California Driver’s Handbook – Core Exam Concepts

A comprehensive set of 80 Q&A flashcards covering the most test-worthy rules, procedures, signs, laws, and safe-driving practices from the California Driver’s Handbook.

What does a California driver’s license legally allow you to do?

Operate a motor vehicle on public roads in California.

Which license class do most non-commercial California drivers need?

A Class C driver’s license.

Beginning May 2025, a REAL ID is required to do what three things?

Board U.S. domestic flights, enter military bases, and access most federal facilities.

Does California issue driver’s licenses to undocumented residents?

Yes. California offers driver’s licenses to all eligible residents regardless of immigration status.

Which three items must you show to obtain a California ID card (non-driver)?

Proof of identity, two proofs of California residency, and Social Security number.

If you have never been licensed before, what must you obtain before taking the behind-the-wheel test?

A Class C instruction permit.

List the four categories of documents required to apply for an instruction permit or license.

Proof of identity, two proofs of California residency, legal full-name document (if names differ), and Social Security number (with some exceptions).

What is the minimum age to apply for a Class C instruction permit?

15½ years old.

Before a minor may practice with an instruction permit, what must occur?

The minor must begin behind-the-wheel driver training and have the instructor validate the permit.

How many total and night practice hours must a minor log before obtaining a license?

50 total hours, including at least 10 hours at night.

During the first 12 months, when may a provisional license holder NOT drive?

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

Under a provisional license, when can you carry passengers under 20 without an adult?

After the first 12 months or when a qualifying adult (25+) is in the vehicle.

Name the three basic DMV tests required for an original California driver’s license.

Vision test, knowledge test, and behind-the-wheel drive test.

How many attempts do you get to pass the knowledge test before having to reapply?

Three attempts.

What no-fail, self-paced renewal option can replace the knowledge test?

eLearning (interactive online course).

Give three examples of items a DMV examiner checks during the pre-drive inspection.

Brake lights, tires with at least 1/32-inch tread, working horn (audible 200 ft), functional driver window, mirrors, etc.

What happens if your vehicle does NOT meet safety requirements on test day?

The drive test is canceled and must be rescheduled.

Are recording devices allowed during a DMV behind-the-wheel test?

No. All recording devices must be turned off or blocked.

Which steering technique is recommended for most normal driving?

Hand-to-hand (push/pull) steering with hands at 9-and-3 or 8-and-4.

How far in advance must you signal before turning on city streets?

At least 100 feet.

When must you dim your high-beam headlights to low beams?

Within 500 ft of oncoming traffic or 300 ft when following a vehicle.

What does a single solid yellow line mean?

It marks the center of a two-way road; you may not pass if it’s on your side and only one lane each direction exists.

Is it ever legal to cross double solid yellow lines?

Yes, only to enter/exit a driveway or make a legal U-turn, or where signs allow (e.g., HOV entrance).

How are carpool/HOV lanes marked on the pavement?

With a white diamond symbol and the words “CARPOOL LANE.”

How far may you legally drive in a center left-turn lane?

No more than 200 feet.

When parking UPHILL with a curb, which way do you turn your front wheels?

Away from the curb (toward the road center) and let the vehicle roll back gently until the wheel touches the curb.

What does a red painted curb signify?

No stopping, standing, or parking (except buses in a bus zone).

Within how many days must you notify DMV after changing your address?

Within 10 days.

What is the speed limit within 500 ft of a school when children are present?

25 mph (or as low as 15 mph where posted).

State California’s Basic Speed Law.

Never drive faster than is safe for current road, weather, and traffic conditions, regardless of posted limits.

What following-distance rule helps prevent tailgating collisions?

The three-second rule.

Define hydroplaning.

When a vehicle rides on a film of water, losing tire contact with the road surface.

What BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) is illegal for drivers age 21 or older?

0.08% or higher.

Minimum insurance coverage for property damage in California is _?

$15,000.

Within how many days must you file an SR-1 collision report with DMV if damage exceeds $1,000?

Within 10 days.

Name two common causes of traffic collisions.

Driver distractions and unsafe speed (others include improper turns, failure to yield, etc.).

What is the speed limit at alleys and blind intersections?

15 mph.

When warning devices are active at a railroad crossing, how far from the nearest rail must you stop?

At least 15 feet away.

How close may you legally park to a fire hydrant?

No closer than 15 feet.

What does a flashing yellow traffic light indicate?

Proceed with caution after slowing and yielding to any hazards.

At an uncontrolled intersection, which vehicle has the right-of-way when two arrive simultaneously?

The vehicle on the right.

How should you treat an intersection if the traffic signal is completely dark?

As an all-way stop; proceed when safe.

On mountain roads, which vehicle must yield if two meet on a steep, narrow section?

The vehicle facing downhill must back up to allow the uphill vehicle to pass.

When passing a bicyclist, how much clearance must you give?

At least three feet, or change lanes when safe.

What shape identifies school zone warning signs?

A five-sided (pentagon) sign.

What does California’s Move Over law require when you approach a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights?

Move over a lane if possible or, if not, slow down.

Under DUI law, what substances count as “drugs”?

Any substance that impairs driving, including illegal drugs, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs.

What happens to your license if you refuse a chemical test when suspected of DUI?

DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege for one year.

How high can fines climb for traffic violations committed in a work zone?

$1,000 or more (and doubled in Safety Enhanced-Double Fine Zones).

What is California’s minimum liability coverage for injury or death of one person?

$30,000.

Accumulating how many points in 12 months can lead to license suspension?

Four points.

Is it legal to wear headsets or earplugs in both ears while driving?

No, it is illegal.

Where should your hands be positioned for hand-to-hand steering?

At 9-and-3 or 8-and-4 o’clock on the steering wheel.

When must you turn on your headlights in relation to sunset and sunrise?

From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.

What does a single solid white line signify between lanes?

Traffic moves in the same direction; lane changes are discouraged but not illegal unless otherwise posted.

How long before exiting a freeway should you signal?

About five seconds (≈ 400 ft at freeway speed).

What are the legal parking distances you must leave when parallel parked from the curb?

Within 18 inches of the curb.

What should you do if you are being tailgated?

Maintain speed, avoid braking suddenly, and change lanes or allow the tailgater to pass when safe.

Define the three-second rule.

When the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point, you should be able to count three seconds before your vehicle reaches the same point.

What is the default maximum speed limit on most California highways where not otherwise posted?

65 mph.

How many feet ahead should you scan the road to prepare for hazards?

At least 10 seconds ahead (about a city block on city streets).

When must you use your vehicle’s emergency flashers?

When stopped on the road due to an emergency or to warn of a hazard/collision ahead.

What is required before you can legally turn right on a red light?

Make a complete stop, yield to pedestrians and traffic, and confirm no “NO TURN ON RED” sign is posted.

Explain California’s hand signal for a left turn.

Left arm straight out horizontally.

How many days do you have to transfer a vehicle’s title into your name after buying it?

10 days.

What is the minimum tread depth required on tires for a DMV drive test?

At least 1/32 inch of uniform tread.

True or False: It is legal to drive using only parking lights in California.

False. Driving with only parking lights is illegal.

What is the penalty for failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?

A fine up to $1,000 and possible license suspension for one year.

How far ahead should you start to merge into a bike lane before making a right turn?

Within 200 feet of the intersection.

What should you do if you are caught in fog too dense to continue safely?

Pull completely off the road, turn on emergency flashers, and wait for conditions to improve.

When are you required to report a collision to law enforcement?

Within 24 hours if anyone is injured or killed.

How soon must you contact DMV after receiving a Notice of Priority Re-examination?

Within five working days.

What safety equipment must a bicycle have when ridden at night?

White front lamp (300 ft), rear red reflector or light (500 ft), white/yellow pedal reflectors (200 ft), and side wheel reflectors or reflective tires.

Who must use a rear-facing child restraint system?

Children under 2 years old, under 40 pounds, and under 3 ft 4 in tall.

At what distance must you dim lights to avoid blinding an oncoming vehicle?

500 feet.

What is the legal speed limit within 100 ft of an uncontrolled railroad crossing where you cannot see 400 ft each way?

15 mph.

In a roundabout with multiple lanes, when should you signal?

Signal when you change lanes inside the roundabout and when you exit.

What minimum coverage must your insurance provide for injury or death to more than one person?

$60,000.

After moving to California, within how many days must you register an out-of-state vehicle?

20 days.

What does a diamond-shaped road sign generally indicate?

A warning of specific road conditions or hazards ahead.

When backing straight, how far from the curb should you remain during the DMV maneuver?

Within three feet of the curb for three vehicle lengths.

How far must a load extending beyond the rear of a vehicle be marked at night?

With two red lights; during daylight a 12-inch red or fluorescent orange flag.

Give two situations when you must yield to pedestrians even if you have a green light.

When they are still in the crosswalk or if they make eye contact indicating intent to cross.

What is the maximum lawful speed on a two-lane undivided highway unless otherwise posted?

55 mph.

When must drivers turn on low-beam headlights in bad weather?

Whenever windshield wipers are in continuous use due to rain, snow, or fog.

What is the minimum legal parking distance from a railroad track?

You must not park on the tracks and should stay at least 7½ feet from the nearest rail.

What does a flashing red signal light mean, and how do you treat it?

STOP; proceed when safe, similar to a stop sign.