Most missed questions on the written test are about numbers. Here they all are, taken from the current California Driver's Handbook. Print it or save it as a PDF.
Speed limits
65 mph
Maximum on most California highways, unless posted otherwise
55 mph
Two-lane undivided highway, and any vehicle towing a trailer
25 mph
Within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing (some school zones are 15 mph)
15 mph
Blind intersection
15 mph
Alley
15 mph
Within 100 feet of a railroad crossing when you can't see the tracks 400 feet in both directions
30 mph
Top safe speed when you can't see farther than 100 feet (heavy rain, snow, fog)
Distances
100 ft
Signal at least this far before you turn
5 sec
Signal at least this long before changing lanes on a freeway
3 sec
Following distance: the three-second rule
3 ft
Minimum space when passing a bicyclist
500 / 300 ft
Dim high beams within 500 ft of an oncoming vehicle, 300 ft of a vehicle you're following
15 ft
No parking this close to a fire hydrant or fire station driveway
20 ft
No parking this close to a crosswalk
18 in
Parallel park within 18 inches of the curb
Curb colors
Red
No stopping, standing or parking
Yellow
Load and unload passengers and freight, only for the posted time
White
Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers
Green
Park for a limited time
Blue
Disabled parking with a placard or special plate
Parking on a hill
Downhill
Turn the front wheels into the curb
Uphill
Turn the front wheels away from the curb
No curb
Turn the wheels to the right, toward the side of the road
Alcohol (BAC)
0.08%
Illegal to drive at or above this if you're 21 or older
0.01%
Illegal if you're under 21, or on DUI probation at any age
0.04%
Illegal in a vehicle that requires a commercial license
Rules people forget
School bus
Red lights flashing: stop in both directions until they stop flashing (not required on the other side of a divided or multilane highway)
Phone
Handheld use while driving is illegal; adults hands-free only. Drivers under 18 can't use a phone at all, except to call for emergency help
Headlights
From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and whenever you can't see 1,000 feet
Kids
Under 8 or shorter than 4 ft 9 in: child safety seat in the back seat
The test itself
80% to pass, 3 attempts per application, $46 fee. In the office the test has to start before 4:30 p.m. Bring an identity document, your SSN and proof of residency.
Source: California Driver's Handbook (dmv.ca.gov), checked October 2026.
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