8-12 | CALIFORNIA DRIVERS HANDBOOK

How much feet should you switch from high to low beam headlights when a vehicle is approaching you?

500 ft

What is the Basic Speed Law of California?

Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions.

What is a skid?

One or more of your tires lose traction with the road, causing your vehicle to slip

What causes skids on slippery roads?

Driving too fast or going downhill on an icy road

What should you do when going down a steep hill?

Shift to low gear

What causes locked wheel skids?

Driving too fast and braking too hard, affecting your control of your vehicle.

On a wet road, how much should you decrease your speed?

5-10 mph should be reduced from your original speed.

On a packed snowy road, how much should you decrease your speed?

Decrease your speed by half of your original speed.

On a icy road, how much should you decrease your speed?

Decrease your speed to 5 mph.

On a slippery road and you cannot see farther than 100 ft in front of you, how fast should you be driving?

No more than 30 mph.

What do you do when your car starts hydroplaning, or losing tire contact with the road due to rainy conditions?

Gradually slow down, avoiding sudden braking

What should you do if you are driving in the fog and it gets too thick, causing inability to see and safely drive?

Wait for conditions to improve by pulling over and activating your emergency flashers.

What is the maximum speed limit on most California highways (assuming the speed limit isn’t posted)

65 mph

What is the maximum speed limit on a two-lane undivided highway (assuming the speed limit isn’t posted)?

55 mph

What is the maximum speed limit for vehicles towing trailers?

55 mph

What do you when your tire blows out or your accelerator malfunctions?

1. Emergency flashers

2. Steer straight ahead

3. Slow down gradually; take foot off accelerator slowly

4. Allow vehicle to slowly stop

5. Brakes when almost stopped

If you are over 21 years old, what is the illegal BAC for driving?

0.08%

If you are under 21 years old, what is the illegal BAC for driving?

0.01%

If you are on DUI probation, what is the illegal BAC for driving?

0.01%

If you are driving a commercial vehicle, what is the illegal BAC for driving?

0.04%

If you are driving a passenger “for hire”, what is the illegal BAC for driving?

0.04%

How many years do DUI convictions remain on your record?

10 years

You must notify the DMV within ten days of:

1. Changing your address

2. Buying a vehicle

3. Involved in a collision

How many days do you have to notify the DMV after selling a vehicle?

Five days