California Drivers Permit Practice Exam (DMV)

If you wish to enter an express highway or freeway, you must what before merging with the traffic.

Move to the acceleration lane.

Double solid white lines on the road separate two lanes of traffic:

Moving in the same direction.

A person under the age of 21 years:

Must have Zero Blood Alcohol Content.

If you are driving at a slower speed than other traffic on a highway or freeway, stay in the lane:

Nearest to the right side of the road.

If you see double solid center yellow lines on your way, this means:

No passing is permitted.

Are minors permitted to talk on cell phones while driving?

No, except when in a certain emergency situation.

A driver who is a minor receives a phone call on his/her cell phone. He/she should:

Not answer the call.

The driver of the car being passed must what until the pass is complete.

Not increase speed.

Making U-turns is not legal in which of the following areas?

On a divided highway. Near a crest of a hill or in a curve. At railroad crossings.

When stopped behind another vehicle on a hill, you should stay back at least:

One vehicle length

Left turns at a red light can only be made from a:

One-way street onto a one-way street.

Is talking on your cell phone while driving permitted if you are an adult driver?

Only if a hands-free device is used.

You should reduce your speed by half when the road is:

Packed snow

If parked on a level street, in which directions should your tires point?

Parallel to the curb.

A double solid yellow line on a pavement means that:

Passing is not allowed in either direction.

A broken yellow line alongside a solid yellow line indicates that:

Passing is permitted on the side of the broken line, but not on the side of the solid line.

A traffic signal with a flashing yellow arrow means:

Proceed with caution.

If you are having vehicle trouble and need to stop, first step you should do is:

Pull off the road and away from traffic.

If an emergency vehicle is moving in your lane displaying red flashing lights or using a siren, you are required to:

Pull over to the curb and stop.

The stopping distance of your vehicle depends on which of the following factors?

Reaction distance, Perception distance and Braking distance.

Which of the following should be done before entering the curve, in order to avoid a skid while driving?

Reduce the speed by applying brakes.

When you see a triangle-shaped road sign while driving, you must:

Reduce your speed and yield.

If your parked car rolls away and hits another vehicle, you should:

Report the incident to the city police.

If you approach a roundabout, always enter to the what of the central island.

Right of the central island.

Do not what at crash scenes or at locations along the highway where a law enforcement officer may have a vehicle pulled off the road.

Rubberneck

With an turning vehicle, the rear wheels follow a what than the front wheels.

Shorter path

If you plan to turn beyond an intersection, you must:

Signal just after you pass through the intersection.

Which of the following are used as left-edge lines on divided highways?

Single, solid, yellow lines

If someone is following you too closely, you must:

Slow down and encourage the driver to pass.

If you find yourself in the middle of an intersection with a solid yellow light, you must:

Slow down and proceed with caution, if a stop cannot be made safely.

The best way to handle a curve is to:

Slow down before entering the curve.

If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, you should:

Slow down gradually.

If you see a stray animal in your path, you should:

Slow down or stop, if it is safe.

A yellow-flashing light used mostly on tow trucks and slow-moving vehicles requires other drivers to:

Slow down their vehicles.

When you see a yield sign on your way or at an intersection, you must:

Slow down to a reasonable speed and yield right-of-way to all vehicles.

Before reaching the crest of a hill or entering a curve, you must what and watch for oncoming vehicles.

Slow down, move to the right side of the road.

Because trucks are so much bigger, they often appear to be driving:

Slower

A what indicates the outside edge of the traffic lane, and may be crossed only by traffic moving to or from the shoulder.

Solid white line

If a pedestrian is in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, you must:

Stop and wait until the pedestrian has crossed the street.

If you are approaching a stop sign, you must:

Stop at the solid white limit line.

A single solid white line across a road at an intersection means that a motorist must what for a traffic signal or sign.

Stop behind the line.

If you start to skid:

Stop braking. Turn the wheel in the direction of the skid. Ease off the gas pedal.

When you see an elderly person crossing an intersection, you should:

Stop your vehicle and yield the right-of-way.

When in a roundabout, you should do all of the following EXCEPT:

Stop your vehicle to turn.

If a blind pedestrian is waiting at a crosswalk with a white cane or a guide dog, you must:

Stop your vehicle within 5 feet of the crosswalk.

When following a vehicle at night, always:

Switch off your high-beam headlights.

Following too closely behind a vehicle is also known as:

Tailgating.

Things that can distract your attention away from the road include:

Text messaging and talking on the phone.

"NEV Use Only" lanes will contain vehicles:

That are slow moving and restricted for neighborhood use.

Which of the following can be considered a legal parking zone?

The curb or edge of the public road.

When merging into freeway traffic, who has the right-of-way?

The freeway traffic

When turning corners, drivers must turn the steering wheel using:

The hand-over-hand technique.

When you are turning right from a one-way street onto a two-way or divided street, always turn from:

The lane nearest to the right curb.

Yellow pavement markings on the road indicate:

The left edge of a roadway.

When there are three or more lanes going in one direction on a highway, vehicles passing others or turning left should use:

The left lane

A steady yellow arrow pointing left at an intersection indicates to the driver that:

The left turn signal is about to change to green or red light or the red arrow.

When there are three lanes to choose from, choose what lane for smoothest driving.

The middle lane

when driving on a one-way street with three or more lanes of traffic, you must use:

The outside lanes for turning and the center lanes for through-travel.

The traffic striping marks of diagonal yellow lines are on streets and highways. These indicate:

The road is narrowing. There is an obstruction on the roadway.

When passing a truck or a commercial motor vehicle, the passing car driver must watch for:

The side, rear and front no-zones.

The most important vehicle control device to use during a skid is:

The steering wheel.

A vehicle's stopping distance is equal to:

The sum of the braking distance and reaction distance.

A triangular orange sign on the back of a slow-moving vehicle indicates that:

The vehicle cannot travel faster than 25 MPH.

When two vehicles meet on a steep mountain road where neither can pass, which vehicle has the right-of-way?

The vehicle traveling uphill.

How do you know when it is safe to merge back in front of a vehicle you have just passed?

The vehicle's headlights are visible in your rear view mirror.

Why should you always make a shoulder check for motorcycles before changing lanes?

Their small size makes them difficult to see.

To avoid tailgating, one should follow the:

Three-second rule.

What is the use of the special "turnout" areas marked on a two lane road?

To allow vehicles behind the driver to pass.

Which of these situations is appropriate to use your horn?

To get eye-contact with another driver.

The first rule of a safe and legal turn is:

To move into the proper lane well before the turn.

You should never back your vehicle in any travel lane except:

To parallel park.

On a road with three or more lanes traveling in the same direction, the left-most lane is intended to be used:

To pass slower vehicles.

All regulatory devices on the road instruct you:

To stop, proceed in a certain direction, or limit your speed.

Flag persons are often located in highways and work zones:

To stop, slow or guide traffic safely through construction areas.

Before backing up your vehicle, you should look to the front, sides and rear, and continue to look where while backing.

To the rear

A double solid white line marks the edge of a traffic lane where:

Travel in the same direction is permitted on both sides of the line, but crossing the line is prohibited.

When you turn from a high speed, two-lane roadway, what if you have traffic following you.

Try not to slow down your vehicle too quickly.

Unless prohibited, drivers must use the 'three point turn' to:

Turn around on a narrow street.

The first step a driver should do during an enforcement stop is:

Turn on the right turn signal.

If weather conditions require you to use your windshield wipers, you must also what.

Turn on your headlights.

A driver in front of you is signaling with hand and arm pointing upwards, which means the driver wants to:

Turn right.

While driving up a mountain road, you meet a vehicle and there is not enough room for you to pass. What should you do?

Wait for the other vehicle to reverse up the hill until there is room to pass.

What are yellow and diamond-shaped, with black lettering or symbols.

Warning signs

Passing on the right is permitted in all of the following situations, EXCEPT:

When driving in a lane set aside for left turns.

When should you switch on your high-beam headlights?

When driving in open country or on dark city streets.

Which of the following is not a safe situation for passing?

When moving through an intersection.

You must not pass on two-lane highways in all of the following situations EXCEPT:

When there is a dashed yellow line on your side of the center dividing line.

When can a left turn be made against a red light?

When turning from a one-way street to another one-way street.

If your vehicle breaks down and you cannot get completely off the road, where should you stop?

Where your vehicle can be seen from behind.

Blind pedestrians may carry what canes or use the assistance of guide dogs.

White cane

Lanes of traffic going in opposite directions are divided by:

Yellow lane dividers

May you park beside a white curb?

Yes, but only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers or mail.

Is it legal to leave a child under 6 years old in a vehicle?

Yes, but only under supervision of a person 12 years of age or older.

When driving a two-lane road with a solid yellow center line and a broken yellow center line, are you permitted to pass a vehicle in front of you?

Yes, if the broken line is on your side.

If you are on a single or two-lane road and come to an intersection with a divided highway or a roadway with three or more lanes, you must:

Yield the right-of-way to other traffic.

You should what when you are preparing to turn left at an intersection and see an oncoming vehicle.

Yield the right-of-way to the oncoming vehicle.

At an unmarked crosswalk, drivers are required to:

Yield the right-of-way to the pedestrians.

If a bicycle on your right reaches the intersection at the same time as you do, you should:

Yield to the bicycle.

Vehicles approaching a roundabout must:

Yield to the traffic in the circle.

Which of the following statements about passing a vehicle is NOT true?

You can exceed the speed limit to make the pass quick.

When driving on gravel or dirt, you must slow down because:

You do not have much traction.

You may drive in a designated carpool lane if:

You have the minimum number of people required for that lane. You drive a low-emission vehicle with the proper decal. you are driving a motorcycle.

A two-headed arrow with one head pointing straight ahead and the other pointing to the left means:

You may either proceed straight ahead or turn to the left.

The California "Basic Speed Law" means:

You must never drive faster than is safe for the current conditions.

When a highway is divided into two roadways by a median or barrier:

You must not drive across the median or barrier, except when an approved cross-over is provided.

What should you do if another driver tailgates your vehicle?

You must pull over to the side and allow the driver to pass.

What should you do if you are overtaking a bicycle and an oncoming vehicle is approaching at the same time?

You must slow down and let the vehicle pass first to give extra room to the bicycle.

A steady red arrow means:

You must stop and you cannot go in the direction of the arrow.

You may not pass another vehicle except under the following condition:

Your lane is separated by a broken yellow line.

One-handed steering is best used when:

backing up without much turning.

When arriving at an intersection, you should look where first because what.

left, vehicles coming from the left are closer to you.

If you have parked on the side of the road and are re-entering traffic:

right-of-way is given to the traffic on the road.

If you litter on the roadside, you are subjected to a fine of:

$1,000.

A driver who is involved in a collision should report it to the DMV within:

10 days.

To avoid last minute moves, look down the road what.

10-15 seconds

While driving in a center left-turn lane, you may only drive for what feet.

200 feet

When passing a bicyclist in a travel lane, you must ensure there is enough width for the cyclist. The amount space required is:

3 feet

To avoid tailgating, how much space should you leave between yourself and the vehicle in front of you?

3 seconds

You must use your headlights when after sunset.

30 minutes after sunset.

You must not follow within what feet of any emergency vehicle with a siren or flashing lights.

300 feet

Before changing lanes on a freeway, you should signal for at least:

5 seconds

When preparing to exit the freeway, you should signal for at least what seconds before reaching the exit.

5 seconds

When approaching a school zone while children are outside, you must drive 25 MPH if you within what feet of the school.

500-1,000 feet

The maximum speed limit for vehicles towing trailers is what on a two-lane undivided highway.

55 MPH.

You must not park within what feet of a railroad track.

7.5 feet

Two sets of solid, double, yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart indicate:

A barrier.

On two-lane roads where traffic moves in opposite directions, you may pass on the left only when:

A broken yellow line is in your lane.

A roundabout is a circular intersection where vehicles travel around a center island in which direction.

A counter-clockwise direction

In a roundabout, a driver must drive in:

A counter-clockwise direction.

A what sign on a truck means that the load on the truck is potentially dangerous.

A diamond-shaped sign.

When making a right turn, look right and left, yield right-of-way, and turn the steering wheel using:

A hand-over-hand technique.

Which of the following statements is true regarding lane markings on the road?

A solid white line between lanes of traffic means that you should stay in your lane, unless a special situation requires you to change lanes.

What on your side of the road indicates a no-passing zone.

A solid yellow line

The primary traveling aids for a blind person include:

A white cane or a trained guide dog.

In which of the following places is a U-turn permitted?

Across a double yellow line.

The eye test for the driver's license evaluates:

Acuity, peripheral vision, depth and color perception.

Which safety precaution should be taken when driving in a "cone zone?"

Allow for extra following room. Slow down. Minimize distractions.

Drive into a special "turnout" area to:

Allow vehicles to pass you.

At the end of most entry ramps on a freeway, you will find what that allows you to increase your speed.

An acceleration lane

You must not pass another vehicle if you see:

An approaching hill or a curve where there is no clear visibility. A solid yellow line in your lane. A school bus ahead with red flashing lights and an extended stop arm.

If you find a "speed zone ahead" sign, you are approaching:

An area where a reduced speed limit has been established.

When approaching an intersection to make a right turn, you must stay what and make the turn close to the right curb.

As close to the right as possible.

Which of the following right-of-way rules is not true?

At an intersection where there is no stop sign, yield sign or oncoming traffic signal, drivers must yield to vehicles coming from the left.

Which of the following statements about right-of-way is incorrect?

At an uncontrolled T-intersection, the vehicle on the continuing street must yield to the vehicle on the terminating street.

A yield sign indicates that a driver must slow down when approaching an intersection and what if a vehicle or pedestrian with the right-of-way is approaching from another direction.

Be prepared to come to a complete stop.

When turning left from a two-way street onto a one-way street, you must:

Begin the turn with your left wheel as close as possible to the yellow dividing line.

Whenever you want to change lanes, you must check for traffic:

Behind your vehicle. To the side.

Which of the following statements is NOT correct?

Bicycles and motorcycles move slower and stop slower than expected.

When changing lanes, look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move to make sure there are no other vehicles in:

Blind spots

It is illegal for anyone over the age of 21 to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol limit of what or higher.

Blood alcohol limit of 0.08

Disabled persons who display their placard can park at a what painted curb.

Blue painted curb.

What show parking spaces for persons with disabilities.

Blue pavement markings

Which of the following must NOT be done if your vehicle's tire blows out?

Brake immediately.

Locked wheel skids are usually caused by:

Braking too hard at a high speed.

When turning left from a one-way road to another one-way road:

Bring your vehicle into the nearest left lane for traffic on the road you are entering.

If you are changing lanes, preparing to pass another vehicle, or entering traffic, signal and check for passing traffic by first using your mirrors and then:

By checking your vehicle's blind spots.

Although hands-free devices are permitted (except for minors), drivers should minimize distractions to focus on safe driving practices:

Call for help in emergencies only. If your cell phone rings, do not answer it.

High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lanes are reserved for:

Car pools and vehicles with more than one person.

If you are driving on a two-lane road, it is safest to drive your vehicle in the what of your lane.

Center of your lane.

A driver must what for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing on the opposite side of the road.

Come to a complete stop.

If you approach an intersection at which the traffic lights are not working, you must first what before entering the intersection and yield the right-of-way.

Come to a complete stop.

If you are in an intersection and hear the siren of an emergency vehicle, you should:

Continue through the intersection, then drive to the right and stop.

If you need to cross multiple freeway lanes, you should:

Cross them one at a time.

Proactively looking ahead, to the sides, and behind the vehicle to anticipate problems ahead is part of:

Defensive driving.

When passing other traffic on a two-lane road:

Do not pull out to pass unless you know you have enough space to pull back. Avoid passing other vehicles on two-lane roads; it is dangerous. Always signal before passing.

In which of these situations should you leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you?

Driving on slippery roads. While following large vehicles. The driver behind you wants to pass.

If you suddenly have no control of the steering wheel, you should:

Ease your foot off the gas pedal.

When you want to enter a freeway, you should:

Enter the freeway at or near the speed of the freeway traffic.

What are designed to allow vehicles to slow down and leave the expressways.

Exit ramps

When drivers see livestock, they should:

Follow directions from the person in charge of the animals.

If you are signaled by a flag person at/near a railroad crossing or construction site, you must:

Follow signals, no matter which lane you are in.

If you double your speed on a highway, your braking distance increases by:

Four times

It is against the law to make a left turn at a red light EXCEPT:

From one one-way street to another.

To turn left from a one-way street to another, a driver must begin the turn:

From the left lane and make the turn close to the left curb.

If a driver behind you repeatedly flashes his/her headlights, you should:

Get out of the way.

If you are parked parallel on the right-hand side of the street, you should what before pulling out into traffic.

Give a left turn signal and look over your left shoulder.

Large electronic flashing arrow panels may be used in work zones day and night to:

Guide drivers into certain traffic lanes.

The correct hand signal for indicating a right turn is:

Hand and arm extended upward.

If your vehicle's directional signals fail, use what until you can have them repaired.

Hand signals.

Use when steering when correcting a skid.

Hand-over-hand steering.

In open country and dark streets, you should drive with:

High beam headlights

Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding the use of headlights?

High-beams are used when traveling behind other vehicles.

If a tire suddenly goes flat while driving, you must:

Hold the steering wheel tightly and keep the vehicle straight.

What occurs on wet roads when your front tires start to ride on water instead of the road.

Hydroplaning

When there is water on the roadway, you must reduce your speed to avoid:

Hydroplaning

When should you yield to another driver at an intersection?

If the driver is to your right and reaches the intersection at the same time as you do. If the driver is just starting to enter the intersection. If the driver reaches the intersection before you.

When you find both a solid and a dashed yellow line between opposing lanes of traffic, you must not pass:

If the solid yellow line is on your side.

You must use high-beam lighting in all of following situations, except:

In fog, snow, or heavy rain.

For interstate driving, slow-moving vehicles must travel what, except when passing.

In the right-hand lane.

Rain, snow and ice impair your ability to see ahead, so you must what to stop your vehicle safely.

Increase the following distance.

An what is the connection of a freeway to a road or another freeway by a series of ramps.

Interchange

What are the most likely places for car and motorcycle collisions to occur.

Intersections

Drivers on an express highway should avoid 'highway hypnosis' by:

Keep shifting eyes from one area of the roadway to another.

If it feels like your tires have lost traction with the surface of the road, you should:

Keep the steering wheel straight. Ease your foot off the gas pedal. Not stop until your tires are gripping the road again.

A center lane between lanes of traffic traveling in opposite directions may be designated for:

Left turns only.

When you come to an intersection and try to make a move, you must follow the what before you pull out.

Left, right and left rule.

On one-way roads, yellow lines are used as:

Left-edge lines

The wide white line painted across a traffic lane before you enter the intersection is known as:

Limit line

Before passing another vehicle:

Look ahead for road conditions and traffic.

If a car approaches you with bright headlights, you must what, to prevent being temporary blinded.

Look toward the right edge of the road.

While driving in the fog you should use your:

Low-beam lights.

When parking and leaving your vehicle on a highway or street, which of the following is not recommended?

Lowering the windows

If a driver extends his/her left arm horizontally out of an open window while driving on a road, this indicates that the driver is going to:

Make a left turn.

On a two-way roadway with a center lane, drivers from either direction can what from the center lane.

Make left turns and U-turns from the center lane.

A child under the age of 8 years what, when all the rear seats are already occupied by children under the age of 7 years.

May ride in the front seat of a vehicle.

Car drivers should never move into the same lane with a motorcycle side by side, even if the lane is wide and the cyclist is riding to one side, because:

Motorcycles need a full lane width.