California Car / Permit practice question · Safe Driving Practices

While driving, using a hand-held cell phone is:

Answer choices

• Allowed if you drive slowly
• Illegal; the phone must be hands-free (and no use at all if under 18)— Correct answer
• Allowed only on surface streets
• Allowed for calls but not texts

Why this is the answer

Using a handheld cell phone while you drive is both unsafe and against the law. Adults should use a phone only in hands-free mode, and only when necessary. Minors may not use a phone or wireless device to answer calls or send and answer texts while driving. Driving slowly or on surface streets does not make handheld use acceptable.

Source: California Driver Handbook — Distracted Driving

Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026