DMV Knowledge Test

Pass the driving knowledge test

When is it legal to drive off the road to pass another vehicle?

It is not legal under any conditions.

When a railroad crossing is not controlled, what is the speed limit when you are within 100 feet and cannot see for 400 feet in both directions?

15mph.

Which of the following is the proper procedure for parallel parking?

Stop next to the vehicle in front of the open space, and then back into the space.

What speed should you be driving when entering onto a highway?

At or near the speed of traffic.

How many feet away should you switch from high beam to low beam headlights when approaching a vehicle coming towards you?

500 feet.

Who can legally park next to curb painted blue?

A person who is disabled and has a special placard or vehicle license plate for disabled persons.

What should you do when there is a school bus ahead that starts flashing yellow warning lights?

Slow down and prepare to stop.

Which of the following is a requirement of California’s Basic Speed Law?

Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions.

You must notify the DMV with 5 days, if you:

Sell or transfer ownership of your vehicle.

Which of the following is an example of a safe driving practice?

Always keep your eyes moving to scan the surroundings.

What should you do when reaching an intersection where a person operating a motorized wheelchair has entered the crosswalk? *

Remain stopped behind the crosswalk line until the motorized wheelchair has safely finished crossing.

Which of the following is true about large trucks?

They have large blind spots, which makes it difficult for the truck driver to see other vehicles.

What is one of the most common causes of traffic collisions? *

Driver distractions.

Any driver who willfully flees or attempts to evade law enforcement, during which a person is seriously injured, is subject to: *

Imprisonment in a state prison for up to seven years.

What should a driver do who is stopped at an intersection and wants to make a left turn? *

Give the right-of-way to any approaching vehicle that is close enough to be dangerous.

In addition to setting your parking brake, what should you do when parking on a hill? *

Make sure your vehicle is in the “park” position or in gear.

You are under 18 years of age and have had your license for eight months. You may drive: *

Between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Where should you begin a left turn from a one-way street onto a one-way street? *

The far-left lane.

You are required to notify DMV by filing a Report of Traffic Accident Occuring in California (SR-1) form if: *

You were involved in a collision with more than $1,000 in damages.

At what point during a rainfall are roads slippery on a hot day? *

For the first several minutes.

What color curb does not allow vehicles to stop or park? *

Red.

You are required to notify DMV by filing a Report of Traffic Accident Occuring in California (SR-1) form if: *

You were involved in a collision with an injury.

What is indicated by two sets of double yellow lines spaced 2 feet or more apart? *

Barrier.

What should you do to make a right turn at an upcoming intersection? *

Merge into the bicycle lane before making the turn.

A highway has a posted speed limit of 65 mph. What does this mean? *

You must drive 65 mph only if driving conditions are ideal.

When is parking in a crosshatched (diagonal lines) area allowed? *

It is never allowed to park in a crosshatched (diagonal lines) area.

What should you do if your cell phone rings and you do not have a hands-free device? *

Do not answer the phone and let it go to voice mail.

If a traffic signal is green, but traffic is blocking the intersection, what should you do? *

Wait and do not enter the intersection until your vehicle can get completely across.

In which lane should you end your turn when making a right turn? *

The lane closest to the right edge of the road.

When is it required for you to obey directions from a crossing guard? *

At all times.

Which of the following is true about large trucks? *

They have large blind spots, which makes it difficult for the truck driver to see other vehicles.

Which of the following is illegal while driving? *

Wearing a headset or ear plugs that covers both ears.

What should you do when traffic is slow and heavy, and you must cross railroad tracks before reaching the upcoming intersection? *

Wait until you can completely cross the tracks before proceeding.

Which of the following should you do if you are being followed by a tailgater? *

Change lanes and allow the tailgater to pass.

When you are driving the speed limit, you can be given a speeding ticket: *

If road or weather conditions require a slower speed.

Which lights should be used if a driver is having trouble seeing other vehicles because of dust or smoke blowing across the roadway? *

Headlights.

What should you do to make a right turn at an upcoming intersection? *

Merge into the bicycle lane before making the turn.

What does a flashing yellow traffic signal light direct a driver to do? *

Slow down and proceed with caution.

What should you do if a pedestrian is still in the crosswalk after the “DON”T WALK” sign begins to flash and your light has turned green? *

Wait until the pedestrian has crossed the street completely before proceeding.

When is it legal for a person to drive with an alcoholic beverage container that has been opened? *

If the container is in the trunk of the vehicle.

The High Occupancy Vehicle lane may be used by:

Carpools, buses, motorcycles, or decaled low-emission vehicles.

An HOV lane is a special lane reserved for carpools, buses, motorcycles, or low-emission vehicles with decals. To use an HOV lane, one of these things must apply: You have a certain number of people in your vehicle. There will be signs at the on-ramp or along the road to tell you the minimum number of people. The signs also list the days and hours when the carpool/HOV rules apply. You are driving a low emission or zero emission vehicle. You must display a special DMV-issued decal. You are riding a motorcycle (unless otherwise posted). You can find more information in Section 9, page 30 of the California Driver's Manual.

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) and Low-Speed Vehicles (LSV) can only drive on roadways where the speed limit is:

35 mph or lower.

You may have seen lanes marked or signs posted for NEV USE ONLY or NEV ROUTE on roadways in some California towns, especially those near retirement communities and golf courses. When you see these signs or markings, watch out for slow-moving vehicles in the roadway. NEVs and LSVs are restricted from roadways where the speed limit is greater than 35 mph. NEV and LSV vehicles reach a maximum speed of 25 mph. You can read more about NEVs in Section 10, page 64 of the California Driver's Manual.

When you pull your car alongside the vehicle in front of where you intend to park, the space you leave between your vehicle and the other vehicle should be:

Approximately 2 feet.

Pull your vehicle alongside the space or vehicle in front of where you intend to park: Leave approximately 2 feet between the vehicle or space next to you and stop once your rear bumper is aligned to the front of the space where you want to park. Check your rear view mirror and look over your shoulder for approaching vehicles. Keep your foot on the brake and put the vehicle in reverse. Maintain the signal. You can find more information about parallel parking in Section 9, page 41 of the California Driver's Manual.

If you are driving slowly on a two-lane highway or road where passing is unsafe, and 5 or more vehicles are following you, you should:

Merge into a special turnout lane to let them pass you.

Some two-lane roads have special turnout areas or lanes. They are usually marked. Merge into these areas or lanes to allow cars behind you to pass. You must use a turnout area or lane to let other vehicles pass when you are driving slowly on a two-lane road where passing is unsafe, and there are 5 or more vehicles following you. You can find more information in Section 9, page 31 of the California Driver's Manual.

The passing speed limit in a safety zone or an intersection where a streetcar, trolley, or bus is stopped is:

No more than 10 mph.

When does a minor NOT require a note to be exempt from minors' driver license restrictions?

When the minor is legally emancipated.

Any minors' driver restrictions do not apply to minors who are legally emancipated under California law. For more information, see Section 4, page 11 of the California Driver's Manual.

When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing amber warning lights, or a Department of Transportation vehicle with flashing amber lights:

Move over a lane, if there is an available lane and it is safe, or slow down.

If you're under 21 years old:

You must submit to a hand-held breath test, PAS, or one of the other chemical tests.

If you find yourself in another vehicle's blind spot:

Drop back or pass the vehicle as quickly as you can.

In the dark, bicyclists must have:

All of the listed answers are correct:

A white or yellow reflector on each pedal.

A white or yellow reflector on the front wheel.

A rear red reflector.

A white light in the front.

During darkness, bicyclists should avoid wearing dark clothing and must have the following equipment: A front lamp emitting a white light visible from a distance of 300 feet; A rear red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built in reflector that is visible from a distance of 500 feet; A white or yellow reflector on each pedal or on the bicyclist's shoes or ankles visible from a distance of 200 feet; A white or yellow reflector on the front wheel, a white or red reflector on the rear wheel, or reflectorized tires. For more information, see Section 10, page 66 of the California Driver's Manual.

You should check traffic behind you:

To make sure another driver isn't driving too closely.

Check traffic behind you often to know if you are being tailgated (another driver is following too closely). If you are being tailgated, be careful! Brake slowly before stopping. Tap your brakes lightly a few times to warn the tailgater you are slowing down. "Lose" the tailgater as soon as you can. Change lanes and allow the tailgater to pass you, or slow down to allow enough space between you and the car in front of you. If this does not work, pull off the road when it is safe and let the tailgater pass. You can find more information in Section 11, page 81 of the California Driver's Manual

Because blind pedestrians rely on the sound of your vehicle, it is important that you stop your vehicle:

5 feet behind the crosswalk.

Blind pedestrians rely on the sound of your vehicle to become aware of your vehicle's presence, and the sound of the pedestrian signal to know when they are able to safely cross the street. It is important that you stop your vehicle within 5 feet of the crosswalk. You can find more information in the California Driver's Manual.

If you are arrested for driving under the influence:

All of the listed answers are correct:

You may receive an order of suspension.

The DMV may issue you a temporary driver license for 30 days.

The arresting officer may take your DL.

When you drive in California, you consent to have your breath, blood or, under certain circumstances, urine tested if you are arrested for DUI of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. The officer will give you an Order of Suspension/Revocation. If you have a valid California DL, the officer will take your DL and send it to DMV (to be destroyed). The Order of Suspension/Revocation includes a temporary DL valid for 30 days from the issue date (usually the date of your arrest). At the end of the 30 days, the action goes into effect. If the officer does not serve you with an Order of Suspension/Revocation, DMV will mail you one. The temporary DL does not allow you to drive if another DMV or court-imposed DL sanction is in effect. The APS action is independent of any jail, fine, or other criminal penalty imposed in court if you are convicted of a DUI offense. You may request a DMV administrative hearing within 10 days. The arresting officer may require you to submit to either a breath or blood test. You do not have a right to consult with a lawyer before selecting or completing a test. If your BAC is 0.08% or higher, the peace officer may arrest you (CVC §§23152 or 23153). If the officer reasonably believes you are under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs, and you have already submitted to a preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) and/or breath test, you may still be required to submit to a blood or urine test because the breath test does not detect the presence of drugs. If you refuse to submit to the required blood and/or urine test(s), your driving privilege may be suspended because of your refusal. Even if you change your mind later, your driving privilege may be suspended for both reasons, although both actions will run concurrently. You can find more information in Section 12, page 99 of the California Driver's Manual.

How soon after becoming a resident of California must you apply for a California driver's license if you plan on driving in California?

Within 10 days.

California law requires you to apply for a California driver's license within 10 days of becoming a state resident if you plan to drive there. For more information, see Section: New California Residents, California Driver's Manual.

Vehicles that were registered in another state or foreign country must be registered in California within how many days after you become a resident or get a job?

20 days.

If your vehicle is registered in another state or country, you must register it in California. You have 20 days to register your vehicle after you become a resident or get a job in the state. For more information, see Section 13, page 101.

At an intersection without a "STOP" or "YIELD" sign:

Give the right-of-way to vehicles or bicycles on your right.

Without “STOP” or “YIELD” signs: Vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians that get to the intersection first have the right-of-way. If a vehicle or bicycle gets to the intersection at the same time as you, give right-of-way to the vehicle or bicycle on your right. You can find more information in Section 10, page 55 of the California Driver's Manual.

(Not sure about the truth of this one)