permit test

Hand-to-hand Steering

The technique of steering with hands positioned at 9 and 3 o'clock or 8 and 4 o'clock on the steering wheel.

Hand-over-hand Steering

A steering technique used to turn at low speeds, park, or recover from a skid, involving crossing one hand over the other on the steering wheel.

One-hand Steering

A steering technique used to turn while backing up, using only one hand on the steering wheel.

when to signal

when turning, changing lanes, slowing down, or stopping

two times you should use your horn

1. avoid collisions

2. alert oncoming traffic on mountain roads where you can’t see at least 200 feet ahead

when to use headlights

1. 30 min after sunset + 30 min before sunrise

2. adverse weather conditions —> fog, rain, or snow = low beam

3. mountain roads + tunnels

4. help ppl see your vehicle/ can’t see others’ vehicles

when to dim headlights

Dimming headlights to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle, within 300 feet of a vehicle being followed, or in conditions where visibility is less than 1,000 feet.

what to do in emergency

1. turn on flashers

2. pull off road, but not just over a hill/ just around a curve

single solid yellow line

center of two way traffic

• don’t pass vehicle in front if only one lane & solid yellow lane

Double solid yellow lines

• Don’t pass 

• Stay to right unless

  • High occupancy vehicle (HOV) carpool lane w/ designated entrance

  • Instructed by construction/ other signs

  • Turning left across a set to enter or exit driveway, private road, or make a U-turn

• Two sets spaced two+ feet apart = barrier

  • Don’t drive over

broken yellow line

pass if line = next to lane

single solid white line

traffic lane in same direction + one way streets

double solid white lines

• barrier between reg use + preferential use (ex: HOV)

• don’t change lanes over them

end of lane

• ending = large broken lines

• look for sign to exit/

yield line

solid line of triangles that points towards approaching vehicles

• approaching vehicles should yield

Choosing a Lane

left lane to pass or turn left and right lane to enter or exit traffic.

how to change lanes

1. Signal

2. Check mirrors

3. Check traffic behind + beside you

4. Look over shoulder

5. Check blind spots

6. Make sure there’s enough space

passing lane

• Far left lane

• Used to pass other vehicles

carpool/ HOV

• Reserved for carpools, buses, motorcycles, or low-emission vehicles w/ decal

center left turn

• left turn or u-turn

  • max 200 ft

turnout areas/ lanes

• Some two-lane roads have these

• Merge into areas to let others pass

• Use when 

  • Driving slowly

  • passing = unsafe + 5 or more vehicles following you

bicycle lanes

• Legal to drive when

  • Parking where permitted

  • Entering or leaving the road

  • Turning within 200 feet of an intersection

• Typically single solid white line and signs

  • Sometimes green

right turn

1. Drive close to right edge of road

• If designated right turn = available, enter at opening

• Drive in bike lane within 200 feet

2. Watch for peds, bikes, or bikers between your vehicle and curb

3. Start signaling at 100 ft before

4. Look over right shoulder + reduce speed

5. Stop behind limit line

6. Look both ways + turn when safe

7. Complete turn in right lane

• You can turn against red light but not against red arrow

• Illegal to drive, stop, park, or leave vehicle in area for buses

  • You CAN cross bus lane to make right turn

• Dedicated right turn lane allows for turn w/o stopping

left turn

• Don’t cross any solid line

• Enter two way center left turn lane within 200 feet of turn

  • Respect right of way of other in lane

• Look both ways (left-right-left)

• Proceed into intersection while turning to complete your turn in left lane

• Keep wheels pointed straight ahead until it’s safe to start turn

• You can left turn against red light if you turn from one way street to another one-way street

when can you make u turn

• Across double yellow

• In residential areas if no vehicles are approaching within 200 feet

• At intersection unless no u-turn is posted

• On a divided highway if center divider is there

don’t make a u-turn

• If a no u-turn sign is posted

• At or on a railroad crossing

• On a divided highway 

• Where you can’t see 200 feet in each direction

• On a one-way street

• In front of a fire station

• In business districts

turn at a t intersection

turn either way from center lane

highways

• Highway traffic has right of way when merging

• To enter highway

  • Be in proper lane

  • Be at or near traffic speed

  • Don’t cross over solid lines

  • Cross several lanes one at a time

  • 3 seconds of space between you and vehicle in front of you

• To exit

  • Know exit + be aware when it’s approaching

  • Signal 5 seconds before you exit (400 ft)

space when crossing/ entering traffic

• 150 feet on city streets

• 300 feet on highway

• Don’t start intersection if peds/ vehicles blocking pathway

• Wait for vehicles turning right to start turn before beginning left turn

passing road conditions

• Look for road conditions that may cause other vehicles to move into your lane

• Hill or curve should be ⅓ mile ahead to safely pass

don’t pass

• If approaching hill/ curve + can’t see if other traffic is approaching

• Within 100 ft of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, rr crossing, or other hazard

• At crossroads/ driveways

• Unless there’s enough space to return to lane

How to pass

1. Signal 

2. Look over shoulder

3. Drive into passing lane

4. Speed up to pass vehicle

5. Signal + return to original lane

You can only pass on right if

• Open highway has 2+ lanes in your direction

• Driver in front of you = turning left + you can safely pass on right

• You are on one-way street

Parallel parking

1. Find a space

2. Pull up alongside vehicle in front of space

3. Check blind spots

4. Begin backing up at 45 degree angle

5. Straighten out when rear = within 18’’ of curb

6. park

Straight line backing

1. Check traffic

2. Activate turn signal before pulling up to curb

3. Check blind spots

4. Begin backing up in straight light

5. Back up at smooth, safe speed

parking on a hill

• On a sloping driveway = turn wheels

• Headed downhill

  • Front wheels into curb/ right toward side of road

• Uphill

  • Front wheels away from curb

• uphill/ downhill w/o curb

  • Turn wheels so vehicle rolls away from center of road if brakes fail

curb colors

• White curb = pick up/ drop off

• Green = limited time

• Yello = load or unload passengers + freight

• Red = no stopping, standing, or parking

• Blue = disabled

illegal parking

• No parking sign

• Marked or unmarked crosswalk

• Sidewalk or in front of driveway

• Within 3 feet of sidewalk ramp for disabled

• In front of a curb w/ wheelchair access to sidewalk

• Space for zero emission vehicles

• tunnel/ bridge

• Within 15 feet of fire hydrant/ fire station driveway

• Double parked

• On wrong side of street or on freeway

green driving

• Drive at steady speed

• Get rid of extra weight

• Regularly inflate tires, get oil changes, and check filters

traffic signals

• Flashing red signal = stop and then go when safe

• Yellow arrow means that protected turning time = ending

• Flashing yellow = proceed w/ caution

• Flashing yellow = turn, but it’s unprotected

• Red yield = slow down + be ready to stop for anyone

lane ends

end of divided highway

added lane

crossroads

winding road

slippery when wet

merging traffic

slow moving vehicle

right of way

• Vehicle that arrives at intersection first has row

• Right of way goes to person on right if you arrive at same time

• If approaching stop sign, stop first and then proceed

• Through road has right of way in t-intersection

• Peds have row when turning left

• When entering traffic, yield to traffic already in lanes

crosswalks

• Often marked w white lines

• Peds have right of way

blind

• Guide dogs

• White canes

• Don’t stop in middle of crosswalk

• Don’t honk at blind person

• Pulling in cane + stepping away = you may go

mountain roads right of way

• Facing uphill has right of way

large vehicles

• Large vehicles have blind spots called no zones

  • If you can’t see side mirrors, driver can’t see you

• Loaded trucks take forever to stop

• Don’t suddenly slow down or stop in front of large vehicle

• Longer vehicle = greater difference in length of turning path

• Always pass on left side

buses/ streetcars/ trolleys

• Safety zones are for peds that are waiting

  • DON’T DRIVE THROUGH

  • Don’t pass at over 10 mph

• When ^^^ is stopped at safety zone/ traffic light, pass at no more than 10 mph

• Don’t overtake + pass light rail vehicle or streetcar on left side

light rail vehicles

• Same rights + responsibilities as other vehicles

• They can interrupt traffic lights

motorcycles

• Three second following dist

• Move to one side of lane to let bikers pass 

• Don’t pass biker in same lane as you

emergency vehicles

• Right of way → move over and slow down

• In intersection, continue through & move to right and stop

• Follow officer’s orders 

• Don’t follow within 300 feet of any fire engine, law enforcement vehicle, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle w/ sirens or flashing lights on

• Don’t drive to scene of disaster

slow moving vehicles

25 mph or less

NFV and LSV

max speed of 25 mph

bicycles

• same rights + resp as drivers

• leave space between vehicle + bike when passing —> at least 3 feet

road workers

• Slow down 

• Extra space between vehicles

vehicles w/ hazardous loads

diamond shaped sign on truck

traffic violation fines

1000+

when to move over + slow down

• Stationary emergency vehicles or tow trucks w/ flashing amber lights

• Stopped road work vehicles w/ emergency flashing lights/ warning lights

heavy traffic/ bad weather

• Drive slower but at speed limit

• Move to right to let people pass

towing

Move to far right lane to tow a vehicle

kids + school buses

• Speed limit = 25 mph within 500 feet of a school when there are kids around

• School buses flash yellow lights to warn you to slow down and stop

• Flashing red lights → stop from either direction until kids cross

  • If you fail to stop, 1000 fine + suspended for 1 year

blind intersections

• intersection where a driver cannot see traffic on the cross street for at least 100 feet in each direction

• Speed limit = 15 mph

• No stop signs

alley

• Road no wider than 25 ft

• 15 mph

railroad/ light tracks

• 15 mph within 100 ft + no sight of track for 400 ft in both directions

• Drive faster if crossing is controlled by gates or smt

• Flashing red lights = stop and wait no matter what

• Don’t stop on railroad tracks

business/ residential

25 mph

what can’t you do on the road

• Smoke w/ minor in vehicle

• Dump or abandon animals on highway → 1000 fine, six months or jail, or both

• Drive vehicle w/ unsecured load

• Can’t carry cargo that extends beyond fenders on left side of more than 6’’ from right

• Can’t ride in back of pickup truck unless secure seats + seat belts

• Don’t transport animals in back of pickup truck

• Don’t put signs in front windshield/ side rear that block view

• Don’t interfere with funeral procession

• Don’t flee law enforcement

• No speed contests

points

• Moving traffic violation = 1 point

  • 4 points in 12 months, 6 in 24 months, or 8 in 36 months = suspended!

be aware your surroundings

• Don’t tailgate

• Three second rule for safe following distance

• If vehicle merges in front too closely, take foot off the accelerator

• w/ tailgater → maintain course and speed → merge right and let them pass

• Create more space when following motorcyclists on metal surfaces and gravel

• Don’t stay in someone’s blind spot

darkness

• Use high beam headlights when possible

• Dim them to avoid blinding ppl

• Look toward right to avoid other vehicle’s lights

• Drive to right when vehicle w/ one light approaches

sun glare

• Keep windshield clean

• Wear polarized sunglasses

• Keep space between your vehicle and vehicles around you

• Make sure car visor works

• Avoid driving during sunrise or sunset

slippery surfaces

• Ice, packed snow, speed, downhill

• Drive slowly and leave space between vehicles

• Slow down at intersections + curves

• Avoid fast turns + quick stops

• Low gear when going down steep hill

• Steps

  1. Remove foot from accelerator

  2. Don’t use brakes

  3. Turn steering wheel towards skid

locked wheel

• Braking too hard 

• Ease up on brake pedal

• Stop braking + turn wheel into skid

types of slippery roads and what to do

• Wet: reduce speed by 5-10 mph

• Packed snow: reduce speed by half

• Ice: no more than 5 mph

• Shade from tree + building may hide icy spots 

• Bridges + overpasses freeze before rest of road

• Pavement = slippery when it starts to rain

• If you can’t see farther than 100 ft, less than 30 mph

hydroplaning

• Slow down gradually

• Don’t use brakes

• Avoid by: driving slowly, steer around standing water, slow down w/ sloshing sounds, slow down when changing lanes/ directions

snow or mud

1. Low gear + front wheels straight

2. Accelerate

3. Slowly forward

4. Reverse as much as possible

5. Low gear + forward

flooded roads

Find another route

high winds

• Reduce speed

• Firm hand position on steering wheel

• Be alert

• No cruise control

• Be proactive

fog or smoke

• Avoid driving

• Low beam headlights!

law enforcement traffic breaks

• Turn on emergency flashers

• Decrease speed to same speed as officer

Safety guidelines for car

• Under 8 must be in rear seat

• 8+ may have safety belt

• Ride 10 inches from air bag

• Don’t leave anyone in hot vehicle

highway speed

• Ideal max speed limit on cal highways = 65 mph

• 55 mph on two lane undivided highway

if your vehicle is disabled on freeway

• Pull over to right shoulder

• Exit on right side

• Dial 511

• Return to vehicle asap

• Stay inside w/ seat belt on

Tire blowout/ accelerator malfunction

• Turn on emergency flashers

• Hold steering wheel tightly and steer straight ahead

• Slow down gradually by taking foot off accelerator slowly

  • Shift to neutral if accelerator is stuck

  • Or shut off engine to slow it down

• Let vehicle slow to stop off the road

• Apply brakes when vehicle = stopped

Driving off pavement

• Grip steering wheel firmly

• Remove foot from accelerator

• Brake gently 

• Check for traffic

• Steer back onto pavement

alcohol

• Illegal to drive after drinking a lot of alcohol

• Can’t carry opened alcohol or weed

• Can’t drive w/ BAC of:

  • 0.08 if over 21

  • 0.01 if under 21

  • 0.01 if on DUI

• In california, you consent to breath, blood, or urine test

• Can’t have alcohol in vehicle unless someone 21+ is with you

common causes of collision

• Distractions

• Unsafe speed

• Improper turns

• Right of way

• No stop signals + signs

• Wrong side of road

• Driving faster/ slower than traffic

if youre in a collision

• Stop 

• Report it to DMV within 10 days if more than 1,000 dollars in damage to property

buying or selling a vehicle

• 10 days to transfer ownership

• 20 days for out-of-state vehicles