California DMV Pretest

California DMV pretest

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1. What do yellow pavement markings on both sides of a center lane indicate?

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2. If you see road reflectors shine red in your headlights:

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3. A blind spot is the area of the road:

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4. What does an orange and red sign attached to the back of a vehicle mean?

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5. If you are driving on a slippery road, when your cell phone rings, you should:

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6. What is the best thing to do if you are on a slippery road and your phone rings?

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7. What does this road sign indicate?

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8. For which of the following must you always stop your car?

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9. If you drink alcohol, your ability to drive can be affected:

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10. What does this sign mean?

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11. What is one consequence of driving with a BAC over the legal limit?

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12. If you want to pass a vehicle before a curve that blocks your view, you should:

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13. When driving at night you must:

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14. What is true about a bicyclist?

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15. Which of the following must you obey over the other two?

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16. If you transport an animal in the back of a pickup, you must:

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17. After stopping, a left turn against a red arrow is:

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18. What should you do before entering a roundabout?

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19. When may you drive at the maximum speed indicated by a speed limit sign?

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20. The best way to drive through a sharp curve is:

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21. What does a traffic signal with a steady yellow arrow mean?

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22. In cold weather, the roadways on bridges and overpasses:

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23. When you see the brake lights of several vehicles ahead, you should:

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24. What is the legal BAC limit if you are under 21?

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25. You must stop behind a school bus with flashing red lights and remain stopped until:

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California DMV Pretest

Number of questions Passing score
25 80%

How Difficult is the California DMV Test?

The difficulty of the California DMV knowledge test depends on your preparation and familiarity with driving laws and road signs, but here’s a general breakdown:

  • The passing score is 80%.
  • One out of three first-time applicants fails the test (35-40%).
  • Licenseroute.com grades the difficulty level as moderate.
  • 90% of applicants who pass the knowledge exam have prepared with both the handbook and practice tests.

If you don’t study, the test can feel surprisingly tricky. It may include questions that are oddly worded or about specific California rules (like the law against smoking in a vehicle when a minor is present).

What Does the Pretest Include?

This pretest, similar to the California renewal test, contains 25 questions on different subjects. It gives you a preliminary understanding of what to expect from the written knowledge test and how to proceed before you attempt the actual examination.

All the Help You Need

You should take as many practice tests as possible for the best results on your final California driver's license test.

DMV Practice Written Test

California DMV License Renewal Test

Special Tests

MVProctor Samples - 40 Questions

Downloadable Worksheets

Download a worksheet with 36 California DMV questions and answers:

Learn More

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