California Driver's Handbook Review Flashcards

A comprehensive set of 50 study flashcards covering key rules, laws, limits, and safety guidelines from the California Driver's Handbook.

What nighttime driving restriction applies to provisional license holders under 18 years old during their first 12 months of licensure?

They cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Who must ride with a provisional driver under 18 years old if they carry passengers under 20 years old?

A parent, legal guardian, or other California-licensed driver who is at least 25 years old.

How far before a turn must a driver begin signaling?

At least 100 feet before the turn.

How many seconds before changing lanes on a freeway must a driver activate their turn signal?

At least 5 seconds.

Within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle must a driver dim high-beam headlights to low beams?

Within 500 feet.

Within how many feet of a vehicle being followed must high-beam headlights be dimmed?

Within 300 feet.

Headlights must be turned on when darkness or weather prevents seeing a vehicle from what distance?

1,000 feet.

What does a single broken yellow line next to your lane indicate?

You may pass if it is safe to do so.

What do two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart represent?

They are considered a barrier and must not be driven on, over, or crossed for turns except at designated openings.

In standard lane numbering conventions, what is the far-left or fast lane called?

The Number 1 Lane.

What is the maximum distance a vehicle is allowed to drive inside a center left turn lane?

200 feet.

When driving slowly on a two-lane road where passing is unsafe, when must a driver use a turnout lane?

When five or more vehicles are following behind them.

Within how many feet of an intersection may a driver enter a bicycle lane to prepare for a right turn?

Within 200 feet of the intersection.

What minimum distance must motor vehicle drivers maintain when passing a bicyclist?

Three (3) feet of distance.

Under what circumstance is a left turn against a solid red light permitted?

When turning from a one-way street onto a one-way street, provided no sign prohibits the turn.

What clear visibility distance in each direction is required to make a legal U-turn in a residential district?

At least 200 feet.

How much following distance space should be left between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead when merging into highway traffic?

Three seconds of space.

How many seconds before exiting a highway should a driver activate their turn signal?

At least 5 seconds (approximately 400 feet).

What size traffic gap is needed to safely enter city street traffic from a full stop?

Half a block, which is about 150 feet.

Passing another vehicle is prohibited within how many feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, or railroad crossing?

Within 100 feet.

In parallel parking, what is the maximum legal distance allowed between the vehicle's wheels and the curb?

Within 18 inches of the curb.

Which direction should front wheels be turned when parking headed uphill with a curb?

Away from the curb (left), letting the vehicle roll back a few inches until the wheel gently touches the curb.

Which direction should front wheels be turned when parking headed downhill with a curb?

Into the curb or right toward the side of the road.

What rule applies to parking at a white painted curb?

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

What rule applies to parking at a yellow painted curb?

Stop only to load and unload passengers and freight, for no longer than the posted time limit.

How far away from a fire hydrant or fire station driveway must a vehicle be parked?

At least 15 feet away.

What must a driver do when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying flashing hazard lights?

Move over and slow down.

What is the minimum legal distance a driver must maintain when following an emergency vehicle with active sirens or lights?

At least 300 feet.

What is the speed limit in a school zone when children are outside or crossing the street?

25 mph within 500 feet of a school (with some zones posted as low as 15 mph).

What penalties can result from failing to stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights?

A fine of up to $1,000 and driving privilege suspension for one year.

What is the speed limit for a blind intersection?

15 mph.

What is the speed limit when driving in an alley?

15 mph.

What is the speed limit within 100 feet of a railroad crossing if the tracks cannot be seen for 400 feet in both directions?

15 mph.

How far from the nearest track must a driver stop when crossing devices warn that a train is approaching?

At least 15 feet.

What is the standard speed limit in business or residential districts unless otherwise posted?

25 mph.

What size flag must be displayed on cargo extending more than 4 feet beyond a vehicle's rear bumper?

A 12-inch red or fluorescent orange square flag.

What state prison sentence may be imposed on a person convicted of causing serious bodily injury while evading law enforcement?

Up to seven years in a state prison (or up to one year in a county jail).

What penalty is imposed on a minor driver who accumulates two at-fault collisions or traffic convictions within 12 months?

A 30-day driving restriction unless accompanied by a licensed adult at least 25 years old.

Within how many days must a driver request an administrative hearing after receiving notice of a proposed action against their driving privilege?

Within 10 days of being served or 14 days from the date the notice is mailed.

To avoid last-minute moves and hazards, how many seconds ahead should a driver scan the road?

At least 10 seconds ahead.

In this vehicle awareness diagram, what do the yellow shaded areas marked on the sides of the vehicle represent?

Blind spots.

By how much should a driver reduce speed when driving on a wet road surface?

Reduce speed by 5 to 10 mph.

By how much should a driver reduce speed when driving on packed snow?

Reduce speed by half.

What is the maximum age of a child who cannot be left unattended in a vehicle without supervision by someone at least 12 years old?

Six (6) years old or younger.

What is the ideal maximum speed limit on most California highways unless otherwise posted?

65 mph.

What is the illegal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for drivers age 21 or older operating a standard vehicle?

0.08% or higher.

What is the illegal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for drivers under 21 years of age?

0.01% or higher.

What is the illegal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit when driving a commercial vehicle?

0.04% or higher.

How long do DUI convictions remain on a person's California driver record?

10 years.

Within how many days must a collision be reported to the DMV if it causes over $1,000 in property damage, injury, or death?

Within 10 days.