US driving theory test practice

California DMV Cheat Sheet

A condensed study guide for the CA DMV written knowledge test — test logistics, plus the California-specific rules most likely to differ from what you already know. This isn't a substitute for the official California driver's manual, or for practicing the real questions. Looking for the core rules and signs that apply everywhere, not just California? Check the general driving theory cheat sheet instead.

46Questions
83%To Pass
$46Fee
3Attempts

California-Specific Rules

Minor & Provisional Licensing

  • Instruction permit: minimum age 15½ for applicants under 18.
  • Behind-the-wheel drive test: minimum age 16, and the permit must have been held at least 6 months (or you've turned 18).
  • Required supervised practice: at least 50 hours total, including 10 hours at night.
  • The supervising driver during permit practice must be at least 25 (or a certified instructor) — not just any licensed adult.
  • Provisional curfew: no driving 11 p.m.–5 a.m. during the first 12 months of licensure.
  • Provisional passenger rule: no passengers under 20 during the first 12 months, unless a parent, guardian, or other licensed adult 25+ is in the car.

DUI Laws & Penalties

  • Standard adult DUI threshold: 0.08% BAC.
  • "Zero tolerance" threshold for drivers under 21: 0.01% BAC — not a literal 0.00%.
  • Any driver on DUI probation, regardless of age, is held to the same 0.01% BAC threshold.
  • Separate administrative threshold: a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) or later test showing 0.05% BAC can suspend an under-21 driver's license.
  • Administrative Per Se law: DMV suspends your license on arrest, on a track separate from the criminal case.
  • An officer who takes your license after a DUI arrest issues a temporary license valid for 30 days.
  • You have 10 days from a DUI arrest to request a DMV administrative hearing.
  • First DUI conviction: complete a DUI program, file an SR-22/SR-1P proof of financial responsibility; license suspended one year (not permanent); an ignition interlock device may be required on your vehicle.
  • DUI convictions stay on your driving record for 10 years.

Speed, Right-of-Way & Legal Rules

  • SR-1 accident report: file within 10 days if a collision causes injury, death, or over $1,000 in property damage — regardless of fault.
  • Railroad crossing with no working warning devices and your view blocked 400 feet in either direction: 15 mph for the last 100 feet before the crossing.
  • Ideal maximum speed on most California highways: 65 mph under good conditions.
  • 55 mph applies on two-lane undivided highways and for any vehicle towing a trailer — even where a higher limit is posted.
  • Blind intersections (no stop/yield/signal at any corner, obstructed view): 15 mph unless posted otherwise.
  • Alleys: 15 mph default speed limit.
  • An "alley" is legally defined as any road no wider than 25 feet.
  • "Safety Enhanced–Double Fine Zones" are road segments with a history of collision-related injuries/fatalities where moving-violation fines are doubled.

Parking Rules & Technique

  • Green curb: park for a limited time, as posted on a sign or painted on the curb.
  • Yellow curb: load/unload passengers and freight; a noncommercial vehicle must generally stay with the car.
  • Red curb: no stopping, standing, or parking — except buses at a marked bus zone.
  • Blue curb: reserved for a vehicle displaying a disabled person's placard/plate, or transporting that person.
  • No parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or fire station driveway.
  • No parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk (15 feet where a curb extension/bulb-out is present).
  • No parking within 3 feet of a sidewalk wheelchair ramp.
  • Zero-emission-vehicle-designated parking/fueling spaces are off-limits to any non-ZEV.
  • No parking in a tunnel or on a bridge, unless a sign specifically permits it.

Emergency Vehicles, School Buses & Work Zones

  • Passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing: a fine up to $1,000, plus a possible license suspension of up to one year.
  • Fines are doubled in highway construction/maintenance zones whenever workers are present.

Child Passenger Safety

  • Under 8 years old OR under 4'9" tall: must ride in a rear seat, secured in a child passenger restraint system.
  • 8+ years old OR 4'9"+ tall: may use a properly secured seatbelt meeting federal standards.
Want the core rules and road signs that apply everywhere, not just California?General cheat sheet →

Rules and fees change — always confirm current details with CA DMV before your exam. Cheat sheet v1.0, last checked 2026-07-16.