California Safe Driving practice test

Practice following distance, weather, night driving and sharing the road, with questions based on the California Driver's Handbook.

Sample Safe Driving questions

What can help you avoid skidding on a slippery steep hill?

  • Braking hard before each of the curves
  • Shifting to low gear before going down
  • Shifting to neutral at the top of the hill
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Shifting to low gear before going down

Also slow down before curves, and avoid fast turns and quick stops.

Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8, Safe Driving

You are driving in California, and your 15-year-old passenger isn't wearing a seat belt. Who can get a ticket?

  • Neither of you
  • You, the driver
  • Only the passenger
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You, the driver

You can get a ticket for a passenger under 16 who is not wearing a seat belt.

Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8, Safe Driving (continued)

A California police officer signals you to stop while you're in the carpool lane. Where should you go?

  • To the nearest parking lot, however far away
  • To the left shoulder next to the carpool lane
  • All the way to the right shoulder
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All the way to the right shoulder

Turn on your right turn signal and move completely onto the right shoulder, ideally in a well-lit area.

Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6, Navigating the Roads (continued)

At what age may a California child generally use a safety belt rather than a child restraint?

  • 8 years old
  • 4 years old
  • 12 years old
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8 years old

Age 8, or a height of 4 feet 9 inches, is the point where a properly secured belt may be used instead.

Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8, Safe Driving (continued)

How far should you sit from the steering wheel's air bag cover?

  • At least 2 inches
  • At least 10 inches
  • At least 3 feet
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At least 10 inches

Measure from your breastbone to the middle of the steering wheel, while keeping full control of the vehicle.

Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 8, Safe Driving (continued)

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About these questions

We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the California Driver's Handbook (2025 edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.

DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the California DMV, and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.