California Permit Practice Test: Safe Driving (2026)

Question 1 of 14

How far ahead should you scan the road while driving?

1. At least 3 seconds ahead
2. At least 10 seconds ahead
3. Only as far as the car in front of you

Question 2 of 14

What rule does the handbook recommend for a safe following distance?

1. The one-second rule
2. One car length for every 20 mph
3. The three-second rule

Question 3 of 14

A vehicle merges into your lane too closely in front of you. What should you do?

1. Take your foot off the accelerator to make space
2. Brake hard immediately
3. Honk and flash your lights

Question 4 of 14

Someone is tailgating you. What should you do?

1. Brake suddenly to warn them
2. Keep your course and speed, then move right when safe to let them pass
3. Speed up to get away

Question 5 of 14

How should you check your blind spots?

1. Turn your whole body to look behind you
2. Rely only on your mirrors
3. Look over your shoulders, turning only your head

Question 6 of 14

An oncoming car at night has very bright headlights. Where should you look?

1. Toward the right edge of your lane
2. Directly at the oncoming headlights
3. At the center line

Question 7 of 14

Your passenger is 14 years old and is not wearing a seat belt. Who can get a ticket?

1. Only the passenger
2. You, the driver, can also get a ticket
3. No one, if you are driving slowly

Question 8 of 14

How must a child under 2 years old, under 40 pounds, and under 3 feet 4 inches tall ride?

1. In the front seat with a seat belt
2. In a booster seat facing forward
3. In a rear-facing child passenger restraint system

Question 9 of 14

A 6-year-old child who is 4 feet tall must ride:

1. In a child passenger restraint system in a rear seat
2. In the front seat with an adult seat belt
3. In any seat with a lap belt only

Question 10 of 14

How far should you sit from the steering wheel airbag cover?

1. At least 3 inches
2. At least 10 inches
3. At least 2 feet

Question 11 of 14

It is illegal to leave a child unattended in a vehicle if the child is:

1. Ten years old or younger
2. Under 18
3. Six years old or younger

Question 12 of 14

What does California's Basic Speed Law say?

1. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted limit
2. You may always drive at the posted limit
3. You may drive 5 mph over the limit to pass

Question 13 of 14

Can an adult driver hold a cell phone while driving to make a quick call?

1. Yes, for calls under one minute
2. No, using a handheld cell phone while driving is illegal
3. Yes, at red lights

Question 14 of 14

When may a driver under 18 use a cell phone while driving?

1. Any time, in hands-free mode
2. To answer calls from parents
3. Only to call for emergency assistance