What This Practice Test Covers
This is the third in a series of written driver license practice tests. It contains questions drawn from the same pool that state DMV examiners use for the actual written test — covering road signs, right-of-way rules, safe driving distances, parking laws, and what to do at traffic lights and intersections. The questions follow the format and difficulty of real permit tests across most U.S. states.
You should take this test after completing Practice Tests #1 and #2, or if you want to focus on specific topics where you felt less confident. Each question has one correct answer, and the explanations tell you why that answer is right and why the others are wrong.
This test is not the official DMV test for your state. Your state's actual written exam may include questions specific to your state's laws, local road conditions, or recent rule changes. Check your state DMV website for the official study guide before you take the real test.
Key Takeaways
- This practice test contains 25 questions in the same format and on the same topics as the real DMV written exam.
- Each question shows the correct answer and explains why it is correct, so you can learn from mistakes without memorizing.
- You should score at least 80 percent (20 out of 25 correct) before you take the official state test.
- Your state DMV may have different rules about specific situations, so review your state's official study guide after you finish this test.
- Take this test more than once — retaking it helps you remember the rules, not just recognize the answers.
How to Use This Practice Test
Read each question and all four answer choices before you pick one. Do not look at the explanation until you have made your choice. Write down your answer on paper or in a notes app so you can score yourself at the end.
If you get a question wrong, read the explanation carefully. The explanation tells you not just what the right answer is, but why the other choices are wrong and what rule or situation the question is testing. If you do not understand the explanation, look up that topic in your state's official DMV study guide or handbook.
After you finish all 25 questions, count how many you got right. If you scored 80 percent or higher, you are ready to take the official test. If you scored lower, review the topics where you missed questions and take this test again in a few days.
The 25 Practice Questions
Question 1: You are driving on a two-lane road and see a yellow center line. What does this mean?
A) You cannot pass other vehicles under any circumstances. B) You can pass if the road ahead is clear and it is safe to do so. C) You must wait for a green arrow before you pass. D) Passing is allowed only during daylight hours.
Correct answer: B. A yellow center line means passing is allowed, but only when it is safe and legal. A solid yellow line on your side means you should not pass. A solid white line means you cannot change lanes. A green arrow is a traffic signal, not a road marking.
Question 2: At a four-way stop, two vehicles arrive at the same time from opposite directions. One is turning left, and one is going straight. Who has the right of way?
A) The vehicle turning left, because it arrived first. B) The vehicle going straight, because it has the right of way over a turning vehicle. C) Whichever vehicle honks first. D) Both vehicles must back up and wait.
Correct answer: B. At a four-way stop, the vehicle going straight always has the right of way over a vehicle turning left, even if they arrived at the same time. The turning vehicle must yield. Honking does not determine right of way, and backing up is not required.
Question 3: You see a red octagon sign. What does it mean?
A) Yield to other traffic. B) Stop completely before proceeding. C) Slow down and be ready to stop. D) Do not enter this road.
Correct answer: B. A red octagon is a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop, check for traffic and pedestrians, and then proceed only when it is safe. A yield sign is red and white and triangular. A slow-down sign is yellow. A do-not-enter sign is red and white and rectangular.
Question 4: What is the safest following distance between your vehicle and the car ahead of you on a highway?
A) One car length for every 10 miles per hour of speed. B) At least three seconds of travel time between your vehicle and the one ahead. C) 50 feet, no matter what speed you are traveling. D) Whatever distance feels comfortable to you.
Correct answer: B. The three-second rule is the standard safe following distance. At 60 mph, this equals about 176 feet. One car length per 10 mph is too short. Fifty feet is not enough at highway speeds. Safe distance is not a matter of personal comfort — it is based on how long it takes you to stop.
Question 5: You are parked on a street with a red curb. What does this mean?
A) You can park there for up to 30 minutes. B) No parking is allowed at any time. C) You can park there only during business hours. D) You can park there if you leave your hazard lights on.
Correct answer: B. A red curb means no parking at any time. A white curb means loading and unloading only. A yellow curb means limited parking, usually with a time restriction posted on a sign. Hazard lights do not override parking rules.
Question 6: A traffic light is green, but a police officer is standing in the intersection directing traffic. What should you do?
A) Follow the green light and proceed through the intersection. B) Obey the police officer's hand signals instead of the traffic light. C) Stop and wait for the traffic light to turn red. D) Honk to get the officer's attention.
Correct answer: B. A police officer directing traffic takes priority over all traffic signals and signs. You must obey the officer's hand signals and gestures, even if they contradict the traffic light. Honking is not appropriate and may be illegal.
Question 7: You are driving in fog and can barely see 100 feet ahead. What should you do?
A) Turn on your high-beam headlights to see better. B) Turn on your low-beam headlights and reduce your speed. C) Use only your parking lights to avoid blinding other drivers. D) Continue at the normal speed limit because the road is familiar.
Correct answer: B. In fog, use low-beam headlights (high beams reflect off fog and make visibility worse) and slow down. You must be able to stop within the distance you can see. Parking lights are not bright enough. Familiar roads do not excuse speeding in poor visibility.
Question 8: You see a yellow diamond-shaped sign with a picture of a deer. What does it mean?
A) Deer hunting is permitted in this area. B) A wildlife preserve is ahead; do not stop. C) Watch for deer crossing the road; slow down and be ready to stop. D) Deer have the right of way at all times.
Correct answer: C. A yellow diamond is a warning sign. A deer crossing sign warns you that animals may cross the road, especially at dawn, dusk, and night. You should slow down and be ready to stop. It does not mean hunting is allowed or that you cannot stop.
Question 9: At a red traffic light, are you allowed to turn right if no other traffic is coming?
A) Yes, always, as long as no traffic is visible. B) Yes, unless a sign says "No Right Turn on Red." C) No, you must wait for the light to turn green. D) Yes, but only if you honk first.
Correct answer: B. In most states, you can turn right on red after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign specifically forbids it. However, you must still yield to pedestrians and other traffic. Some cities and intersections prohibit right turns on red, so look for the sign.
Question 10: You are driving and see a white rectangular sign with red letters that says "Do Not Enter." Where would you see this sign?
A) At the entrance to a one-way street in the wrong direction. B) At a stop sign on a residential street. C) At a yield sign on a highway. D) At a parking lot entrance.
Correct answer: A. A "Do Not Enter" sign is placed at the entrance to one-way streets, usually on the side where you would be entering against traffic. It is a regulatory sign that means you cannot go that way. It is not used at stop signs, yield signs, or parking lots.
Question 11: What should you do if your brakes fail while you are driving?
A) Pump the brake pedal repeatedly, shift to a lower gear, and look for a safe place to stop. B) Turn off the engine when ready to stop the vehicle. C) Steer toward the shoulder and use the emergency brake gently. D) Both A and C are correct.
Correct answer: D. If your brakes fail, pump the brake pedal to build pressure, downshift to a lower gear to use engine braking, and steer toward the shoulder. Use the emergency brake gently to avoid skidding. Turning off the engine removes power steering and makes the situation worse.
Question 12: You are at a traffic light that has been red for a very long time. You believe the light is broken. What should you do?
A) Run the red light because it is clearly broken. B) Treat the broken traffic light as a four-way stop and proceed when safe. C) Back up and find another route. D) Wait indefinitely for the light to change.
Correct answer: B. If a traffic light appears to be broken or malfunctioning, treat the intersection as a four-way stop. Come to a complete stop, yield to other traffic and pedestrians, and proceed only when it is safe. Do not run the light, and do not back up on a roadway.
Question 13: A school bus is stopped ahead with its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended. What must you do?
A) Slow down and pass carefully on the other side of the road. B) Stop at least 10 feet away and wait until the lights stop flashing and the arm is retracted. C) Stop only if children are visible getting on or off the bus. D) Honk to let the bus driver know you are there.
Correct answer: B. When a school bus stops with red lights flashing and the stop arm out, you must stop at least 10 feet away from the bus, even on a divided highway. You cannot pass until the lights stop flashing and the arm is retracted. This applies whether or not you see children.
Question 14: You are driving on a wet road and your vehicle starts to skid. What should you do?
A) Slam on the brakes to stop the skid when ready. B) Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go and ease off the accelerator. C) Turn the steering wheel hard in the opposite direction of the skid. D) Accelerate to regain traction.
Correct answer: B. If your vehicle skids, steer in the direction you want the front to go (not opposite), and ease off the gas. Do not brake hard, which can make the skid worse. Turning opposite or accelerating will not help. Stay calm and let the vehicle straighten out.
Question 15: What does a solid white line between lanes mean?
A) You can change lanes whenever you want. B) You should not change lanes, but you can if it is necessary and safe. C) You cannot change lanes under any circumstances. D) You must change lanes before the line ends.
Correct answer: B. A solid white line discourages lane changes but does not absolutely forbid them. You can change lanes if it is necessary and safe. A double solid white line is more restrictive. A broken white line means you can change lanes freely.
Question 16: You are driving behind a large truck and cannot see the road ahead. What should you do?
A) Stay close behind the truck so you can see around it better. B) Increase your following distance so you have more time to react and can see past the truck. C) Flash your headlights to signal the truck to move over. D) Pass the truck when ready, even if you are not sure it is safe.
Correct answer: B. When you cannot see around a large vehicle, increase your following distance. This gives you more time to react and allows you to see further ahead by looking around the truck. Staying close makes visibility worse. Flashing lights and unsafe passing are not solutions.
Question 17: A pedestrian is in the crosswalk, but the traffic light is green for you. What should you do?
A) Proceed through the intersection because you have a green light. B) Yield to the pedestrian and wait until they have crossed before you proceed. C) Honk to warn the pedestrian to get out of your way. D) Speed up to cross before the pedestrian reaches your lane.
Correct answer: B. Pedestrians in a crosswalk always have the right of way, even if your traffic light is green. You must yield and wait for them to cross completely. Your green light does not override pedestrian safety. Honking and speeding are not appropriate.
Question 18: What is the speed limit in a residential area if no sign is posted?
A) 25 miles per hour in most states. B) 35 miles per hour in most states. C) 45 miles per hour in most states. D) There is no limit; you can drive as fast as you want.
Correct answer: A. In most states, the default speed limit in residential areas is 25 mph if no sign is posted. However, your state may be different, so check your state's DMV handbook. A posted sign always overrides the default limit.
Question 19: You see a triangular red and white sign. What does it mean?
A) Stop completely. B) Yield to other traffic. C) Slow down and be ready to stop. D) Do not enter.
Correct answer: B. A triangular red and white sign is a yield sign. You must slow down and be ready to stop, but you do not have to stop completely if the way is clear. A stop sign is octagonal