Official sources

California driver handbook

Short official excerpts used to ground practice questions. Confirm the current legal text on the California licensing agency site.

Official handbook

Handbook pages

California Driver's Handbook

The California Driver’s Handbook is available in nine languages and offers valuable information for Californians who are getting their driver’s license for the first time or seasoned drivers who wish to update their knowledge of traffic rules.

Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs

It is illegal for you to drive if you have a BAC of: 0.08% or higher if you are over 21 years old. 0.01% or higher if you are under 21 years old. 0.01% or higher at any age if you are on DUI probation. 0.04% or higher if you drive a vehicle that requires a commercial driver’s license.

When you drive in California, you consent to a breath, blood, or urine test if a law enforcement officer suspects you of DUI. If you refuse, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege.

Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road

A red traffic signal light means STOP. You can turn right at a red light, if there is not a NO TURN ON RED sign posted. You stop at the stop or limit line, yield for pedestrians, and turn when it is safe.

When a traffic light is not working, stop as if the intersection is controlled by STOP signs in all directions. Then proceed cautiously when it is safe to do so.

Pedestrians using guide dogs or white canes have the right-of-way at all times. Do not honk your horn at a blind person.

Section 7 continued: Sharing the Road

The speed limit is 25 mph within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street. Some school zones may have speed limits as low as 15 mph.

The speed limit in an alley is 15 mph. An intersection is considered blind if it has no stop signs at any corner. The speed limit for a blind intersection is 15 mph.

The speed limit is 15 mph within 100 feet of a railroad crossing and you cannot see the tracks for 400 feet in both directions. When you cannot change lanes to pass a bicyclist, allow at least three feet between your vehicle and the bicyclist.

It is against the law to follow within 300 feet of any fire engine, law enforcement vehicle, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle when their siren or flashing lights are on.

Section 8: Safe Driving

Use the three-second rule to ensure a safe following distance and avoid a collision. Following other vehicles at a safe distance gives you enough time to react if another driver makes a mistake.

If you start to skid, slowly remove your foot from the accelerator. Do not use the brakes. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.

Cited pages

Adult BAC limit

This citation points at the official California handbook (open the source) The number is filled from this state’s verified official fact at compose time.

Under-21 / zero-tolerance BAC

This citation points at the official California handbook (open the source) The number is filled from this state’s verified official fact at compose time.

Default residential speed

This citation points at the official California handbook (open the source) The number is filled from this state’s verified official fact at compose time.

Maximum highway speed

This citation points at the official California handbook (open the source) The number is filled from this state’s verified official fact at compose time.

Minimum permit age

This citation points at the official California handbook (open the source) The number is filled from this state’s verified official fact at compose time.

1

This citation points at the official California handbook (open the source)

11

This citation points at the official California handbook (open the source)

12

This citation points at the official California handbook (open the source)

Cited passages

Each mark is the excerpt a practice question jumps to. Open the official link for the full page.

  1. 1

    California Driver’s Handbook Section 1 of 22 Close Table of Contents California Driver’s Handbook Secretary’s Message Dear fellow Californian, All who use our streets, roads and highways must follow and understand the rules of the road.

  2. 1

    loved ones and more—and to do so well into one’s golden years. It also enables truck drivers to transport goods and services to support our economy. The driver’s license application can be started from the comfort of home by visiting the DMV website at dmv.ca.gov . Due to the department’s expanding online services, most DMV transactions can be completed on this site. Some of

  3. 11

    sure you do not cross over any solid lines when merging. If you need to cross several lanes, signal and cross them one at a time. Check your blind spots for vehicles, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians each time. Exiting To exit a highway safely: Know your exit and be aware of when it is approaching. If you plan to change lanes, do so one

  4. 12

    of a fire hydrant or fire station driveway. Within 20 feet of an unmarked or marked crosswalk, or within 15 feet of a crosswalk where a curb extension is present. Between a safety zone and curb. Double parked. On the wrong side of the street or on a freeway, except: In an emergency. When a law enforcement officer requires a stop. Where a stop

  5. 12

    California Driver’s Handbook Section 10 of 22 Close Table of Contents Section 6: Navigating the Roads (Continued) Parking Parallel Parking Parallel parking is when you park in line with the road and other parked vehicles. To parallel park: 1. Find a space. Look for a space at least

  6. 13

    have the right-of-way, they also must follow the rules of the road. When there is a pedestrian crossing a roadway with or without a crosswalk, you must use caution, reduce your speed, or stop to allow the pedestrian to safely finish crossing. Other things to keep in mind: Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. You may not be able to see

  7. 14

    vehicles Golf carts Adjust your speed to share the road with these vehicles. Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) and Low-speed Vehicles (LSV) Watch for slow-moving vehicles when you see these signs or markings: NEV USE ONLY NEV ROUTE NEVs and LSVs reach a maximum speed of 25 mph. They are restricted from roads where the speed limit is greater than 35 mph. Animal-drawn Vehicles Horse-drawn

  8. 14

    to pedestrians. Wear a helmet (if under 18 years old). Stay visible (for example, never weave between parked vehicles). Ride as near to the right curb or edge of the roadway as possible. Not ride on the sidewalk (unless allowed by the city). Make left and right turns in the same way drivers do, using hand signals and turn lanes. Use a bike lane,

  9. 14

    Ride in the same direction as traffic. Always look over your shoulder to make sure the lane is clear before turning or changing lanes. Yield to pedestrians. Wear a helmet (if under 18 years old). Stay visible (for example, never weave between parked vehicles). Ride as near to the right curb or edge of the roadway as possible. Not ride on the sidewalk (unless

  10. 15

    reported by other states and juvenile court are also added to your driver’s record. Traffic convictions and collisions stay on your record for 36 months or longer, depending on the type of conviction. As an adult, your license may be suspended if your driver’s record shows one of the following point totals: 4 points in 12 months. 6 points in 24 months. 8 points

  11. 15

    at fault collisions, three traffic violation convictions, or a combination: Your driving privilege will be suspended for six months. You will be on probation for one year. If you have more at fault collisions or traffic violation convictions while on probation, your license will be suspended again. A conviction of using alcohol or a controlled substance, or both and are 15-20 years old: The

  12. 15

    at fault collisions, two traffic violation convictions, or one of each: You cannot drive for 30 days unless a licensed adult, at least 25 years old, rides with you. Three at fault collisions, three traffic violation convictions, or a combination: Your driving privilege will be suspended for six months. You will be on probation for one year. If you have more at fault collisions

  13. 17

    Your local law enforcement agency or fire department can check the installation of your child passenger restraint system. As your child grows, check that the child passenger restraint system is the right size. Air Bags Air bags are a valuable safety feature on many vehicles. They can help keep you safer than a seat belt alone. Ride at least 10 inches from the airbag

  14. 17

    California Driver’s Handbook Section 15 of 22 Close Table of Contents Section 8: Safe Driving (Continued) Protect Yourself and Your Passengers Seat Belts You and your passengers must wear seat belts. You can get a ticket if you do not. If your passenger is under 16 years old,

  15. 23

    during the time of day when traffic is light. Avoiding difficult intersections. Driving for short distances or limiting driving to essential places. No freeway driving. Installing an additional right-side mirror. To get the Driver Skills Self-Assessment Questionnaire, visit dmv.ca.gov/driver-skills . Driver’s License Renewal If you are 70 years

  16. 4

    are free to copy, distribute, and adapt the material for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give appropriate credit to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Commercial use is prohibited without prior written permission. Attribution should be provided as follows: “ California Driver’s Handbook, California Department of