California DMV · Class C · Based on the 2025 California Driver’s Handbook
California DMV License, Permit & Penalty Practice Test (2026)
These questions test permit and provisional license rules, the DMV point system, and deadlines for address changes and vehicle registration. Key facts: teens under 18 need a permit for at least 6 months and 50 practice hours (10 at night) before the drive test, and an adult's license may be suspended at 4 points in 12 months, 6 in 24, or 8 in 36.
Free practice questions
1California residents 62 and older who qualify can apply for what type of ID card?
- A A no-fee Senior ID card
- B A rush ID card that requires an extra fee
- C Only people who fully give up their driver's license can apply for this ID
- D This ID card can be used as a license, allowing the holder to drive
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A — Correct. The handbook says residents 62 and older who qualify can apply for a free (no-fee) Senior ID card to use as proof of identity.
Why the other options are wrong
- B Incorrect. The handbook describes a no-fee senior ID card, not an expedited service that costs extra.
- C Incorrect. The handbook explains that people who can no longer drive safely because of a physical or mental condition can exchange their license for an ID card, but the eligibility requirement for the free Senior ID is being 62 or older, not giving up your license.
- D Incorrect. The handbook makes clear that an ID card is for identification only and does not allow you to drive.
Handbook: §13 Senior ID card
2How does California law treat leaving a pet alone in a parked vehicle in hot weather?
- A It's illegal and dangerous — cabin temperature rises quickly, even with a window cracked open
- B It's completely legal as long as a window is left cracked for ventilation
- C It's only illegal during summer months (June–August); no restriction the rest of the year
- D It's only a moral issue — California law has no rule about this
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A — Correct. The handbook makes clear that leaving a child or animal in a hot vehicle is illegal and dangerous; even with a window cracked open, the temperature inside rises quickly and can cause dehydration, heatstroke, or even death.
Why the other options are wrong
- B Incorrect. The handbook specifically points out that it is still dangerous and illegal "even with a window cracked open"; this is a common misconception.
- C Incorrect. The handbook does not distinguish by season; whenever conditions make the vehicle hot inside, it is illegal and dangerous.
- D Incorrect. The handbook makes clear that this is illegal, not just a moral issue.
Handbook: §8 Children & animals left in vehicles
3Starting May 2025, if you want to use your driver's license to board a flight or enter certain federal facilities, what must the license be?
- A It must be a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card
- B Any regular, unexpired license works, with no additional requirement
- C Only first-time applicants need REAL ID; existing license holders are unaffected forever
- D REAL ID is entirely optional and doesn't affect uses like boarding flights
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A — Correct. The handbook says that starting May 2025, a driver's license or ID card used to board a flight or enter certain federal facilities must be REAL ID compliant.
Why the other options are wrong
- B Incorrect. The handbook makes clear that an additional REAL ID compliance requirement applies from that date; a regular license is not enough.
- C Incorrect. The handbook's point is the requirement for boarding flights and similar uses from that date, regardless of whether your license is new or old.
- D Incorrect. The handbook makes clear that these uses require a REAL ID-compliant card.
Handbook: §1 REAL ID
Practice all 77 License, registration & penalties 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
- Under 18: you can apply for an instruction permit at 15½ after completing driver education, with a parent or guardian's signature; you may use it once behind-the-wheel training with an instructor starts. §2
- Under 18: to get a license you must be at least 16, hold a permit for at least 6 months, complete driver education and training, and practice at least 50 hours (10 at night) with a California-licensed driver at least 25 years old. §2
- Provisional drivers may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first 12 months, or carry passengers under 20 unless a parent, guardian, or licensed driver 25 or older rides along (limited exceptions with signed notes). §2
- If you move, notify DMV of your new address within 10 days; you do not automatically get a new license card. §4
- An adult's license may be suspended at 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months. Convictions and collisions stay on your record for 36 months or longer. §7
- For a one-point violation, a judge may let you attend traffic violator school (once in any 18-month period) to keep it from your insurance company, though it stays on your record. §7
- When you buy a vehicle, transfer ownership within 10 days; when you sell one, notify DMV within 5 days; new residents must register their vehicle within 20 days. §11
- Minors may not use a cell phone or wireless device while driving, even hands-free, except to call for emergency help. §8
Common traps on the test
- Choosing that a teen may practice with any licensed driver 18 or older — minors must practice with a licensed driver at least 25 years old.
- Thinking turning 18 erases provisional restrictions or suspensions — the handbook says it does not.
- Assuming DMV mails a new license when you change your address — it does not; a replacement costs a fee.
FAQ
How long do I have to change my address with the California DMV?
Within 10 days of moving. You can submit the change online or by mail; you will not automatically get a new license card.
How many points before your license is suspended in California?
For adults, 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months can lead to suspension as a negligent driver.