California Permit Test Prep Section 9 - Navigating the Roads

You may pass a vehicle on the right only when ..

- An open highway clearly has two or more lanes going in your direction - The driver ahead of you is turning left and you do not have to drive off the road to pass. Never pass on the left if the driver is signaling a left turn - You are on a one-way street

You may turn against a red light unless there is a ____________________ sign. Follow the same steps as a normal right turn.

"No turn on red" sign.

Traffic lanes are often referred to by number. The left lane is the fastest lane and is called the _______________. The lane to the right of the "Number 1 Lane" is called the "Number 2 Lane." Then, the "Number 3 Lane" to the right of that lane and so on.

"Number 1 Lane". This lane is the fast lane on a freeway for example.

If a vehicle is passing you or signals that they plan on passing....

- Allow the vehicle to pass - Maintain your lane position - Do not try to go faster to avoid being passed

You must judge whether you have enough space to pass whenever you approach...

- An oncoming vehicle - A hill or curve - An intersection - A road obstruction - A bicyclist

A ___________________ right turn lane doesn't merge into another lane and allows you to make a "free right turn" without stopping first. If there is a traffic sign or light on the right curb of the right turn lane, you must obey that light or sign. Always yield to pedestrians when turning.

A dedicated right turn lane. A dedicated lane allows you to make free right turns.

Misuse of a disabled person parking placard or license plate will result in losing special parking privileges, and is punishable by...

A fine of up to $1000, imprisonment in county jail for up to 6 months, or both.

You may not turn right if you are stopped at this arrow light. Wait until the light changes to green before making your turn.

A red arrow light. You can't turn right against a red arrow.

Before entering a bike lane you should always check your....

Always check your blind spots

When you are driving on a freeway or road with multiple lanes, use the _____________ lane to pass or turn left.

left lane

Turning safely and smoothly is...

one of the most important driving skills you need to learn

On a multilane road, this lane is the lane closest to the center divider and is used to pass other vehicles. It is also known as the fast lane because it is used by faster moving traffic.

passing lanes

When you are driving on a freeway or road with multiple lanes, use the _____________ lane to enter or exit traffic.

right lane

This line marks traffic lanes going in the same direction. This lane marking is included on one-way streets.

single solid white line

This line marks the center of a road with two-way traffic. You may not cross over this line to enter into oncoming traffic, and when it is on your side of the road you can't pass a vehicle in front of you.

single solid yellow line

This type of bike lane is for the exclusive use of bicyclists. It's physically separated from vehicle traffic and is also known as a cycle track or protected bike lane. The separation may include flexible posts, grade separation, inflexible barriers, or on-street parking.

Separated bikeway

These markings alert traffic that bicyclists can occupy the lane they are driving in. When used appropriately, these markings help bicyclists maintain a safe lane position.

Shared roadway bicycle markings (sharrows)

A U-turn is when you turn your vehicle around to go back in the direction you came. To make a U-turn...

Signal and use the far-left lane or center left turn lane

When turning left from a side street or driveway...

Signal and wait until it is safe. Then drive into the center left turn lane. Make sure you signal again and check your blind spot, and enter traffic only when it is safe.

Can you cross a bus lane to make a right turn?

Signs may still be posted to indicate the lanes are for "bus only" use. But you may still cross a bus lane to make a right turn.

When making a left turn from a one-way street onto a two-way street...

Start the turn from the far-left lane. End the turn in the left lane closest to the middle of the street going in your vehicle's direction of travel.

When making a left turn from a one-way street onto a one-way street...

Start the turn from the far-left lane. Watch for pedestrians, motorcycles, and bicycles between your vehicle and the curb. Bicyclists can legally use the left turn lane for their left turns. If there are three or more lanes in your direction of travel you may end your turn in any lane that is safely open.

When making a left turn from a two-way street onto a one-way street...

Start the turn from the lane closest to the middle of the street. If there are three or more lanes in your direction of travel you may end your turn in any lane that is safely open.

When making a right turn from a one-way street onto a one-way street...

Start the turn in the far-right lane. If safe, you may end the turn in any lane. Sometimes, signs or pavement markings will let you turn right from another lane.

When making a left turn from a two-way street...

Start the turn in the left lane closest to the middle of the street. Use the center left turn lane if one is available. End the turn in the left lane closest to the middle of the street going in your vehicle's direction of travel.

To make a left turn...

- Drive close to the center divider or into the left turn lane. - Start signaling 100 feet before the turn. - Look over your left shoulder and reduce your speed. - Stop behind the limit line. If there is no limit line, stop before you enter the crosswalk or intersection. - Look left, right, then left again. - Make the turn when safe.

To make a right turn...

- Drive close to the right edge of the road. - You can drive in a bike lane but wait to enter until you are 200 feet from the turn, and always check for bicyclists in your blind spots. - Begin signaling about 100 feet before the turn. - Look over your right shoulder and reduce your speed. - Stop behind the limit line (white lines on the road that show you where to stop). If there is no limit line, stop before you enter the crosswalk or intersection. - Look both ways and turn when it is safe. Do not turn wide into another lane. -Complete your turn in the right lane.

Some things you can do to drive green are:

- Driving habits: speed up and slow down smoothly. Drive at a steady average speed - Maintenance: keep your vehicle in good shape. Regularly inflate your tires, get oil changes, and check filters - Weight: Get rid of extra weight in your vehicle. Clear out the trunk & remove luggage racks from the roof - Consider zero-emission vehicles powered by electricity or hydrogen

When entering a highway, you will need to...

- Enter at or near the speed of traffic - Merge into highway traffic when safe to do so. Do not stop unless absolutely necessary - Merge into a space large enough for your vehicle to safely join the lane. Do not try to merge into a gap that is too small. - Use your mirrors and turn signals - Watch for vehicles around you. Turn your head quickly to look over your shoulder before changing lanes or merging into traffic. - Leave three seconds of space (three-second rule) between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Make sure you can stop safely if you need to.

To parallel park...

- Find a space at least three feet longer than your vehicle. - turn on your signal to show you plan on parking. - Pull up alongside the vehicle in front of the space you're parking in and stop once your rear bumper is aligned with the front of your parking space. - Check your rearview mirror & look over your shoulder for approaching vehicles. Keep your foot on the brake and put the vehicle in reverse. - Begin backing up. Turn your wheel to back into the space at about a 45 degree angle. - Straighten out your vehicle. Begin turning the steering wheel away from the curb when your rear wheel is within 18 inches of the curb. Pull forward and backward to straighten out. - Center your vehicle in the parking space. Your vehicle should now be parallel and within 18 inches of the curb. - Turn off your vehicle and set the parking brake.

It's important to know how much space you need for merging, crossing, entering and exiting traffic. You need a space that is about...

- Half a block on city streets - A full block on the highway

Do not pass if...

- If you are approaching a hill or curve and cannot see if other traffic is approaching - If you are within 100 feet of or in an intersection, bridge, tunnel, railroad crossing, or other hazardous area - At crossroads and driveways - If you have to drive off the paved or main-traveled part of the road--you cannot do this. Do not pass on the shoulder either.

To exit a highway safely....

- Know your exit and be aware of when it is approaching - If you plan to change lanes, signal and look over your shoulder to check your blind spot. - Change lanes one at a time until you are in the proper lane to exit. - When exiting, signal your intention for about five seconds. - Make sure you are at a safe speed to exit.

You may change lanes on the road when you are...

- Moving from one lane to another - Entering the freeway from an on-ramp - Exiting the freeway - Entering the road from a curb or shoulder

It's illegal to drive in a bike lane unless you are...

- Parking (where permitted) - Entering or leaving the road - Turning (within 200 feet of the intersection)

When you are going to pass on an open highway...

- Signal that you plan on passing - Look over your shoulder to check your blind spot - Drive into the passing lane - Speed up to pass the vehicle - Return to your original lane

These are examples of illegal parking. Never park or leave your vehicle...

- Where a "No Parking" sign is posted - On a marked or unmarked crosswalk - On a sidewalk, partially blocking a sidewalk, or in front of a driveway - Within 3 feet of a sidewalk ramp for disabled persons - In front of or on a curb that provides wheelchair access to a sidewalk - In a disabled person parking space, unless displaying a disabled person placard or license plates - In the crosshatched (diagonal lines) area next to a designated disabled parking space - In a space designated for parking or fueling zero-emission vehicles, unless you are driving a zero-emission vehicle - In a tunnel or on a bridge, except where permitted by signs - Within 15 feet for a fire hydrant or fire station driveway - Between a safety zone and curb - "Double parked" (parking in the street because all parking spaces by the curb are taken). - On the wrong side of the street or on a freeway, except in an emergency, when a law enforcement officer or device requires a stop, or where a stop is specifically permitted.

Never make a U-turn...

- Where a "No U-turn" sign is posted - At or on a railroad crossing - On a divided highway by crossing a dividing section, curb, strip of land, or two sets of double yellow lines - When you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction because of a curve, hill, rain, fog or other reason - When other vehicles may hit you - On a one-way street - In front of a fire station - In business districts

You may make a legal U-turn...

- across a double yellow line - In a residential district, if there are no vehicles approaching you within 200 feet, and whenever a traffic sign, light, or traffic light protects you from approaching vehicles - At an intersection on a green traffic light or green arrow, unless a "No U-turn" sign is posted - On a divided highway, only if an opening is provided in the center divider

When crossing or entering traffic from a full stop...

... Signal and leave a large enough space to get up to the speed of other vehicles.

This type of bike lane prioritizes bicycle travel on streets shared with vehicle traffic.

Bicycle boulevard

These lanes are for bicyclists only and run alongside vehicle traffic. They are typically marked by a single solid white line and signs. They are sometimes painted bright green to make them easier to see. The solid line will change to dashed near an intersection.

Bicycle lanes

This type of bike lane is established along streets adjacent to vehicle traffic. Typically defined by a single solid white line that turns into a dashed line near an intersection.

Bike lane (normal)

This type of bike lane uses bike route signs and/or shared road markings to designate a preferred route for bicyclists on streets shared with vehicle traffic.

Bike route

This type of bike lane uses chevrons or diagonal markings to provide greater separation from traffic and on-street parking.

Buffered bike lane

To park at a spot for disabled persons, you must...

Display a placard or license plate for disabled persons or disabled veterans.

When you merge into and exit from highway traffic, who has the right of way?

Highway traffic always has the right of way when you are merging and exiting.

It is illegal to drive, stop, park, or leave a vehicle in an area designated for....

In areas designated for public transit buses.

Driving green is...

Maximizing your fuel efficiency to help lower emissions

Never use a fire station driveway to...

Never use a fire station driveway to turn around.

A red painted curb means....

No stopping, standing, or parking.

If you must stop on a freeway, then...

Park completely off the pavement and stay in your vehicle with the doors locked until help arrives. Leave enough space for other vehicles to safely pass your vehicle. Your vehicle should be visible for at least 200 feet in each direction. A vehicle that is stopped, parked, or left standing on a freeway for more than 4 hours may be removed.

A blue painted curb or parking spot means...

Parking for a disabled person or someone driving a disabled person. Disabled people with a placard or license plate may park in a parking zone with a time limit for any amount of time, regardless of posted time limits.

How to pass: To make a proper pass, you must...

Pass other vehicles on the left

When turning at a "T" intersection from a one-way street onto a two-way street...

Traffic going straight through the intersection has the right-of-way. You may turn either right or left from the center lane.

When parking on a sloping driveway...

Turn the wheels so the vehicle will not roll into the street if the brakes fail.

When parking on an uphill or downhill road with no curb...

Turn the wheels so the vehicle will roll away from the center of the road if the brakes fail. Set your parking break.

When parking on an uphill street...

Turn your front wheels away from the curb and let your vehicle roll back a few inches. The wheel should gently touch the curb. Set the parking brake.

When parking on a downhill street...

Turn your front wheels into the curb or toward the side of the road. Set the parking brake.

These lanes are for merging into to allow cars behind you to pass. You must use this area or lane when driving slowly on a two-lane road where passing is unsafe, and there are 5 or more vehicles following you.

Turnout areas or lanes

Before you change lanes, you should do which of the following steps? - Signal - Look in all your mirrors - Check traffic behind and beside you - Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move to make sure the lane is clear. - Check your blind spot for other vehicles, motorcyclists, and bicyclists - Be sure there is enough room (space) for your vehicle in the next lane

When you change lanes, you should follow all of the above guidelines/steps mentioned.

When you turn left you shouldn't "cut the corner." What does this mean?

When you turn left you shouldn't turn the steering wheel too soon and enter the lane of oncoming vehicles. This is known as "cutting the corner." Keep your wheels pointed straight ahead until it's safe to start your turn.

A yellow painted curb means...

You can load and unload passengers and freight. Don't stop longer than the time posted. If you drive a noncommercial vehicle you're usually required to stay in your vehicle.

A white painted curb means...

You can only stop long enough to pick up or drop off passengers

A green painted curb means...

You can park only for a limited time. The time limit may be posted on signs or painted on the curb.

Can you make a left turn against a red light?

You can, but only when you are turning from a one-way street onto a left-moving one-way street. Check to make sure there is no sign prohibiting the turn and yield to other vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians who have a green light.

These types of lines cannot be crossed over and stand as a barrier when there are two sets of these lines spaced two or more feet apart. You may cross over a single set of these lines if you are turning left to enter or exit a driveway/private road or are making a u-turn. You may not cross over a barrier except at designated openings.

double solid yellow lines

Ending freeway and street lanes are usually marked with these large broken lines. If you are driving in a lane marked with broken lines, prepare to exit the freeway or for the lane to end. Look for the sign that tells you to exit or merge.

end of lane markings

When you are driving, should you.... - Stay in one lane as much as possible - Not weave in and out of traffic - Keep going once you start moving through an intersection - Follow through if you start to make a turn - If you miss a turn, keep driving until you can safely and legally turn around

You should follow all of these steps to safely drive on the road. Last minute lane or direction changes may cause collisions and should be avoided.

These lines separate traffic lanes on roads with two or more lanes going in the same direction.

broken white line

This type of line indicates you may pass if you see it marked next to your driving lane. You can only pass over this line when it is safe to do so and my cross over it to pass another vehicle.

broken yellow line

This lane is a special lane reserved for carpools, buses, motorcycles, or low-emission vehicles with decals. To use this lane, you must have a minimum number of people in your vehicle. The signs for this lane also list the days and hours when its rules apply.

carpool/high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes

This lane is located in the middle of a two-way street. It is marked on both sides by two painted lines. The inner line is broken and the outer line is solid. You use this lane to prepare for and make a left turn or U-turn. It's not a regular traffic or passing lane and you can only drive for 200 feet in this lane.

center left turn lanes

These lines indicate a lane barrier between a regular use and a preferential use lane (such as a carpool lane). You may also see these lines in or near freeway on and off ramps. You may never change lanes over these lines and must wait until you see a single broken white line.

double solid white lines

This type of lane marking is a solid white line of triangles that shows approaching vehicles where to yield or stop. The triangles point towards approaching vehicles. This line is also known as "shark's teeth."

yield lines

If you park on a hill and your brakes fail then...

your vehicle could roll.