California DMV Practice Mock Exam 7

All 20 questions from Mock Exam 7, with answers and explanations.

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

These are the 20 questions from Mock Exam 7, 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 · Safe Driving and Hazards

    About how far ahead should you look while driving in town?

    1. A. About 10 to 15 seconds ahead.
    2. B. About 1 to 2 seconds ahead.
    3. C. Only as far as the next bumper.
    4. D. About a full minute ahead.
    Show answer

    Answer: A. About 10 to 15 seconds ahead.

    Looking 10 to 15 seconds ahead, about a block in town, gives you time to spot problems early.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Roadway scanningReviewed November 2026Report an error

  2. Question 2 · Sharing the Road

    Road diagram. A follows a school bus stopped with red warning lights flashing on an undivided two-lane road.

    On this undivided two-lane road, who must stop for the bus's flashing red lights?

    1. A. Only vehicles behind the bus.
    2. B. Only vehicles coming toward the bus.
    3. C. Traffic in both directions.
    4. D. Nobody, if no child is visible.
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Traffic in both directions.

    Children may cross in front of the bus, so drivers coming from either direction must stop.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Bus red lightsReviewed November 2026Report an error

  3. Question 3 · Sharing the Road

    Which of these does California's move-over law cover?

    1. A. A parked car with no lights on.
    2. B. A city bus stopped at a station with its flashers on to let riders off.
    3. C. A bicyclist riding in a bike lane.
    4. D. A tow truck with flashing amber lights on the shoulder.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A tow truck with flashing amber lights on the shoulder.

    The rule protects ambulances, tow trucks, highway maintenance trucks and similar vehicles stopped with lights flashing. Change lanes away from them, or slow down if you can't.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Emergency sceneReviewed November 2026Report an error

  4. Question 4 · Signs and Signals

    A flashing red signal should be treated the same as which of these?

    1. A. A STOP sign.
    2. B. A YIELD sign.
    3. C. A green light.
    4. D. A flashing yellow light.
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A STOP sign.

    At a flashing red, stop completely, then go when it is your turn and safe, just as at a STOP sign.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Flashing redReviewed November 2026Report an error

  6. Question 5 · Signs and Signals

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

    A flagger in the work zone after the pictured sign holds up a SLOW paddle. What should you do?

    1. A. Stop completely and wait for the temporary traffic light to turn green.
    2. B. Speed up to clear the area quickly.
    3. C. Change lanes to pass the workers.
    4. D. Proceed slowly and follow the flagger's directions.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Proceed slowly and follow the flagger's directions.

    Flaggers control traffic in work zones. Their signals must be obeyed.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Road workReviewed November 2026Report an error

  7. Question 6 · Signs and Signals

    Road diagram. A is in a right-turn lane controlled by a red arrow pointing right. The crosswalk and road appear empty.

    How is this red right arrow different from a solid red light for a right turn?

    1. A. There is no difference.
    2. B. A red arrow allows a right turn after a full stop, just like a solid red light does, unless a sign says otherwise.
    3. C. On the red arrow A may not turn; on a solid red, A may turn after stopping unless a sign forbids it.
    4. D. A solid red never allows a right turn.
    Show answer

    Answer: C. On the red arrow A may not turn; on a solid red, A may turn after stopping unless a sign forbids it.

    A solid red allows a right turn after a full stop when it is safe. A red arrow does not.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Right red arrowReviewed November 2026Report an error

  8. Question 7 · Safe Driving and Hazards

    Using a roadside marker, how much time should you normally keep between you and the car ahead in good conditions?

    1. A. About one second.
    2. B. Exactly one car length.
    3. C. Half a second per 10 mph.
    4. D. At least three seconds.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. At least three seconds.

    Start counting when the car ahead passes a fixed marker; you should not reach it in under three seconds.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Following spaceReviewed November 2026Report an error

  9. Question 8 · Parking and Backing

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

    Why should A turn the front tires away from the curb when parked facing uphill?

    1. A. If the car rolls back, the back of the front tire rests against the curb.
    2. B. So A can pull out faster.
    3. C. Turning away keeps the tires out of the gutter, where water could make the car slide back.
    4. D. So the parking brake isn't needed.
    Show answer

    Answer: A. If the car rolls back, the back of the front tire rests against the curb.

    Uphill, the danger is rolling backward. Tires turned toward the street let the curb catch the wheel.

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

  10. Question 9 · Right of Way and Crossings

    Road diagram. A faces north and wants to turn left. B approaches southbound, going straight. Both have a green circular signal and their paths conflict.

    A is facing north on a circular green and wants to turn left while B comes straight through from the other side. Why can't A treat the green light as protection?

    1. A. A circular green allows the turn but does not stop oncoming traffic, so A must yield.
    2. B. Green means A has priority over all other traffic.
    3. C. Left turns are controlled only by arrows, so the green does not apply.
    4. D. B's light must be red whenever A's is green.
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A circular green allows the turn but does not stop oncoming traffic, so A must yield.

    Only a green arrow holds back the oncoming lanes. With a plain green, oncoming drivers going straight keep the right of way.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Left turn yieldReviewed November 2026Report an error

  12. Question 10 · Lanes and Turns

    Road diagram. A wants to cross two double-yellow line sets separated by a painted space over two feet wide. There is no designated opening.

    The wide painted area next to A is outlined by double yellow lines on both edges. What does that marking mean?

    1. A. A shared center lane that drivers from both directions may use to begin left turns.
    2. B. A space for passing.
    3. C. A barrier that works like a solid median.
    4. D. A parking area.
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A barrier that works like a solid median.

    Paint can act as a divider. When both edges are double yellow and the space between is wide, treat it like a raised median.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Two double yellow setsReviewed November 2026Report an error

  13. Question 11 · Signs and Signals

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

    You pass the pictured RAILROAD CROSSING sign. How far before the tracks should you stop if a train is coming?

    1. A. Right on the edge of the first rail.
    2. B. Between the rails.
    3. C. Within 5 feet of the crossing, close enough to see down the tracks.
    4. D. At least 15 feet from the nearest rail.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. At least 15 feet from the nearest rail.

    California law requires stopping between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail when a train is approaching or signals are active.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Rail advance warningReviewed November 2026Report an error

  14. Question 12 · Signs and Signals

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

    You're on the street marked by the pictured ONE WAY sign and want to turn left onto another street. Which lane should you turn from?

    1. A. The rightmost lane.
    2. B. The leftmost lane.
    3. C. Any lane, if you signal.
    4. D. The middle lane.
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The leftmost lane.

    On a one-way street, make a left turn from the lane nearest the left side of the road.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: One way trafficReviewed November 2026Report an error

  15. Question 13 · Signs and Signals

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

    You want to pass a bicyclist near the pictured sign. How much space must you leave?

    1. A. At least 3 feet, and more when you can.
    2. B. At least 1 foot.
    3. C. Any space, if you honk first.
    4. D. None, if the bicyclist is in a bike lane.
    Show answer

    Answer: A. At least 3 feet, and more when you can.

    California law requires at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist. If you can't, slow down and wait.

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

  16. Question 14 · Right of Way and Crossings

    A ball bounces into the street near a school. What should you expect?

    1. A. The ball will stop on its own.
    2. B. A child may run out after it.
    3. C. Someone will throw it back.
    4. D. Nothing, if no one is in sight.
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A child may run out after it.

    Where there's a ball, a child often follows. Ease off and get ready to brake.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Crossing guardReviewed November 2026Report an error

  18. Question 15 · Permits and Test Preparation

    How many hours of supervised practice must a minor complete for a provisional license?

    1. A. 30 hours, including 5 at night.
    2. B. 100 hours, all of them in daylight.
    3. C. 20 hours, including 2 at night.
    4. D. 50 hours, including 10 at night.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 50 hours, including 10 at night.

    Minors need 50 hours of adult-supervised practice, and 10 of those hours must be at night.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Teen practice hoursReviewed November 2026Report an error

  19. Question 16 · Parking and Backing

    How long may you leave your car door open on the traffic side?

    1. A. As long as your hazard lights are on and flashing.
    2. B. Up to five minutes.
    3. C. Only as long as it takes to load or unload.
    4. D. As long as you stay beside it.
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Only as long as it takes to load or unload.

    An open door sticks into the lane, so close it as soon as you've loaded or unloaded.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Door opening checkReviewed November 2026Report an error

  20. Question 17 · Safe Driving and Hazards

    Until what age must a child ride in a rear-facing car seat in California?

    1. A. Under 2, unless they're at least 40 pounds or 40 inches tall.
    2. B. Under 1, regardless of the child's height or weight.
    3. C. Under 4, regardless of their size.
    4. D. Under 6, unless they can sit up alone.
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Under 2, unless they're at least 40 pounds or 40 inches tall.

    Children under 2 ride rear-facing unless they weigh 40 pounds or more or are 40 inches or taller.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Child restraint planningReviewed November 2026Report an error

  21. Question 18 · Lanes and Turns

    When should you start moving toward your freeway exit?

    1. A. Well ahead, so you're in the exit lane before the exit.
    2. B. At the very last moment.
    3. C. Only after you've reached the start of the exit ramp.
    4. D. Once you've passed the exit sign.
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Well ahead, so you're in the exit lane before the exit.

    Plan early. Late lane changes across traffic are a common cause of crashes.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: Freeway exit speedReviewed November 2026Report an error

  22. Question 19 · Signs and Signals

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

    You reach the pictured YIELD sign and cross traffic is approaching close by. What should you do?

    1. A. Speed up to merge in ahead of it.
    2. B. Stop only if the other driver sounds the horn or flashes headlights at you.
    3. C. Keep going, because yield signs never require a stop.
    4. D. Slow down or stop and let that traffic pass before going.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Slow down or stop and let that traffic pass before going.

    A yield sign means others go first. If they are close, you may have to stop completely.

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

  23. Question 20 · Alcohol, Drugs and Distraction

    Which of these is an early sign that you're too tired to drive?

    1. A. Feeling a little hungry.
    2. B. Wanting to change the radio station.
    3. C. Drifting out of your lane or missing your exit.
    4. D. Noticing more road signs and details than you usually would.
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Drifting out of your lane or missing your exit.

    Lane drifting, heavy eyelids and missed turns mean it's time to stop and rest.

    Source: California Driver Handbook: FatigueReviewed November 2026Report an error

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