California Driver's Test Study Guide

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?

15 mph

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 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 within 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 do 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 attempt 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 8 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 a DMV by filing a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring 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 Occurring 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 crosshatch (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 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 highway?

Headlights.

What does a flashing yellow traffic signal 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.

Signaling Hand Motions

Left arm facing left: Left Turn

Left arm facing up: Right Turn

Left arm facing down: Slow or Stop

You should signal:

-At least 100 feet before your 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.

You should use your horn to:

-Avoid Collisions

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

You should dim your high beams to low beams when the vehicle coming towards you is within ____ feet.

500 feet

You should dim your high beams to low beams when the vehicle you are following is within ____ feet.

300 feet

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

-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.

You must turn on your low-beam headlights if:

If you need to use your windshield wipers due to fog, rain, or snow.

If you can see a collision or hazard ahead, warn drivers behind you using these methods:

-Turn on your emergency flashers

-Use a hand signal when slowing or stopping

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.

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

Single Solid Yellow Line

-A single solid yellow line marks the center of a road with 2 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

Double Solid Yellow Line

-Do not pass

-Stay to the right unless you are

• in an HOV lane with 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 to make a U-turn

-2 sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart are considered a barrier.

• Do not drive on or over this barrier, make a left turn, or make a U-turn across it, except at designated openings

Broken Yellow Line

A broken yellow line indicates you may pass if the broken line is next to your driving lane

-Only pass when it is safe

Singe Solid White Line

It marks traffic lanes going in the same direction

-Includes one-way streets

Double Solid White Lines

Indicate a lane barrier between a regular use and a preferential use lane (such as a carpool HOV lane)

-May be seen in or near freeway on and off ramps

-NEVER change lanes over double solid white lines, wait until you see a broken white line

Broken White Lines

Separate traffic lanes on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction.

End of Lane Markings

-Ending freeway and street lanes are usually marked with large broken lines.

-Look for a sign that tells you to exit or merge

-Prepare to exit freeway or for the lane to end

Yield line

A line of solid white triangles that shows approaching vehicles where to yield or stop

-Triangles point towards approaching vehicles

Left Lane

Fast Lane

-Used to pass or turn left

Right Lane

-Used to enter or exit traffic when entering the road from a curb or shoulder

Before you change 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. Don’t let vehicle drift into another lane

-Be sure there is enough space for your vehicle in the next lane

-Don’t need to slow down before changing lane

Passing Lane (Far left Lane)

On multilane road, passing lane (far left lane) is the lane closest to the center divider

-Used to pass other vehicles

Carpool/High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes

Special lane reserved for carpools, buses, and motorcycles

-To use HOV lane, one of these must apply

• You have a certain # of people in your vehicle. Signs will tell you minimum # and hours when the HOV rules apply

• Riding a motorcycle, unless posted otherwise

-Marked with a diamond symbol and words carpool lane

-Use designated entrances and exits, do not cross over double solid lines to enter or exit

Center Left Turn Lanes

-Located in middle of 2 way street

-May only drive for 200 feet in the center left turn lane

Turnout Areas or Lanes

-Found on some 2 lane roads

-Merge into these areas or lanes to allow cars behind you to pass

-Use when you are driving slowly on a 2 lane road, where passing is unsafe, and there are five or more vehicles following you

Bicycle Lanes

-For bicyclists only & run alongside vehicle traffic

-Marked by single solid white line and signs, can be painted bright green

-Illegal to drive in unless you are:

• Parking where permitted

• Entering or leaving the road

• Turning within 200 ft of an intersection

Bicycle Lane Types

-Bike Lane: Marked by a single solid white line that turns into a dash-line near intersections

-Buffered bike lane: Uses chevrons or diagonal markings to provide greater separation from traffic & on-street parking

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

-Bicycle Boulevard: Prioritizes bicycle travel on streets shared with vehicle traffic

-Separated Bikeway: Physically separated/protected from vehicle roads.

-Shared roadway bicycle markings: Alert drivers that bicyclists can occupy the lane and help bicyclists maintain safe lane position in traffic

How many feet of distance must be maintained between car and cyclist?

Three feet

When making a right OR left turn, you should signal within

100 feet before the turn

Right on Red

You can turn right on red AFTER a complete stop unless there is a “NO TURN ON RED” sign.

Right Turn Specific Signal

Can’t turn right when red

Right turn at a Public Transit Bus Lane

-May cross a bus lane to make a right turn

It is illegal to drive, stop, park, or leave a vehicle in a designated public transit bus area

Right turn onto a Road with a Dedicated Lane

-Does not merge into another lane, allows you to turn without stopping regardless of red light for vehicles going straight

-Yield to pedestrians and watch for traffic light or sign on the curb of the right turn lane

Left Turn

-Enter designated left turn lane at opening, do not cross any solid lines

-Enter two-way center left turn lane within 200 feet of the turn

-Signal 100 feet before the turn

Left Turn Against a Red Light

You may turn left against a red light when you are turning from a ONE-WAY STEET onto a ONE-WAY STREET

-Make sure no signs are prohibiting the turn

U-Turn

You MAY make a U-Turn:

• Across a double yellow line

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

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

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

You may NOT make a U-turn:

• When a no U-turn sign is posted

• At or on a railroad crossing

• On divided highway by crossing dividing section, curb, strip of land, or 2 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, except at intersection or on divided highway with provided opening

When entering a highway you must:

Be at or near the speed of traffic, and make sure to leave 3 seconds of space between you and the vehicle in front of you

-Do not cross over any solid lines when merging

When exiting a highway you must:

When in the proper lane, signal 5 seconds (approximately 400 feet) before you exit

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

-Half a block on city streets, which is about 150 feet

-A full block on the highway, which is about 300 feet

To safely pass a hill or curve should be

At least one-third of a mile ahead

Do not pass:

-If you are approaching a hill or curve and cannot see if other traffic is approaching

-Within 100 feet 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

-Driver ahead of you is turning left and you can safely pass on the right.

-You are on a one way street

Parallel Parking Distance from Curb

18 inches from curb

-Turn your steering wheel away from curb when your rear wheel is within 18 inches from the curb

Straight Line Backing Distance

Back up 3 vehicle lengths while remaining within 3 feet of the curb

Parking Uphill

Turn the wheels AWAY from the curb

Parking Downhill

Turn the wheels TOWARD the curb

Parking uphill or downhill with no curb

Turn the wheels toward the shoulder of the road

Parking at Colored Curbs

-White: Stop only long enough to pick up or drop passengers

-Green: Park for limited time posted on signs or painted on curb

-Yellow: Load and unload passengers and freight. Don’t stop longer than time posted. Stay with your vehicle.

-Red: No stopping, standing, or parking at any time. Only buses can stop at marked bus red zones.

-Blue: Parking for disabled persons or someone driving a disabled person with a special placard or special license plate.

Never park or leave your vehicle:

-When a NO PARKING sign is posted

-On a marked or unmarked crosswalk

-On a sidewalk, blocking a sidewalk partially, or in front of a driveway

-Within 3 feet of a sidewalk ramp for disabled persons

-In front of or on a curb that provides wheelchair access to a sidewalk

-In the crosshatched (diagonal lines) area next to designated disabled parking space

-In a space designated for parking or fueling zero-emission vehicles, unless driving one

-In a tunnel or on a bridge, unless signs permit

-Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or fire station driveway

-Within 20 feet of an unmarked or marked crosswalk, or within 15 feet of a crosswalk where curb extension is present

-Between a safety zone and curb

-Double parked

-On the wrong side of the street or on a freeway except in an emergency, when a law enforcement officer requires a stop, or where a stop is specifically permited

During a law enforcement stop

Turn your right signal to acknowledge that you see the officer

Flashing Red Light

Stop, after stopping you may go when it is safe

Solid yellow light

-Means caution

-Light is about to turn red, stop if you can do so safely

Yellow Arrow

Next signal could be a green or red traffic signal light or a green arrow

-Stop safely, if you are not already making your turn

Flashing Yellow Light

Proceed with Caution

-No need to stop

Flashing yellow arrow

-You can turn

-Turn is not protected from other traffic

-Proceed to turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and proceed with caution

Traffic Light Not Working

Treat it like the intersection is controlled by STOP signs in all directions

Road Reflectors At Night

Shine red in your headlights when you are driving in the wrong direction

Mountain Road Right of Way

When two vehicles meet on a mountain road, the vehicle facing uphill has the right-of-way.

-Vehicle going downhill has more control when backing up the hill; they should back up until vehicle going uphill can pass

Truck Blind Spot

Right in front of them, to the sides, and right behind them

-If you cannot see the truck’s side mirrors, the truck driver cannot see you

Braking Distances

-Passenger vehicle traveling 55mph can stop within 300 feet

-Large vehicle at 55mph can take up to 400 feet to stop

When a bus, streetcar, or trolley is stopped at a safety zone or traffic light you may pass at no more than ____ mph.

10 mph

Do not overtake and pass a light rail vehicle or streetcar on the left side whether it is moving or standing, unless:

• The tracks are so close to the right side that the passenger vehicle cannot pass on the right

• You are on a one-way street

• A traffic officer directs you to pass on the left

Lane splitting or sharing lanes with motorcycles is

legal