I85PREP
⌘ K
CA Driving Instructor study materials
CA Driving Instructor study resources

CA Driving Instructor practice questions

One question at a time. Build your CA Driving Instructor understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

Under California's basic speed law, how fast may you drive?

  1. No faster than is safe for conditions Correct answer.
  2. The same speed as surrounding traffic
  3. Exactly the posted speed limit at all times
  4. At least the posted minimum speed

Explanation

California's basic speed law requires you to drive no faster than is safe for the current weather, visibility, traffic, and road conditions. A posted speed limit is a maximum for ideal conditions, not a target that must be maintained.

Question 2Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

After stopping at a steady red light, when may you turn right?

  1. After yielding, unless a sign prohibits it Correct answer.
  2. Only from a one-way onto a one-way street
  3. Only when a green arrow appears
  4. Without stopping if the road looks clear

Explanation

A right turn on a steady red light is allowed after a complete stop, provided you yield to pedestrians and traffic and no sign forbids the turn. The turn must be made safely and from the proper position.

Question 3Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

Two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection at about the same time. Who has the right of way?

  1. The driver on the right Correct answer.
  2. The driver traveling faster
  3. The driver who honks first
  4. The driver on the left

Explanation

At an uncontrolled intersection, the vehicle on the right has the right of way when two vehicles arrive at approximately the same time. If one vehicle arrives first, that vehicle generally proceeds first.

Question 4Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

You must turn on your headlights when:

  1. Only after the sun has fully set
  2. You are within 500 feet of another car
  3. You are driving faster than 45 mph
  4. Your wipers are in continuous use Correct answer.

Explanation

California requires headlights whenever weather conditions require the windshield wipers to be used continuously, and whenever visibility is too low to see people or vehicles clearly at 1,000 feet. Headlights also are required from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.

Question 5Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

A red curb means:

  1. No stopping, standing, or parking Correct answer.
  2. Stopping only to load passengers
  3. Parking for up to 15 minutes
  4. Parking with a disabled placard

Explanation

A red curb indicates a fire zone or other no-stopping zone. You may not stop, stand, or park at a red curb, even briefly.

Question 6Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

A school bus ahead on a two-lane road flashes red lights. What must you do?

  1. Slow down and pass with care
  2. Continue if you are going the other way
  3. Stop only if children are visible
  4. Stop until the lights stop flashing Correct answer.

Explanation

On an undivided two-lane road, you must stop from either direction when a school bus displays flashing red lights. Remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the bus begins to move.

Question 7Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

Who must wear a seat belt in a moving vehicle?

  1. Only passengers under 18
  2. All riders 16 and older Correct answer.
  3. Only the driver
  4. Only front-seat riders

Explanation

All occupants age 16 and older must be properly restrained by a seat belt. The driver is responsible for ensuring that passengers under 16 are properly restrained.

Question 8Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

A flashing red traffic signal means:

  1. Stop and wait for a green light
  2. Slow down and proceed with caution
  3. The signal is broken; ignore it
  4. Stop, then go when it is safe Correct answer.

Explanation

A flashing red signal is treated like a stop sign: come to a complete stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when it is safe. You do not need to wait for a green light.

Question 9Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

At a green circular light, a driver turning left must:

  1. Turn only when the light is yellow
  2. Go ahead of oncoming traffic
  3. Yield to oncoming traffic Correct answer.
  4. Wait for a green arrow every time

Explanation

A circular green light permits a left turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. A green arrow, by contrast, gives a protected turn.

Question 10Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in a residential or business district is:

  1. 35 mph
  2. 25 mph Correct answer.
  3. 15 mph
  4. 40 mph

Explanation

California sets a default 25 mph speed limit in residential and business districts unless a different limit is posted. Local authorities may adjust limits based on traffic surveys.

Question 11Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

May you pass a slow vehicle across a solid double yellow line?

  1. Yes, if you can see 200 feet ahead
  2. Yes, if the driver ahead waves you by
  3. Yes, if you flash your headlights first
  4. No; passing there is prohibited Correct answer.

Explanation

A solid double yellow line means passing is prohibited across it because visibility or road conditions make passing unsafe. You may cross it only for certain turns, such as into a driveway, where permitted.

Question 12Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

You approach a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on a freeway shoulder. You should:

  1. Stop until it moves
  2. Keep your speed and lane
  3. Honk and pass quickly
  4. Move over or slow down Correct answer.

Explanation

California's Move Over law requires drivers approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights to move over a lane if safe and possible. If a lane change is not possible, you must slow down and proceed with caution.

Question 13Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

Under normal conditions, keep at least how much space behind the vehicle ahead?

  1. Five car lengths
  2. Three seconds Correct answer.
  3. One car length per 10 mph
  4. Two seconds

Explanation

A three-second following distance is recommended for normal conditions. Increase the gap in rain, darkness, heavy traffic, or when following large vehicles with limited visibility.

Question 14Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

A vehicle ahead of you is stopped at a marked crosswalk. You should:

  1. Go ahead if you see no one
  2. Do not pass at all Correct answer.
  3. Pass on the right shoulder
  4. Pass on the left if clear

Explanation

Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk; the driver may be yielding to a pedestrian you cannot see. Passing could strike a pedestrian hidden by the stopped vehicle.

Question 15Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

Before a turn, you must signal continuously for at least:

  1. 200 feet
  2. 50 feet
  3. 100 feet Correct answer.
  4. 75 feet

Explanation

California requires a turn signal for at least 100 feet before making a turn. Signaling earlier gives other drivers and pedestrians more time to react.

Question 16Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

A child must use a child passenger restraint system until the child:

  1. Turns 12 years old
  2. Turns 8 years old Correct answer.
  3. Weighs 80 pounds
  4. Is at least 5 feet tall

Explanation

California requires children under 8 years old to be secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint system. Safety experts recommend keeping children in booster seats until they are about 4 feet 9 inches tall.

Question 17Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

When you must stop at a railroad crossing, stop:

  1. 15 to 50 feet from the rail Correct answer.
  2. At least 100 feet from the rail
  3. On the tracks if no train is visible
  4. Within 5 feet of the rail

Explanation

A required stop at a railroad crossing should be made between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail. This position keeps you clear of the train while allowing a view of the tracks.

Question 18Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

To use an HOV lane marked '2+', a vehicle generally needs:

  1. A commercial plate
  2. At least two occupants Correct answer.
  3. At least four occupants
  4. A trailer attached

Explanation

An HOV lane marked 2+ generally requires at least two occupants in the vehicle. Motorcycles and certain qualifying clean-air vehicles may use these lanes under specific rules.

Question 19Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

For a driver 21 or older, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of:

  1. 0.01% or higher
  2. 0.10% or higher
  3. 0.08% or higher Correct answer.
  4. 0.04% or higher

Explanation

For drivers 21 and older, California's per se limit is a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. Lower limits apply to drivers under 21 and to commercial drivers.

Question 20Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

You may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?

  1. 15 feet Correct answer.
  2. 12 feet
  3. 5 feet
  4. 10 feet

Explanation

California prohibits parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Keeping the area clear allows firefighters to connect hoses quickly during an emergency.

Question 21Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

When may you turn left at a steady red light?

  1. From any street onto a one-way street
  2. Never; it is always illegal
  3. Only when a sign explicitly allows it
  4. One-way to one-way, after yielding Correct answer.

Explanation

California permits a left turn on a steady red light when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop and yielding to traffic. The turn is prohibited if a sign forbids it.

Question 22Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

The 15 mph limit applies within 100 feet of a rail crossing when:

  1. The crossing has a stop sign
  2. View is blocked for 400 feet Correct answer.
  3. A train passed five minutes ago
  4. The crossing has flashing lights

Explanation

California sets a 15 mph limit within 100 feet of a railroad crossing when the view along the tracks is obstructed so that you cannot see 400 feet in either direction. The limit protects drivers who cannot confirm the tracks are clear.

Question 23Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

In a business district, a U-turn is allowed:

  1. At an intersection or by sign Correct answer.
  2. Anywhere the road is wide enough
  3. Only during daylight hours
  4. Never under any circumstances

Explanation

California prohibits U-turns in a business district except at an intersection or where a sign specifically permits the turn. Even where allowed, the turn must be made safely and without interfering with traffic.

Question 24Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

On a divided highway, a school bus on the opposite side flashes red lights. You must:

  1. Stop if children are crossing toward you
  2. Slow to 15 mph and pass
  3. Stop as on a two-lane road
  4. Keep driving; no stop is required Correct answer.

Explanation

On a divided highway with a median, traffic on the opposite side of the median is not required to stop for a school bus flashing red lights. Traffic on the same side as the bus must stop.

Question 25Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

Do not follow a fire engine responding to an emergency closer than:

  1. 500 feet Correct answer.
  2. 100 feet
  3. 300 feet
  4. 1,000 feet

Explanation

California prohibits following a fire engine or other emergency vehicle responding to an emergency call closer than 500 feet. The same separation helps keep the scene clear for emergency operations.

Question 26Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

You approach an intersection with no stop signs, yield signs, or traffic signals. Another vehicle is approaching from your right at about the same time. Who has the right of way?

  1. Whoever enters the intersection first, regardless of direction.
  2. The vehicle that is traveling faster.
  3. You do, because you are going straight.
  4. The other vehicle, because it is on your right. Correct answer.

Explanation

At an intersection with no signs or signals, the driver on the right has the right of way when two vehicles arrive at about the same time. Slow down and yield rather than assuming you may go first.

Question 27Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

When entering a roundabout, you must:

  1. Stop before entering in all cases.
  2. Yield to traffic already in the circle. Correct answer.
  3. Signal right and proceed without yielding.
  4. Enter to the left of circulating traffic.

Explanation

Traffic already circulating in a roundabout has the right of way. Enter only when there is a safe gap, and do not stop inside the circle.

Question 28Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

A left-turn lane has a flashing yellow arrow. What does it mean?

  1. Left turns are prohibited.
  2. You may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Correct answer.
  3. You must stop and wait for a green arrow.
  4. You have a protected left turn.

Explanation

A flashing yellow left-turn arrow permits the turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. It is not a protected turn.

Question 29Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

A steady red arrow pointing left means:

  1. You must stop and may not turn in the direction of the arrow. Correct answer.
  2. You may turn left if no traffic is coming.
  3. You may turn left after stopping.
  4. You may proceed with caution.

Explanation

A steady red arrow is a stop signal for that direction. You may not turn until a green arrow or other signal permits the movement.

Question 30Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

A pedestrian using a white cane is crossing at an intersection. You should:

  1. Sound your horn to alert the pedestrian.
  2. Wait only if the pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk.
  3. Proceed if you can pass behind the pedestrian.
  4. Stop and yield the right of way. Correct answer.

Explanation

A white cane signals that the pedestrian is blind or has low vision, so drivers must yield and stop if needed. Do not sound your horn, because it may startle the pedestrian.

Question 31Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

When passing a bicyclist on a road, you must allow at least:

  1. 1 foot of clearance.
  2. 2 feet of clearance.
  3. 3 feet of clearance. Correct answer.
  4. 5 feet of clearance.

Explanation

California law requires at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist. If you cannot allow that space, slow down and wait until it is safe to pass.

Question 32Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

When parallel parking, the law requires your wheels to be within what maximum distance of the curb?

  1. 18 inches Correct answer.
  2. 24 inches
  3. 6 inches
  4. 12 inches

Explanation

A vehicle parallel parked in California must have its wheels within 18 inches of the curb. Parking farther out can obstruct traffic.

Question 33Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

You may not park within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection?

  1. 10 feet
  2. 25 feet
  3. 20 feet Correct answer.
  4. 15 feet

Explanation

Parking is prohibited within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. That space keeps pedestrians and crossing traffic visible.

Question 34Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

At night, you must dim your high-beam headlights when an oncoming vehicle is within:

  1. 1,000 feet
  2. 300 feet
  3. 200 feet
  4. 500 feet Correct answer.

Explanation

High beams must be dimmed when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet. They must also be dimmed within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.

Question 35Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

When driving in fog, you should use:

  1. Emergency flashers while moving.
  2. High-beam headlights.
  3. Parking lights only.
  4. Low-beam headlights. Correct answer.

Explanation

Fog reflects high beams back at the driver, reducing visibility. Low beams aim light down and reduce glare.

Question 36Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

A center lane marked on both sides with broken yellow lines and left-turn arrows may be used to:

  1. Make left turns or enter from a side street, but not for passing or travel. Correct answer.
  2. Make U-turns only.
  3. Drive in for up to 200 feet before turning left.
  4. Pass slower traffic.

Explanation

A two-way left-turn lane is for left turns and for entering the roadway from a side street. It is not a travel lane and may not be used to pass.

Question 37Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

When entering a freeway from an on-ramp, you must:

  1. Yield to traffic already on the freeway. Correct answer.
  2. Stop at the end of the ramp in all cases.
  3. Have the right of way because you are merging.
  4. Speed up and move directly to the left lane.

Explanation

Vehicles already on the freeway have the right of way. Use the on-ramp to match speed and merge into a safe gap.

Question 38Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

If you miss your freeway exit, you should:

  1. Continue to the next exit. Correct answer.
  2. Back up along the shoulder to the exit.
  3. Make a U-turn through the median.
  4. Stop and wait for a break in traffic.

Explanation

If you miss an exit, continue to the next one and turn around safely. Backing up or crossing a median on a freeway is illegal and dangerous.

Question 39Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in a school zone when children are present is:

  1. 25 mph Correct answer.
  2. 20 mph
  3. 15 mph
  4. 30 mph

Explanation

The default school-zone speed limit is 25 mph when children are present, unless a sign posts a different limit. Slow further if conditions require.

Question 40Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

When you encounter a funeral procession on a roadway, you:

  1. May pass the procession if you are in a hurry.
  2. May cut through the procession at an intersection with a green light.
  3. Should join the procession to help traffic flow.
  4. Must not drive between the vehicles in the procession unless directed by a peace officer. Correct answer.

Explanation

Drivers must not cut into or drive between vehicles that are part of a funeral procession. Follow directions from a peace officer if one is controlling traffic.

Question 41Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

A police officer is directing traffic at an intersection and signals you to stop, but the light is green. You should:

  1. Stop and obey the officer. Correct answer.
  2. Sound your horn and proceed carefully.
  3. Follow the green light and proceed.
  4. Stop only if the officer is standing in your lane.

Explanation

A peace officer directing traffic has authority over signals and signs. Obey the officer even if the light is green.

Question 42Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

A white painted curb means:

  1. Parking is allowed for up to 20 minutes.
  2. Parking is reserved for disabled persons.
  3. You may stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers or mail. Correct answer.
  4. No stopping, standing, or parking is allowed at any time.

Explanation

A white curb marks a passenger loading zone: stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers or mail. It is not a place to park.

Question 43Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

You approach an intersection where the traffic signal is dark because of a power failure. You should:

  1. Treat the intersection as an all-way stop and yield as required. Correct answer.
  2. Proceed through without stopping because the signal is off.
  3. Wait for a police officer before moving.
  4. Stop only if another vehicle is already in the intersection.

Explanation

When a signal is dark, treat the intersection as an all-way stop. Stop, yield to traffic already in the intersection, and proceed when safe.

Question 44Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road

May you drive a motor vehicle in a bicycle lane?

  1. No, under any circumstances.
  2. Yes, but only at speeds under 25 mph.
  3. Yes, whenever the regular lane is congested.
  4. No, except when parking where permitted, entering or leaving a driveway, or making a turn. Correct answer.

Explanation

Motor vehicles may enter a bicycle lane only for limited purposes such as parking where allowed, entering or leaving a driveway, or making a turn. It is not a passing or congestion-relief lane.

Question 45Safe Driving Practices and Vehicle Control

Under California's Basic Speed Law, how fast may you legally drive?

  1. Exactly the posted speed limit at all times, regardless of weather or traffic
  2. Only as fast as the vehicle directly ahead of you is traveling
  3. Up to 5 mph above the posted limit when traffic is light and the road is dry
  4. No faster than is safe for current conditions, even below the posted limit Correct answer.

Explanation

The Basic Speed Law requires a speed that is reasonable and prudent for weather, visibility, road surface, and traffic. A posted limit is a maximum for ideal conditions, not a target to be reached in all circumstances, so slowing below the sign is required when conditions deteriorate.

Question 46Safe Driving Practices and Vehicle Control

On a dry road with good visibility, what following distance should you keep under normal conditions?

  1. About one second
  2. One car length for every 10 mph of speed
  3. Two car lengths at any speed
  4. At least three seconds Correct answer.

Explanation

California driver education teaches the three-second rule: pick a fixed object and ensure at least three seconds pass before you reach it. The gap should be increased for rain, darkness, heavy loads, or when being followed closely.

Question 47Safe Driving Practices and Vehicle Control

In California, where must a child who is under 8 years old normally ride in a passenger vehicle?

  1. In the front seat wearing a lap and shoulder belt
  2. In any seat, as long as a lap belt is used
  3. On an adult passenger's lap in the back seat
  4. In an approved child restraint in the back seat Correct answer.

Explanation

California requires children under 8 to be secured in a federally approved child passenger restraint system in the rear seat, with limited exceptions such as a child who is 4 feet 9 inches or taller. A seat belt alone is not an acceptable substitute for a small child.

Question 48Safe Driving Practices and Vehicle Control

When does California law require you to turn on your headlights?

  1. Only between midnight and 5:00 a.m., or whenever you drive on an unlit rural highway
  2. Whenever you cannot see 1,000 feet ahead, or when wipers are on for rain or fog Correct answer.
  3. Only when the rain is heavy enough to need the fastest wiper setting
  4. Only when other drivers have already turned their headlights on

Explanation

Headlights are required whenever visibility does not allow you to clearly see people and vehicles 1,000 feet ahead, and also whenever you are using your windshield wipers because of rain, snow, or fog. The wiper rule exists so that other drivers can see you, not just so you can see them.

Question 49Safe Driving Practices and Vehicle Control

You are stopped at a red light at an ordinary intersection and want to turn right. What does California law allow?

  1. You must wait for a green light in every case
  2. You may turn only after the driver behind you signals approval
  3. You may turn without stopping if no traffic is coming
  4. Turn after stopping and yielding, unless a sign forbids it Correct answer.

Explanation

A right turn on red is permitted after a full stop, provided you yield to pedestrians and to traffic already in or approaching the intersection. The turn is prohibited where a sign posted at the corner says so.

Question 50Safe Driving Practices and Vehicle Control

Two vehicles coming from different roads arrive at an uncontrolled intersection at about the same time. Who should go first?

  1. The vehicle on the left
  2. The larger of the two vehicles
  3. The vehicle on the right Correct answer.
  4. Whichever vehicle honks or signals first

Explanation

At an uncontrolled intersection, the driver on the left must yield to the vehicle approaching from the right when the two arrive at approximately the same time. If one vehicle clearly arrived first, that vehicle has the right of way.