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What is actually on the written test

The DMV writes the knowledge test from the California Driver's Handbook, and the handbook is not evenly weighted. Here is how the 1,980 questions in our bank fall across its topics — and twelve of them to try.

The topics, by weight

  • 1 Introduction 99
  • 2 Requirements and Process 135
  • 3 Rules of the Road: Traffic Laws in California 179
  • 4 Defensive Driving and Safe Driving Practices 179
  • 6 Alcohol, Drugs, and Driving (DUI Laws) 107
  • 7 Insurance and Financial Responsibility 105
  • 8 Emergencies and Unforeseen Situations 105
  • 5 Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings — browse all 1044 1044

Signs are by far the largest single block, which is why they have their own section here.

Twelve from the bank

Different questions from the ones on the main practice test.

  1. 1.If you begin to hydroplane, you should:

    Why

    Hydroplaning means your tires have lost contact with the road. Braking or steering hard will not help because there is no grip to use — ease off the accelerator and hold the wheel straight until the tires bite again.

  2. 2.If arrested or asked to exit your car during a stop, you should:

    Why

    Comply calmly. The roadside is not the place to contest anything — that is what the court is for.

  3. 3.Fatigue while driving can be as dangerous as:

    Why

    Fatigue slows reaction time and judgment much the way alcohol does, and microsleeps can take you off the road entirely.

  4. 4.If your vehicle registration is suspended for lack of insurance, what can happen if you are caught driving?

    Why

    Driving on a registration suspended for no insurance can get the vehicle impounded.

  5. 5.To enter traffic from a full stop on a city street you need a gap of about:

    Why

    Half a block, about 150 feet, is the space the handbook asks for on city streets so you can reach the speed of traffic. (Section 6, Crossing or Entering Traffic.)

  6. 6.If your car overheats, you should NOT:

    Why

    Never open the radiator cap on a hot engine. The system is pressurized and will release scalding coolant and steam.

  7. 7.Why are edibles considered especially risky for drivers?

    Why

    Edibles take far longer to take effect, so it is easy to consume more before feeling anything and then become strongly impaired while driving.

  8. 8.You want to use a rental vehicle for your drive test. It is allowed if:

    Why

    Both conditions have to hold: your name on the contract, and no exclusion of behind-the-wheel drive tests. (Section 3.)

  9. 9.What is the best way to help an injured person after a crash if you are NOT trained in first aid?

    Why

    Call 911 and stay with them — keeping them warm, still and talking. Untrained handling can worsen a spinal injury. (Handbook, Section 10.)

  10. 10.Who needs a Class C driver’s license in California?

    Why

    Almost every ordinary driver: Class C covers the passenger vehicles and light trucks most people drive. (dmv.ca.gov/dl — Section 1 of the handbook refers you there for the vehicles a Class C covers.)

  11. 11.What should you do if you come across unfamiliar terms in the manual?

    Why

    Look it up. The handbook has a glossary in Section 14 for exactly this. (Handbook, Section 14.)

  12. 12.A patrol car ahead turns on its emergency lights and slowly weaves across the lanes. This is:

    Why

    Officers use traffic breaks to slow or stop traffic in order to remove hazards, or during heavy fog and unusual conditions. (Section 8, Law Enforcement Traffic Breaks.)

Practice test Full exam simulator Road signs test

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