This Practice Test
Understanding California Road Signs
Compared to other states, there are fewer questions about road signs on the California permit test/knowledge test for a full driver’s license.
You must, however, study all the signs in the California Driver Handbook and make sure you understand what they mean.
A good understanding of the different shapes and colors of California road signs is also very useful. Shape and background colors have special meanings. Recognizing shapes or colors from a distance prepares you for dangers or information ahead.
When you see a blue sign from a distance, as an example, you know that you will find motorist services ahead, like a rest area or gas station.
The California Driver Handbook
You will find all the signs, shapes, and colors you need to learn for your knowledge test in the California Driver Handbook. Even if the section about road signs is updated infrequently, you should ensure you have the latest version of the Handbook. Get it from a California DMV office or download it online.
To be a safe driver, you should know and understand all road signs. The California Handbook only lists the most important signs and the ones that may show up on your permit test.
To test your knowledge of other road signs, you can check out quizagogo.com. Quiz-A-Go-Go has several U.S. road sign quizzes to help you learn all signs. It’s a great help to be a great driver!
Learn Them Not Only by Name
A common mistake by first-time applicants is to learn the signs only by “name.”
Take these two signs as an example. One is the “Added Lane” sign, and the other is “Merge” or “Merging Traffic.”
When you study for your California permit, you may think they mean the same thing. They don’t.
You will see the signs where two roadways come together. One will warn you that traffic entering the highway must merge with the flow of traffic, and the other will tell you that merging is not required since a new lane begins and entering traffic can use that lane.
Some of the questions on your California test will ensure you understand more about the signs than just the name.
You should take all of our practice tests to learn all road signs!
More DMV Questions about California Road Signs & Traffic Signals
Road Signs and Traffic Signals Test
I got 18 out of 20 right. I have passed!
This practice test was really helpful to prepare for the real dmv test!