DMV Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A dealership's advertisement includes the phrase "FREE flat-screen TV with every car purchase!" This type of advertising is: → Prohibited, as it's a gift contingent on purchasing a vehicle
2. A California dealer who charges a buyer more than the advertised price for a vehicle is in violation of: → California Vehicle Code Section 11713.1(a)
3. According to the text, which of these statements is false? → At the age of 15, Marie Antoinette got married.
4. Under federal law, how long is a dealer generally required to retain credit application records and retail installment contracts? → 2 years
5. Which form must a California dealer use when disclosing the actual mileage of a used vehicle to the buyer? → REG 262
6. Who is King James I's father? → Lord Darnley
7. Which of the following is a mandatory requirement for any advertisement that lists a specific vehicle for sale? → The vehicle's license number or VIN
8. A 'cooling-off period' that allows a buyer to cancel a vehicle sale typically applies to which type of transaction in California? → Vehicle sales conducted away from the dealer's lot (e.g., off-premises sales)
9. Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, what remedy is a buyer entitled to if their vehicle qualifies as a lemon? → Replacement or full refund minus a mileage offset
10. A buyer who wants to file a complaint about a California licensed dealer should contact which agency first? → California DMV Occupational Licensing (OL) Branch
11. Under federal law, which vehicles are required to display a Buyers Guide (Monroney sticker equivalent for used cars) before being offered for sale? → Used vehicles sold by dealers
12. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) prohibits a dealer or lender from discriminating against a credit applicant based on: → Race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, or age
13. When a buyer co-signs on a vehicle loan, they are legally responsible for: → The full loan amount if the primary borrower defaults
14. According to the California Vehicle Code (CVC) § 285, a person is generally defined as a 'dealer' if they do which of the following for compensation? → Buy or sell vehicles, or offer them for sale, as a business activity.
15. A dealership advertises a vehicle online. After the vehicle is sold, how long does the dealer have to remove the advertisement? → 48 hours
16. A federal odometer disclosure statement is required for all motor vehicle transfers EXCEPT vehicles that are: → Both more than 10 years old and over 16,000 lbs GVWR
17. A 'spot delivery' or 'conditional delivery' occurs when a dealer delivers a vehicle to a buyer before: → Final financing approval has been obtained from a lender
18. How long did Mary rule Scotland as queen? → 25 years
19. The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) requires dealers arranging financing to disclose the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and finance charge primarily to: → The buyer before the contract is signed
20. What information is NOT required to be disclosed on the FTC Buyers Guide for a used vehicle? → The vehicle's service history
21. When a dealer discovers a vehicle has been reported as salvage prior to sale, what is the dealer's obligation under California law? → Disclose the salvage history to the buyer in writing
22. The California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Referee Program is designed to assist vehicles that: → Failed smog due to equipment age or modifications
23. Which of these claims is true, according to the text? → The French people generally didn't like Marie Antoinette.
24. A DMV inspector arrives at a dealership during business hours to review sales records stored on-site. According to regulations, the dealer must: → Immediately provide the inspector with access to the requested records.
25. The DMV may refuse to issue or may suspend a salesperson license for all of the following reasons EXCEPT: → Receiving a single minor traffic violation within the last year.
26. When calculating the 'amount financed' on a retail installment sale contract, which of the following would REDUCE the amount financed? → Trade-in allowance applied toward the purchase
27. A vehicle's brake system inspection is primarily the responsibility of which party before a dealer resells a used vehicle in California? → The dealer
28. Who was Mary's second husband's killer? → The murder remains a mystery
29. A mandatory arbitration clause in a California vehicle purchase contract must, at minimum: → Be conspicuous and explain that it waives the buyer's right to a jury trial
30. What is 'negative equity' in a vehicle financing transaction? → When the outstanding loan balance on a trade-in vehicle exceeds its market value