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CALIFORNIA DMV · WRITTEN TEST (CLASS C)

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Speed limits: California DMV written test practice

Rules to understand before practicing

Choose speed using both the posted limit and what you can see ahead. Slow before curves, school crossings and areas with limited sight distance. A limit is a ceiling under suitable conditions, not a target you must reach. State defaults and special-zone rules differ: do not memorize one state's numbers as a rule for the whole country. A common mistake is keeping the same speed when rain reduces grip or when you cannot stop within the visible distance. Leave more space and reduce speed before the hazard.

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10 free practice questions on speed limits for the California DMV written knowledge test, each with the correct answer and a short explanation. Study them here, then check yourself in the interactive quiz or the exam simulator.

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About the California written test

36questions on the real test for adults
30 / 36correct answers to pass (~83%)
3attempts before you must reapply

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1. Unless otherwise specified, the speed limit in a residential or commercial area is:

  1. 15 mph
  2. ✓ 25 mph
  3. 35 mph
  4. 45 mph

Explanation: 25 mph is the standard default speed limit for residential and commercial areas, unless otherwise indicated by a sign.

Official reading · set1-013

2. The maximum speed limit on most California highways is:

  1. 55 mph
  2. 60 mph
  3. ✓ 65 mph (up to 70 mph on some rural stretches)
  4. 75 mph everywhere

Explanation: 65 mph is the standard speed limit on highways; on some rural stretches, the limit is raised to 70 mph.

Official reading · set1-014

3. On a two-lane highway with no median and no posted speed limit, the default speed limit is:

  1. 45 mph
  2. ✓ 55 mph
  3. 65 mph
  4. There is no limit

Explanation: 55 mph is the default speed limit for two-lane undivided highways.

Official reading · set1-015

4. Speeding at over 100 mph in California can result in:

  1. A warning only for the first violation
  2. ✓ A fine of up to $500 and a license suspension of up to 30 days
  3. Only a penalty point
  4. A standard fine with no additional consequences

Explanation: Extreme speeding (100+ mph) results in harsher penalties—a fine of up to $500 and a possible license suspension.

Official reading · set1-016

5. The “Basic Speed Law” means that you must drive slower than the posted speed limit when:

  1. You're running late
  2. ✓ Weather, traffic, or road conditions make the specified speed limit unsafe
  3. A police officer happened to be nearby
  4. This rule never applies—the specified limit is always safe

Explanation: The fundamental rule regarding speed requires drivers to travel at a speed that is safe for the current conditions, even if it is below the posted limit.

Official reading · set1-017

6. Within 500 feet of a school where children are crossing the street, the speed limit is usually:

  1. 15 mph
  2. ✓ 25 mph
  3. 35 mph
  4. 45 mph

Explanation: Within a 500-foot school zone, the speed limit is usually 25 mph (in certain active zones, it is 15 mph, as indicated by a separate sign).

Official reading · set2-001

7. Unless otherwise specified, the speed limit in an alley is:

  1. 10 mph
  2. ✓ 15 mph
  3. 25 mph
  4. 35 mph

Explanation: In alleys, the standard default speed limit is 15 mph.

Official reading · set2-002

8. At a blind intersection without signs, the speed limit is:

  1. 10 mph
  2. ✓ 15 mph
  3. 25 mph
  4. 35 mph

Explanation: At an intersection with limited visibility and no signs, the speed limit is 15 mph.

Official reading · set2-003

9. When approaching a railroad crossing with limited visibility, you must reduce your speed to 15 mph within:

  1. 50 feet
  2. ✓ 100 feet
  3. 200 feet
  4. 500 feet

Explanation: Within 100 feet of such a railroad crossing, the speed limit is 15 mph.

Official reading · set2-004

10. What should you do when a school bus stops with flashing red lights on an undivided two-lane road?

  1. Accelerate without checking
  2. Ignore the situation
  3. Assume everyone else will stop
  4. ✓ Stop and wait until the red lights stop and children are clear

Explanation: Do not drive past children boarding or leaving the bus.

Official reading · set2-005

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Content updated October 4, 2026 · How we review content