Free · Memorize the numbers
The California permit cheat sheet.
Every number on the test — distances, deadlines, and penalties — grouped by type so they actually stick. Straight from the public CA Driver Handbook.
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Distances
Every distance on the test, smallest to largest.
- 3 ftMinimum clearance when passing a bicyclist
- 3 ftNo parking within this of a disabled-access (sidewalk) ramp
- 10 inSit at least this far back from the steering-wheel air bag
- 18 inPark your wheels within this of the curb
- 15 ftNo parking within this of a fire hydrant
- 20 ftNo parking within this of a crosswalk at an intersection
- 100 ftSignal continuously before a turn
- 100 ftNo passing within this of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, or railroad
- 100 ft"Blind" intersection/railroad if you cannot see this far → 15 mph
- 200 ftU-turn allowed only if no car is approaching within this; max length to drive a center left-turn lane
- 300 ftDim your high beams within this of a vehicle you are following
- 400 ftMust see this far down the tracks, or slow to 15 mph at a railroad crossing
- 500 ftDim high beams within this of an oncoming vehicle; 25 mph within this of a school
- 1,000 ftUse headlights whenever you cannot see at least this far
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Time & Deadlines
Seconds, hours, days, and years you must know.
- 3 secMinimum safe following distance behind the car ahead
- 5 secSignal this long before changing lanes on the freeway
- 10–15 secScan this far ahead of your vehicle
- 30 minHeadlights on from 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise
- 11 pm–5 amFirst 12 months: a provisional driver under 18 may not drive (unless adult 25+ present)
- 10 daysReport an address change to the DMV; file an SR-1 collision report
- 6 monthsHold your permit at least this long before the driving test
- 50 hrs / 10 nightSupervised practice required before the driving test
- 12 monthsPassenger & night restrictions last this long (or until you turn 18)
- 15½ / 16Apply for a permit at 15½; provisional license at 16
- 1 yearLicense suspension for refusing a chemical test, or an under-21 zero-tolerance violation
- 10 yearsA DUI conviction stays on your driving record
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Penalties
What it costs you when you break the rule.
- Zero toleranceUnder 21 driving at 0.01% BAC+ → 1-year license suspension + DUI program
- 1-yr suspend + 30-day impoundUnder-21 driver carrying alcohol in the vehicle
- Refuse test → 1-yr suspensionImplied consent: refusing a breath/blood test
- Suspension, fines, jailDUI conviction: suspension/revocation, fines, DUI school, up to 6 months jail, ignition interlock, SR-22 (record kept 10 years)
- Fines doubledSpeeding or violations in a construction/work zone
- Restrict / suspend / revokeA provisional (under-18) driver who collects too many points or tickets
- Fine + vehicle impoundDriving without a valid license or permit
- Criminal "hit and run"Leaving the scene of a collision without stopping and exchanging info
- Vehicle removedA vehicle left standing on a freeway for 4+ hours
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