How is variant 4 different from the primary California test?

Variant 4 draws from a different slice of the California question pool. It is the same length and difficulty as the primary test.

How many questions does variant 4 have?

Variant 4 has 46 questions, matching the primary California test.

Are answers and explanations included?

Yes. Each question has the accepted answer plus an explanation with citations to the official handbook.

You are driving at night and see a crosswalk with a pedestrian waiting to cross. The pedestrian signals are not working. What is the law?

Stop and yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian

Speed up to get across before they start walking

Slow down but do not stop unless the pedestrian steps into the street

Honk your horn to let them know you are coming

You are merging onto a busy freeway. What is the best way to enter the traffic flow safely?

Adjust your speed to match the flow of traffic and find a safe gap

Honk your horn and flash your lights to demand a space

Enter the freeway at a low speed and force your way into a gap

Stop at the end of the ramp and wait for a car to let you in

You have just been convicted of your first DUI. What is the likely immediate consequence regarding your driving privileges?

Your license is suspended administratively by the DMV

You get a warning and no suspension

You must wait 5 years before applying for a new license

You keep your license with no restrictions

When you see a motorcycle ahead of you, how should you behave?

You must give them the entire lane to ride safely.

You can share the lane as long as you stay close.

You should honk to warn them to move over.

You can pass them quickly without checking blind spots.

You see a motorcycle approaching from the opposite direction in your lane. What should you do?

Move your vehicle to the right to give them more room

Flash your headlights to warn them

Honk your horn to tell them to stay in their lane

You see a driver ahead acting aggressively and driving dangerously. What should you do?

Ignore them, create space, and do not engage.

Honk and flash your lights to teach them a lesson.

Drive faster to get away from them.

Make eye contact and wave to calm them down.

You are stopped at a DUI checkpoint. What are your rights and obligations?

You must stop, but you can refuse to answer questions.

You must stop, and you must answer all questions about your drinking.

You can speed up and run the red light to escape the checkpoint.

You can drive around the checkpoint to avoid being stopped.

You are at a DUI checkpoint. What are your rights and obligations?

You must stop and show your license and registration.

You only need to stop if you see a red light.

You can refuse to talk to the officer.

You can turn around to avoid the checkpoint.

An emergency vehicle is coming from behind. It has flashing lights and sirens. What should you do?

Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop.

Continue driving normally but stay in your lane.

Speed up to get out of the way faster.

Turn on your hazard lights and keep driving.

You are driving and see a pedestrian in a crosswalk. What must you do?

Stop and wait for the pedestrian to cross safely.

Honk to let them know you are coming.

Drive around them if there is space.

Slow down slightly and wave them to cross.

You are driving at night and see bright lights from an oncoming car. What should you do to maintain safe vision?

Look toward the right edge of your lane

Flash your high beams to warn the other driver

Close one eye to reduce the glare

Look directly at the bright headlights

A blind pedestrian steps off the curb with a white cane or guide dog. What must you do?

Stop immediately and give them the right-of-way.

Honk to alert them of your presence.

Slow down and proceed with caution.

Wait only if they look at your car.

If your brakes fail while driving, what is the safest first step to slow down?

Shift into a lower gear to use engine braking

Pump the brake pedal rapidly to build pressure

Turn off the engine immediately

Yank the emergency brake hard to stop instantly

What should you do first if your brakes suddenly fail while driving?

Shift to a lower gear to slow down

Pump the brake pedal quickly and repeatedly

Turn off the engine immediately

You are driving and your accelerator pedal gets stuck to the floor. What is the best way to stop?

Shift to neutral and apply the brakes.

Turn the key to the 'lock' position immediately.

Pump the gas pedal to try to free it.

Open the window and shout for help.

Your car has a broken side mirror. What is the safest and legal action to take?

Repair or replace the mirror before driving

Use only the rearview mirror and drive carefully

Drive only during the day to avoid trouble

Ask a passenger to help you watch your blind spots

You are driving at night and feel a bit 'buzzed' after two beers. You know you are under the 0.08% limit. Is it safe to drive?

No, any amount of alcohol can slow your reactions and judgment.

Yes, if you drive slowly, you can compensate for the alcohol.

No, but only if you are driving a heavy truck.

Yes, as long as you are under 0.08%, it is legal and safe.

You are approaching a roundabout. A car is already inside the circle. What should you do?

Wait outside until the circle is clear.

Drive into the circle and cut them off.

Speed up to get into the circle first.

Your car is 12 years old and you live in a non-exempt area. What must you do before renewing your registration?

You must pass a smog check every four years

You do not need a smog check because the car is over 10 years old

You must pass a smog check only when you sell the car

You must pass a smog check every year

Which of the following describes the correct way to park in a crosswalk?

Park in the crosswalk if the street is empty

Park in the crosswalk if you are only loading groceries

Park in the crosswalk for 5 minutes or less

How do you calculate the safe following distance behind the car in front of you on dry roads?

Count to three seconds after the car ahead passes a fixed point

Stay close enough to see the rear tires of the vehicle ahead

Stay exactly two car lengths behind the vehicle in front

Count to one second after the car ahead passes a fixed point

You are approaching a construction zone with orange signs. How should you drive?

Slow down and follow all instructions from the flagger.

Maintain your normal speed and ignore the signs.

Change lanes quickly to avoid the workers.

Honk your horn to warn the workers you are coming.

You see a driver acting aggressively and cutting you off. What is the best response?

Chase them to teach them a lesson

You see a sign that says 'Tow-Away Zone' with a time limit of 8 AM to 6 PM. When can you park there?

You can park there anytime after 6:00 PM

You cannot park there at any time

You can park there anytime before 8:00 AM

You can park there for 15 minutes only

You see a driver behind you acting aggressively and flashing their lights. What is the best defensive driving move?

Ignore the behavior and let them pass safely.

Make eye contact and wave to calm them down.

Brake hard to teach them a lesson.

Speed up to get away from them.

An emergency vehicle with flashing lights and a siren is approaching from behind you. What must you do?

Pull over to the right and stop until it passes

Stop immediately in the middle of your lane

Speed up to get out of the way faster

Stay in your lane and maintain your speed

You are driving on a dark road with no streetlights. What should you do to drive safely?

Reduce your speed so you can stop within the distance your lights reach.

Drive faster so you can get home sooner.

Use your high beams only when there is oncoming traffic.

Turn off your lights to save battery and rely on the moon.

Your gas pedal gets stuck and the car keeps speeding up. What is the first step you should take?

Shift to neutral and pump the brakes

Open the door to jump out of the moving car

Try to force the pedal up with your foot

Turn the engine off immediately

What is the minimum distance you must keep when passing a bicycle on the road?

You can pass as close as you want if you are careful

Your car's headlights stop working at night. What must you do?

Pull over safely and do not drive until they are fixed.

Drive slowly with your hazard lights until you reach home.

Turn on your emergency flashers and keep driving.

Use your fog lights only and drive to the nearest shop.

How many days do you have to report a change of address to the DMV after moving?

You must report it within 10 days

You must report it before your next renewal

You only need to update your address when buying a car

You are stopped at a DUI checkpoint. What should you expect?

You must stop, and if you drive, you have consented to a test if suspected

You must stop and answer questions, but you can refuse a test

You can turn around to avoid the checkpoint

The checkpoint is illegal unless they have a warrant for your specific car

A car is trying to pass you on a rainy night. How should you adjust your driving?

Move to the right lane and slow down

You are driving on a two-way street and see a solid yellow line on your side of the road. What should you do?

You must not cross the line to pass other vehicles.

You can cross the line to pass a slow-moving bicycle.

You can cross the line to turn left into a driveway.

You may cross the line to pass another vehicle if it is safe.

You are driving in a roundabout. You see a pedestrian waiting to cross the street at the entrance. What should you do?

Yield to the pedestrian before entering the roundabout

Slow down and let them cross if you have time

Honk to tell them to wait for you

Enter the roundabout and then stop

You are in a busy shopping center. You see a sign that says 'Tow-Away Zone.' What does this mean?

Your car will be removed if you park illegally

You can park there for 5 minutes

Only trucks are allowed to park there

You can park there if you buy something

When driving at night, how should you adjust your headlights when following another vehicle?

Switch to low beams so you do not blind the driver ahead.

Turn off your headlights to save battery power.

Switch to high beams to see the road better.

Flash your high beams to warn the driver to speed up.

You are pulled over by a police officer for a traffic stop. You agree to take a breath test. What does your agreement mean?

You must take the test if asked, because of the implied consent law.

You can choose to take a blood test instead of a breath test.

You only have to take the test if you look drunk.

You can refuse the test without any penalty to your license.

You are approaching a roundabout. You see a car already inside the circle. Who has the right-of-way?

The car already in the roundabout has the right-of-way

The car with the larger vehicle has the right-of-way

You have the right-of-way because you are entering

Both of you must stop and wait for the other to move

What should you do if you feel too tired to drive safely?

Pull over to a safe place and take a nap.

Drink a cup of coffee and continue driving.

Turn up the radio loud to keep yourself awake.

Open the windows to let cold air blow on your face.

California DMV Practice Test (Variant 4) — Free 2026

Variant 4 overview

To get a driver's license in California, you must first apply for an instruction permit [ca_handbook_p008_c0]. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, and a social security number [ca_handbook_p008_c0]. The permit allows you to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver [ca_handbook_p008_c0]. You will also need to pass a knowledge test and a vision test [ca_handbook_p008_c0]. Once you have completed these steps, you can take a behind-the-wheel driving test to get your driver's license [ca_handbook_p008_c0]. The test will evaluate your ability to safely operate a vehicle [ca_handbook_p008_c0]. You can find more information on the California DMV website [ca_handbook_p008_c0].

ca_handbook_p008_c0

Loading a practice question…

California permit test: quick facts

To get a driver's license in California, you must first pass a vision test [ca_handbook_p080_c0]. The test is required for all applicants, and you must pass it before taking the knowledge test [ca_handbook_p011_c0]. You can find more information about the vision test and other requirements in the California Driver Handbook [ca_handbook_p080_c0]. The handbook also covers topics such as road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices [ca_handbook_p011_c0]. In addition to the vision test, you will also need to pass a knowledge test, which covers information found in the California Driver Handbook [ca_handbook_p011_c0]. The knowledge test has 46 questions, and you need to answer at least 38 correctly to pass [cite:ca_handbook_p011_c0]. You can take the test online or at a DMV office [cite:ca_handbook_p011_c0]. If you fail the test, you can retake it after one week [cite:ca_handbook_p011_c0]. You will also need to provide proof of identity, residency, and citizenship [cite:ca_handbook_p011_c0]. You can find more information on the DMV website [cite:ca_handbook_p011_c0].

ca_handbook_p011_c0

Take the quiz

To get a driver's license in California, you must first pass a vision test [ca_handbook_p080_c0]. The test ensures you can safely operate a vehicle. You will also need to pass a knowledge test, which covers traffic laws and road signs [ca_handbook_p011_c0]. If you are a first-time driver, you will need to complete a driver's education course and obtain a provisional license [ca_handbook_p080_c0]. The provisional license has certain restrictions, such as a curfew and limited passengers [ca_handbook_p080_c0]. You can find more information on the California DMV website [ca_handbook_p080_c0].

ca_handbook_p011_c0

What you'll learn from this variant

To obtain a driver's license in California, you must pass a series of tests, including a knowledge test, a vision test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test [cite:ca_test_requirements]. The knowledge test covers traffic laws, safe driving practices, and road signs [cite:ca_knowledge_test]. You can find study materials for the test on the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website [cite:ca_dmvs_website]. To schedule a test, you can make an appointment online or by calling the DMV [cite:ca_appointment_scheduling]. On the day of the test, you must bring required documents, such as proof of identity and residency [cite:ca_required_documents]. If you pass the test, you will be issued a driver's license [cite:ca_license_issue].

How to interpret your variant 4 score

The state of California has specific laws and regulations regarding driver's licenses and traffic safety. [cite:ca_drivers_license] One of the key aspects is the requirement for a valid driver's license to operate a vehicle. In California, drivers must have a valid license to drive, and there are specific penalties for driving without one. [cite:ca_penalty_for_driving_without_license] The state also has laws regarding vehicle registration and insurance. [cite:ca_vehicle_registration_and_insurance] Additionally, California has strict traffic laws, including those related to speeding, right-of-way, and parking. [cite:ca_traffic_laws] Drivers must also follow specific guidelines for driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances. [cite:ca_driving_under_the_influence] The state also provides resources for drivers, such as the California Driver Handbook, which outlines the rules of the road and provides tips for safe driving. [cite:ca_driver_handbook]

Next steps after this variant

To obtain a driver's license in California, you must pass a series of tests, including a written test, a vision test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test. The written test covers traffic laws and road signs, while the vision test ensures you can see well enough to drive safely. The behind-the-wheel test evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely and follow traffic laws [ca_handbook_p080_c0].

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires a vision test for all driver's license applicants. The test measures your visual acuity and peripheral vision. You must have a certain level of visual acuity to pass the test, which includes being able to read a standard license plate from 20 feet away [ca_handbook_p087_c0].

In addition to the vision test, you must also pass a written test that covers traffic laws and road signs. The test consists of 46 questions, and you must answer at least 38 correctly to pass. The test covers topics such as road signs, traffic signals, and safe driving practices [ca_handbook_p080_c0].

Once you have passed the written test and vision test, you will be issued a provisional license. This license allows you to drive under certain conditions, such as being accompanied by a licensed driver or only driving during daylight hours. After you have held your provisional license for a certain period of time, you can take the behind-the-wheel test [ca_handbook_p080_c0].

The behind-the-wheel test evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely and follow traffic laws. You will be asked to perform various driving tasks, such as turning, merging, and stopping. You will also be evaluated on your ability to follow traffic signs and signals [ca_handbook_p080_c0].

If you fail any of these tests, you can retake them after a certain period of time. You will need to pay a fee for each test you take. If you have any questions or concerns about the testing process, you can contact the DMV for more information [ca_handbook_p080_c0].

In California, you must also complete a driver's education course if you are under the age of 18. This course covers topics such as traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices [ca_handbook_p080_c0].

Overall, obtaining a driver's license in California requires passing a series of tests and meeting certain requirements. By studying and practicing, you can prepare yourself for the tests and become a safe and responsible driver [ca_handbook_p080_c0].

California DMV Practice Test — Variant 4 (Free 2026)