Driver's Education Midterm

What can happen if you don't have your license while driving?

You may be fined, ticketed, have your vehicle impounded, and possibly face jail time.

What happens if you let an unlicensed person drive your car?

Your vehicle may be impounded for 30 days.

With a Class C license, you may not tow more than how many vehicles?

You may not tow more than one vehicle.

When is your permit valid for solo driving?

Your permit is not valid for solo driving; you must always be accompanied by a licensed driver.

Who must you practice driving with once you have your permit?

You must practice with a California-licensed driver, typically a parent, guardian, or certified driving instructor.

How long must you hold your permit before applying for a driver's license?

You must hold your permit for at least 6 months.

How many hours of practice do you need, and how many must be at night?

You must practice for a minimum of 50 hours, with at least 10 hours at night.

What are the two driving restrictions during the first 12 months after getting your license?

You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. and cannot drive with passengers under 20 unless accompanied by a qualifying adult.

Who can accompany you under the driving restrictions after obtaining your license?

An adult who is at least 25 years old.

What may the DMV do if you get into collisions or commit traffic violations within the first 12 months?

The DMV may restrict or suspend your driving privileges.

What happens if you get a ticket and fail to appear in court?

The DMV may suspend your driving privileges until you appear in court.

What happens if you have one 'at fault' collision or conviction in a 12-month period?

You may receive a warning from the DMV.

What happens if you have a second 'at fault' collision or conviction within 12 months?

Your driving privileges may be suspended for 30 days.

What happens after a third 'at fault' collision within 12 months?

Your driving privileges may be suspended for 6 months and you could be placed on probation for 1 year.

What will the court likely order if you are convicted of using alcohol as a minor?

The court may order the DMV to suspend your driving privileges for 1 year or delay your eligibility for a driver's license.

What is the one exception for minors using a cell phone while driving?

The only exception is in an emergency.

How long is your driving permit valid after passing the knowledge test?

Your driving permit is valid for 12 months.

How long do you have to wait to retake the knowledge test after failing?

You must wait 7 days before retaking the knowledge test.

How long do you have to wait to retake the behind-the-wheel test after failing?

You must wait 14 days before retaking the behind-the-wheel test.

What happens if you fail either the knowledge test or the driving test three times in one year?

You must reapply and pay all applicable fees.

What do you agree to when you sign your driver's license application?

You agree to follow the rules of the road, pay required fees, and comply with additional conditions.

How many days do you have to notify the DMV after moving?

You must notify the DMV within 10 days.

When is it legal to wear a headset while driving?

It is not legal to wear a headset covering both ears while driving.

How far in advance must you signal before making a turn?

At least 100 feet before making a turn.

How many seconds before changing lanes on the freeway must you signal?

At least 5 seconds before changing lanes.

Why should you signal even when you don’t see other vehicles around you?

Signaling informs anyone nearby of your intentions, preventing unexpected collisions.

When should you begin to signal if you plan to turn after crossing an intersection?

Signal as you are about to exit the intersection.

When should you turn your headlights on regardless of the time of day?

You should turn your headlights on if you cannot see clearly at least 1,000 feet ahead.

When should you turn your headlights on in the evening?

30 minutes after sunset or whenever visibility is reduced.

When should you turn your headlights off in the morning?

30 minutes before sunrise if you no longer need them.

If you need to use your windshield wipers, what else must you do?

You must also turn on your headlights.

How can you warn drivers behind you if you see a collision or hazard ahead?

You can turn on your emergency flashers, lightly tap your brake pedal, or use a hand signal.

What does a single solid yellow line indicate?

It indicates the center of a road with two-way traffic.

What do two sets of double yellow lines separated by two or more feet mean?

No passing is allowed in either direction.

What does a broken yellow line indicate?

You may pass if the broken line is on your side of the road.

What do solid or broken white lines indicate?

They indicate that traffic moving in the same direction may change lanes or pass.

What are “shark’s teeth”?

Triangular pavement markings indicating a lane ending or that drivers must yield.

What is the fast lane referred to as?

It is typically referred to as Lane #1.

What is a center left turn lane used for?

It is used exclusively for making left turns or U-turns.

How far are you allowed to drive in a center left turn lane?

Up to 200 feet.

What is a turnout?

A designated area on the road to allow other vehicles to pass safely.

What are sharrows?

Pavement markings indicating a shared lane between bicycles and motor vehicles.

When is it legal to drive in a bike lane?

It is illegal unless you are parking, turning, or entering/exiting the roadway.

Where should you stop at an intersection?

Stop behind the limit line and before the crosswalk.

When is it legal to turn right at a red light?

After a complete stop and if no sign prohibits it.

When is it legal to turn right at a red arrow?

It is never legal to turn right at a red arrow.

When making a left turn, why should you keep your wheels pointed straight ahead?

To ensure that if struck, your vehicle will travel straight instead of turning into oncoming traffic.

When can you make a left turn at a red light?

From a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop.

Where is it legal to make a U-turn?

When crossing a double yellow line or in a residential district where no signs prohibit it.

Where is it NOT legal to make a U-turn?

Where a 'No U-turn' sign is posted, at railroad crossings, on curves or hills, etc.

Who has the right of way at a T-intersection?

Traffic going straight through the intersection.

When entering a highway, what should your speed be relative to the flow of traffic?

You should be moving at or near the speed of the traffic.

When merging into traffic, how should you check for vehicles around you?

Quickly turn your head over your shoulder to check your blind spot.

What should you NOT do if another vehicle is attempting to pass you?

Do not speed up; maintain your speed.

When parking downhill with a curb, which way should you turn your front wheels?

Turn your front wheels toward the curb.

When parking uphill with a curb, which way should you turn your front wheels?

Turn your front wheels away from the curb toward the shoulder.

What must you always do after curbing your wheels?

Always set the parking brake and leave the vehicle in gear or in park.

What do the colors of the curb indicate?

White for loading/unloading, green for limited time, yellow for commercial loading, red for no stopping, blue for disabled persons.

What happens if you misuse a disabled parking placard?

You may face loss of privileges, a fine, or imprisonment.

What does a crosshatched area next to a disabled parking space mean?

Parking or stopping is prohibited in that area.

How far from a fire hydrant is it illegal to park?

It is illegal to park within 15 feet.

When is it legal to double park?

It is never legal to double park.

If you must stop on the freeway, how far must your vehicle be visible?

Your vehicle must be visible for at least 200 feet.

What safety guidelines should you follow if pulled over by a police officer?

Signal, position your vehicle, end calls, turn on hazard lights, roll down the window, keep hands visible.

When is it legal to turn right at a red stop light?

When there is no 'NO TURN ON RED' sign and after a complete stop.

What does a flashing red light mean?

You must come to a complete stop.

What does a solid yellow light mean?

A solid yellow light warns you that the signal will soon turn red.

What does a green arrow mean?

You have the right-of-way to turn in the direction indicated.

What do you do at an intersection where the signal lights are not working?

Treat it as a four-way stop.

What should you do if there is no limit line at an intersection?

Stop before entering and check for traffic.

What does a yield sign mean?

You must slow down and be prepared to stop.

What should you do if you're driving the wrong way?

Pull over, stop, and carefully correct your direction.

What does a red circle with a diagonal line mean?

It indicates that the action depicted is prohibited.

Should you assume other drivers will yield the right-of-way?

No, never assume; proceed with caution.

In which direction do vehicles travel in a roundabout?

Counterclockwise.

Why is it unsafe to pass another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk?

A pedestrian may be crossing behind the stopped vehicle.

Is giving verbal directions to a blind person advisable?

No, it can be confusing or unhelpful.

How helpful is it to honk your horn at a blind pedestrian?

It is not helpful; it may startle them.

Who has the right-of-way on a narrow mountain road where two vehicles cannot pass?

The vehicle traveling uphill has the right-of-way.