Joseph - CA DMV Test Prep

What is California's Basic Speed Law?

Never drive faster than is safe for current road, weather, visibility, and traffic conditions, even if the posted speed limit is higher.

What speed should you be driving when entering a highway?

Enter at or near the speed of highway traffic when conditions allow.

What is the speed limit within 100 feet of an uncontrolled railroad crossing when you cannot see 400 feet in both directions?

15 mph.

What should you do if there is not enough room on the other side to completely cross railroad tracks?

Stop before the tracks and wait until there is enough room to completely cross.

When approaching an oncoming vehicle at night, when must you switch from high beams to low beams?

Within 500 feet of the approaching vehicle.

What should you do when a school bus ahead begins flashing yellow warning lights?

Slow down and prepare to stop.

How should you follow a large truck compared with a passenger vehicle?

Stay farther behind the truck. Large trucks have large blind spots and can block your view of the road ahead.

When can you drive in a bike lane to prepare for a right turn?

When you are within 200 feet of the intersection or cross street where you plan to turn right, when it is safe.

What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean?

Slow down and proceed with caution.

What should you do if a pedestrian is crossing your lane, even when there is no marked crosswalk?

Stop and allow the pedestrian to safely finish crossing.

At an intersection with no STOP or YIELD signs, who goes first?

The vehicle that arrives first has the right-of-way. If you arrive at the same time, yield to the vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist on your right.

When making a left turn, who must you yield to?

Yield to pedestrians and to approaching vehicles that are close enough to be dangerous.

Which lane should you end in after making a normal right turn?

End the turn in the lane closest to the right edge of the road.

Where should you begin a left turn from a one-way street onto another one-way street?

Begin the turn from the far-left lane.

The light is green, but traffic is blocking the intersection. What should you do?

Wait and do not enter until there is enough room for your vehicle to completely cross the intersection.

What does a broken yellow line next to your lane mean?

You may pass when it is safe.

Can you cross double solid yellow lines to pass another vehicle?

No. Do not cross double solid yellow lines to pass another vehicle.

Can you change lanes across double solid white lines?

No. Never change lanes over double solid white lines. Wait until a broken white line allows a lane change.

What should you do before changing lanes?

Signal, check your mirrors and surrounding traffic, then look over your shoulder to check your blind spot before moving.

At a T intersection with no STOP or YIELD signs, who has the right-of-way?

Traffic on the through road has the right-of-way. Traffic on the road that ends must yield.

What rule should you use for a safe following distance?

Use the three-second rule to maintain a safe following distance under normal conditions.

What should you do if another driver is following you too closely?

Change lanes when it is safe and allow the tailgater to pass.

How should you check your blind spot before changing lanes?

Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move. Mirrors alone cannot show every area around your vehicle.

Where should you look while driving to help spot hazards early?

Keep your eyes moving and scan the road at least 10 seconds ahead of your vehicle.

Is it legal to drive while wearing headphones or earplugs that cover both ears?

No. Wearing headphones or earplugs that cover both ears while driving is illegal, with limited exceptions.

What should you do if your phone rings while driving and you cannot safely use it hands-free?

Do not answer it. Let it go to voicemail or pull safely off the road before using the phone.

Which lights should you use when dust or smoke makes it difficult to see other vehicles?

Turn on your headlights.

Should you always drive slower than surrounding traffic because it seems safer?

No. Driving too slowly can block traffic. Drive at a safe speed for the conditions while following posted limits.

What is the speed limit at a blind intersection?

15 mph.

What is the usual speed limit within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street?

25 mph unless otherwise posted. Some school zones may have limits as low as 15 mph.

What does a red curb mean?

No stopping, standing, or parking.

Who may legally park next to a blue curb?

A person with a disabled parking placard or special disabled-person license plate.

When parking downhill next to a curb, which way should you turn your front wheels?

Turn your front wheels toward the curb.

When parking uphill next to a curb, which way should you turn your front wheels?

Turn your front wheels away from the curb.

When parking on a hill with no curb, which way should you turn your wheels?

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

What should you do when an emergency vehicle with a siren and flashing lights approaches?

Drive to the right edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.

What should you do if you are already in an intersection when an emergency vehicle approaches?

Continue through the intersection. Then move to the right as soon as it is safe and stop.

Can you make a U-turn at an intersection with a green light?

Yes, when it is safe and there is no NO U-TURN sign.

Can you make a U-turn at or on a railroad crossing?

No. Never make a U-turn at or on a railroad crossing.

What is the correct way to begin parallel parking?

Stop next to the vehicle in front of the open space, then back into the parking space.

How far before making a turn should you signal?

Signal at least 100 feet before making the turn.

How long should you signal before changing lanes on a freeway?

Signal for at least 5 seconds before changing lanes on a freeway.

When must you dim your high beams when following another vehicle?

Dim your high beams when you are within 300 feet of the vehicle you are following.

What should you do when a traffic light is not working?

Stop as if the intersection has STOP signs in all directions. Proceed cautiously when it is safe.

When can you make a right turn at a red light?

After making a complete stop, you may turn right if there is no NO TURN ON RED sign and it is safe after yielding to pedestrians and traffic.

Can you turn in the direction of a red arrow?

No. Stop and remain stopped until a green light or green arrow allows you to proceed.

Who has the right-of-way when you are entering a roundabout?

Traffic already inside the roundabout has the right-of-way. Slow down and yield before entering.

Can you park in the crosshatched diagonal lines next to a disabled parking space?

No. Never park in the crosshatched area next to a disabled parking space.

How close can you legally park to a fire hydrant?

Do not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

What should you do when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing emergency lights?

Move over and slow down.