• 170 questions

California Dealer License Practice Test

Pick one of four answers to see the California code section behind it.

Which of these subjects does section 11704.5 list for the department's written dealer examination?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

Print covers the next 25 questions. Share this set copies a link to the same questions in the same order.

Exam mode: 25 questions, no time limit.

More options

Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Bank checked October 4, 2026.

Spotted a mistake? Report a wrong answer. Every question has this link under its explanation.

What the department's dealer license page said about the test

Who shows proof of passing
Used vehicle dealers and wholesale-only dealers, for the used dealer test given by the department.
Before the test
A certificate of completion from the dealer education program.
Attempts
An applicant gets 3 attempts.
After a failed attempt
A $16 fee and a one-week wait before the retest.
After a third failed attempt
The dealer education program again, then another 3 attempts.
Question count, time limit and pass mark
Not given on that page.

Checked October 4, 2026 against California Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Dealer License. Rules change, so confirm with the agency itself before your test.

The department's Vehicle Dealer License page

Next step Next: California law and business test

All 170 questions

Who is a dealer, the license and the test 27

  • A dealer licensed in another state brings vehicles into California only to sell them to California licensees. Does it need a California dealer license? Vehicle Code § 11700.1
  • A dealer stops being licensed while holding a vehicle on consignment. What does section 11700 require for that vehicle? Vehicle Code § 11700
  • A dealer's license application asks the department for a license that contains which number? Vehicle Code § 11701
  • A dealer's license has ended, and vehicles the dealer owned are still in inventory. How may the former dealer sell them? Vehicle Code § 11700
  • A dealership hires a new person to sell cars on the lot. What must that person have procured first? Vehicle Code § 11800
  • A former licensee sells leftover inventory to a licensed dealer. What must the former licensee give the purchasing dealer? Vehicle Code § 11700
  • A licensed dealership's ownership or corporate structure changes. How soon must the license holder tell the department? Vehicle Code § 11704(c)
  • A licensed vehicle salesperson moves to a new home. How soon must the department be told in writing? Vehicle Code § 11812(c)
  • A salesperson's employment at a dealership ends. What happens to the posted license and the copies of it? Vehicle Code § 11812(b)
Show all 170 questions (161 more)

Who is a dealer, the license and the test, continued

  • A shop takes vehicles in trade for the purpose of resale, but only as one part of a larger business. Is the shop inside the dealer definition? Vehicle Code § 285
  • After a used vehicle dealer's license is issued, how often must the four-hour educational program be completed to keep or renew it? Vehicle Code § 11704.5(c)
  • After it receives a dealer license application with the fee, how long does the department have to investigate the information in it? Vehicle Code § 11704(b)
  • At the time of employment, what does a licensed vehicle salesperson do with the salesperson's license? Vehicle Code § 11812(a)
  • Before first taking the department's written examination, an applicant completes a preliminary educational program. How long must it be? Vehicle Code § 11704.5(b)
  • Is a salesperson who is regularly employed by a licensed vehicle dealer a "dealer" under the code? Vehicle Code § 286(c)
  • Section 286 lists persons the term "dealer" does not include. Which of these is on that list? Vehicle Code § 286(a)
  • Section 11704.5 lists the "handling, completion, and disposition" of what as an examination subject? Vehicle Code § 11704.5(a)
  • Under the Vehicle Code definition, which activity makes a person a "dealer"? Vehicle Code § 285
  • What does a vehicle salesperson's license issued by the department bear? Vehicle Code § 11802(b)
  • What kind of personal information must a person applying to become a dealer provide when asked? Vehicle Code § 11704(a)
  • What must a person hold before acting as a dealer in vehicles of a type subject to registration? Vehicle Code § 11700
  • Which applicants must pass a written examination prepared and administered by the department before a dealer's license is issued? Vehicle Code § 11704.5(a)
  • Which division of the Vehicle Code, on the equipment of vehicles, is a listed subject of the written dealer examination? Vehicle Code § 11704.5(a)
  • Which of these subjects does section 11704.5 list for the department's written dealer examination? Vehicle Code § 11704.5(a)
  • Which pair of topics does section 11704.5 name for the preliminary educational program? Vehicle Code § 11704.5(b)
  • Which wholesale-only dealers are excused from the two-year educational program? Vehicle Code § 11704.5(c)
  • Who may complete the two-year educational program in the dealer's place? Vehicle Code § 11704.5(c)

Place of business, signs and plates 20

  • A dealer moves the established place of business to a new location. How soon must the dealer give notice of the move? Vehicle Code § 11712(a)
  • A dealer no longer possesses an established place of business. What must be delivered when the department demands it? Vehicle Code § 11712(a)
  • A dealer shows vehicles at a fair or exposition without a branch license. Which two conditions does section 11709 set? Vehicle Code § 11709(b)
  • A dealer who offers used vehicles at retail posts a notice about independent inspection. What is its least size? Vehicle Code § 11709.1
  • At which location is a dealer forbidden to sell a vehicle at retail? Vehicle Code § 11714
  • Besides the dealer's own license, whose licenses does section 11709 require a dealer to post where the public can see them? Vehicle Code § 11709(a)
  • The department authorizes a dealer to sell motor vehicles only at wholesale. What is that dealer forbidden to do? Vehicle Code § 11714
  • For how long may a prospective buyer who is test-driving a vehicle operate it on the dealer's special plates? Vehicle Code § 11715
  • From what distance must the lettering on a dealer's sign be readable? Vehicle Code § 11709(a)
  • How does the Vehicle Code describe an "established place of business"? Vehicle Code § 320
  • On what condition may a dealer move a vehicle it owns upon the highways without registering it? Vehicle Code § 11715(a)
  • Someone applying to be a dealer has no established place of business. What does section 11712 say? Vehicle Code § 11712(a)
  • To which vehicles does the special plate privilege of section 11715 not apply? Vehicle Code § 11715
  • What does section 320 say is kept at a dealer's established place of business? Vehicle Code § 320
  • What does the notice required by section 11709.1 tell a prospective purchaser of a used vehicle? Vehicle Code § 11709.1
  • What is displayed on the special plates the department furnishes to a dealer? Vehicle Code § 11714
  • What is the least area for the sign a dealer puts up at the place of business? Vehicle Code § 11709(a)
  • Where must a dealer post the dealer's license, or a true and exact copy of it? Vehicle Code § 11709(a)
  • Which dealer is excused from the sign and posting rules of section 11709(a)? Vehicle Code § 11709(a)
  • Who owns the books and forms the department furnishes to a dealer? Vehicle Code § 11714

Bond, claims and discipline 20

  • A dealer applicant files an instrument appointing an agent upon whom all process may be served. Who is that agent? Vehicle Code § 11710
  • A dealer is served with process by service upon the director. How long does the dealer have to answer the complaint? Vehicle Code § 11710
  • A dealer negligently permits an illegal use of an item the department issued. Which item does section 11705(a)(2) name? Vehicle Code § 11705(a)(2)
  • A dealer runs another type of business at the same established place of business. What must the dealer provide and maintain? Vehicle Code § 11705(a)(6)
  • A person defrauded by a licensed dealer has a right of action against the dealer, the salesperson and the surety. What caps the amount? Vehicle Code § 11711(a)
  • The amount of liability under a dealer's bond is decreased. What happens to the dealer's license? Vehicle Code § 11710(c)
  • For dealer discipline, "fraud" and "deceit" include a misrepresentation of a material fact made in which ways? Vehicle Code § 11705(a)(14)
  • On what condition is a dealer's surety bond written? Vehicle Code § 11710(a)
  • One licensee suffers a money loss because another licensee willfully fails to comply with the dealer licensing article. What may the injured licensee recover in court? Vehicle Code § 11726
  • Section 11705 lists knowingly purchasing or selling which kind of motor vehicle as a ground for revocation? Vehicle Code § 11705(a)(5)
  • Section 11710 sets a general amount for a dealer's surety bond. What is it? Vehicle Code § 11710(b)
  • Violating a chapter of the Civil Code is a listed ground for suspending or revoking a dealer's license. With which section does that chapter commence? Vehicle Code § 11705(a)(12)
  • What bond amount does section 11710 set for a dealer who deals exclusively in motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles? Vehicle Code § 11710(b)
  • What conduct on a dealer's application can lead to suspension or revocation under Vehicle Code 11705? Vehicle Code § 11705(a)(1)
  • What fee is paid to the director when a copy of the summons and complaint against a dealer is served on the director? Vehicle Code § 11710
  • What must come first when a dealer's license is to be suspended or revoked under Vehicle Code 11705? Vehicle Code § 11705(a)
  • Which failure toward a transferee is a ground for discipline under section 11705? Vehicle Code § 11705(a)(4)
  • Which of these persons has a right of action against a dealer and the surety upon the dealer's bond under section 11711? Vehicle Code § 11711(a)
  • Which payment problem with the department is a listed ground for disciplining a dealer? Vehicle Code § 11705(a)(13)
  • Whose monetary loss does the condition of a dealer's bond name? Vehicle Code § 11710(a)

Advertising 28

  • A dealer advertises a separate amount that deducts a rebate. What must be disclosed in close proximity to that amount? Vehicle Code § 11713.16(e)
  • A dealer advertises a specific vehicle for sale. Besides its model and model-year, what must identify it? Vehicle Code § 11713.1(a)
  • A dealer advertises a used vehicle of the current or prior model-year. What must the advertisement expressly disclose? Vehicle Code § 11713.16(a)
  • A dealer advertises a vehicle it used in its business as a demonstrator, rental or loaner. What must the advertisement do? Vehicle Code § 11713(t)
  • A dealer advertises the amount of a downpayment. What must that amount represent? Vehicle Code § 11713.16(g)
  • A dealer advertises the price of a new vehicle. What equipment must that vehicle have? Vehicle Code § 11713.16(h)
  • A dealer advertises vehicles at a specified dealer price and does not intend to supply reasonably expectable demand. What must the advertisement disclose? Vehicle Code § 11713.1(i)
  • A dealer may not advertise free merchandise contingent on the purchase of a vehicle. What does "free" include under that rule? Vehicle Code § 11713.1(h)
  • A dealer's advertisement of the price of a specific vehicle uses a picture. What must the picture show? Vehicle Code § 11713(s)
  • A purchaser has never seen the advertisement for a vehicle. At what price must the dealer sell that advertised vehicle? Vehicle Code § 11713.1(e)
  • A vehicle in a dealer's advertisement has been sold. Within what time must the dealer withdraw the advertisement in writing? Vehicle Code § 11713(c)
  • An advertised total price must include all costs to the purchaser at time of sale, with listed exceptions. Which of these is a listed exception? Vehicle Code § 11713.1(b)
  • Before selling a used vehicle as "certified," what must the dealer provide to the buyer? Vehicle Code § 11713.18(a)
  • How is a dealer forbidden to represent its document processing charge? Vehicle Code § 11713.1(d)
  • How must the terms "on approved credit" appear in a dealer's vehicle advertisement? Vehicle Code § 11713.16(b)
  • May a used vehicle that is sold "as is" be advertised or sold as "certified"? Vehicle Code § 11713.18(a)
  • May an advertisement describe a dealer's former demonstrator, executive vehicle or loaner as "new"? Vehicle Code § 11713(t)
  • To which used vehicles does the "certified" rule of section 11713.18 not apply? Vehicle Code § 11713.18(d)
  • Up to what amount may emission testing charges be left out of a dealer's advertised total price? Vehicle Code § 11713.1(b)
  • What must a dealer have done before advertising an underselling claim such as "we have the lowest prices"? Vehicle Code § 11713.1(r)
  • When may a dealer advertise "everyone financed" or "no credit rejected"? Vehicle Code § 11713.16(f)
  • When may a dealer advertise "no downpayment" or "zero down delivers"? Vehicle Code § 11713(k)
  • When may a dealer use the word "rebate" in advertising the sale of a vehicle? Vehicle Code § 11713.1(j)
  • Which advertising terms does section 11713.1(n) restrict because they refer to a dealer's cost? Vehicle Code § 11713.1(n)
  • Which fact bars a dealer from advertising or selling a used vehicle as "certified"? Vehicle Code § 11713.18(a)
  • Which item is a dealer forbidden to use in an advertisement for the sale or lease of a vehicle? Vehicle Code § 11713.1(w)
  • Which notation inscribed on a title bars the term "certified" for a used vehicle? Vehicle Code § 11713.18(a)
  • Which trade-in advertisement does section 11713.1 forbid? Vehicle Code § 11713.1(l)

Unlawful acts, disclosures and smog 19

  • A dealer hires a salesperson, or a salesperson leaves. How soon must the dealer notify the department by mail? Vehicle Code § 11713(h)
  • A dealer sells a leased vehicle, registered in this state, to the lessee who already has possession of it. Do the equipment requirements of section 24007(a) apply? Vehicle Code § 24007(a)
  • A history report shows a used vehicle has been a salvage automobile. Where does the dealer post the red warning disclosure? Vehicle Code § 11713.26(b)
  • A retail purchaser asks for the history report on a vehicle that carries the red warning. What must the dealer do? Vehicle Code § 11713.26(b)
  • A vehicle is not in compliance with the code's equipment rules. In which case may a dealer still sell it under section 24007(a)? Vehicle Code § 24007(a)
  • After a sale, a dealer may not deliver a vehicle for operation on California highways unless it meets which requirements? Vehicle Code § 11713(i)
  • Damage to a new vehicle is "material" when the repairs had a value exceeding what amount? Vehicle Code § 9990(a)
  • In what type is the body of the red warning disclosure for a junk, salvage or title-branded vehicle printed? Vehicle Code § 11713.26(b)
  • What does the Vehicle Code forbid a dealer to permit with the dealer's license, supplies or books? Vehicle Code § 11713(m)
  • What is a dealer forbidden to misrepresent about a salesperson, representative or agent? Vehicle Code § 11713.1(m)
  • What must a contract for the retail sale of a motor vehicle clearly and conspicuously disclose about the vehicle? Vehicle Code § 11713.1(v)
  • What must a dealer disclose in writing to the purchaser of a new or previously unregistered motor vehicle? Vehicle Code § 9992
  • What must a dealer first obtain before displaying a used vehicle for sale at retail? Vehicle Code § 11713.26(a)
  • What must be "in force and effect" before a licensed dealer engages in the business? Vehicle Code § 11713(e)
  • What must be affixed to a used vehicle before a dealer displays it or offers it for sale? Vehicle Code § 11713.1(t)
  • When may a dealer accept a purchase deposit relative to the sale of a vehicle? Vehicle Code § 11713(p)
  • Which amount is a dealer forbidden to include as an added cost to the selling price of a vehicle? Vehicle Code § 11713(g)
  • Which emissions document does the seller provide to the purchaser prior to or at the time of delivery for sale? Vehicle Code § 24007(b)
  • Which vehicle is a dealer forbidden to consign for sale to another dealer? Vehicle Code § 11713(q)

Report of sale, transfers and odometers 30

  • A dealer knows that the mileage displayed on a vehicle's odometer is incorrect. What does the dealer indicate on the form where mileage is entered? Vehicle Code § 5901(b)
  • A dealer leaves required information off a used vehicle's transfer application, a violation of section 4456(a)(4). What administrative service fee applies? Vehicle Code § 4456.1(b)
  • A dealer sells a new vehicle. Within how many days from the date of sale must the application and fees for registration reach the department? Vehicle Code § 4456(a)
  • A dealer sells a used vehicle. Within how many days from the date of sale must the application and fees for transfer of registration reach the department? Vehicle Code § 4456(a)
  • A dealer submits a registration application late and penalties are due. Who pays them? Vehicle Code § 4456(a)
  • A legal owner receives payment in full of its security interest and a signed release authorization. How long does it have to release the interest and deliver the certificate of ownership? Vehicle Code § 5753(c)
  • A new motor vehicle's warranty is based on the amount of miles driven. Which miles are considered for the warranty? Vehicle Code § 28052
  • A private owner sells a registered vehicle and hands it over. Within how many calendar days must that owner notify the department? Vehicle Code § 5900(a)
  • A repaired odometer cannot register the same mileage as before the repair. To what reading is it adjusted? Vehicle Code § 28053(a)
  • A sold vehicle does not display license plates previously issued by the department. What does the dealer attach? Vehicle Code § 4456(a)
  • A used vehicle's transfer application carries the date of sale, the report-of-sale number and the purchaser's name and address. Which of these must it also carry? Vehicle Code § 4456(a)
  • A vehicle carries temporary license plates and the permanent plates have not arrived. How long may it be operated without them? Vehicle Code § 4456(c)
  • Before a sold vehicle is delivered to the purchaser, what must the dealer attach to it for display? Vehicle Code § 4456(a)
  • By when must a dealer give the department notice of the transfer of a vehicle? Vehicle Code § 5901(a)
  • The department returns a used-vehicle application that it first received on time. Counted from the date of sale, when is the corrected application due, unless 30 days from the return is later? Vehicle Code § 4456(a)
  • How is a transfer that takes place through a dealer conducting a wholesale vehicle auction reported to the department? Vehicle Code § 4456(b)
  • How is the odometer reading stated in the federal mileage disclosure? 49 C.F.R. § 580.5
  • In which transfer does section 5901 excuse a dealer from giving the notice of transfer? Vehicle Code § 5901(b)
  • The purchaser has not demanded the certificate of ownership in writing. How does a licensed dealer satisfy the duty to deliver it? Vehicle Code § 5753(b)
  • Under the federal odometer rule, who signs the mileage disclosure made in connection with a transfer of ownership? 49 C.F.R. § 580.5
  • Under the federal rule, how long do dealers retain a copy of each odometer mileage statement they issue and receive? 49 C.F.R. § 580.8
  • Under the federal rule, the transferor of which vehicle need not disclose its odometer mileage? 49 C.F.R. § 580.17
  • What administrative service fee does a dealer pay for each violation of the report-of-sale display rule in section 4456(a)(1)? Vehicle Code § 4456.1(a)
  • What does the written notice of an odometer replacement specify? Vehicle Code § 28053(a)
  • When does section 5901 deem a sale completed and consummated? Vehicle Code § 5901(d)
  • Where do dealers retain odometer disclosure statements under the federal rule? 49 C.F.R. § 580.8
  • Where is the written notice of an odometer repair or replacement attached? Vehicle Code § 28053(a)
  • Which acts on an odometer are unlawful when done with the intent to alter the number of miles indicated? Vehicle Code § 28051
  • Which device is it unlawful to advertise, sell, use or install on a motor vehicle? Vehicle Code § 28050
  • Which vehicle does the federal rule exempt from odometer disclosure because of how it moves? 49 C.F.R. § 580.17

Contracts, warranties and the Buyers Guide 26

  • A buy-here-pay-here dealer elects to cancel a sale under the warranty law and the buyer returns the vehicle. How is the dealer forbidden to treat that return? Civil Code § 1795.51(d)
  • A conditional sale contract for a motor vehicle is printed. What is the smallest type the Civil Code allows? Civil Code § 2981.9
  • A conditional sale contract was negotiated primarily in Tagalog. When is the translation delivered to the other party? Civil Code § 1632(b)
  • A dealer conducts a used vehicle sale in Spanish. What does the federal rule require of the window form and the contract disclosures? 16 C.F.R. § 455.5
  • A motor vehicle sold on a conditional sale contract is repossessed. How much written notice of intent to dispose of it is given to all persons liable on the contract? Civil Code § 2983.2(a)
  • A retail seller gives an express warranty on used consumer goods. Who must maintain service and repair facilities in the state to carry it out? Civil Code § 1795.5(a)
  • A translation of the contract is owed when a business negotiates primarily in one of five languages. Which list names them? Civil Code § 1632(b)
  • After repossession, a person liable on the contract asks in writing for more time to redeem the motor vehicle. By how long must the seller or holder extend the redemption period? Civil Code § 2983.2(a)
  • The Buyers Guide on a used vehicle and the contract of sale disagree. Which governs under the federal rule? 16 C.F.R. § 455.3
  • How must the federal Buyers Guide be displayed on a used vehicle offered to consumers? 16 C.F.R. § 455.2
  • May the federal Buyers Guide be taken off a used vehicle during a test drive? 16 C.F.R. § 455.2
  • Persons liable on the contract owe a deficiency after the repossessed vehicle is disposed of only if the notice is given within what time? Civil Code § 2983.2(a)
  • State law limits or prohibits "as is" sales of vehicles. What happens to the "As Is - No Dealer Warranty" heading on the Buyers Guide? 16 C.F.R. § 455.2
  • Under Civil Code section 2981.9, a motor vehicle shall not be delivered until the seller delivers what to the buyer? Civil Code § 2981.9
  • Under the buy-here-pay-here warranty, what share of the cost of labor and parts for warranty repairs does the dealer pay? Civil Code § 1795.51(c)
  • Under the federal used vehicle rule, what does the dealer give the buyer of a used vehicle at the sale? 16 C.F.R. § 455.3
  • Unless disclaimed in the manner the law prescribes, what accompanies every retail sale of consumer goods in California? Civil Code § 1792
  • Used consumer goods are sold at retail with an express warranty that states no duration. How long do the implied warranties last? Civil Code § 1795.5(c)
  • Used consumer goods are sold at retail with an express warranty. What is the shortest duration the implied warranties may have? Civil Code § 1795.5(c)
  • What is a seller forbidden to do when obtaining the buyer's signature on a conditional sale contract? Civil Code § 2981.9
  • What is the minimum duration of the written warranty a buy-here-pay-here dealer gives on a used vehicle sold at retail? Civil Code § 1795.51(a)
  • What must a conditional sale contract for a motor vehicle contain in a single document? Civil Code § 2981.9
  • When does the seller furnish the buyer an exact copy of the conditional sale contract or purchase order? Civil Code § 2981.9
  • When may the implied warranty of merchantability on consumer goods be waived? Civil Code § 1792.3
  • Which of these is a deceptive act or practice under the federal used vehicle rule? 16 C.F.R. § 455.1
  • Which statements does the federal used vehicle rule forbid a dealer to make? 16 C.F.R. § 455.4

How this list was compiled: California Vehicle Code sections 285, 286, 320, 4456, 4456.1, 5753, 5900, 5901, 9990, 9992, 11700 to 11726, 11800 to 11812, 24007 and 28050 to 28053, and Civil Code sections 1632, 1792, 1792.3, 1795.5, 1795.51, 2981.9 and 2983.2, read section by section on leginfo.legislature.ca.gov on 2026-10-04; 16 C.F.R. Part 455 and 49 C.F.R. Part 580, read on ecfr.gov on 2026-10-04. Licence: Own work. Original questions written from California statutes and federal regulations, which are public law. No question is copied from the department's test, a dealer education course or any study guide.

How it works

This unofficial practice test asks what the law says about selling used vehicles as a California dealer. Every question comes from a Vehicle Code, Civil Code or federal rule section read on October 4, 2026, and the answer names it.

Read the full guide

What this practice test covers

The Start from menu has seven parts: the license and the test, place of business and plates, bond and discipline, advertising, unlawful acts and disclosures, report of sale and odometers, and contracts and warranties. Vehicle Code section 11704.5 lists advertising, odometers, registration and unlawful dealer activities among the subjects of the state's written test.

What is left out

The contract cancellation option is not asked. Its section, as read on October 4, 2026, says it is repealed as of October 1, 2026. Federal credit disclosure rules and the department's forms are not asked either.

  • Many answers are a number of days or a dollar amount, so read each choice to the end.
  • After a miss, open the link and read the whole code section.
  • Wrong answers go to Missed until you answer them right.

Questions and answers

Is this California DMV dealer license practice test from the state?

No. It is unofficial practice written from California statutes and two federal rules. The Department of Motor Vehicles gives the real used dealer test, did not write or review this page, and none of its questions appear here.

What is on this CA DMV dealer license practice test?

Questions on who needs a license, the place of business, signs, special plates, the bond, advertising, unlawful acts, report of sale deadlines, odometers, warranties and the federal Buyers Guide. Each answer cites one section.

How many times can you take the used dealer test?

The department's vehicle dealer license page, read October 4, 2026, said each applicant may make three attempts, pays a $16 fee and waits one week after a failed attempt, and repeats the dealer education program after a third failure.

Who has to take the written dealer test in California?

Vehicle Code section 11704.5 requires it of applicants who will sell used vehicles at retail or wholesale only. It does not apply to an applicant for a new vehicle, motorcycle only, trailer only or all-terrain only dealer's license.

More tests

Show 8 more

Browse Safety and Trades