Section 1-3 Driver Permit

Practice questions covering Section 1 through Section 3 of the California Driver’s Handbook, including licensing requirements, provisional restrictions, and rules for signaling, headlights, and safety.

What does a noncommercial Class C driver's license allow most people to do in California?

Drive on public roads in a standard vehicle, though different classes are required for commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and other vehicle types.

What must you obtain before taking the behind-the-wheel drive test if you do not have a license from California or another state?

An instruction permit.

What is the time restriction for a provisional driver during the first $12\,months$ of having their license?

They cannot drive between $11\,p.m.$ and $5\,a.m.$

What is the passenger restriction for a provisional license holder under $18\,years$ old?

They cannot drive with passengers under $20\,years$ old unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or a California-licensed driver who is at least $25\,years$ old.

Under what conditions are exceptions made for provisional driving restrictions, provided the driver carries a signed note?

Medical need, schooling or school activities, work reasons, or the necessity to drive an immediate family member.

What is the legal restriction regarding hearing while driving?

It is illegal to wear a headset or earplugs in both ears while driving.

At what age are physicians required to report patients to the DMV for medical conditions that may affect safe driving, such as a lapse of consciousness?

At least $14\,years$ old.

How many feet before a turn must a driver signal?

At least $100\,feet$.

What is the signaling requirement before changing lanes on a freeway?

Signal at least $5\,seconds$ before the lane change.

According to the handbook, what are the three hand-and-arm signals used if signal lights are not functioning?

Left Turn (arm straight out), Right Turn (arm upward), and Slow or Stop (arm downward).

When should you use your horn on narrow mountain roads?

To alert oncoming traffic when you cannot see at least $200\,feet$ ahead.

When must a driver dim their high-beam headlights to low beams?

Within $500\,feet$ of a vehicle coming toward you or within $300\,feet$ of a vehicle you are following.

When are headlights required to be turned on based on visibility?

When it is too dark to see from $1,000\,feet$ away.

What is the specific timing requirement for using headlights relative to the sun?

Beginning $30\,minutes$ after sunset until $30\,minutes$ before sunrise.

What must you do with your headlights if weather conditions like fog, rain, or snow require the use of windshield wipers?

You must turn on your low-beam headlights.

What should you do if your vehicle has trouble and you must stop, but your vehicle does not have emergency flashers?

Use your turn signals.

What is the penalty for driving with a suspended license?

Possible jail time, fines, and further suspension of driving privileges.

What is the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for drivers over $21\,years$ old?

$0.08$%.

What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

Steer in the direction you want to go, avoid braking suddenly, and ease off the accelerator.

How should you handle encountering a school bus with its red lights flashing?

Stop at least $25\,feet$ away from the bus.

What should you do in the event of an accident?

Check for injuries, call 911, exchange information with others involved, and file a report with the DMV if necessary.

What does the term 'right-of-way' mean?

The privilege of having immediate use of a roadway or intersection.

When is it appropriate to use your hazard lights?

During emergencies or when your vehicle is stationary and blocking traffic.