California DMV Driving Test Prep

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering California DMV driving rules, laws, speed limits, road signs, and safety protocols based on the cheat sheet transcript.

Initial Requirements for License

Include passing a vision test, a knowledge test, a behind-the-wheel driving test, providing a fingerprint scan, and paying a $37$ fee.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit

It is illegal for a person $21$ years of age or older to drive with a BAC of $0.08\%$ or higher.

Basic Speed Law

A law stating you must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.

Bicycle Lane Driving Rule

A motor vehicle may drive in a bike lane for no more than $200\,feet$ before making a right turn.

Solid Yellow Line next to a Broken Yellow Line

Indicates that vehicles next to the broken line may pass.

Parking Uphill (No Curb)

Turn front wheels to the right, toward the side of the road, so the vehicle rolls away from the center of the road if brakes fail.

Minor Collision Protocol

If there are no injuries and very little damage, move the vehicle out of the traffic lane if possible.

Smoking with Minors

It is illegal at all times to smoke inside a vehicle when a person younger than $18$ years of age is present.

Yielding to Pedestrians

Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all times, including those using a white cane or guide dog, even if there is no marked crosswalk.

Checking Blind Spots

Areas that cannot be seen using mirrors must be checked by looking over your shoulders.

Passing Safety Rule

It is safe to return to your lane after passing when you can see both of the passed vehicle's headlights in your rearview mirror.

Chemical Test Consent

By driving in California, you consent to a breath, blood, or urine test if arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence.

Blind Railroad Crossing Speed Limit

The speed limit is $15\,mph$ within $100\,feet$ of a crossing where you cannot see $400\,feet$ in both directions.

Parallel Parking Distance

Vehicle wheels must be parallel with and within $18\,inches$ of the curb.

Hazard Scanning Distance

To avoid last-minute moves, drivers should look down the road to where the vehicle will be in $10\,to\,15\,seconds$.

Signaling for Turns

You must signal continuously during the last $100\,feet$ before making a turn.

Residential Speed Limit

The limit is $25\,mph$ unless otherwise posted.

DMV Collision Reporting

A report must be submitted within $10\,days$ if there is property damage in excess of $\$1,000$ or any injuries or death.

Double Solid Yellow Lines (Barrier)

Two sets of lines spaced $2\,or\,more\,feet$ apart may not be crossed for any reason, including left turns or U-turns.

Freeway Lane Change Signaling

Drivers should signal for at least $5\,seconds$ before changing lanes on a freeway.

Evidence of Financial Responsibility

Proof of insurance must be shown to law enforcement if you are involved in a collision or stopped for a citation.

Alcoholic Beverage Container Rule

An opened alcoholic beverage container must be kept in the trunk or a place where passengers do not sit.

Hydroplaning

When tires lose contact with the road and ride on a layer of water; the driver should slow down gradually without applying brakes.

Child Safety Lock Law

It is illegal to leave a child age $6$ or younger alone in a vehicle unless supervised by a person age $12$ or older.

Move Over Law

Requires vehicles to vacate the lane closest to emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or DOT vehicles stopped with flashing lights.

Three-Second Rule

A counting method used by drivers to maintain a safe following distance and prevent tailgating.

Locked Wheel Skid

A condition usually caused by braking too hard while traveling at a fast speed.

Yellow Traffic Light

Indicates a red light is about to appear; drivers should slow to a stop unless already within the intersection.

Orange Signs

Diamond-shaped signs that serve as a warning for highway work zones or construction.

Pentagonal Signs

Signs that indicate school zones.

Pennant-Shaped Signs

Signs that indicate no passing zones.

Octagonal Sign

Always indicates a stop sign, requiring a complete stop.

Crossbuck Sign

An x-shaped sign indicating a railroad crossing where drivers must yield to trains.

Regulatory Signs

Usually white with black markings; they regulate traffic movement and must always be obeyed.