California DMV Sample Class C Written Test Study Notes

California's Basic Speed Law: This law requires that you never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.
Posted Speed Limits: A posted speed limit of $65$ \,mph means you must drive at that speed only if driving conditions are ideal. You may be given a speeding ticket even when driving the speed limit if road or weather conditions require a slower speed.
Uncontrolled Railroad Crossings: When a railroad crossing is not controlled and you are within $100$ \,feet of the crossing and cannot see for $400$ \,feet in both directions, the speed limit is $15$ \,mph.
Highway Entry: When entering a highway, your speed should be at or near the speed of traffic already on the highway.

Blocked Intersections: If a traffic signal is green but traffic is blocking the intersection, you must wait and not enter the intersection until your vehicle can get completely across. Do not partially enter the intersection.
Motorized Wheelchairs: When reaching an intersection where a person operating a motorized wheelchair has entered the crosswalk, you must remain stopped behind the crosswalk line until the person has safely finished crossing.
Pedestrians in Crosswalks: If a pedestrian is still in the crosswalk after the "DONT WALK" sign begins to flash and your light has turned green, you must wait until the pedestrian is out of your path before proceeding.
Left Turn Right-of-Way: When stopped at an intersection and preparing to make a left turn, you must give the right-of-way to any approaching vehicle that is close enough to be dangerous.
Crossing Guards: You are required to obey directions from a crossing guard at all times, not just during school hours or when children are present.

Right Turns and Bicycle Lanes: To make a right turn at an upcoming intersection, you must merge into the bicycle lane before making the turn. You should end the turn in the lane closest to the right edge of the road.
Left Turns on One-Way Streets: When turning from a one-way street onto a another one-way street, you should begin the turn from the far-left lane.
Passing on the Roadside: It is not legal under any conditions to drive off the road to pass another vehicle, even if the vehicle ahead is turning left or there are multiple one-way lanes.
Tailgating: If you are being followed by a tailgater, the safe practice is to change lanes and allow the tailgater to pass. Do not tap the brakes or increase speed to match the other vehicle.

Large Truck Blind Spots: Large trucks have large blind spots, which make it difficult for the truck driver to see other vehicles. They do not have the capability to stop quickly like passenger vehicles and are not more maneuverable.
School Buses: When a school bus ahead of you starts flashing yellow warning lights, you must slow down and prepare to stop.

Flashing Yellow Light: A flashing yellow traffic signal light directs a driver to slow down and proceed with caution.
Double Yellow Lines: Two sets of double yellow lines spaced $2$ \,feet or more apart indicate a barrier. Do not drive on or over this barrier.
Curb Colors and Parking Rules:
- Red Curbs: Do not allow vehicles to stop, stand, or park.
- Blue Curbs: Parking is permitted only for a person who is disabled and has a special placard or vehicle license plate for disabled persons.
- Crosshatched (Diagonal Lines) Areas: It is never allowed to park in a crosshatched area.

Scanning: A safe driving practice is to always keep your eyes moving to scan the surroundings rather than staring only at the middle of the road.
Cell Phone Usage: If your cell phone rings and you do not have a hands-free device, you should not answer the phone and let it go to voicemail. It is illegal to answer even if stopped at a red light.
Headsets and Earplugs: It is illegal while driving to wear a headset or earplugs that cover both ears.
Headlight Usage:
- Distance for Dimming: You must switch from high beam to low beam headlights when you are within $500$ \,feet of an oncoming vehicle.
- Adverse Conditions: If you are having trouble seeing other vehicles because of dust or smoke blowing across the roadway, you should use your headlights.
Road Conditions: Roads are most slippery during the first several minutes of a rainfall on a hot day.
Railroad Tracks: When traffic is slow and heavy, wait until you can completely cross railroad tracks before proceeding. Never stop on the tracks.

Parallel Parking: The proper procedure is to stop next to the vehicle in front of the open space and then back into the space.
Hill Parking: When parking on a hill, you must set your parking brake and make sure the vehicle is in the "park" position or in gear.

Reporting Accidents (Form SR-1): You are required to notify the DMV by filing a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1) if:
- You were involved in a collision that resulted in an injury.
- You were involved in a collision with more than $1000$ \,USD in damages.
Notification of Sale or Transfer: You must notify the DMV within $5$ \,days if you sell or transfer ownership of your vehicle.
Evading Law Enforcement: Any driver who willfully flees or attempts to evade law enforcement, resulting in serious injury to a person, is subject to imprisonment in a state prison for up to $7$ \,years.
Alcoholic Beverages: It is legal to drive with an alcoholic beverage container that has been opened only if the container is kept in the trunk of the vehicle. It cannot be under the seat or in the glove compartment.
Minor License Restrictions: If you are under $18$ \,years of age and have had your license for eight months, you are restricted to driving between the hours of $5$ \,a.m. and $11$ \,p.m. (unless otherwise authorized).