California DMV Permit Test Speed, Lanes, and Parking Summary

The Basic Speed Law means you may never drive faster than is safe for the conditions, such as weather, traffic, visibility, and road surface. In heavy rain or fog, a safe speed may be well below the posted limit.

Wrong answers

• Always drive exactly at the posted speed limit: The posted limit is the maximum under good conditions, not a required speed.
• Drive at the same speed as the cars around you: Keeping up with other traffic is not a legal defense if that speed is unsafe.

The maximum speed on most California highways is 65 mph. On some highways, a higher limit of 70 mph is allowed only where it is posted.

Wrong answers

• 75 mph: 75 mph is not a California speed limit.
• 55 mph: 55 mph is the limit for two-lane undivided highways and for vehicles towing trailers, unless otherwise posted.

Unless a sign says otherwise, the speed limit in residential and business districts is 25 mph.

Wrong answers

• 35 mph: 35 mph is too fast for a residential street unless a sign posts that limit.
• 15 mph: 15 mph is the limit for alleys and blind intersections, not normal residential streets.

When children are outside or crossing the street near a school, the speed limit is 25 mph unless a sign posts a different limit. Watch closely for children who may dart into the road.

Wrong answers

• 45 mph: 45 mph is far too fast for a school zone.
• 35 mph: 35 mph is too fast when children are present.

A red curb means no stopping, standing, or parking. (A bus may stop at a red zone marked for buses.)

Wrong answers

• Parking for a limited time only: Limited-time parking is shown by a green curb.
• Stop only to pick up or drop off passengers: Brief passenger pick-up and drop-off is allowed at a white curb.

When parking parallel to a curb, your curbside wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb.

Wrong answers

• 3 feet: 3 feet is too far; your car would stick out into traffic.
• 30 inches: 30 inches is too far from the curb; the legal limit is 18 inches.

A green curb means you may park for a limited time. The time limit is posted on a sign or painted on the curb.

Wrong answers

• Parking only for people with a disabled placard or plate: Disabled parking is marked with a blue curb.
• No parking at any time: No stopping or parking is shown by a red curb.

A blue curb is reserved for a person with a disabled person placard or special license plate, or someone driving that person.

Wrong answers

• Anyone, for up to 15 minutes: There is no general 15-minute allowance at a blue curb.
• Only delivery and commercial vehicles: Commercial loading is done at a yellow curb.

You may not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Firefighters need room to reach and connect hoses quickly.

Wrong answers

• No closer than 5 feet: 5 feet is too close; the law requires at least 15 feet.
• As close as you like if you stay in the car: Staying in the car does not make it legal to park next to a hydrant.

A yellow curb is a loading zone. Stop only as long as posted to load or unload passengers or freight. Drivers of non-commercial vehicles usually must stay with the vehicle.

Wrong answers

• Parking for disabled persons only: Disabled-only parking is marked with a blue curb.
• Park as long as you like at night: A yellow curb is not open for unlimited parking.