California DMV · Class C · Based on the 2025 California Driver’s Handbook
California DMV Seat Belt & Child Seat Practice Test (2026)
These questions test seat belt use, California's child passenger restraint rules, air bag safety, and equipment rules. Key facts: children under 8 or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches must ride in a child restraint in the back seat, and you should sit at least 10 inches from the air bag.
Free practice questions
1What are the regulations for child restraint systems and safety seats?
- A Required for all children
- B Required for children under 8 years old or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches
- C Mandatory for children under 4 years old
- D Required only for newborns
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B — Correct. Per the handbook, children under 8 years old or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches must use a child passenger restraint system and must ride in the back seat.
Why the other options are wrong
- A Incorrect. Children who are 8 or older or at least 4 feet 9 inches tall may use a regular safety belt, so not every child needs a safety seat.
- C Incorrect. This is incomplete: the current threshold is under 8 years old or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches; age 4 was an old standard repealed long ago.
- D Incorrect. It is not just newborns; all children under 8 years old or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches must use one.
Handbook: §8 Child restraint systems & safety seats
2Under what circumstance are you permitted to use your horn?
- A When encountering a pedestrian
- B During heavy traffic congestion
- C To avoid a collision
- D When you see a friend
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C — Correct. The handbook says, "Use your horn to: Avoid collisions." Avoiding a collision is a proper use of the horn.
Why the other options are wrong
- A Incorrect. Do not honk at pedestrians unless it is to prevent a collision; the handbook specifically says never to honk at a blind pedestrian.
- B Incorrect. Honking in a traffic jam is just venting frustration; the handbook only allows using the horn to warn of danger.
- D Incorrect. Honking to say hello can mislead nearby drivers into thinking there is danger, and is not a use the handbook allows.
Handbook: §5 Using your horn
3What is the minimum required tread depth for a tire?
- A At least 3/32 inch
- B At least 3/10 inch
- C At least 2/32 inch
- D At least 1/32 inch
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D — Correct. Handbook §3: tires must have at least 1/32 inch of even tread depth, which is also California's legal minimum.
Why the other options are wrong
- A Incorrect. The handbook's minimum tread depth is 1/32 inch; 3/32 inch is more than the legal minimum.
- B Incorrect. 3/10 inch is far above the legal minimum and is not the handbook figure.
- C Incorrect. 2/32 inch is a common standard federally and in many states, but the California handbook clearly states at least 1/32 inch.
Handbook: §3 Drive test vehicle inspection
Practice all 35 Occupants & equipment 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
- You and your passengers must wear seat belts; you can also be ticketed if a passenger under 16 is not buckled up. §8
- Wear the shoulder harness across your shoulder and chest with little slack (never under your arm or behind your back), and the lap belt snug and low across your hips. §8
- Children under 2 years old, under 40 pounds, and under 3 feet 4 inches tall must ride in a rear-facing restraint, which may not be in the front seat of a vehicle with an air bag. §8
- Children under 8 years old or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches must be in a child restraint in a rear seat, with limited exceptions (for example, no rear seat). Children 8 or older or at least 4 feet 9 inches may use a safety belt. §8
- Sit at least 10 inches from the air bag cover, measured from the center of the steering wheel to your breastbone; passengers should also sit 10 inches from the passenger air bag. §8
- It is illegal to leave a child 6 years old or younger unattended in a vehicle unless supervised by someone at least 12 years old. §8
- It is illegal to wear a headset or earplugs in both ears while driving. §5
- Do not let anyone ride in the back of a pickup unless it has secure seats and seat belts. Cargo extending more than 4 feet past the rear bumper needs a 12-inch red or fluorescent orange flag (two red lights at night). §7
Common traps on the test
- Thinking a lap belt alone or a shoulder belt behind your back is acceptable — the shoulder harness must cross your shoulder and chest.
- Assuming a child under 8 can ride up front whenever the parent prefers — front seat is allowed only in listed exceptions such as no rear seat.
- Believing it is fine to leave a young child in the car briefly with a window cracked — a child 6 or younger may not be left unattended, and cars heat up quickly even with a window open.
FAQ
What is the car seat law in California?
Children under 8 or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches must ride in a child passenger restraint in a rear seat; children under 2 (under 40 pounds and 3 feet 4 inches) must ride rear-facing. Children 8 or older or 4 feet 9 inches tall may use a seat belt.
How far should you sit from the air bag?
At least 10 inches, measured from the center of the steering wheel to your breastbone, as long as you can still control the vehicle.