DMV HandBook Knowledge

If you move, within how many days must you notify the DMV?

10 Days

What must you be able to do with your VISION?

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

When is it illegal to have a headset or earplugs in?

It is illegal when you have when in BOTH ears.

When should you use Hand-Over-Hand steering?

When you turn at low speeds, park, or need to recover from a skid.

What are the two situations when you should use One-Hand steering?

When you are turning while backing up to see where you are going behind you. (Place your hand at 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.

What is the left hand turn signal with your arm?

Left-arm pointed straight out to the left

What is the right hand turn signal with your arm?

Left-arm bent and hand pointed up.

What is the slow/stop hand signal with your arm?

Left-arm bent and hand pointed down.

When should you signal?

• At least 100 feet before you turn.

• Before every lane change.

• At least five seconds before you change lanes on a freeway.

• Before pulling next to the curb or away from the curb.

• Even when you do not see other vehicles around you.

• When you are almost through the intersection if you plan to turn shortly after crossing the intersection.

When should you use your horn?

• To avoid collisions.

• To alert oncoming traffic on narrow mountain roads where you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead.

Within how many feet of a vehicle should you dim your headlights to low-beams if a vehicle is coming towards you and if you are following a vehicle?

Within 500 feet (coming towards) and 300 feet (if following)

It is illegal to drive when only using what lights?

Illegal to drive with only parking lights.

When should you use your headlights?

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

• Beginning 30 minutes after sunset.

• Until 30 minutes before sunrise.

• In adverse weather. If you need to use your windshield wipers due to fog, rain, or snow, you must turn on your low-beam headlights.

• When conditions (such as clouds, dust, smoke, or fog) prevent you from seeing other vehicles.

• On mountain roads and tunnels (even on sunny days).

• When a road sign states that headlights must be on.

• To help other drivers see your vehicle, especially when the sun is low on the horizon.

If you can see a collision or hazard ahead, what methods should you use to warn drivers behind you?

• Turn on your emergency flashers.

• Lightly tap your brake pedal three or four times.

• Use a hand signal when slowing and stopping.

What should you do if you need to stop because of vehicle trouble?

• Turn on your emergency flashers. If your vehicle does not have emergency flashers, use your turn signals.

• If possible, pull off the road away from all traffic.

• If you cannot get completely off the road, stop where people can see you and your vehicle from behind.

• Do not stop just over a hill or just around a curve. Other drivers may not see your vehicle in time to avoid a collision.

• Call for emergency roadside assistance and stay in your vehicle until help arrives.

What does a single solid yellow line represent? What should you also not do with it?

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

What are double solid yellow lines?

They are a no passing zone or a barrier. You should not drive on or over this barrier, make a left turn, or make a U-turn across it, except at designated openings.

You should stay to the right of double solid yellow lines unless:

• In a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) carpool lane that has a designated entrance on the left.

• Instructed by construction or other signs to drive on the other side of the road because your side is closed or blocked.

• Turning left across a single set of double yellow lines to enter or exit a driveway or private road or make a U-turn.

What does a broken yellow line indicate and when can you pass?

A broken yellow line indicates you may pass if the broken line is next to your driving lane. Only pass when it is safe.

What does a single solid white line represent?

A single solid white line marks traffic lanes going in the same direction. This includes one-way streets.

What does a double solid while line represent?

Double solid white lines indicate a lane barrier between a regular use and a preferential use lane, such as a carpool (HOV) lane.

Where will you probably see double solid white lines?

In or near freeway on and off ramps

What should you never do with double solid white lanes?

Never change lanes over double solid white lines. Wait until you see a single broken white line.

What are broken white lines?

Broken white lines separate traffic lanes on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction.

What is a yield line?

A yield line is a solid white line of triangles that shows approaching vehicles where to yield or stop. The triangles point towards approaching vehicles.

What are some things you should do before changing lanes?

• Signal.

• Check your mirrors.

• Check traffic behind and beside you.

• Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move to make sure the lane is clear.

• Check your blind spots for other vehicles, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. Do not let the vehicle drift into another lane.

• Be sure there is enough space for your vehicle in the next lane. It is not necessary to slow down before a lane change.

What is the passing lane?

On a multilane road, the passing lane (far left lane) is the lane closest to the center divider and is used to pass other vehicles.

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).

In how many feet should you start signaling before making a right turn?

Start signaling about 100 feet before the turn.

When an you turn right on a red light?

You may turn right at a red light after a complete stop unless there is a No Turn on Red sign.

When can you turn right at a red arrow?

Never. Wait until the light changes to green before making your turn.

In how many feet should you start signaling before making a left turn?

Same as a right turn, 100 feet.

When can you turn left on a red light?

You may turn left against a red light when you are turning from a one-way street onto a one-way street. Make sure there is no sign prohibiting the turn.

You may make a U-Turn:

• Across a double yellow line.

• In a residential district if no vehicles are approaching you within 200 feet.

• At an intersection on a green traffic light or green arrow, unless a No U-turn sign is posted.

• On a divided highway if a center divider opening is provided.

You can never make a U-Turn:

• Where a No U-turn sign is posted.

• At or on a railroad crossing.

• 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 feet in each direction.

• On a one-way street.

• In front of a fire station. Never use a fire station driveway to turn around.

• In business districts (the part of a city or town where most offices and businesses are).

At what speed should you enter the highway?

Be at or near the speed of traffic.

How many seconds before should you signal before exiting a highway?

Signal five seconds (approximately 400 feet) before you exit