California Car / Permit practice question · Safe Driving Practices
In California, covering both ears with headphones or earplugs while you drive is:
Answer choices
- Illegal— Correct answer
- Legal as long as the volume is low
- Legal only on freeways
- Legal for drivers over 21
Why this is the answer
Wearing a headset or earplugs in both ears while driving is illegal, because you need to hear warning sounds such as horns, sirens, motorcycles, and screeching tires. Keeping the volume low does not make it legal. Covering only one ear is not what the handbook prohibits.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Driver Fitness
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
More Safe Driving Practices questions
- For safety, the driver should sit far enough back that the steering wheel airbag cover is at least:
- During a heavy rainstorm or snowstorm, your visibility drops to no more than 100 feet ahead. What is the fastest speed still considered safe?
- What is the safest way to deal with a text message you receive while driving?
- The "three-second rule" is used to help you:
- Before you change lanes, the best way to check your blind spot is to: