CALIFORNIA DMV Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CALIFORNIA DMV facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What shape is a California pennant-shaped sign, and what does it indicate? → Horizontal triangle — no passing zone
2. How close to a stop sign may you legally park in California? → Within 10 feet
3. Double parking in California means: → Parking alongside a vehicle already parked at the curb
4. Under California's Basic Speed Law, you must never drive faster than: → Is safe for current road, weather, and visibility conditions
5. Under the Basic Speed Law, which of the following does NOT determine whether your speed is safe? → Your years of driving experience
6. When parking uphill WITHOUT a curb in California, your wheels should be turned: → Right — toward the edge of the road
7. Which of the following actions can lead to 2 points being added to your driving record? → Reckless driving
8. A pedestrian crossing sign is which shape and color? → Yellow diamond with pedestrian symbol
9. When passing a stopped streetcar or trolley where passengers are getting on or off, you must not drive faster than: → 10 mph
10. What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers over 21 years old in California? → 0.08%
11. When parking on a one-way street, you may park on: → Either side of the street
12. When driving in desert heat in California, which precaution helps prevent vehicle overheating? → Reduce speed and watch the temperature gauge closely
13. Under California's DUI with a minor passenger law (Vehicle Code 23572), enhanced penalties apply when: → A passenger under 14 is in the vehicle during a DUI
14. Speed limit signs posted on freeway on-ramps indicate: → The advisory speed for safely negotiating the ramp curve
15. An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) required after a DUI conviction in California does what? → Prevents the car from starting if the driver's breath shows alcohol above a threshold
16. Which of the following is the safest practice when approaching an intersection with a flashing yellow light? → Slow down and proceed with caution
17. A yellow diamond-shaped sign is used to indicate what? → Warning or hazard ahead
18. How long does a first DUI conviction stay on a driver's record in California for DMV purposes? → 10 years
19. When driving on a mountain road in California, what is the recommended technique for descending a steep grade? → Shift to a lower gear and use engine braking, applying brakes as needed
20. A white curb in California indicates: → Passenger loading/unloading only
21. When approaching a blind intersection where you cannot see traffic for 100 feet in all directions, what is the speed limit? → 15 mph
22. In California, when must you chain up your tires on mountain roads? → When Caltrans posts R-2 or R-3 chain control requirements for your vehicle class
23. In California, sharing the road with large trucks requires extra caution because trucks: → Have large blind spots, wide turns, and much longer stopping distances
24. What is the prima facie speed limit in a residential district in California? → 25 mph
25. What is the minimum age requirement to obtain a full driver’s license in California? → 18 years old
26. What is the purpose of the California DMV points system? → To track and penalize driving violations
27. When parking on a downhill slope with a curb in California, your front wheels should be turned: → Into the curb (right)
28. What is the maximum speed limit on a two-lane undivided highway in California unless otherwise posted? → 55 mph
29. A school zone sign in California is which color and shape? → Yellow-green pentagon
30. When must you yield to emergency vehicles with lights and sirens in California? → Always — pull to the right and stop until they pass