ca dmv permit test prep 2024

Hand-to-Hand Steering

Starts with hands on 9 and 3 o clock or 8 and 4 o clock
Crossing your hands over the middle of the steering wheel is not permitted
Keep hands in these positions when making turns

When to use Hand-Over-Hand Steering?

Turning at low speeds, park, recovering from skids

Hand-Over-Hand Steering

Hands at 8 and 4 o clock
Reach across the wheel to grasp the opposite side
Let go of the steering wheel with your other hand
Reach across the arm still holding the wheel, grip the wheel, and pull up

When to use One-Hand Steering?

Turning while backing up to see where you are going behind you. Place your hand a the 12 o clock position on the steering wheel
When you are operating vehicle controls that require you to remove a hand from the steering wheel

Hand signals?

Left turn - arm extended out
Right turn - arm out hand pointing towards sky
Stop or slow - arm out hand pointing towards ground

You should signal: (the ones you don't know, others ones are 100 ft, curb, lane change)

At least five seconds before you change lanes on freeway
When you are almost through the intersection if you plan to turn shortly after crossing the intersection

Using horn: (other than avoid collison)

Alert oncoming traffic on narrow mountain roads where you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead

Dim your high-beam headlights to low beams within ___ feet of a vehicle ____ toward you or within ___ feet of a vehicle you are ____.

500, coming, 300, following

Using headlights:

Too dark to see from 1000 ft away
Beginning 30 mins after sunset, until 30 minutes before sunrise
In adverse weather (if windshield wipers are needed, turn on low beams)
When conditions prevent you from seeing other vehicles
On mountain roads and tunnels (even when sunny)
When a road sign says so
To help other drivers see your vehicle (esp when sun is low on horizon)

If you can see collison or hazard ahead, warn drivers behind you by: (other than emergency flashers)

Lightly tapping brake pedal 3 or 4 times
Use hand signal for slowing/stopping

When you need to stop due to vehicle troubles (other than the ones you know alr: emergency flashers, pull off road, stop where ppl can see you, call for help and stay in your vehicle until help arrives)

Do not stop just over a hill or just around a curve, other drivers will not see you in time to avoid collison

Single Solid Yellow Line

Center of road with two-way traffic
Do not pass vehicle in front of you if there is only one lane of traffic going in your direction and a solid yellow line on your side of the road

Double solid yellow lines, do not pass!! unless:

HOV carpool lane has designated entrance on left
Instructed by construction or signs
Turning left across a single set of double yellow lines to enter or exit a driveway or private road or make a U-Turn

Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart is considered a barrier. Do not make a left turn or make a U turn across it except:

at designated openings

Single solid white line

Marks traffic lanes going in the same direction, including one-way streets

Double solid white lines

lane barrier between a regular use and a preferential use lane (i.e. HOV)
Seen near freeway on and off ramps
Never change lanes, only at broken white lines

Broken white lines

Separates traffic lanes on roads with two or more lanes in same direction

End of Lane Markings

Large broken lines

Choosing lanes

Left lanes are faster
Left to right (leftest lane is called 1, second left lane called 2...)
Right lane to enter or exit traffic
Left lane to pass or turn left

Once you move into an intersection,...

keep going

Once you start a turn, ...

follow through with it

On a multilane road, the passing (far left) lane is the lane closest to:

the center divider and is used to pass other vehicles

HOV lane permitted to (other than number of ppl in car)

Motorcycles + driving a low emission or zero emission vehicle while displaying a special DMV issued decal

Do not cross over double solid lines to enter/exit HOV lane, instead use:

designated entrances + exits

Center left turn lanes

Located in the middle of a two-way street
Inner line is broken, outer is solid
Used for preparing to make left or U turn
You may only drive for 200 feet

Turnout areas or lanes are used to:

Let other vehicles pass when you are driving slowly on a two-lane road, where passing is unsafe and there are five or more vehicles following you

It is illegal to drive in a bicycle lane unless you are:

Parking(where permitted)
Entering or leaving the road
Turning (within 200 feet of an intersection)

Buffered Bike Lane

Uses chevrons or diagonal markings to provide greater separation from traffic and on-street parking

Bike route

Uses bike route signs and shared road markings to designate a preferred route for bicyclists on streets shared with vehicle traffic

Bike boulevard

Prioritizes bicycle travel on streets shared with vehicle traffic

Separated bikeway (AKA cycle track or protected bike lanes)

Is physically separated from motor vehicle traffic and exclusively for bikes.
May include flexible posts, grade separation, inflexible barriers, or on-street parking

Shared roadway bicycle markings:

Alert drivers that bicyclists can occupy the lane and help bicyclists maintain a safe lane position in traffic

When turning, look both ways by looking:

left-right-left

It is illegal to drive, stop, park, or leave a vehicle in the public transit bus lane. However, you may cross a bus lane to make a:

right turn

Right turn onto a road with a dedicated lane

does not merge into another lane and allows you to make a right turn without stopping
You may turn even if there is a red light for vehicles going straight through the intersection
Always obey the light or sign on the right curb

When turning left,

Enter a designated left turn lane at the opening and do not cross a solid line

Before turning left,

Keep your wheels pointed straight ahead until it is safe to start turn b/c if you are rear-ended you may be pushed into oncoming traffic

Turning on red lights:

Turning is permitted as long as there is no specific sign prohibiting it
Left turns can only be made on red lights from a one-way street to another one-way street
Right turns do not have any other restriction

U-turn:

You may cross a double yellow line
In a residential district where no vehicles are approaching
At an intersection on a green traffic light or arrow unless U-turn prohibition sign is posted
On a divided highway if a center divider opening is provided

Never make a U-turn (excluding obvious ones):

On a divided highway by crossing a dividing section, curb, strip of land, or two sets of double yellow lines
When you cannot see clearly for 200 ft in each direction
On a one-way street
In front of a fire station, NEVER use a fire station driveway
In business districts

When exiting a lane, signal ____ before you exit

5 seconds (approx 400 ft)

To merge, enter, or exit traffic, you need a space that is:

Half a block on city streets (150 ft approx)
A full block on highway (300 ft approx)

Do not pass:

If you are approaching a hill or curve and cannot see if other traffic is approaching
Within 100 ft of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, railroad crossing or other hazardous area
At crossroads and driveways
Unless you have enough space to return to your lane

You may pass on the right only when:

An open highway has two or more lanes going in your direction
The driver ahead of you is turning left and you can safely pass on the right. Don't pass on the left if driver is signaling left turn
You are on one way street

Parking on a Hill:

Leave vehicle in gear and set the parking brake
Downhill: wheels towards curb
uphill: wheels away from curb
No curb: turn the wheels towards the shoulder of the road

Parking at Colored Curbs:

White: stop only long enough to pick up/drop off passengers
Green: Park for limited time, time limit may be posted on signs or painted on curb
Yellow: load and unload passengers and freight. Do not stop longer than time posted. If you drive noncommercial vehicle, you are usually required to stay in vehicle
Red: NEVER
Blue: disabled ppl only or someone driving disabled person with special placard/license plate

Never park here (other than obvious ones)

In a tunnel or bridge unless permitted
Within 15 ft of fire hydrant or fire station driveway
Between safety zone and curb
On the wrong side of the street/freeway unless in an emergency, said by law enforcement, or where a stop is permitted

A vehicle that is stopped, parked, or left standing on a freeway for more than __________ hours may be removed

4

During a law enforcement stop:

Turn on right turn signal
Move completely onto right shoulder
Stop in well-lit area if possible
Turn off your radio
Remain inside unless officer tells u
Roll down your window
Driver and passenger should place their hands in clear view before officer makes contact with them

By 1/1/2024, officers must tell you:

the reason for a traffic or pedestrian stop before they begin questioning related to a criminal investigation or traffic violation.

Rights when pulled over:

- can say no to anything officer asks permission to
- driver must produce a driver's license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration
- in california, only federal law enforcement officers can ask you about immigration status
- First Amendment protects drivers and passengers to record interactions with law enforcement in public
- Even if you feel your rights are violated, you should not engage in physical resistance or violence against the officer

What are truck/large vehicle blind spots called?

No Zones - if you cannot see a a truck's side mirrors, the truck driver cannot see you

average vehicle travelling 55 mph can stop within _____ft, and a larger vehicle can do the same in ___ ft

300, 400

The vehicle facing ____ on a mountain hill has the right of way

uphill

Safety zone things:

Do not drive through one under any condition
When a bus, streetcar, or trolley is stopped at a safety zone or traffic light, you may pass at no more than 10 mph

Do not overtake and pass a light rail vehicle or a street care when it is either moving or standing unless ...

you are on a one way street or a traffic officer directs you to pass on the left

You cannot follow an emergency vehicle within __________ ft when the sirens or flashing lights are on

300

Fines for traffic violations in a work zone can be _____________. Anyone convicted of assaulting a highway worker faces fines of up to ________ and ____________.

1000 or more, 2000 or more, imprisonment for up to one year

Fines are doubled in Safety Enhanced Double Fine Zones and also in highway construction or maintenance zones.

You must drive in the far right lane or a lane marked for slower vehicles when you:

tow a vehicle/trailer
drive a truck with three or more axles

The speed limit is 25 mph within 500 ft of _____, some may even have their speed limits as low as 15 mph

school while children are outside or crossing the street

If you do not stop when the school bus signals you to stop and wen the lights are flashing, you may be fined up to ___ and your driving privilege could be suspended for _________

1000, one year

The speed limit for a blind intersection (intersection w/out signs) is :

15 mph

The speed limit is ___ mph within ___ feet of a railroad crossing and you cannot see the tracks for ___ feet in both directions. You may drive faster if the crossing is controlled by gates, warning signal, or a flagman

15, 100, 400

stop at least 15 feet from the nearest track if a train is coming

The speed limit of business or residential districts is

25 mph

Things not to do!!

- not smoke when a minor is in the vehicle - fine!!
- no dumping or abandoning animals on a highway - fine up to 1000 or six months in jail or both
- not drive a vehicle so overloaded that you cannot control it, see ahead, or see to the sides of your vehicle
- not carry anything in or on a passenger vehicle that extends beyond the fenders on the left side or more than 6 inches beyond the fenders on the right side... cargo that extends more than 4 feet from the back-rear bumper of the vehicle must display a 12-inch red or fluorescent orange square flag...at night, this cargo must be marked with two red lights
- not allow a person to ride in the back of a pickup or other trucks unless the vehicle has secure seats/safety belts
- not allow transport animals in the back of a pickup or other truck unless the animal is properly secured
- not drive a vehicle equipped with video monitor visible to the driver unless it only displays vehicle information, navigation system, media player, or radio
- not throw a cigarette, cigar, or other flaming or glowing substance from your vehicle
- not put signs or other objects on the front windshield or side rear windows that block your view, do not hang objects on mirror
- not interfere with a funeral procession, be ticketed if you do
- not operate a vehicle with an illegible license plate
- not alter a license plate in any way

Evading a law enforcement:

- imprisonment in a county jail for one year or less
- causing serious injury during law enforcement pursuit is subject to prison for up to 7 years but county jail for one year or less
- manslaughter in pursuit is subject to prison minimum 4-10 years
- unlicensed person caught driving your vehicle, it may be impounded for 30 days

engaging in speed contests + reckless driving that causes injury to another person is subject to ___________

imprisonment, fine, or both

Traffic convictions and collisions stay on your record for 36 months or longer, your license may be suspended if:

4 points in 12 months
6 points in 24 months
8 points in 36 months

Always scan 10 seconds before your vehicle

to avoid last min moves and hazards

Slippery Surface Skids

Avoid by: slowing down as you approach intersections and curves
- avoid fast turns and quick stops
- shift to low gear before going down a steep hill
- avoid areas like ice patches, wet leaves, oil, or standing water

Locked Wheel Skids

Caused by braking too hard when you are going too fast
Pump brakes

Slippery Roads

Wet road: Reduce your speed by 5-10 mph
Packed snow: reduce your speed by half
Ice: reduce your speed to no more than 5 mph

If you cannot see further than __ feet, it is not safe to drive faster than ____ mph

100, 30

Child restraint system + safety seats

Children who are under 2, under 40 lbs, and under 3'4'' have to be secured in rear-facing child passenger restraint system
Children who are under 8 year old or who are less than 4 feet 9 inches tall should be secured in chidl passenger restraint system in rear seat. They may ride in the front seat if there is no rear seat, the rear seats are side-facing or rear-facing seats, rear seats are filled, medical reasons.
Children who are 8 years or older or at least 4'9'' tall may use a properly secured safety belt

Ride at least __ inches from airbag

10

Tis is illegal for BAC:

0.08% or higher over 21 years old
0.01% or higher if you are under 21 years old or on DUI probation
0.04% or higher if you drive a vehicle that requires a commercial driver's license or if you are driving a passenger for hire

When suspected for DUI

officer gives you temporary license for 30 days and request a DMV hearing within 10 days from arrest

If you are convicted:
- may be sentenced to six months in jail
- may have to pay a fine
- may impound your vehicle + pay storage fee
- you may face civil lawsuits if you harm/killed someone

All DUI convictions will remain for 10 years on your record

Possessing alcohol: (under 21)

- you cant!! unless someone 21 years old or older is with you
- must be full, saled, and unopened
- if opened, it must be where driver and passengers cant reach

If caught, your vehicle can be impounded for up to 30 days
The court may fine you and suspend your license for a year, or delay your first driver's license for up to a year

Consuming alcohol:

- if officer suspects you of drinking and driving, you have to take the test they require
- 0.01% or higher, DMV may revoke driving privilege for one year and complete a DUI program
- 0.05% or higher, officer may require you to take break or blood test, when confirmed you may be arrested for DUi and driving privilege suspendedInsu

Insurance requirements fees

$15000 for a single death/injury
$30000 for death or injury for more than one person
$5000 for property damage

Parents or guardians take on financial responsibility of drivers not yet legal, otherwise drivers 18 and up take their own financial responsibility

What to do in collision: (other than the ones you know)

- make a report to law enforcement within 24 hours of the accident if anyone is injured or killed
- if you kill/injure an animal, call nearest humane society or law enforcement - dont move the animal
- reporting a collision within 10 days if the collision caused more than $1000 in damage to property or if anyone was injured or killed, even if the injuries were minor

If you fail to report, driving privilege will be suspended

Driving without insurance:

- suspended for up to 4 years if you are in a collision and do not have proper insurance coverage
- you can get your license back during the last 3 years of suspension if you provide a California Insurance Proof Certificate and maintain it during the three year period

Collisions on your record:

If you are involved in a collision resulting in $1000 in damage, or where anyone is injured or dies, DMV will add it to your driving record. It does not matter who caused the collision. The collision must be reported by you, other drivers involved in the collision, and law enforcement (if a report is taken).

Buying or selling a vehicle:

when you buy a vehicle, you have 10 days to transfer ownership to your name. When you sell a vehicle, you must notify DMV within 5 days

out-of-state vehicles:

you have 20 days to register your vehicle after you become a resident or get a job in California