Safe Driving & Defensive Techniques Practice Test
California DMV practice test 2025 focused on safe driving & defensive techniques. Perfect for targeted DMV written test online California preparation with 20 questions and detailed explanations for DMV Class C practice test success.
Loading quiz...
Review all 19 questions and answers▾
1. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in a residential district is:
- 20 mph
- ✓ 25 mph
- 30 mph
The speed limit in residential districts is 25 mph unless otherwise posted.
2. A solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line means that vehicles:
- In both directions may pass
- ✓ Next to the broken line may pass
- Next to the solid line may pass
When there is a solid yellow line on your side, you cannot pass. Only vehicles on the side with the broken line may pass when safe.
3. You just rear-ended the car in front of you. You were probably:
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- ✓ Following too closely
- Looking in your mirror too often
Rear-end collisions typically result from following too closely.
4. A yellow sign showing a car skidding means:
- The road ahead has many curves
- There is a sharp curve in the road ahead
- ✓ The road ahead may be slippery
This warning sign indicates slippery conditions ahead. Drivers should reduce speed and use caution.
5. You must turn on your headlights _____ minutes after sunset and leave them on until _____ minutes before sunrise.
- 60
- 20
- ✓ 30
Turn on headlights 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.
6. This sign means:
- Another lane is merging with yours
- ✓ Another road crosses yours
- Side road ahead on the right
This sign warns of a cross road or intersection ahead.
7. If you are involved in an accident
- ✓ Notify the local law enforcement agency or CHP if anyone is injured or killed
- Show evidence that you have insurance only to a peace officer
- Stop and identify yourself only if someone is injured
Notify law enforcement if anyone is injured or killed in accident.
8. A school bus ahead of you in your lane is stopped with red lights flashing. You should:
- Stop, then proceed when you think all of the children have exited the bus
- Slow to 25 mph and pass cautiously
- ✓ Stop as long as the red lights are flashing
Must stop while school bus lights are flashing red.
9. You are approaching a railroad crossing with no warning devices and are unable to see 400 feet down the tracks in one direction. The speed limit is:
- ✓ 15 mph
- 20 mph
- 25 mph
Speed limit is 15 mph at railroad crossings with limited visibility.
10. You should never park:
- Twenty feet from a railroad track
- ✓ In a space marked with a cross-hatched pattern
- In a bike lane
Never park in crosshatched areas - they're access aisles for disabled spaces.
11. When parking your vehicle parallel to the curb on a level street.
- Your front wheels must be turned toward the street
- ✓ Your wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb
- One of your rear wheels must touch the curb
Wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb when parallel parking.
12. At an uncontrolled intersection where you can't see cross traffic until you're just about to enter the intersection, the speed limit is:
- 25 mph
- ✓ 15 mph
- 10 mph
At a blind intersection where you cannot see 100 feet in both directions, the speed limit is 15 mph.
13. You have been involved in a minor traffic collision with a parked vehicle and you can't find the owner. You must:
- Leave a note on the vehicle
- Report the accident without delay to the city police or, in unincorporated areas, to the CHP
- ✓ Both of the above
Leave a note and report to police when hitting parked vehicle.
14. This sign means:
- Vehicles on the right have the right-of-way
- You have the right-of-way
- ✓ Give the right-of-way to cross traffic
YIELD sign means give right-of-way to cross traffic.
15. You are going to make a right turn from a dedicated right-turn lane when a yellow arrow appears for your lane. You should:
- Be prepared to obey the next signal that appears
- ✓ Check for pedestrians and then turn with caution
- Stop and not make the turn under any circumstances
A yellow arrow means the signal is about to change. Check for pedestrians and complete your turn with caution if safe.
16. It is illegal for a person 21 years of age or older to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that is ___ or higher.
- ✓ 0.08% - Eight hundredths of one percent
- 0.10% - One tenth of one percent
- 0.05% - Five hundredths of one percent
The legal BAC limit for drivers 21 and over in California is 0.08%.
17. You may drive in a bike lane:
- During rush hour traffic if bicycles are not present
- ✓ No more than 200 feet before making a right turn
- Whenever bicyclists are not present
You may enter a bike lane no more than 200 feet before making a right turn. Always check for bicyclists first.
18. This sign means:
- ✓ Right curve ahead
- No right turn allowed
- Right turn allowed on green arrow
This sign warns of a curve to the right ahead.
19. You must make a full stop before you cross railroad tracks when:
- ✓ You don't have room to completely cross the tracks
- The crossing is located in a city or town with frequent train traffic
- There are no warning signals or gates at the crossing
Never stop on railroad tracks. Only cross if you have enough space to completely clear the tracks on the other side.
Leaderboard
19 entriesScore
Score
Attempts
Mobile App
Now Available on iOS
Take your DMV practice anywhere! Download our app for offline access, flashcards, and 1,164+ practice questions in 11 languages.
Quick Tips
- Read each question carefully
- Check the explanation for each answer
- Your progress is automatically saved
- Retake as many times as you need
Keep practicing
Finished this one? Try another free DMV practice test.
Traffic Signs & Signals Practice Test
Right-of-Way & Intersections Practice Test
Parking & Vehicle Control Practice Test
Speed Limits & Traffic Laws Practice Test
DUI Laws & Safety Requirements Practice Test
Sharing the Road Practice Test
Want a different set of questions?
Try the Practice Test Simulator, a fresh random draw every attempt.
