California Permit Practice Test: Signals, Horn and Headlights (2026)

Question 1 of 15

Is it legal to wear earbuds in both ears while driving?

1. No, it is illegal to wear a headset or earplugs in both ears
2. Yes, if the volume is low
3. Yes, if you are using a navigation app

Question 2 of 15

For hand-to-hand (push/pull) steering, where should your hands start on the wheel?

1. At 10 and 2 o'clock only
2. At 9 and 3 o'clock, or 8 and 4 o'clock
3. At 12 o'clock with one hand

Question 3 of 15

When should you use hand-over-hand steering?

1. At high speeds on the freeway
2. Whenever you change lanes
3. When turning at low speeds, parking, or recovering from a skid

Question 4 of 15

You are turning while backing up and looking behind you. Where should your hand be on the steering wheel?

1. At the 12 o'clock position
2. At the 6 o'clock position
3. At 9 and 3 o'clock

Question 5 of 15

How far before a turn should you start signaling?

1. At least 50 feet
2. At least 100 feet
3. Only when you reach the intersection

Question 6 of 15

Before changing lanes on a freeway, you should signal for at least:

1. One second
2. Three seconds
3. Five seconds

Question 7 of 15

You are about to turn and see no other vehicles around. Should you signal?

1. Yes, signal even when you do not see other vehicles
2. No, signals are only needed when others are nearby
3. Only at night

Question 8 of 15

On a narrow mountain road, when should you use your horn?

1. Every time you pass another car
2. When you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead, to alert oncoming traffic
3. Never, horns are not allowed on mountain roads

Question 9 of 15

You must dim your high beams when an oncoming vehicle is within:

1. 100 feet
2. 1,000 feet
3. 500 feet

Question 10 of 15

You must dim your high beams when you are following another vehicle within:

1. 300 feet
2. 50 feet
3. 1,000 feet

Question 11 of 15

When must you have your headlights on in the evening?

1. Only when it is completely dark
2. Beginning 30 minutes after sunset
3. At sunset exactly

Question 12 of 15

It is raining and you turn on your windshield wipers. What else must you turn on?

1. Your emergency flashers
2. Your high-beam headlights
3. Your low-beam headlights

Question 13 of 15

Is it legal to drive at night with only your parking lights on?

1. No, it is illegal to drive using only parking lights
2. Yes, on well-lit city streets
3. Yes, if you drive below 25 mph

Question 14 of 15

Your car breaks down and you cannot get completely off the road. Where should you avoid stopping?

1. On a straight, flat stretch of road
2. Just over a hill or just around a curve
3. Where drivers behind you can see your car

Question 15 of 15

You see a collision ahead. Besides turning on your emergency flashers, how can you warn drivers behind you?

1. Stop suddenly so they notice
2. Flash your high beams at them
3. Lightly tap your brake pedal three or four times