California Driver's Handbook Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards based on the California Driver's Handbook.

Double Solid Yellow Lines

Stay to the right of these lines unless you are in a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) carpool lane, instructed by construction signs, or turning left across a single set to enter/exit a driveway.

Broken Yellow Line

Indicates you may pass if the broken line is next to your driving lane; only pass when it is safe.

Single Solid White Line

Marks traffic lanes going in the same direction, including one-way streets.

Double Solid White Lines

Indicate a lane barrier between regular use and preferential use lanes; never change lanes over them.

Broken White Lines

Separate traffic lanes on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction.

End of Lane Markings

Usually marked with large broken lines, indicating the end of a freeway or street lane.

Yield Line

A solid white line of triangles that shows approaching vehicles where to yield or stop.

Carpool/High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes

Special lane reserved for carpools, buses, motorcycles, or low-emission vehicles with decals.

Center Left Turn Lanes

Located in the middle of a two-way street, marked by two painted lines (inner broken, outer solid); used to prepare for and make a left turn or U-turn.

Turnout Areas or Lanes

Merge into these areas or lanes to allow cars behind you to pass.

Bicycle Lanes

For bicyclists only; typically marked by a single solid white line and signs.

Public Transit Bus Lane

An area designated for public transit buses. Signs will be posted to indicate the lanes are for bus only use.

Dedicated Right Turn Lane

Allows you to make a right turn without stopping, even with a red light for vehicles going straight.

U-turn

You turn your vehicle around to go back in the direction you came. Signal and use the left turn lane or far-left lane.

Right-of-way

Highway traffic has this when you are merging

When entering traffic from a full stop

signal and leave a large enough space to get up to the speed of traffic.

Passing

Must judge whether you have enough space whenever you approach an on-coming vehicle or bicyclist. A hill, curve, intersection, or road obstruction.

Limit line

Shows the drivers where to stop before an intersection or crosswalk, with a wide white line.

Dedicated right turn lane

A lane that does not merge into another lane and allows you to make a right turn without stopping.

Parking on a Sloping Driveway

Turn the wheels so the vehicle will not roll into the street.

Headed Downhill

Turn your front wheels into the curb or right toward the side of the road.

Headed Uphill

Turn your front wheels away from the curb (left-towards the center of the road) and let your vehicle roll back a few inches.

Headed either uphill or downhill when there is no curb

Turn the wheels so the vehicle will roll away from the center of the road if the brakes fail.

White Curb

Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers.

Green Curb

Park for a limited time. The time limit may be posted on signs or painted on the curb.

Yellow Curb

Load and unload passengers and freight. Do not stop longer than the time posted.

Red Curb

No stopping, standing, or parking. Buses may stop at a red zone marked for buses only.

Blue Curb

Parking for a disabled person or someone driving a disabled person with a special placard or special license plate.

During a Law Enforcement Stop

Acknowledge that you see the officer by turning on your right turn signal. Move completely onto the right shoulder, even if in the carpool/HOV lane stopping in a well-lit area when possible.

Flashing Yellow Traffic Signal Light

Traffic Signals or Signs that you Proceed with Caution.

Flashing Yellow Arrow

Traffic Signals or Signs that you can turn, but your turn is not protected from other traffic.

WALK or Walking Person

Traffic Signals or Signs where you can cross the street.

DON’T WALK or Raised Hand

Traffic Signals or Signs where you may not cross the street.

Numbers

Traffic Signals or Signs that count down the seconds left for crossing the street.

Red YIELD Sign

Slow down and be ready to stop to let any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian pass before you proceed.

Red and White Regulatory Sign

DO NOT ENTER means do not enter the road or ramp where the sign is posted.

Diamond-shaped Sign

This sign warns you of specific road conditions and dangers ahead.

Warning Signs

This sign warns of conditions related to pedestrians, bicyclists, schools, playgrounds, school buses, and school passenger loading zones.

Steep Narrow Road Right-of-Way: When two vehicles meet on a steep narrow road where neither vehicle can pass

the vehicle facing uphill has the right of way

Safety zones

Spaces set aside for pedestrians waiting for buses, streetcars, and trolleys; marked by raised buttons or markers on a road.

Emergency Vehicles

Give the right-of-way to any law enforcement vehicle, fire engine, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle using a siren and red lights.

NEVs and LSVs

Drivers must adjust their speed to share the road with these vehicles.

Bicycles

These vehicles have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers.

Drivers must do what for stationary vehicles displaying flashing lights.

Move over and Slow down

Yellow Arrow

Warns that the protected turning time is ending.