California Driver's Handbook Flashcards

Flashcards based on the California Driver's Handbook to help study for the driver's test.

What must you pass to get a driver's license in California?

The knowledge test and behind-the-wheel drive tests based on the information in the California Driver's Handbook.

What type of driver's license do most people need in California?

A noncommercial Class C driver's license.

Beginning in May 2025, what must your driver's license or identification card be compliant with to board an airplane for domestic flights, enter military bases, and enter most federal facilities?

REAL ID compliant.

What must you provide to apply for an instruction permit or driver's license?

Proof of identity, two proofs of residency, a legal full name document (if your name on your identity document and application do not match), and your social security number.

If you are under 18 years old, what else do you need to apply for a Class C instruction permit?

Be at least 15 1/2 years old, complete a driver education program, have a parent or guardian sign to approve the application and accept financial responsibility.

When you are under 18 years old and have a provisional driver's license, what are some of the driving restrictions?

You cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first 12 months, with passengers under 20 years old unless supervised, or for pay/operate commercial vehicles.

What tests are required to get a driver's license in California?

A vision test, a knowledge test, and a behind-the-wheel drive test.

Can you use any testing aids during knowledge tests?

No, you are not allowed to use any testing aids such as a California Driver's Handbook or cell phone.

If you move, within how many days must you notify the DMV of your new address?

Within 10 days.

What are some health factors that may affect your driving?

Vision, hearing, fatigue and drowsiness, physical and mental health, and medications.

When should you signal?

When you turn, change lanes, slow down, or stop.

When should you 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, and on mountain roads and tunnels.

What does a single solid yellow line indicate?

Marks the center of a road with two-way traffic. Do not pass if there is only one lane of traffic going your direction and a solid yellow line on your side of the road.

What is the Number 1 Lane?

The left or fast lane on a highway.

If you are driving slowly on a two-lane road where passing is unsafe, when must you use a turnout area or lane to let other vehicles pass?

When there are five or more vehicles following you.

When is it illegal to drive in a bicycle lane?

Unless you are parking (where permitted), entering or leaving the road, or turning (within 200 feet of an intersection).

How far before a turn should you signal?

About 100 feet.

When may you turn right at a red light?

After a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic, unless there is a "No Turn on Red" sign.

When may you turn left against a red light?

When turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, unless a sign prohibits such turn.

When is it illegal to make a U-turn?

Where a "No U-turn" sign is posted, at a railroad crossing, on a divided highway by crossing a dividing section, or when you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction.

What is the minimum merging space required on the highway?

Approximately 300 feet.

What is the minimum merging space required on the city streets?

Approximately 150 feet.

When can you pass on the right?

When an open highway has two or more lanes going in your direction, and the driver ahead of you is turning left, and you can safely pass on the right, or on a one-way street.

When parallel parking, how far away from the curb should your vehicle be?

Within 18 inches of the curb.

When headed downhill, how should parked wheels be turned?

Toward the curb.

When headed uphill, how should parked wheels be turned?

Away from the curb.

What do white painted curbs mean?

Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers.

What do green painted curbs mean?

Park for a limited time.

What do yellow painted curbs mean?

Load and unload passengers and freight.

What do red painted curbs mean?

No stopping, standing, or parking.

What do blue painted curbs mean?

Parking for a disabled person.

During a law enforcement stop, what actions should you take?

Turn on your right signal, move to the right shoulder, turn off the radio, remain inside the vehicle, and roll down your window.

What does a red traffic signal light mean?

STOP. You can turn right at a red light, if there is not a NO TURN ON RED sign posted and it is safe.

What does a flashing red light mean?

STOP. After stopping, you may go when it is safe.

What does a solid yellow light mean?

CAUTION. The light is about to turn red. Stop of you can do so safely.

What does a flashing yellow light mean?

PROCEED WITH CAUTION. Slow down and be alert.

What should you do when a traffic light is not working?

Stop as if the intersection is controlled by STOP signs in all directions, then proceed cautiously when it is safe to do so.

What is the minimum speed limit in blind intersections?

15 mph.

When should you yield?

Slow down and be ready to stop to let any vehicle, bicyclist or pedestrian pass, before you proceed.

What does a yellow and black circular sign mean?

You are approaching a railroad crossing. Look, listen, slow down, and prepare to stop.

What type of vehicle doesn't allow passengers?

You may not dump or abandon animals on a highway, and it's a crime punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, six months in jail, or both..

What actions are prohibited on the roadway?

You can be ticketed if you interrupt a funeral procession. Also, you can be fined if you are smoking. Also, you should drive a vehicle that doesn't result in injuries; you need a license to do this.

What driving conditions will affect the driver's decisions?

The number of vehicles on the road, the speed of other vehicles on the road, the road surface, bicyclists or pedestrians, weather, traffic congestion, rain, fog, snow, wind, or dust.

Is it important to let passengers and other road-users know where you are driving to or want to be?

It is important to keep the car at your physical surroundings, keep the passengers safe, wear seatbelts, ride for 10 inched from the airbag cover, and refrain from reckless driving.

Is texting with passengers allowed if the roads are clear?

The highway patrol can check for cell phone use and other reckless behaviors. It's best to avoid texting, loud music, high-speeds on the road.

What does it mean to drink a 0.8 percent alcohol drink?

It's illegal to drive, as officers use the BAC blood test to make sure you don't drive under the influence.