California Driver Handbook Study Guide

Flashcards covering steering, signaling, traffic laws, parking, and safety rules from the driver handbook transcript.

What are the hand positions used for the hand-over-hand steering method?

Start with your hands at $8$ and $4$ o’clock.

In what situations should you use hand-over-hand steering?

When turning at low speeds, parking, or recovering from a skid.

When is it permissible to use one-hand steering?

When turning while backing up to see behind you (hand at $12$ o’clock) or when operating vehicle controls.

How many feet before a turn should you begin signaling?

At least $100$ feet.

How many seconds should you signal before changing lanes on a freeway?

At least $5$ seconds.

Within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle should you dim your high-beam headlights?

Within $500$ feet.

Within how many feet of a vehicle you are following should you dim your high-beam headlights?

Within $300$ feet.

Under what visibility conditions must you use your headlights?

When it is too dark to see from $1,000$ feet away.

What are the specific times of day headlights must be used?

Beginning $30$ minutes after sunset and until $30$ minutes before sunrise.

In a narrow mountain road where you cannot see ahead, you should use your horn if you cannot see at least how many feet?

$200$ feet.

If you need to warn drivers behind you of a collision or hazard, how many times should you tap your brake pedal?

$3$ or $4$ times.

What does a single solid yellow line indicate?

The center of a road with two-way traffic.

What is the rule regarding two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart?

They are considered a barrier; do not drive on or over them, or make turns across them except at designated openings.

What does a broken yellow line signify?

You may pass if the broken line is next to your driving lane.

What do double solid white lines indicate on a road?

A lane barrier between a regular use and a preferential use lane, such as a carpool ($HOV$) lane.

What is a yield line?

A line of solid white triangles showing approaching vehicles where to yield or stop.

Which lane is referred to as the 'Number 1 Lane'?

The left (or fast) lane.

What must you display to use an HOV lane if you are driving a low-emission or zero-emission vehicle?

A special $DMV$-issued decal.

How many feet are you permitted to drive in a center left turn lane?

$200$ feet.

When must you use a turnout area to let other vehicles pass?

When driving slowly on a two-lane road where passing is unsafe and $5$ or more vehicles are following you.

Within how many feet of an intersection is it legal to drive in a bicycle lane to make a turn?

Within $200$ feet.

How much distance must be maintained between a car and a cyclist?

$3$ feet.

Where should you stop if there is no limit line or crosswalk at an intersection?

Before you enter the intersection.

Is it legal to turn right against a red arrow light?

No, you must wait until the light changes to green.

What is the steering wheel rule when waiting to turn left to avoid being pushed into oncoming traffic if hit from behind?

Keep your wheels pointed straight ahead.

Under what condition can you turn left against a red light?

When turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street.

How much visibility is required in each direction to safely make a U-turn?

At least $200$ feet.

Where is it illegal to make a U-turn specifically regarding fire departments?

In front of a fire station or using its driveway.

If you are stopping at a limit line behind another vehicle, what should you be able to see?

Their rear wheels.

How many seconds of space should you leave between your vehicle and the one in front of you when merging onto a highway?

$3$ seconds.

How many seconds should you signal before reaching an exit on a highway?

$5$ seconds (approximately $400$ feet).

What is the required space to enter traffic on a city street?

Half a block, which is about $150$ feet.

What is the required space to enter traffic on a highway?

A full block, which is about $300$ feet.

To safely pass a vehicle, a hill or curve should be at least how far ahead?

One-third of a mile.

Within how many feet of an intersection, bridge, or tunnel is passing prohibited?

Within $100$ feet.

How much longer than your vehicle should a parking space be to parallel park?

At least $3$ feet longer.

When parallel parking, your wheels should be within how many inches of the curb?

$18$ inches.

What direction do you turn your front wheels when parking headed downhill?

Into the curb or right toward the side of the road.

What direction do you turn your front wheels when parking headed uphill against a curb?

Away from the curb (left toward the center of the road).

Where should you turn your wheels when parking on a hill where there is no curb?

To the right so the vehicle rolls away from the center of the road.

What does a green curb indicate?

Parking for a limited time (usually posted on signs or painted on the curb).

What does a yellow curb indicate?

Loading and unloading of passengers and freight.

Within how many feet of a fire hydrant or fire station driveway is parking illegal?

$15$ feet.

A vehicle stopped on a freeway for more than how many hours may be removed?

$4$ hours.

What are the three things a driver must produce when stopped by law enforcement?

Driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.

What does a solid yellow traffic light mean?

Caution; the light is about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely.

What should you do at an intersection where the traffic light is not working?

Stop as if the intersection is controlled by $STOP$ signs in all directions.

What does a red and white triangular sign represent?

A YIELD sign.

What does a five-sided sign indicate?

You are near a school.

At a T-intersection without signs, who has the right-of-way?

Vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians on the through road.

In a roundabout, what direction does traffic travel?

In a counterclockwise direction.

Who has the right-of-way when two vehicles meet on a steep narrow road where they cannot pass?

The vehicle facing uphill.

What are the blind spots for large trucks called?

No Zones.

How many feet does it take for a large truck traveling at $55\,mph$ to stop compared to a passenger vehicle?

Trucks take up to $400$ feet, whereas passenger vehicles take about $300$ feet.

What is the speed limit when passing a bus, streetcar, or trolley at a safety zone?

No more than $10\,mph$.

How many feet must you stay behind an emergency vehicle with a siren or flashing lights?

At least $300$ feet.

Most road maintenance vehicles travel at what speed?

$25\,mph$ or less.

What is the maximum speed for Neighborhood Electric Vehicles ($NEVs$)?

$25\,mph$.

What equipment is required for a bicycle at night regarding the front lamp?

A white light visible from $300$ feet.

What equipment is required for a bicycle at night regarding the rear?

A red reflector, solid red light, or flashing red light visible from $500$ feet.

What is the maximum fine for traffic violations in a work zone?

$1,000$ or more.

What is the speed limit within $500$ feet of a school while children are outside?

$25\,mph$ (unless posted as low as $15\,mph$).

What is the speed limit for a blind intersection?

$15\,mph$.

What is the speed limit in an alley?

$15\,mph$.

When a train is coming, you must stop at least how many feet from the nearest track?

$15$ feet.

What is the speed limit in business or residential districts?

$25\,mph$, unless otherwise posted.

What is the fine for dumping or abandoning animals on a highway?

Up to $1,000$, six months in jail, or both.

Cargo extending more than $4$ feet from the back bumper needs what marking during the day?

A $12$-inch red or fluorescent orange square flag.

What are the dimensions permitted for a sticker in the center uppermost portion of the windshield?

A $5$-inch square.

How many points on a record in $12$ months will lead to an adult's license suspension?

$4$ points.

How many points on a record in $36$ months will lead to an adult's license suspension?

$8$ points.

How often can you attend traffic violator school to hide a one-point citation from insurance?

Once in any $18$-month period.

For a minor's first $12$ months of driving, what happens after two at-fault collisions?

The minor cannot drive for $30$ days unless a licensed adult at least $25$ years old rides with them.

How many seconds should you scan the road ahead of your vehicle?

At least $10$ seconds.

What should you do to prevent skidding on a slippery surface?

Slow down as you approach intersections and curves.

What the speed limit adjustment for a wet road?

Reduce your speed by $5$ to $10\,mph$.

What the speed limit adjustment for packed snow?

Reduce your speed by half.

How many feet tall must a child be to use a safety belt instead of a child restraint system?

At least $4$ feet $9$ inches.

What is the illegal $BAC$ limit for a driver over $21$ years old?

$0.08\%$ or higher.

Within how many days must a collision be reported to the $DMV$ if damage exceeds $1,000$?

Within $10$ days.