Questions and Answers
Where should you end a left turn to reduce the risk of collision?
In the left lane closest to the middle of the street.
What is the proper lane to start and end a right turn?
In the lane closest to the right edge of the road.
You can end your left turn from a two-way street onto a one-way street in any lane if there are three or more lanes.
True
What should you do when entering a highway?
Signup and view all the answers
What space is necessary to safely enter traffic from a full stop on city streets?
Signup and view all the answers
To pass on the right, you can only do so when the driver ahead is turning _____ and you can safely pass.
Signup and view all the answers
What does a solid red light mean?
Signup and view all the answers
You should cross over solid lines when merging onto a highway.
Signup and view all the answers
What parking rule is associated with a green curb?
Signup and view all the answers
When parking downhill, you should turn your wheels _____ the curb.
Signup and view all the answers
During a law enforcement stop, what should you do with your hands?
Signup and view all the answers
What must you pass to obtain a California driver’s license?
Signup and view all the answers
You can drive in California with an expired driver’s license.
Signup and view all the answers
What is a REAL ID driver’s license required for?
Signup and view all the answers
California offers driver’s licenses for all residents regardless of ________ status.
Signup and view all the answers
What is required to apply for an instruction permit in California?
Signup and view all the answers
How long must you hold an instruction permit before scheduling your behind-the-wheel drive test if you are under 18?
Signup and view all the answers
You do not need to notify DMV of a change in address.
Signup and view all the answers
Who must sign the application for an instruction permit if you are under 18 years old?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the document with its purpose:
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do before your behind-the-wheel test?
Signup and view all the answers
What may happen if your driver's license and identity document expire on the same date?
Signup and view all the answers
It is legal to wear a headset or earplugs in both ears while driving.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of the vision test for driver’s license applicants?
Signup and view all the answers
How should you steer while using the hand-to-hand steering method?
Signup and view all the answers
Your vehicle's headlights should be dimmed to low beams within ___ feet of an oncoming vehicle.
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do if you see a collision or hazard ahead?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT true about a single solid yellow line?
Signup and view all the answers
You can turn left against a red light when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
Signup and view all the answers
Always signal at least ___ feet before turning.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of the center left turn lane?
Signup and view all the answers
When might you use one-hand steering?
Signup and view all the answers
You can use a bicycle lane while driving if you are parking.
Signup and view all the answers
What should bicyclists do before turning or changing lanes?
Signup and view all the answers
Bicyclists are allowed to ride on the sidewalk at all times.
Signup and view all the answers
What type of clothing should bicyclists avoid wearing at night?
Signup and view all the answers
The speed limit is ________ mph within 500 feet of a school while children are outside.
Signup and view all the answers
When are fines doubled in certain zones?
Signup and view all the answers
If a school bus is on the other side of a divided highway, you must stop for it.
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do if you are approaching a blind intersection?
Signup and view all the answers
What action is required when approaching a railroad crossing without a controlled gate?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following traffic violations with their consequences:
Signup and view all the answers
You must drive in the ________ lane when towing a vehicle or trailer.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the speed limit within 100 feet of a railroad crossing if you cannot see the tracks for 400 feet?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do if a vehicle merges in front of you too closely?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do when a tailgater is behind you?
Signup and view all the answers
You should stay in another driver’s blind spot.
Signup and view all the answers
Check your blind spots before you ______.
Signup and view all the answers
What is a recommended action when driving at night?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do if another vehicle’s lights are too bright?
Signup and view all the answers
What can cause your vehicle to skid?
Signup and view all the answers
How should you react if your vehicle begins to skid?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do to manage sun glare while driving?
Signup and view all the answers
When another vehicle with one light drives toward you, drive as far to the ______ as possible.
Signup and view all the answers
What does a solid green light mean?
Signup and view all the answers
You must always stop for any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian in the intersection even when the light is green.
Signup and view all the answers
What does a green arrow signal indicate?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do when a traffic light is not working?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the 'Don’t Walk' signal mean for pedestrians?
Signup and view all the answers
The vehicle that arrives to the intersection _____ has the right-of-way.
Signup and view all the answers
In a roundabout, you should yield to:
Signup and view all the answers
Pedestrians using guide dogs or white canes do not have the right-of-way.
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do when you see an emergency vehicle with its siren and lights on?
Signup and view all the answers
Slow-moving vehicles often display an orange and red _____ on their back.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the maximum speed NEVs and LSVs can reach?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
California Driver's Handbook Overview
- Handbook is accessible online at dmv.ca.gov.
- Aims to inform drivers about safe practices on California roads.
Traffic Safety Issues
- Over 30,000 fatalities and 100,000 serious injuries occurred on California roads since 2010.
- Significant increases in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities: nearly 50% for pedestrians and over 60% for bicyclists.
- Emphasis on defensive driving, awareness of pedestrians, and not driving distracted or impaired.
Licensing Information
- A California driver's license is essential for driving on public roads.
- Different classes of licenses cater to various vehicle types: noncommercial Class C for standard vehicles; specific licenses for motorcycles and commercial vehicles.
REAL ID Requirements
- Beginning May 2025, a REAL ID is necessary for domestic flight boarding and access to federal facilities.
- California offers driver’s licenses to all residents, regardless of immigration status.
Applying for Instruction Permit and Driver’s License
- Requirement to provide proof of identity and residency for obtaining a permit.
- Minors must be at least 15½ years old and complete a driver education program, with parental consent needed.
- Must practice driving under supervision before taking the behind-the-wheel test.
Driver’s License Testing Process
- Vision Test: Required to ensure eyesight meets safety standards.
- Knowledge Test: Multiple-choice; three attempts permitted before reapplication.
- Behind-the-Wheel Test: Assess practical driving skills; vehicle and proof of insurance required.
Minor’s Restrictions after Licensing
- Provisional license holders under 18 face certain driving restrictions: no driving between 11 PM and 5 AM, limited to specific passengers.
- Exceptions exist for medical needs, school or work commitments, or immediate family driving.
License Changes and Renewals
- Must update DMV with changes of address within ten days.
- Process for replacing or renewing licenses available online or in office; identity verification may be needed.
Health Considerations for Drivers
- Drivers should be aware of physical and mental health impacts on driving ability.
- Fatigue, medications, and heeding auditory warnings are crucial for ensuring safety.
- Medical professionals must report conditions affecting safe driving.
Vehicle Control Techniques
- Maintain proper hand positioning on the steering wheel (e.g., 9 and 3 o’clock position).
- Importance of consistent steering control and awareness of surroundings while driving.### Steering Techniques
- Avoid crossing hands over the steering wheel; maintain hand positions at 8 and 4 o'clock.
- Hand-over-hand steering technique is useful for low-speed turns, parking, or recovering from skids.
- One-hand steering is acceptable when backing up or operating controls that require a hand off the wheel.
Signaling and Communication
- Always signal before turns, lane changes, slowdowns, or stops—100 feet in advance.
- Use vehicle signal lights or hand-and-arm gestures when necessary.
- Turn off signals once maneuvers are complete to avoid confusion.
Horn, Headlights, and Emergency Flashers
- Use the horn to alert drivers or prevent collisions, especially in tight visibility scenarios like mountain roads.
- Headlights should be dimmed within 500 feet of oncoming traffic; use low beams in low visibility.
- Turn on emergency flashers or tap brake lights to signal hazards to traffic behind.
Traffic Lane Markings
- Solid yellow lines indicate no passing; double solid lines signal a barrier.
- Broken yellow lines allow passing only when safe.
- Solid white lines separate traffic in the same direction; double white lines indicate lane barriers.
Choosing and Changing Lanes
- Use the left lane primarily for passing; the right lane is for entering/exiting traffic.
- Signal, check mirrors, review blind spots, and ensure sufficient space before changing lanes.
- Avoid weaving through traffic; stay in one lane as much as possible.
Special Lane Types
- High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes are for buses, carpools, or low-emission vehicles.
- Center left turn lanes are used exclusively for left turns; limit use to 200 feet.
- Bicycle lanes must be respected and are typically marked; illegal to drive in them without specific reasons.
Making Turns
- For right turns, signal early, check for cyclists and pedestrians, and complete the turn in the right lane.
- Right turns at red lights are permitted after stopping unless otherwise indicated.
- For left turns, ensure proper lane positioning, yield to oncoming traffic, and signal beforehand.
U-Turns and Turn Examples
- U-turns are allowed in certain situations, like at intersections when safe; prohibited by signs or where visibility is poor.
- Understand the specifics of completing turns from various lane types to avoid accidents.
Braking and Merging
- Remove foot from the accelerator when preparing to stop; maintain distance from other vehicles.
- Highway merging requires matching traffic speed and using mirrors to ensure safety.
Crossing and Entering Traffic
- When entering traffic, ensure enough space to reach traffic speed; maintain awareness of obstacles even with a green signal.
- Safely pass other vehicles, judging whether sufficient space exists based on roadway conditions and surrounding traffic.### Safe Passing Guidelines
- Only pass when the hill or curve is at least one-third of a mile ahead to ensure visibility.
- Avoid passing near intersections, bridges, tunnels, railroad crossings, and other hazards, with a minimum distance of 100 feet.
- Do not pass unless it's safe to return to your lane.
Proper Passing Procedures
- Signal intent to pass and check blind spots before entering the passing lane.
- Accelerate to overtake the vehicle and signal before returning to your lane.
- You may pass on the right under specific conditions: multiple lanes, when the driver in front is turning left, or while on a one-way street.
- Always avoid driving off the paved road to pass other vehicles.
Receiving Vehicles Being Passed
- Maintain speed and lane position when another vehicle is passing.
- Allow other vehicles to pass without interference.
Parallel Parking Steps
- Find a space at least three feet longer than your vehicle and signal your intention to park.
- Position your vehicle alongside the car ahead, leaving two feet of space.
- Check blind spots before backing up and turn at a 45-degree angle into the parking space.
- Straighten the vehicle once your rear wheels are close to the curb, ensuring parallel parking within 18 inches of the curb.
Backing Up in a Straight Line
- Always check traffic and blind spots before backing up.
- Use appropriate signals and maintain a straight path within three feet of the curb.
- Control your speed and adjust your steering as necessary.
Parking on a Hill
- Set the parking brake and leave the vehicle in park or in gear.
- Turn wheels appropriately: toward the curb when downhill, away when uphill, and toward the shoulder when no curb.
Colored Curb Parking Rules
- White: Temporary stop for loading/unloading passengers.
- Green: Limited parking time.
- Yellow: Loading/unloading goods.
- Red: No stopping or parking.
- Blue: Designated for vehicles with disabled permits.
Illegal Parking Rules
- Avoid parking near fire hydrants, on crosswalks, sidewalks, or in diagonal lines next to disabled spaces.
- No parking on freeways unless under specific circumstances.
Law Enforcement Stops
- Acknowledge the officer with a right turn signal and move to the right shoulder.
- Remain inside the vehicle and keep hands visible until contacted.
- Officers must state the reason for the stop before questioning starts.
Rights During Law Enforcement Stops
- You can decline permission for searches but should not obstruct officers.
- Provide necessary documentation (license, insurance, registration) upon request.
- Passengers are generally not required to identify themselves but should comply if demanded.
Traffic Signals Overview
- Red Light: Stop; right turns permitted unless posted otherwise.
- Yellow Light: Caution; prepare to stop if safe.
- Green Light: Go; stop for pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
- Flashing signals indicate specific instructions regarding caution and right-of-way.
Pedestrian Signals
- WALK: Safe to cross the street.
- DON’T WALK: Do not cross street.
- Countdown timers indicate seconds remaining for crossing.
Right-of-Way Rules
- The first vehicle to arrive at an intersection has the right-of-way.
- At uncontrolled intersections, yield to the vehicle or pedestrian on your right.
- Pedestrians always have the right-of-way, necessitating careful attention at crossings.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the California Driver's Handbook with this engaging quiz. Covering essential topics for renewing your driver's license and other key details, this quiz will help ensure you are well-prepared for the road. Perfect for both new and seasoned drivers in California.