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 ↗
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 ↗
Two vehicles meet on a steep narrow road where neither can pass. Which vehicle should back up?
Correct answer: The vehicle facing downhill
The downhill-facing driver can usually control backing uphill more safely and should yield.
Source: Section 7 — Mountain Roads ↗
If your vehicle begins hydroplaning, the safest first response is to:
Correct answer: Slow gradually and avoid sudden steering
Ease off speed and keep steering smooth so the tires can regain contact.
Source: Section 8 — Hydroplaning; Driving in Rain or Snow; Locked Wheel Skids ↗
If a vehicle without ABS enters a locked-wheel skid, how should you use the brakes while slowing?
Correct answer: Quickly pump the brakes until you reach a safe speed
California DMV advises quickly pumping the brakes on a vehicle without ABS during a locked-wheel skid. ABS-equipped vehicles require different braking techniques.
Source: Section 8 — Hydroplaning; Driving in Rain or Snow; Locked Wheel Skids ↗
Your car has four-wheel ABS. How should you brake in an emergency?
Correct answer: Apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal
Keep firm pressure on the pedal instead of pumping it. DMV gives different instructions for vehicles without ABS, so know which system your vehicle has before an emergency.
Source: Teen Driver Tips — Handling Special Problems & Emergencies: What if I have to stop quickly or my vehicle skids? ↗
Which headlights should you use if you must drive in heavy fog or smoke?
Correct answer: Low beams
Low beams improve visibility in fog. High beams reflect back and create glare.
Source: Section 8 — Fog or Heavy Smoke; Law Enforcement Traffic Breaks ↗
If fog becomes too thick to continue safely, what should you consider doing?
Correct answer: Pull off the road, use emergency flashers, and wait
California DMV recommends leaving the roadway when possible, activating emergency flashers, and waiting for conditions to improve.
Source: Section 8 — Fog or Heavy Smoke; Law Enforcement Traffic Breaks ↗
A patrol vehicle is weaving slowly across freeway lanes with emergency lights on. What should you do?
Correct answer: Slow to the officer’s speed and do not pass
This is a traffic break. Reduce speed gradually, keep a safe distance, and remain behind the patrol vehicle.
Source: Section 8 — Fog or Heavy Smoke; Law Enforcement Traffic Breaks ↗
When approaching a law-enforcement traffic break, why may you use your emergency flashers?
Correct answer: To warn drivers behind you that traffic is slowing
Emergency flashers can warn following traffic while you gradually slow to match the patrol vehicle.
Source: Section 8 — Fog or Heavy Smoke; Law Enforcement Traffic Breaks ↗
Your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks and a train is approaching. Where should you run after exiting?
Correct answer: Away from the tracks, diagonally toward the direction the train is coming from
Get away from the tracks immediately, moving diagonally toward the train's approach to avoid debris thrown in its direction of travel. Call 911 once clear.
Source: Section 8 — Disabled Vehicles on Railroad Tracks ↗
A vehicle is stuck on tracks, but no train is visible and warning lights are off. What should you do after leaving the vehicle?
Correct answer: Call the number posted at the crossing, then call 911
Use the emergency number on the crossing equipment and provide the crossing number if shown, then contact 911.
Source: Section 8 — Disabled Vehicles on Railroad Tracks ↗
A tire blows out at speed. Which response helps you retain control?
Correct answer: Hold the wheel firmly and ease off the accelerator gradually
Avoid abrupt braking or accelerator release. Stabilize the vehicle, then slow and leave the road when safe.
Source: Tire Blowouts — What should I do if I have a tire blowout while driving? ↗
A barricade closes a flooded road, but a gap is wide enough for your car. What should you do?
Correct answer: Use another route; do not go around the barrier
Floodwater can hide a collapsed road. A gap beside a barricade is not permission to enter.
Source: Floodwater hazards — Never drive around barriers blocking a flooded road ↗
Floodwater covers the road ahead. Why is judging its safety from your seat unreliable?
Correct answer: Depth and road damage may be hidden
Avoid entering floodwater. Its appearance cannot establish a safe crossing or sound pavement underneath.
Source: Floodwater hazards — Water force and hidden road collapse ↗
Your stopped car is surrounded by snow. Before briefly running the engine for warmth, check that:
Correct answer: The exhaust pipe is clear of snow
Blocked exhaust can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Run the engine only intermittently, not continuously with the windows closed.
Source: Driving in Winter Weather — What to Do in an Emergency ↗
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 ↗
On a cold, wet day, why should you be especially cautious at a bridge?
Correct answer: It may freeze before nearby roadway
Bridges and overpasses can become icy before the rest of the road. Do not assume nearby clear pavement guarantees traction.
Source: Section 8 — Slippery Roads ↗
Under standard R2 controls, an AWD car with snow-tread tires on all four wheels is exempt from fitting chains. Must it carry traction devices?
Correct answer: Yes, even while exempt from fitting them
The R2 fitting exemption does not remove the carrying requirement. Follow checkpoint instructions.
Source: Chain Requirement Levels — Requirement 2 (R2) and carrying note ↗
Which vehicle is exempt from chains or traction devices under California R3 controls?
Correct answer: None
R3 requires traction devices on every vehicle, without an AWD or snow-tire exemption.
Source: Chain Requirement Levels — Requirement 3 (R3) ↗
Signs require chains. Where should you stop to install them?
Correct answer: Completely off the roadway to the right
Use a safe pull-off; installing chains in a traffic lane endangers you and blocks others.
Source: Chain Installation — Pull completely off the roadway ↗
Your right wheels drift onto a clear shoulder. Which response helps you return safely?
Correct answer: Hold the wheel firmly, ease off, brake gently, check traffic, and return carefully
A forceful correction can carry the car across your lane into oncoming traffic. First control and slow the vehicle, then check traffic and steer back carefully.
Source: Section 8 — Driving Off the Pavement ↗
In extreme heat, which accessory does the California handbook recommend switching off?
Correct answer: The air conditioner
Monitor temperature, reduce engine load, and follow the vehicle manual’s overheating guidance.
Source: Section 8 — Overheating Conditions ↗
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 ↗
A steep downhill stretch is slippery. When should you select a lower gear?
Correct answer: Before starting down the steep hill
Prepare before the descent, reduce speed and avoid sudden steering or braking on slippery pavement.
Source: Slippery Roads ↗
You leave a brightly lit service station for a dark road. What adjustment does DMV recommend?
Correct answer: Drive slowly while your eyes adjust
The change in lighting temporarily reduces what you can distinguish ahead.
Source: Darkness ↗
Low sunlight reveals streaks on the windshield. What is the best way to address this source of glare?
Correct answer: Clean both the inside and outside of the windshield
A clean windshield and a usable visor help manage glare; reduce speed if visibility requires it.
Source: Sun Glare ↗
