What must you do at a red, eight-sided STOP sign?
Correct answer: Come to a complete stop
Stop at the limit line. If there is no limit line, stop before the crosswalk; if neither is present, stop before entering the intersection. Slowing to a rolling stop is not enough.
Source: Section 7 — Signs: STOP Sign ↗
Two vehicles approach an uncontrolled four-way intersection from crossing roads. They arrive at the same time and both plan to go straight. Which driver must yield?
Correct answer: The driver on the left
At simultaneous arrival, yield to the vehicle on your right. This resolves the conflict even when both drivers plan to go straight. Never assume the other driver will yield; wait if needed to prevent a collision.
Source: Section 7 — Right-of-Way Rules: Intersections ↗
Rain has made the road slippery. How should you adjust the gap behind the vehicle ahead?
Correct answer: Leave a larger gap than on dry pavement
Slippery pavement reduces tire grip, so you may need more distance to stop. A larger following gap and lower speed give you room to respond if the vehicle ahead brakes.
Source: Section 8 — Slippery Roads ↗
When parking downhill with a curb, which way should you turn your front wheels?
Correct answer: Toward the curb
Turn the wheels toward the curb so the vehicle rolls into the curb if the brakes fail.
Source: Section 6 — Parking on a Hill ↗
A flashing red traffic signal means:
Correct answer: Stop, then proceed when safe
Treat a flashing red light like a stop sign: stop completely and proceed only when safe.
Source: Section 7 — Traffic Signals: Flashing Red Light ↗
You have signaled to change lanes and your mirrors show an open gap. What should you do before moving over?
Correct answer: Look over your shoulder toward the lane you plan to enter
Mirrors can miss traffic beside and slightly behind you. A quick shoulder check toward the new lane can reveal a vehicle, motorcycle, or bicycle in that blind spot. Keep the car steady while checking; signaling alone does not establish that the lane is clear.
Source: Section 6 — Changing Lanes ↗
A wet curve is ahead. Why should you reduce speed before entering it?
Correct answer: Too much speed can exceed the tires' grip in the curve
Slippery pavement reduces traction. Entering more slowly helps prevent a skid and avoids needing sudden braking while turning. Steer smoothly and keep your speed safe throughout the curve.
Source: Section 8 — Slippery Surface Skids: approaching curves; Slippery Roads ↗
A pedestrian is crossing in an unmarked crosswalk. What should you do?
Correct answer: Yield and allow the pedestrian to cross
A crosswalk does not need painted lines for pedestrians to have the right-of-way. Yield so the person can finish crossing safely; the absence of markings is not permission to drive through their path.
Source: Section 7 — Pedestrians; Crosswalks ↗
If your vehicle begins a slippery-surface skid, what should you do?
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator, avoid braking, and steer in the direction of the skid
California DMV directs drivers to slowly release the accelerator, avoid the brakes, and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.
Source: Section 8 — Slippery Surface Skids ↗
A solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line means:
Correct answer: Only traffic next to the broken line may pass when safe
The broken line permits passing when safe; traffic beside the solid line must not pass.
Source: Section 6 — Lane Markings: Broken Yellow Line ↗
What do two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart represent?
Correct answer: A barrier you must not cross
California treats two separated sets of double yellow lines as a barrier. Cross only at a designated opening.
Source: Section 6 — Lane Markings: Double Solid Yellow Lines ↗
When may you cross double solid white lines?
Correct answer: Never; wait for a permitted opening
Double solid white lines are lane barriers. Wait for a broken-line opening before changing lanes.
Source: Section 6 — Lane Markings: Double Solid White Lines ↗
Which lane is normally used to pass another vehicle on a multilane road?
Correct answer: The far-left lane
The far-left lane, closest to the center divider, is normally the passing lane.
Source: Section 6 — Types of Lanes: Passing Lanes ↗
How should you enter or leave an HOV lane bordered by double solid lines?
Correct answer: Use a designated entrance or exit
Enter and exit only through designated openings. Do not cross the double solid boundary.
Source: Section 6 — Carpool/High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes ↗
What is the maximum distance you may travel in a center left-turn lane?
Correct answer: 200 feet
A center left-turn lane may be used for up to 200 feet to prepare for a left turn or U-turn.
Source: Section 6 — Center Left Turn Lanes ↗
When must a slow driver use a turnout on a two-lane road where passing is unsafe?
Correct answer: When five or more vehicles follow
Use a turnout when five or more vehicles are following and passing is unsafe.
Source: Section 6 — Turnout Areas or Lanes ↗
What is the maximum distance before an intersection for entering a conventional bicycle lane to turn right?
Correct answer: 200 feet
Enter no earlier than 200 feet before the intersection. Check for bicyclists and yield before moving into their lane.
Source: Section 6 — Bicycle Lanes; Right Turns ↗
What minimum distance before a turn does the DMV recommend for signaling?
Correct answer: 100 feet
Signal at least 100 feet before turning to give other road users advance notice of your intention. Signal even when you do not see another vehicle, and cancel the signal once the turn is complete so it does not mislead others.
Source: Section 5 — Signals, Horns, And Headlights: Signaling ↗
When may you turn right at a solid circular red light (not a red arrow)?
Correct answer: After stopping, yielding, and checking that no sign prohibits it
Stop completely, yield to people and traffic, and turn only when safe unless a sign prohibits the turn.
Source: Section 7 — Traffic Signals: Solid Red Light ↗
What should you do at a red arrow?
Correct answer: Stop and wait for a green light or green arrow
A red arrow prohibits the turn. Remain stopped until a green indication appears.
Source: Section 7 — Traffic Signals: Red Arrow ↗
After stopping at a solid circular red light, which left turn may be allowed if no sign prohibits it and the way is clear?
Correct answer: From a one-way street onto another one-way street
Only the one-way-to-one-way case qualifies. Stop and yield before turning; a red arrow does not allow the turn.
Source: Section 6 — Left Turn Against a Red Light ↗
Where is a U-turn always prohibited?
Correct answer: On a one-way street
A U-turn on a one-way street would put you against the permitted direction of traffic. Continue to a route where you can change direction legally.
Source: Section 6 — U-TURN ↗
What is the minimum clear-view distance needed in each direction before a U-turn?
Correct answer: 200 feet
A U-turn is prohibited when you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in both directions.
Source: Section 6 — U-TURN ↗
Freeway traffic is flowing freely. As you use the entrance ramp, how should you prepare to merge?
Correct answer: Approach traffic speed when safe and choose a gap large enough to enter
Freeway traffic has priority. Approaching its speed reduces the speed difference but does not give you right-of-way. Check mirrors and blind spots, then enter a safe gap.
Source: Section 6 — Merging And Exiting: Merging ↗
You are already in the proper lane to leave a freeway. How many seconds before the exit should you signal?
Correct answer: About five seconds
Once in the proper exit lane, signal about five seconds before leaving the freeway. This gives drivers behind you notice of your intended exit; it does not replace checking before any earlier lane change.
Source: Section 6 — Merging And Exiting: Exiting ↗
When is passing on the right permitted?
Correct answer: When a one-way street or multiple same-direction lanes make it safe
Passing on the right is limited to safe situations such as multilane roads, one-way streets, or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Source: Section 6 — How to Pass ↗
Another driver is passing you on a two-lane road. What should you normally do?
Correct answer: Maintain your lane position and a steady speed
A steady speed and lane position make your movement predictable while the other driver passes. Speeding up prolongs the pass; unnecessary braking or lane movement can create another conflict.
Source: Section 6 — Being Passed ↗
How many seconds ahead is the minimum scanning distance recommended by the California handbook?
Correct answer: 10 seconds
Scan at least 10 seconds ahead while keeping your eyes moving. Looking beyond the vehicle immediately in front helps you spot developing hazards early and avoid last-minute braking or lane changes.
Source: Section 8 — Scan Your Surroundings ↗
What basic rule helps maintain a safe following distance in normal conditions?
Correct answer: The three-second rule
Use at least the three-second rule and create more space when conditions are poor.
Source: Section 8 — Tailgating (Following Too Closely) ↗
A driver is following too closely on a multilane road. What should you do?
Correct answer: Maintain control and move right when safe to let the driver pass
A tailgater has little room to stop. Avoid sudden moves and let the driver pass safely. Keep extra space ahead so you have more time to respond to slowing traffic.
Source: Section 8 — Tailgating (Following Too Closely): a tailgater behind you ↗
Where should you look when oncoming headlights are too bright?
Correct answer: Toward the right edge of your lane
Avoid staring at the lights. Use the right edge of your lane as a visual guide.
Source: Section 8 — Understand the Road Conditions: Darkness ↗
Which headlights should you use when it is raining?
Correct answer: Low beams
Use low-beam headlights in rain; parking lights alone are not sufficient.
Source: Section 8 — Understand the Road Conditions: Darkness ↗
What should you do at the first sign of rain after a long dry period?
Correct answer: Slow down because oil and dust can make the road slick
Fresh rain can mix with surface oil and dust, creating especially slippery pavement.
Source: Section 8 — Slippery Roads ↗
Can prescription medicine lead to an impaired-driving violation?
Correct answer: Yes, if it affects your ability to drive safely
California DUI rules apply to any drug or medication that impairs safe driving.
Source: Section 9 — Alcohol and Drugs ↗
A 30-year-old drives a private car, is not on DUI probation, and is not carrying passengers for hire. What is the lowest BAC at which driving is illegal even without other evidence of impairment?
Correct answer: 0.08%
The threshold in this situation is 0.08%. Impaired driving can also be illegal below that level.
Source: Section 9 — Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits ↗
In an ordinary passenger vehicle, where must an opened alcohol container be kept?
Correct answer: In the trunk or another area where passengers do not sit
An opened container must be kept in the trunk or a place where passengers do not sit. Separate passenger exceptions apply to buses, taxis, campers, and motorhomes.
Source: Section 9 — Use or Possession of Alcohol or Cannabis Products in a Vehicle ↗
