California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) permit test is known for being comprehensive and challenging. With nearly 40 million residents and unique driving conditions ranging from dense urban areas to mountain highways, California has developed specific laws and regulations that reflect these diverse conditions.
What's New in 2025
2025 California DMV Updates
- Enhanced electric vehicle questions: New sections on EV-specific considerations
- Updated hands-free laws: Stricter regulations for device usage while driving
- Vulnerable road user protections: New laws protecting cyclists and pedestrians
- Climate-related driving: Questions about driving in wildfire and extreme weather
California-Specific Laws
Hands-Free Driving Laws
Vehicle Code 23123 & 23123.5
It's illegal to hold a phone or electronic device while driving. Drivers under 18 cannot use hands-free devices at all. Adults may use hands-free devices but cannot manually operate them while driving.
Speed Limits
- Business/Residential25 mph
- Blind Intersections15 mph
- Alleys15 mph
- Rural Highways55-65 mph
Right-of-Way
- Pedestrians always have right-of-way in marked crosswalks
- Yield to pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks at intersections
- Bicycles have the same rights as vehicles in California
California's "Idaho Stop" Law
"As of 2024, cyclists can treat stop signs as yield signs in certain circumstances, but this doesn't apply to motor vehicles. You may see questions about cyclist behavior at stop signs."
Practice Question
In California, when passing a cyclist, you must leave at least how much space?
Earthquake Driving (Unique to CA)
California is one of the few states that rigorously tests earthquake procedures:
- 1Pull over and stop in a safe, open area away from buildings and overpasses
- 2Stay in your vehicle during the shaking
- 3Don't drive on damaged roads or bridges until cleared