and turn without stopping.
    2. B. Treat every red light as a yield sign.
    3. C. Turn without checking the crosswalk.
    4. D. Stop fully, obey any turn prohibition, and yield before a permitted right turn.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Stop fully, obey any turn prohibition, and yield before a permitted right turn.

    A permitted right turn at a circular red still requires a full stop and a safe path; signs can prohibit it.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Red light turnReviewed November 2026Report an error

  19. Question 16 · Right of Way and Crossings

    A person using a white cane starts across the street in your path. What should you do?

    1. A. Yield and give the pedestrian time and space to cross safely.
    2. B. Honk to make the pedestrian hurry.
    3. C. Assume an electric vehicle is always heard.
    4. D. Drive slowly around the pedestrian, leaving a little room, so they aren't held up waiting for you.
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Yield and give the pedestrian time and space to cross safely.

    Take particular care around a pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: White caneReviewed November 2026Report an error

  20. Question 17 · Right of Way and Crossings

    Road diagram. A and B stop simultaneously. A is southbound; B is westbound. Their paths conflict. B is to A’s left.

    A and B stop simultaneously. A is southbound; B is westbound. Their paths conflict. B is to A’s left. What should happen next?

    1. A. A proceeds first, because B is to A's left.
    2. B. B goes first after a full stop.
    3. C. The larger vehicle always goes first.
    4. D. B goes first, because the driver on the left always has priority at an all-way stop.
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A proceeds first, because B is to A's left.

    At simultaneous arrivals with conflicting paths, yield to the vehicle on your right. B yields to A.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: All way stopReviewed November 2026Report an error

  21. Question 18 · Permits and Test Preparation

    A 16-year-old with a validated instruction permit plans ordinary practice driving. Who must supervise?

    1. A. Practice with any licensed friend who is 18 or older, as long as they sit in the front passenger seat.
    2. B. Assume passing the knowledge test permits solo driving.
    3. C. Practice alone on quiet streets.
    4. D. Drive only with an eligible adult 25 or older who holds a valid California license riding along.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Drive only with an eligible adult 25 or older who holds a valid California license riding along.

    A minor's practice must be supervised by a parent, guardian, spouse, driving instructor or other licensed California adult who is 25 or older. A younger licensed friend does not qualify, and passing the written test does not allow solo driving.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Minor permit supervisionReviewed November 2026Report an error

  22. Question 19 · Sharing the Road

    A road worker shows a STOP paddle at a single-lane work area. What should you do?

    1. A. Follow your navigation app's route instead.
    2. B. Obey the flagger’s directions and temporary traffic controls.
    3. C. Assume work-zone instructions apply only to trucks.
    4. D. Drive around a stop paddle if the road looks clear.
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Obey the flagger’s directions and temporary traffic controls.

    A flagger may direct alternating traffic through a temporary lane; follow that control.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Work zone flaggerReviewed November 2026Report an error

  23. Question 20 · Signs and Signals

    Traffic sign illustration. The sign’s wording is given in the question.

    The illustrated PEDESTRIAN CROSSING sign faces your lane. What is the appropriate response?

    1. A. Expect people to cross only at the signal ahead, not at this sign.
    2. B. Scan for people crossing and yield when required.
    3. C. Accelerate before anyone steps out.
    4. D. Yield only when a horn sounds.
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Scan for people crossing and yield when required.

    The warning calls attention to people crossing; be prepared to yield safely.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Pedestrian warningReviewed November 2026Report an error

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