california dmv study guide
It is illegal for a person 21 years of age or older to drive with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that is __________ or higher A) 0.08% B) 0.10% C) 0.05%
A) 0.08% *For drivers age 21 or older, it is illegal to drive with BAC of 0.08% or more.
You are approaching a railroad crossing with no warning devices and are unable to see 400 feet down the tracks in one direction. The speed limit is: A) 15 mph B) 20 mph C) 25 mph
A) 15 mph *Within 100 feet of a railroad crossing where you cannot see 400 feet down the tracks in both directions, the speed limit is 15 mph. However, you may drive faster if the crossing is controlled by gates, a warning signal of a flagger.
Which of the following roadways freeze first when wet? A) Bridges and overpasses B) Intersections C) Tunnels
A) Bridges and overpasses *Bridges and overpasses tend to freeze before the rest of the road does.
You were parked and have been waiting a long time with your turn signal on to re-enter traffic. However, traffic is heavy. You should: A) Continue waiting and yielding to traffic in the lane B) Slowly inch your vehicle into the traffic lane C) Drive on the shoulder until a gap in traffic appears
A) Continue waiting and yielding to traffic in the lane *If you have been parked on the side of a road, you must yield to existing traffic when re-entering the road.
To know where traffic is behind you: A) Frequently check your rear-view mirror B) Turn and look out your back window C) Keep other vehicles out of your blind spots
A) Frequently check your rear-view mirror *Drivers should check their rear-view mirrors often to stay aware of the position of traffic behind them.
It is illegal to park your vehicle: A) In an unmarked crosswalk B) Within three feet of a private driveway C) In a bicycle lane
A) In an unmarked crosswalk *You may park in a bicycle lane if there is not a "No Parking" sign posted and your vehicle does not block a bicyclist.
Which way do you turn your front wheels to park downhill next to a curb? A) Into the curb B) Away from the curb C) Parallel to the curb
A) Into the curb
When driving behind another vehicle at night, you should: A) Keep your headlights on the low beam setting B) Use your high beam highlights until you are within 10 feet of the vehicle ahead. C) Use your high beam headlights
A) Keep your headlights on the low beam setting *Use high beam headlights only when you are driving in rural areas and other cars are not nearby. Lower your headlights to their low beam setting when you are following closely behind another driver.
While all of the following actions are dangerous to do while driving, which is also illegal? A) Listening to music through a set of dual headphones B) Adjusting your outside mirrors C) Reading a road map
A) Listening to music through a set of dual headphones *Listening to music through a set of dual headphones is dangerous and illegal
When backing up: A) Look through the rear window B) Press hard on the gas pedal C) Rely only on your rear-view mirror
A) Look through the rear window *When backing up, place your right arm on the back of the passenger seat and look directly through the rear window. DO not depend on your rear-view or side mirrors as mirrors do not show directly behind your vehicle. Only drive in reverse at a low speed.
When being followed by a tailgater, which of the following will help you avoid being hit from behind? A) Merging into another lane B) Decreasing your following distance C) Changing lanes frequently
A) Merging into another lane *When being closely followed by a tailgater, you should slow down gradually or merge into another lane to prevent a collision with them.
You must notify the DMV within 5 days if you A) Sell or transfer your vehicle B) Fail a smog test C) Get a new prescription for lenses or contacts
A) Sell or transfer your vehicle
When driving on a slippery surface, such as snow or ice: A) Shift to a low gear before going down steep hills B) Maintain traction by following other vehicles closely C) Pump your brakes to keep them from freezing
A) Shift to a low gear before going down steep hills *To prevent skidding on slippery surfaces, you should shift to a low hear before going down a steep hill. You should also follow farther behind the vehicle in front of you than you normally would. Quick stops should be avoided. Unless you have anti-lock brakes, pump the brakes to slow or stop.
You exit the freeway on a ramp than curves downhill. You should: A) Slow to a safe speed before the curve B) Slow to the posted speed limit for the freeway C) Wait until you have entered the curve to begin braking
A) Slow to a safe speed before the curve *You should always slow down before entering a curve. You may not be able to see hazard ahead and braking in a curve may cause your vehicle to skid.
Which of the following blocks the smooth flow of traffic? A) Slowing down to look at collision scene B) Avoiding unnecessary lane changes C) Using public transportation instead of your vehicle
A) Slowing down to look at collision scene *Rubbernecking (the practice of slowing down to look at collisions or other out-of-the-ordinary things) contributes to traffic congestion and should be avoided.
For which of the following traffic lights must you always stop your vehicle? A) Solid red lights, flashing red lights, and blacked out traffic lights B) Solid red lights, red arrows, and flashing yellow lights C) Solid red lights, flashing red lights, and yellow lights
A) Solid red lights, flashing red lights, and blacked out traffic signals *You must stop at a solid or flashing red light, or at a signal light that is blacked out (not working). A solid yellow light means that the signal is about to turn red and you must stop if you can do so safely; otherwise, proceed cautiously. A flashing yellow light means that you should proceed with caution, but you do not need to stop.
Which of these vehicles must always stop before crossing railroad tracks? A) Tank trucks with hazardous materials placards B) Motor homes or pickup trucks toward a boat trailer C) Sport utility vehicles carrying four or more persons
A) Tank trucks with hazardous materials placards *A diamond-shaped sign on a truck means that the load on the truck is potentially dangerous (containing gas, explosives, etc). Vehicles displaying these signs are required to stop before crossing railroad tracks.
If you are involved in a traffic accident in California, you must file a report of the accident with the DMV when: A) The collision causes $1,000 in damage B) You plan on being out of the state for more than 30 days C) You refinance the remaining balance of your vehicle loan
A) The collision causes $1,000 in damage *If a collision results in death, minor or major injuries, or more than $1,000 to anyone's property, each driver involved must file a report within 10 days.
To turn left from a one-way street onto a one-war street, start from: A) The lane closest to the left curb B) The center lane C) Any lane, as long as it seems safe to do so
A) The lane closest to the left curb *When turning left from a one-way street, start the turn from the far left lane. Watch for pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists between your vehicle and the curb because they may also legally use the left turn lane for their left turns. Turn into any lane that is safely open.
Always look carefully for motorcycles before you change lanes because: A) Their small size can make them hard to see B) They usually have the right-of-way at intersections C) It is illegal for motorcycles to share traffic lanes
A) Their small size can make them hard to see *You should check carefully for motorcycles when changing lanes because their small size makes it easy for them to disappear into your blind spots.
Driving under the influence of any medication which impairs your driving is permitted: A) Under no circumstances B) If you don't feel drowsy C) If it is prescribed by a physician
A) Under no circumstances *It is illegal to drive under the influence of any drug that impairs your ability to drive safely. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications.
On a green arrow you must: A) Yield to any vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian in the intersection B) Yield to pedestrians only in the intersection C) Wait four seconds before proceeding.
A) Yield to any vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian in the intersection. *A green arrow means "go." You must turn in the direction the arrow is pointing after you yield to any vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians who are still in the intersection.
When you tailgate other drivers (drive close to their rear bumper): A) You can frustrate the other drivers and make them angry B) Your actions cannot result in a traffic citation C) You help reduce traffic congestion
A) You can frustrate the other drivers and make them angry
It is against the law to enter an intersection when: A) You cannot get all the way across before the light turns red B) The light is flashing yellow and you did not stop first C) The light is yellow and you cannot stop safely
A) You cannot get all the way across before the light turns red *It's fine to drive during a yellow light, but if it turns red and you haven't crossed, you will be cited.
Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in a residential area is: A) 20 mph B) 25 mph C) 30 mph
B) 25 mph *Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in business and residential districts is 25 mph
If there is a deep puddle on the road ahead, you should: A) Maintain the posted speed to make it through the water B) Avoid the puddle if possible C) Shift into neutral as you drive through the water
B) Avoid the puddle if possible *To prevent skidding on slippery surfaces, avoid especially slippery areas, such as ice patches, wet leaves, oil, or deep puddles. The safest surface for driving is a dry, solid surface.
If you see orange construction signs and cones on a freeway, you must: A) Slow down because the lane ends ahead B) Be prepared for workers and equipment ahead C) Change lanes and maintain your current speed
B) Be prepared for workers and equipment ahead *As you enter a work zone, signs and message boards will warn you of workers, slow-moving equipment, and/or closed lanes ahead. You should reduce your speed and be prepared to slow down or stop
You are approaching a green traffic light, but traffic is blocking the intersection. What is the best thing to do? A) Partially enter the intersection to establish you right-of-way B) Don't enter the intersection until you can get completely across C) Continue into the intersection and wait for traffic to clear
B) Don't enter the intersection until you can get completely across *Even if your light is green, you must not enter an intersection unless you can get completely through the intersection before the light turns red. If you block the intersection, you can be cited.
You are driving on the freeway. The vehicle in front of you is a large truck. You should drive: A) Closely behind the truck in bad weather because the driver can see farther ahead than you can B) Farther behind the truck than you would when following a passenger vehicle C) No more than one car length behind the truck so the driver can see you
B) Farther behind the truck than you would when following a passenger vehicle *When you follow so closely behind a truck that you cannot see the truck driver's side view mirrors, the trucker cannot see you and has no way of knowing you are there. Tailgating a truck, or any vehicle, is dangerous because you take your own cushion of safety if the vehicle in front of you stops quickly.
What is the benefit of a space cushion around your vehicle? A) Other drivers can cut in front of you, improving the flow of traffic B) If another driver makes a mistake, you have time to react C) It inflates to protect you from injury in the case of a collision
B) If another driver makes a mistake, you have time to react *Keeping space around your vehicle is important to ensure that you have time to safely react if another driver makes a mistake. For example, extra space around your vehicle may give you time to brake or maneuver out of the way of a vehicle veering into your lane.
If you are involved in a traffic collision, you are required to complete and submit a written report (SR1) to the DMV: A) Only if you or the other driver is injured B) If there is property damage in excess of $1,000 or if there are any injuries C) Only if you are at fault
B) If there is property damage in excess of $1,000 or if there are any injuries
You must show proof of insurance to law enforcement: A) Only if you are involved in a collision B) If you are involved in a collision or stopped for a citation C) Only if you are stopped and cited
B) If you are involved in a collision or stopped for a citation *You must have evidence of financial responsibility, such as proof of insurance, with you whenever you drive. You must show it upon request to an officer a traffic stop or collision.
Two sets of solid double yellow lines that are two or more feet apart: A) May be crossed to enter or exit a private driveway B) May not be crossed for any reason C) Should be treated as a separate traffic lane
B) May not be crossed for any reason *Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart are considered a barrier. You may not drive on or over this barrier, or make a left turn, or U-turn across it, except at designated openings.
This white sign means you: A) May turn left only on a green arrow B) May turn left on a green light when it is safe C) Must wait for solid green light before you turn left
B) May turn left on a green light when it is safe *If a sign says "yield" you must slow down and be ready to stop to let anyone else proceed. After yielding, you may follow the direction.
California's "Basic Speed Law" says you must: A) Keep your speed close to that of other traffic B) Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions C) Always drive at the posted speed limit
B) Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions *The "Basic Speed Law" states that you may never drive faster than is safe for current conditions. For example, if you drive at 45 mph in a 55 mph zone during a dense fog, even though you are below the posted limit, you may be cited for driving "too fast for conditions."
A red arrow pointing to the right on a traffic light means you may: A) Turn in that direction after slowing and checking for traffic B) Not turn in that direction until the light turns green C) Turn in that direction after you come to a complete stop
B) Not turn in that direction until the light turns green *A red arrow means "stop" You must remain stopped until a green light or green arrow appears. Do not turn against a red arrow.
Various traffic control devices in construction and maintenance work areas are the color: A) Red B) Orange C) Yellow
B) Orange * Orange warning signs are used in and around work zones. Use special caution when you see orange signs, cones, or barriers on a roadway.
If you are riding in a vehicle equipped with a lap belt and a separate shoulder belt, you are: A) Only required to use the lap belt B) Required to use both the lap and shoulder belts C) Only required to use the shoulder belt
B) Required to use both the lap and shoulder belts *If your vehicle is equipped with a lap belt and a separate shoulder belt, you are required to use both.
You want to park on a two-way road and there is no curb. Which direction do you turn your front wheels? A) Straight ahead B) Right, toward the side of the road C) Left, toward the center of the road
B) Right, toward the side of the road *When parking either uphill or downhill without a curb, always turn wheels to the right to make sure the car does not roll away if the brakes fail.
You enter a designated turn lane to make a left turn at an upcoming intersection. There is oncoming traffic. You should: A) Move to the left of the center lane B) Signal before you arrive at the intersection C) Turn your front wheels to the left to be prepared to turn
B) Signal before you arrive at the intersection *When making a left turn, you should always begin signalling about 100 feet before the turn. You should keep your front wheels aiming straight ahead until it is safe to start your turn. This ensures that you will not be pushed into oncoming traffic if another vehicle hits you from behind.
When parking your vehicle on any hill: A) One of your rear wheels should touch the curb B) Use your parking brake and leave the vehicle in "park" C) Your front wheels should be parallel to the road, if there is no curb
B) Use your parking brake and leave the vehicle in "park" *When parking on a hill, you should always leave your vehicle in gear or in the "park" position. If there is no curb, you should turn your front wheels so that the vehicle will roll away from the center of the road if the brakes fail. IF there is a curb, the front wheels should be turned toward it (if headed downhill) or away from and gently touching it (if headed uphill)
What is the only effective way to remove alcohol from the body? A) Drink strong coffee B) Wait C) Take a cold shower
B) Wait *The only to remove the effect of alcohol from the body is to let time pass. Eating, drinking coffee, or taking a shower will not speed up this process.
In which of the following scenarios should your wheels not be pointed straight ahead? A) When waiting to make a left turn at a traffic light B) When parked on a hill or sloping driveway C) When parked on the side of a level roadway where there is no curb
B) When parked on a hill or sloping driveway
When can you drive in a bike lane? A) During rush hour traffic if there are no bicyclists in the bike lane B) When you are within 200 feet of a cross street where you plan to turn right C) When you want to pass a driver ahead of you who is turning right
B) When you are within 200 feet of a cross street where you plan to turn right *If there is a bike lane, drive into the bike lane no more than 200 feet before a turn. Watch for bicyclists or motorcyclists who may get between your vehicle and the curb.
When driving on gravel or dirt roads: A) Your tires grip the road better than when you are driving on pavement B) Your tires do not have as much traction as they do on pavement, so you must slow down. C) Visibility is better than on pavement
B) Your tires t=do not have as much traction as they do on pavement, so you must slow down *Your tires do not have as much traction on loose gravel and dirt roads as they do on concrete and asphalt roads. When driving on gravel or dirt, you must slow down. It will take you much longer to stop and it is much easier to skid when turning.
The speed limit on a school zone where children are present is ________, unless otherwise posted. A) 15 mph B) 20 mph C) 25 mph
C) 25 mph *When driving within 500 to 1,000 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street, the speed limit is 25 mph, unless otherwise posted. Some school zones may have speed limits as low as 15 mph.
A safety zone is a specially marked area for passengers to get on or off of buses or trolleys. You may not drive through a safety zone: A) When a bus or trolley is present B) When a bus or trolley is unloading C) At any time for any reason
C) At any time for any reason *Safety zones are for pedestrians ONLY!
You are required to stop your vehicle: A) At any intersection where a police officer orders you to stop B) Where there is a red traffic light C) Both of the above
C) Both of the above *You must come to a complete stop at a steady or flashing red traffic light. You must always obey instructions given by officers directing traffic, regardless of any posted signs or traffic signals.
Drivers are required to obey instructions from: A) Security guards patrolling parking lots B) Other drivers whose vehicles are broken down on the roadway. C) Flaggers (signal persons) at construction sites
C) Flaggers (signal persons) at construction sites *Drivers must obey special signs or instructions given by flaggers. They are in place to keep drivers and workers safe.
Your driving lane is next to a bicycle lane. You want to make a right turn at the upcoming intersection. You: A) May not enter the bicycle lane to make your turn B) Should only merge into the bicycle lane if you stop before turning C) Must merge into the bicycle lane before making your turn
C) Must merge into the bicycle lane before making your turn
Collisions are more likely to happen when: A) All vehicles are traveling at about the same speed B) One lane of traffic is traveling faster than the other lanes C) One vehicle is traveling faster or slower than the flow of traffic
C) One vehicle is traveling faster or slower than the flow of traffic *Collisions are more likely to happen when one driver moves faster or slower than the other vehicles on the road. Driving faster than the other traffic increases your chance of being involved in a collision. Driving more slowly than other traffic is also dangerous because it can increase the risk of a rear-end collision with your vehicle or cause other drivers to swerve to avoid hitting you.
When you drive through a construction zone, you should: A) Stop to watch the workers B) Decrease your following distance C) Pass the construction zone carefully and not "rubberneck"
C) Pass the construction zone carefully and not "rubberneck" *To avoid contributing to chronic traffic congestion, you should not "rubberneck." That is, you should not slow down to look at out-of-the-ordinary things.
A broken yellow line beside a solid yellow line indicates that passing is: A) Permitted from the side next to the solid yellow line B) Not permitted from either direction C) Permitted from the side next to the broken yellow line
C) Permitted from the side next to the broken yellow line *When the center of the road is marked by a solid yellow line beside a broken yellow line, passing is permitted from the side next to the broken line and prohibited from the side next to the solid line
You want to make a right turn at an upcoming intersection. You should slow down and: A) Move toward the left side of your lane. B) Avoid driving in the bicycle lane C) Signal for 100 feet before turning
C) Signal for 100 feet before turning *When making a right turn, you should begin signalling about 100 feet before the turn.
You see a flashing yellow traffic signal at an upcoming intersection. The flashing yellow light means: A) Stop before entering the intersection, as long as you can do so safely B) Stop. Yield to all cross traffic before crossing the intersection C) Slow down and cross the intersection carefully
C) Slow down and cross the intersection carefully *A flashing yellow traffic signal light warns you to proceed with caution. Slow down and be alert before entering the intersection. Yield to any pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicles in the intersection.
You are getting ready to make a right turn. You should: A) Signal and turn immediately B) Stop before entering the right lane and let all other traffic go first C) Slow down or stop, if necessary, and then make the turn
C) Slow down or stop, if necessary, and then make the turn *When making a right turn, you should begin signaling about 100 feet before the turn, reduce your speed, stop behind the limit line (if applicable), and then make the turn.
A school bus is stopped ahead of you in your lane with its red lights flashing. You should: A) Stop and proceed when you think all of the children have exited the bus B) Slow to 25 mph and pass cautiously C) Stop for as long as the red lights are flashing
C) Stop for as long as the red lights are flashing *When a stopped school bus is using its flashing red lights, approaching drivers must stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing. If the school bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway, drivers do not need to stop.
Safely backing your vehicle requires all of the following, except: A) Looking over your right shoulder as you back up B) Checking your vehicle's surroundings C) Tapping your horn before you back up
C) Tapping your horn before you back up *Look over shoulder after tapping horn
When driving, you should look 10 to 15 seconds ahead of you: A) And focus on the middle of the road B) Because it is a legal requirement C) To see potential hazards early
C) To see potential hazards early *To avoid last-minute moves, scan the road 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle so you can see hazards early. Constantly staring at the road right in front of your vehicle is dangerous.
You can drive off the road to pass another vehicle: A) If the vehicle ahead is turning left B) If there are two or more lanes traveling in your direction C) Under no circumstances
C) Under no circumstances *You may never drive off the paved or main-traveled portion of the road and onto the shoulder to pass another vehicle
You want to make a right turn at the corner. A pedestrian with a guide dog is at the corner ready to cross the street in front of you. Before making your right turn, you should: A) Turn off your engine until the person crosses the street B) Tell the pedestrian when to cross the street C) Wait until the person crosses the street
C) Wait until the person crosses the street *Pedestrians using guide dogs or white canes (with or without a red tip) must be given the right-of-way at all times.
After passing a vehicle, it is safe to return to your driving lane when: A) The driver you passed signals for you to return to your lane B) You signal your intention for three seconds C) You see the headlights of the passed vehicle in your rear-view mirror
C) You see the headlights of the passed vehicle in your rear-view mirror *Before you return to your driving lane, be sure you are not dangerously close to the vehicle you have just passed. One way to do this is to look for the vehicle in your inside rear-view mirror. When you can see both headlights in you rear-view mirror, you may have enough room to return to your driving lane.