California DMV Written Test Section 5: An introduction to Driving

Left Turn

Left hand out straight

Right Turn

Left hand up

Slow/Stop

Left hand down

You should signal at least _____ feet before you turn

100

You should signal before...

every lane change

You should signal at least _____ seconds before you change lanes on a freeway

5

You should signal even when you...

do not see other vehicles around you

You should signal when you are almost through the intersection...

if you plan to turn shortly after crossing the intersection

Use your horn to avoid...

collisions

Use your horn to alert oncoming traffic on...

narrow mountain roads where you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead

Dim high beam headlights to low beam within...

500 feet of a vehicle coming toward you

When following a vehicle, dim high beam headlights to low beams within...

300 feet

Use your headlights when it is too dark to see...

from 1000 feet away

Use your headlights beginning...

30 minutes after sunset

Use your headlights until...

30 minutes before sunrise

Use your headlight in...

adverse weather

If using windshield wipers due to fog, rain, or snow, you must...

turn on your low beam headlights

Use your headlights when conditions such as...

clouds, dust, smoke, or fog prevent you from seeing other vehicles

Use your headlights even on sunny days on...

mountain roads and tunnels

Use your headlights when a...

road sign states that headlights must be on

Use your headlights to help other drivers to see your vehicle...

especially when the sun is low on the horizon

Use your emergency flashers to warn drivers...

behind you

To warn drivers behind you of a collision/hazard ahead, turn on your...

emergency flashers

To warn drivers behind you of a collision/hazard ahead, lightly tap...

your brake pedal three or four times

To warn drivers behind you of a collision/hazard ahead, use a...

hand signal when slowing and stopping

If you need to stop because of vehicle trouble, turn on your...

emergency flashers, if not, use your turn signals

If you need to stop because of vehicle trouble, pull off...

the road away from all traffic

If you need to stop because of vehicle trouble, stop...

where people can see you and your vehicle from behind

If you need to stop because of vehicle trouble, do not stop...

over a hill or just around a curve as other drivers may not see your vehicle in time to avoid a collision

If you need to stop because of vehicle trouble, call for...

emergency roadside assistance and stay in your vehicle until help arrives

Hand-to-Hand Steering

Hands need to be at 9 and 3 o'clock OR 8 and 4 o'clock

Hand-over-Hand Steering

Hands need to be at 8 and 4 o'clock

Vision

You must be able to notice hazards in different types of lighting, judge distances, adjust to traffic speed, and read road signs

Hearing

You must be able to hear horns, sirens, motorcycles, or screeching tires that may alert you of hazards. It is illegal to wear a headset or earplugs in both ears while driving

Fatigue and Drowsiness

Can affect your vision and increase reaction time to hazards

Physical and Mental

You must be alert to quickly decide the correct course of action in any type of traffic situation, including unexpected ones

Medications

Prescription and over-the-counter medications can make you an unsafe driver. Some medicines can make you sleepy. It is your responsibility to know the effects of the medications you take

Health

Physicians are required to report patients, who are at least 14 years old, to DMV if they believe you have medical conditions that may affect your ability to drive safely, such as lapse of consciousness