California DMV written test notes

1. License & Permits

  • Class C license = standard passenger cars.

  • Must pass the knowledge & behind-the-wheel test.

  • An instruction permit is required for new drivers.

  • REAL ID is needed for federal purposes (flying, secure facilities).

Minor’s Provisional License (under 18)

  • No driving from 11 PM to 5 AM for the first 12 months.

  • No passengers under 20 years old unless supervised by a licensed driver 25+.

  • Exceptions with a signed note (school, work, medical, family).

  • Parents can cancel a teen's license.

2. Traffic Signals & Signs

  • Red light = stop. Right turn allowed after a full stop (unless “No Turn on Red”).

  • Red arrow = NO turn.

  • Flashing red = stop, then go when safe.

  • Yellow light = prepare to stop.

  • Flashing yellow = proceed with caution.

  • Flashing yellow arrow = left turn allowed; yield to oncoming traffic.

  • Green light = go if safe; do not block the intersection.

  • A green arrow = protected turn. An arrow means a protected

Traffic light not working → Treat as 4-way stop.

Pedestrian signals:

  • WALK = cross.

  • Flashing DON’T WALK = don’t start crossing.

  • Steady DON’T WALK = do not cross.

  • Blind pedestrians: white cane or guide dog → absolute right-of-way.

Signs

  • Red circle + slash = prohibited action.

  • Octagon = STOP.

  • Triangle = Yield.

  • Diamond = warning.

  • Circle with “RR” = railroad crossing.

  • Pentagon = school zone.

3. Speed Limits

  • 25 mph = residential, school arrow means a the Pentagon is a residential and school zone (may be 15 mph near some schools).

  • 15 mph = alleys, blind intersections, 100 feet of railroad crossing.

  • 25 mph = business or residential areas unless posted.

  • 55 mph = 2-lane undivided highway.

  • 65 mph = most freeways (unless posted higher).

  • 70 mph = certain posted freeways.

  • Around children (school zones, buses): residential and 25 mph or lower if posted.

4. Right-of-Way Rules

  • Pedestrians are ALWAYS in marked/unmarked crosswalks.

  • A vehicle going uphill has the right-of-way on a narrow road.

  • At a T-intersection, vehicles on the through road go first.

  • At a 4-way stop:

    • First to arrive goes.

    • If tied, the vehicle on the right goes first.

  • Left turn → yield to oncoming traffic & pedestrians.

  • Roundabouts: yield to traffic inside.

5. Lane Rules & Markings

  • A solid yellow line means no passing if it's on your side.

  • Double solid yellow = never cross (exceptions: left turn/U-turn).

  • Broken yellow = passing allowed if safe.

  • Solid white = stay in lane.

  • Broken white = lane change allowed.

  • Double white = lane barrier (no crossing).

  • HOV (carpool) lanes = diamond symbol. Enter/exit only at designated areas.

  • Bicycle lanes are only for use within 200 feet of a turn or for entering/exiting.

6. Parking Rules

  • Within 18 inches of the curb.

  • Hill parking:

    • Uphill (with curb): wheels away from the curb.

    • Downhill: wheels toward the curb.

    • No curb: wheels toward the shoulder.

  • Colored curbs:

    • White = pick-up/drop-off only.

    • Green = time-limited parking.

    • Yellow = loading/unloading.

    • Red = no stopping.

    • Blue = disabled only.

  • Illegal parking:

    • Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.

    • Within 20 feet of the crosswalk.

    • On sidewalks, in crosshatched areas next to disabled parking, and on freeways (except in emergencies).

7. Stopping Distances & Space Cushion

  • Use the 3-second rule for minimum following distance.

  • Large vehicles need more space:

    • Passenger car @ 55 mph = stops in 300 ft.

    • Truck @ 55 mph = stops in 400 ft.

  • Signal at least 100 feet before the turn, 5 seconds before the freeway lane change.

  • Maintain at least 3 feet when passing bicycles.

8. Driving in Special Conditions

  • Night driving: use high beams on open country roads; dim within 500 ft of oncoming cars or 300 ft behind cars.

  • Rain/fog: low-beam headlights + wipers.

  • Skids: Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid.

  • Hydroplaning: ease off the gas, don’t brake.

  • SuUselare: use polarized sunglasses, a visor, and a clean windshield.

9. Sharing the Road

  • Trucks: avoid blind spots (“No Zones”). If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they can’t see you.

  • Trucks make wide turns—don’t cut inside.

  • Motorcycles: full lane rights, allow a 3-second gap. Lane splitting is legal.

  • Bicycles: treat as vehicles; must allow 3 feet when passing.

  • Emergency vehicles: pull to the right, stop. It is illegal to follow within 300 feet.

10. Special Situations

  • School buses:

    • Must stop when red lights are flashing (fine up to $1,000, license suspension).

    • No stop is required if on the opposite side of a divided highway.

  • Railroad crossings:

    • Stop at least 15 feet from tracks if lights/gates are active.

    • Never stop on tracks.

  • Funeral processions have the right-of-way; don’t interfere.

11. Alcohol & Drugs

  • BAC limits:

    • 21+ = 0.08%

    • Under 21 = 0.01%

    • Commercial = 0.04%

  • DUI penalties include license suspension, fines, and possible jail.

  • Open containers are illegal in passenger areas.

12. Insurance & Collisions

  • Must have liability insurance:

    • $15,000 injury/death for 1 person.

    • $30,000 injury/death multiple.

    • $5,000 in property damage.

  • Report collisions to DMV within 10 days if:

    • Injury/death.

    • Damage over $1,000.

  • Hit-and-run = severe penalties.

13. Minors & License Penalties

  • 1 collision/violation → DMV warning.

  • 2 violations → 30-day restriction (adult must be present).

  • 3 violations → 6-month suspension + 1-year probation.

  • Alcohol/drug offense (15–20 yrs) → 1-year suspension or delay of license eligibility.