California DMV practice test 1

1. According to the handbook, how should you adjust your speed when driving on a wet road?

1. Reduce your speed by half
2. Reduce your speed by 5 to 10 mph
3. Reduce your speed to no more than 5 mph
4. Maintain your normal speed

2. How long may a vehicle be impounded if an unlicensed person is caught driving it?

1. For 10 days
2. For 30 days
3. For 6 months
4. For one year

3. How does the stopping distance of a large vehicle compare to that of an average passenger vehicle traveling at 55 mph?

1. The large vehicle stops within 300 feet, while the passenger vehicle stops within 400 feet.
2. Both vehicles stop within 300 feet.
3. The large vehicle can take up to 400 feet to stop, while the passenger vehicle stops within 300 feet.
4. Both vehicles stop within 400 feet.

4. When preparing to change lanes, what specific action must you take regarding your blind spots?

1. Check your mirrors only
2. Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move
3. Rely solely on your side mirrors
4. Slow down significantly before checking

5. What must an officer do before beginning questioning related to a traffic violation?

1. Show their badge.
2. State the reason for the stop.
3. Ask for your insurance first.
4. Check your vehicle registration.

6. When driving on a freeway, how far in advance should you signal before changing lanes?

1. At least 100 feet before the lane change.
2. At least five seconds before the lane change.
3. Immediately before entering the adjacent lane.
4. Only when other vehicles are visible nearby.

7. What is the maximum distance you may drive in a center left turn lane?

1. You may drive any distance necessary to reach the intersection.
2. You may drive for 200 feet.
3. You may drive until you reach the next traffic signal.
4. You may drive indefinitely as long as you are preparing to turn.

8. What is the correct method for checking blind spots before changing lanes?

1. Adjust the side mirrors until the blind spot disappears.
2. Look over your right and left shoulders out of your side windows.
3. Turn your entire body toward the side window.
4. Use only the rearview mirror to check behind you.

9. When driving at night in the rain, which headlights should be used?

1. High-beam headlights
2. Low-beam headlights
3. Parking lights only
4. No headlights are required

10. Which road feature is noted to freeze before the rest of the road?

1. Bridges and overpasses.
2. Areas shaded by trees.
3. Areas shaded by buildings.
4. Pavement after a dry hot spell.

11. When stopping behind another vehicle, how much space should you leave?

1. Enough space to see their rear wheels.
2. Exactly one car length.
3. Enough space to see their front bumper.
4. As little space as possible to prevent other cars from cutting in.

12. When parallel parking, at what distance from the curb should your rear wheel be when you begin turning the steering wheel away from the curb to straighten out?

1. Within 6 inches of the curb
2. Within 12 inches of the curb
3. Within 18 inches of the curb
4. Within 24 inches of the curb

13. What is the minimum distance a driver should maintain from the center of the steering wheel to their breastbone to safely accommodate an airbag?

1. At least 10 inches
2. Exactly 5 inches
3. Exactly 15 inches
4. Exactly 20 inches

14. When encountering a bicyclist ahead to your right and an oncoming vehicle to your left on a two-lane road, how should you manage the space?

1. Drive directly between the vehicle and the bicyclist to minimize time spent in the lane.
2. Slow down and let the oncoming vehicle pass, then move left to allow at least three feet of space for the bicyclist.
3. Speed up to pass the bicyclist before the oncoming vehicle arrives.
4. Stop completely in the middle of the road to wait for both to clear.

15. What is the required action if you need to use windshield wipers due to fog, rain, or snow?

1. Turn on your high-beam headlights.
2. Turn on your low-beam headlights.
3. Activate your emergency flashers.
4. No action is required if visibility is adequate.

16. How should a driver interpret red road reflectors shining in their headlights while driving at night?

1. They are driving the wrong way.
2. The road surface is wet.
3. The headlights need adjustment.
4. The intersection is closed.

17. What is the required action when entering traffic lanes?

1. Proceed with caution and yield to traffic already occupying the lanes.
2. Stop completely until all other vehicles have passed.
3. Merge quickly without yielding to avoid blocking traffic.
4. Wait for a pedestrian to cross before entering the lane.

18. Where must an open container of alcohol be placed if you are carrying it in your vehicle?

1. In the glove box
2. On the passenger seat
3. In the trunk or a place where passengers do not sit
4. On the dashboard

19. What should a driver do if they cannot see the truck’s side mirrors while driving near a large vehicle?

1. Assume the truck driver sees you and proceed normally
2. Move into the truck's blind spot to be seen better
3. Recognize that the truck driver cannot see you
4. Stop immediately to let the truck pass

20. How should you handle a skid on a slippery surface according to the handbook?

1. Use the brakes firmly to stop the slide.
2. Turn the steering wheel opposite to the direction of the skid.
3. Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator.
4. Shift to a higher gear to increase speed.