California Permit Practice Test: Sharing the Road (2026)

Question 1 of 20

You are driving behind a large truck and cannot see its side mirrors. This means:

1. The truck driver cannot see you
2. You are at a safe following distance
3. The truck is about to turn

Question 2 of 20

A passenger car at 55 mph can stop within about 300 feet. How far can a large vehicle at the same speed need to stop?

1. About 200 feet
2. Up to 400 feet
3. The same 300 feet

Question 3 of 20

A truck ahead moves to the left before turning right. Why?

1. The driver changed their mind
2. The driver is about to pass you
3. Large vehicles must often swing wide to complete a turn

Question 4 of 20

On which side should you pass a large vehicle?

1. On the left side
2. On the right side
3. Either side

Question 5 of 20

A bus or streetcar is stopped at a safety zone. What is the fastest you may pass it?

1. 5 mph
2. 10 mph
3. 25 mph

Question 6 of 20

When may you drive through a safety zone marked for pedestrians waiting for a bus or streetcar?

1. When no pedestrians are in it
2. At less than 10 mph
3. Never, under any condition

Question 7 of 20

What following distance should you keep behind a motorcycle?

1. Three seconds
2. One second
3. Half a second

Question 8 of 20

Is it legal in California for a motorcycle to ride between lanes of traffic (lane splitting)?

1. No, it is always illegal
2. Yes, it is legal to share lanes with motorcycles
3. Only on freeways at night

Question 9 of 20

A motorcycle is ahead of you in your lane. Can you pass it without changing lanes?

1. Yes, if it is riding near the edge
2. Yes, if you honk first
3. No, never pass a motorcycle in the same lane

Question 10 of 20

An ambulance with its siren and red lights on is coming up behind you. You should:

1. Drive to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes
2. Speed up to get out of its way
3. Stop immediately in your lane

Question 11 of 20

You are already in an intersection when you see an emergency vehicle with its siren on. What should you do?

1. Stop in the middle of the intersection
2. Continue through the intersection, then pull to the right and stop
3. Back up out of the intersection

Question 12 of 20

It is illegal to follow a fire engine or ambulance with its siren or flashing lights on within:

1. 100 feet
2. 50 feet
3. 300 feet

Question 13 of 20

A vehicle with an orange and red triangle on its back usually travels at:

1. 25 mph or less
2. The posted speed limit
3. 45 mph or more

Question 14 of 20

Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) are not allowed on roads where the speed limit is greater than:

1. 25 mph
2. 35 mph
3. 55 mph

Question 15 of 20

Which bicyclists must wear a helmet?

1. All bicyclists
2. Only those riding at night
3. Those under 18 years old

Question 16 of 20

In which direction must bicyclists ride?

1. In the same direction as traffic
2. Facing oncoming traffic
3. Either direction

Question 17 of 20

You cannot change lanes and cannot give a bicyclist three feet of space. What should you do?

1. Pass slowly anyway
2. Wait and do not pass until you can give three feet of clearance
3. Honk so the bicyclist moves over

Question 18 of 20

Fines for traffic violations in a highway work zone can be:

1. $50 or less
2. Exactly $100
3. $1,000 or more

Question 19 of 20

You approach a tow truck stopped on the shoulder with flashing amber lights. You must:

1. Move over and slow down
2. Keep your lane and speed
3. Stop behind it

Question 20 of 20

A diamond-shaped placard on a truck means:

1. The truck is over the weight limit
2. The truck's load may be dangerous, and it must stop before railroad tracks
3. The driver is in training