California DMV · Class C · Based on the 2025 California Driver’s Handbook
California DMV Safe & Defensive Driving Practice Test (2026)
Defensive driving questions test following distance, scanning, blind spots, and distraction laws. The key rule: use the three-second rule for a safe following distance and scan the road at least 10 seconds ahead.
Free practice questions
1What should you do if a vehicle behind you is tailgating too closely?
- A Slow down to let it pass
- B Accelerate to pull away
- C Slam on the brakes abruptly
- D Merge right when it is safe and let it pass
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D — Correct. Handbook: when safe to do so, merge right to change into another lane and allow the tailgater to pass.
Why the other options are wrong
- A Incorrect. The handbook says to first maintain your course and speed; slowing down actually increases the risk of being rear-ended.
- B Incorrect. Speeding up makes the tailgater follow faster and still closely, so both of you are driving close together at a higher speed.
- C Incorrect. Deliberately slamming on the brakes (a brake check) can easily cause a rear-end collision and road rage; the handbook says not to brake suddenly.
Handbook: §8 Being tailgated (Tailgating)
2What does California law say about drivers under 18 using a cell phone while driving?
- A They are prohibited from using any wireless communication device, handheld or hands-free, including phone calls
- B They may make calls hands-free, just not while holding the phone
- C Only texting is banned; phone calls are unrestricted
- D The rules are identical to those for adult drivers, with no special restriction
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A — Correct. The handbook says drivers under 18 may not use any wireless communication device while driving, whether handheld or hands-free; this rule is stricter than the one for adult drivers.
Why the other options are wrong
- B Incorrect. The rule for drivers under 18 is stricter than for adults; hands-free use is also prohibited, which is the key difference from the rule for adult drivers.
- C Incorrect. The handbook completely prohibits drivers under 18 from using wireless communication devices, not just texting.
- D Incorrect. The handbook has stricter rules for drivers under 18; adult drivers may use hands-free devices when following the rules.
Handbook: §8 Distracted driving (under 18)
3Which of the following is a core principle of "defensive driving"?
- A Keep your eyes fixed straight ahead on the road surface
- B Scan your surroundings continuously to identify potential hazards
- C Maintain confidence that you can avoid danger under any circumstances
- D Expect other drivers to accommodate and forgive your driving errors
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B — Correct. The handbook says to know what is ahead, to the sides, in your blind spots, and behind you, scanning constantly to spot hazards early.
Why the other options are wrong
- A Incorrect. Staring straight ahead creates tunnel vision; the handbook says to keep your eyes moving and scanning.
- C Incorrect. Overconfidence leads to carelessness; the handbook stresses leaving yourself time to react rather than relying on your skills.
- D Incorrect. The handbook says, "Never assume that other drivers will give you the right-of-way."
Handbook: §8 Being aware of your surroundings
Practice all 82 Safe & defensive driving questions
The full bank has 1,000+ questions across 15 topics, each explained option by option and available in 8 languages beside the original English.
What you need to know
- Use the three-second rule to keep a safe following distance; if a vehicle merges too closely in front of you, take your foot off the accelerator to create space. §8
- Keep your eyes moving and scan the road at least 10 seconds ahead so you have time to react. §8
- If a tailgater is behind you, maintain your course and speed, then merge right when safe to let them pass. §8
- Check blind spots by looking over your shoulder out the side windows — turn only your head, not your body or the steering wheel — before changing lanes, merging, backing up, pulling from the curb, or opening your door. §8
- Driving with a handheld cell phone is illegal; adults should use hands-free mode only when necessary, and must not send or read texts or emails while driving. §8
- When there are hazards on both sides, take one danger at a time: slow down and let the oncoming car pass, then move left to give a bicyclist at least three feet. §8
- Hold the wheel with both hands at 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 o'clock and do not cross your hands over the middle of the wheel when using push/pull steering. §5
- During a law enforcement traffic break, turn on your emergency flashers, slow gradually to the officer's speed, and do not pass the patrol vehicle. §8
Common traps on the test
- Speeding up or braking to discourage a tailgater — keep your speed and move right when it is safe.
- Thinking mirrors alone are enough before a lane change — you must also look over your shoulder to check blind spots.
- Choosing that teen drivers may use a hands-free phone — minors may not use a phone at all while driving except for emergency calls.
FAQ
What is the three-second rule for following distance?
The handbook says to use the three-second rule to keep a safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead. That space gives you enough time to react if the driver in front brakes suddenly or makes a mistake.
Can I use my phone while driving in California?
Not handheld. Adult drivers may use a phone only in hands-free mode when necessary, mounted so it does not block the view and operated with a single swipe or touch. Minors may not use one except to call for emergency help.