A white curb has no other restriction posted. What is it normally for?
Correct answer: Brief passenger pickup or drop-off
A white curb permits a passenger stop, not general parking.
Source: Parking at Colored Curbs — White ↗
For an ordinary unattended parking space, what minimum clearance should you leave from a fire hydrant?
Correct answer: 15 feet
Keep the hydrant accessible; the handbook gives a 15-foot no-parking distance.
Source: Illegal Parking — Fire Hydrants ↗
Your mirrors show an open lane. How should you check the blind spot before moving over?
Correct answer: Briefly turn your head over your shoulder while keeping the steering steady
Mirrors can miss a vehicle beside you. Check before moving, turning your head without pulling the steering wheel or letting the car drift.
Source: Section 8 — Blind Spots ↗
You need to cross two freeway lanes. How should you move over?
Correct answer: One lane at a time, checking and signaling for each move
Each lane change creates a new blind-spot and spacing decision.
Source: Merging ↗
Before opening your parked car door on the traffic side, what should you check for?
Correct answer: Approaching motorcycles, bicycles, and other traffic
A door can obstruct the path of a smaller road user approaching from behind.
Source: Motorcycles ↗
An adult is driving with a 16-year-old passenger. Is smoking in the vehicle allowed?
Correct answer: No, smoking with a minor in the vehicle is prohibited
The restriction protects minors and does not depend on their permission.
Source: Other Important Roadway Information — Smoking ↗
A 6-year-old is 4 feet tall, and a suitable rear seat is available with no applicable exception. What is required?
Correct answer: A suitable child restraint in the rear seat
This child is below eight and below the height exception. Use an appropriate rear-seat restraint.
Source: Child Restraint System and Safety Seats ↗
Your car is stopped on the right freeway shoulder and you must get out. Which side should you use when safe?
Correct answer: The right side, away from moving traffic
Choose the side away from traffic and assess whether there is a safer protected place to wait.
Source: If Your Vehicle Becomes Disabled on the Freeway ↗
Which can lead DMV to reexamine a driver’s ability?
Correct answer: A condition or driving record that raises a safety concern
Reexamination addresses safe driving ability, not age by itself.
Source: Reexamination ↗
After overtaking a car, which mirror check helps you avoid cutting in too closely?
Correct answer: See both of its headlights in your rearview mirror before returning
Use this clearance cue along with a signal, blind-spot check and a safe gap. It does not make an otherwise unsafe lane change safe.
Source: Passing — mirror clearance (general driving technique) ↗
A car with hazard lights is stopped beside your highway lane, without a protective barrier. A legal lane change away is safe and practicable. What should you do?
Correct answer: Approach cautiously and move into the available lane away from it
The 2026 rule also covers ordinary stationary vehicles displaying hazard lights or another warning device.
Source: CVC 21809(a)(1), (c); effective January 1, 2026 ↗
What should you expect from a road user giving this arm signal?
Correct answer: They intend to slow down or stop
A left arm bent downward communicates slowing or stopping. Leave adequate following space.
Source: Signaling — Slowing or Stopping ↗
What minimum time without driving does NHTSA use to define cold tires for a pressure check?
Correct answer: 3 hours
A three-hour rest lets you compare the reading with the recommended cold pressure.
Source: Maintenance — Tire Pressure ↗
Strong gusts begin while cruise control is on. What does California DMV recommend?
Correct answer: Turn cruise control off
Keep direct control of the accelerator in high winds rather than relying on cruise control.
Source: Section 8 — High Winds ↗
You have a passenger and need to respond to a message during a trip. What is the safer choice?
Correct answer: Ask the passenger to handle the message
A passenger can handle messages while you keep your attention on driving.
Source: Safe-driving tips — Passenger messaging assistance ↗
What change in available road width should you expect?
Correct answer: A narrower roadway ahead
This warning concerns the width of the road ahead, not vehicle height or a complete closure.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009 Figure 2C-5 — W5-1 Road narrows ↗
What must traffic on this roadway prepare to do?
Correct answer: Prepare to leave the roadway using the indicated exit route
The message applies to all traffic, rather than only vehicles already in an optional exit lane. Follow the posted route rather than assuming a through route remains available.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009 Figure 2C-5 — W19-5 All traffic must exit ↗
What difference between neighboring lane surfaces should you expect?
Correct answer: Adjacent lane surfaces at different levels
The warning refers to a difference in lane-surface elevation, not a difference in speed limits or who may use each lane.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009 Figure 2C-6 — W8-11 Uneven lanes ↗
What does a red arrow require?
Correct answer: Stop and do not turn until a green indication appears
California DMV directs drivers not to turn against a red arrow.
Source: Traffic Signals — Red Arrow ↗
What does a WALK or walking-person signal tell a pedestrian?
Correct answer: The crossing may begin after checking for turning traffic
The indication permits starting across, but pedestrians should remain alert to turning vehicles.
Source: Pedestrian Signals — Walk ↗
What do yellow longitudinal lines normally separate?
Correct answer: Traffic moving in opposite directions
Yellow centerlines separate opposing traffic flows.
Source: Lane Markings — Yellow Lines ↗
A broken white line separates your lane from the next. What does it mean?
Correct answer: A lane change is permitted when safe
Broken white lines divide same-direction lanes and may be crossed after a safe lane-change check.
Source: Lane Markings — Broken White Lines ↗
You see red raised pavement markers facing you. What do they warn?
Correct answer: You are entering or traveling the wrong way
Red markers visible to you delineate a roadway, ramp, or lane that must not be entered from your direction.
Source: CA MUTCD 2026 Section 3A.03 — Marking Colors ↗
