California Salesperson (DRE) practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q1When two or more people hold title to property with equal, undivided interests and the right of survivorship, this form of ownership is called:
✓ Correct answer: A. Joint tenancy
Joint tenancy requires four unities (time, title, interest, possession) and includes the right of survivorship, meaning a deceased co-owner's share passes automatically to the surviving co-owners.
Q2A husband and wife purchase a home in California during their marriage using community funds. This property is most likely held as:
✓ Correct answer: B. Community property
In California, property acquired by spouses during marriage using community funds is presumed to be community property. Each spouse owns an equal undivided half interest.
Q3Which type of estate grants the holder rights to property only for the duration of a specified person's life?
✓ Correct answer: C. Life estate
A life estate grants ownership rights measured by the lifetime of a designated person (often the life tenant). The property reverts to the remainderman or grantor upon the measuring life's end.
Q4A lien placed on a property because the owner failed to pay property taxes is an example of a:
✓ Correct answer: D. Involuntary specific lien
A property tax lien is involuntary (imposed by law without the owner's consent) and specific (attached to a particular parcel). Voluntary liens, like mortgages, are created by the owner's action.
Q5An easement that benefits a specific parcel of land and transfers with the property when it is sold is called an easement:
✓ Correct answer: A. Appurtenant
An easement appurtenant benefits a dominant tenement and runs with the land, meaning it transfers automatically when either the dominant or servient parcel is sold.
Q6Under California's Subdivision Map Act, which document must be filed and approved before a subdivider can sell or lease lots in a new subdivision?
✓ Correct answer: B. Final subdivision map
The Subdivision Map Act requires approval of a tentative map and then a final map by the local government before lots can be recorded and sold. The DRE's public report (under the Subdivided Lands Act) is a separate requirement.
Q7A property owner grants a neighbor permission to cross their land. The neighbor uses the path continuously, openly, and hostilely for the prescriptive period. This may create an easement:
✓ Correct answer: C. By prescription
An easement by prescription is acquired through open, notorious, continuous, hostile, and adverse use of another's land for the statutory period (5 years in California), similar to adverse possession but without ownership.
Q8Which of the following best describes a fee simple defeasible estate?
✓ Correct answer: D. A fee estate that may terminate if a specified condition occurs or is violated
A fee simple defeasible (or conditional fee) is a full ownership estate that can be defeated and title returned to the grantor if a specified condition is breached or occurs.
Q9Zoning laws in California are primarily enacted by:
✓ Correct answer: A. Local city and county governments
Zoning is a local government power exercised by cities and counties under their police power to regulate land use. The state sets planning guidelines but zoning ordinances are local.
Q10A property owner seeks permission to use their residentially zoned land for a small day-care center. They would most likely apply for a:
✓ Correct answer: B. Conditional use permit
A conditional use permit (special use permit) allows a land use that is not permitted as-of-right under current zoning but may be allowed subject to conditions. A variance allows deviation from dimensional standards.
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Theory