20 questions from the California Driver's Handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When driving a truck with three or more axles, which lane must you use?
Answer: The far-right lane or a lane marked for slower vehicles. The handbook requires drivers of trucks with three or more axles to stay in the far-right lane or designated slow lanes.
California Driver's Handbook, page 42: “You must drive in the far-right lane or a lane marked for slower vehicles when you: • Tow a vehicle or trailer. • Drive a truck with three or more axles.”
2. How should a child under 2 years old, weighing under 40 pounds, and measuring under 3 feet 4 inches tall be secured?
Answer: In a rear-facing child passenger restraint system. The handbook specifies that children meeting these specific age, weight, and height criteria must be secured in a rear-facing restraint system.
California Driver's Handbook, page 55: “Children who are under 2 years old, under 40 pounds, and under 3 feet 4 inches tall: Secure in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system.”
3. When passing a bicyclist, what is the minimum amount of space you should allow?
Answer: At least three feet. The handbook specifies that drivers must allow at least three feet of space when passing a bicyclist.
California Driver's Handbook, page 56: “When the vehicle has passed, move to the left to allow plenty of space (at least three feet) to pass the bicyclist.”
4. When is it required to use a turnout area or lane on a two-lane road?
Answer: When you are driving slowly, passing is unsafe, and there are five or more vehicles following you. The rule requires using a turnout when driving slowly on a two-lane road with unsafe passing conditions and a queue of five or more cars.
California Driver's Handbook, page 13: “You must use a turnout area or lane to let other vehicles pass when you are driving slowly on a two-lane road, where passing is unsafe, and there are five or more vehicles following you.”
5. What is the maximum speed recommended when driving on ice?
Answer: No more than 5 mph. The handbook specifies that when driving on ice, the speed should be reduced to no more than 5 mph.
California Driver's Handbook, page 52: “Ice: Reduce your speed to no more than 5 mph.”
6. When making a left turn from a two-way street, where should you start and end the turn to reduce the risk of collision?
Answer: Start in the left lane closest to the middle of the street and end in the left lane closest to the middle of the street going in your vehicle’s direction. The handbook specifies that for a left turn from a two-way street, both the starting and ending positions should be in the left lane closest to the center of the road.
California Driver's Handbook, page 18: “Start the turn in the left lane closest to the middle of the street. To reduce the risk of collision, end the turn in the left lane closest to the middle of the street going in your vehicle’s direction.”
7. What is the minimum insurance coverage required for property damage in California?
Answer: $15,000. The handbook lists $15,000 as the minimum coverage amount specifically for property damage.
California Driver's Handbook, page 62: “Your insurance must cover at least: • $30,000 for a single death or injury. • $60,000 for death or injury to more than one person. • $15,000 for property damage.”
8. Under what condition are you prohibited from making a right turn at a red light?
Answer: If there is a NO TURN ON RED sign. The handbook states that right turns on red are allowed unless a specific 'NO TURN ON RED' sign is posted.
California Driver's Handbook, page 15: “You may turn right at a red light after a complete stop unless there is a NO TURN ON RED sign.”
9. When driving in a designated right turn lane, how far before the turn are you permitted to drive in the bike lane?
Answer: Within 200 feet of the turn. The handbook states that drivers may enter the bike lane within 200 feet of making a right turn.
California Driver's Handbook, page 15: “You can drive in a bike lane within 200 feet from the turn.”
10. Under what condition may a driver under 21 years old carry an opened alcoholic beverage inside a vehicle?
Answer: If the beverage is kept in the trunk or place where passengers do not sit. The handbook specifies that if the alcohol container is opened, it must be stored in the trunk or a passenger-free area.
California Driver's Handbook, page 61: “If opened, the alcohol must be kept in the trunk or place where passengers do not sit.”
11. Within what distance must you dim your high-beam headlights when approaching an oncoming vehicle?
Answer: Within 500 feet. The handbook states that high beams must be dimmed within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle to prevent glare.
California Driver's Handbook, page 8: “Dim your high-beam headlights to low beams within 500 feet of a vehicle coming toward you or within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.”
12. Which vehicle type is permitted to use a High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane without meeting the minimum passenger count?
Answer: A motorcycle. The handbook states that motorcycles are allowed in HOV lanes regardless of passenger count, unless specific signs indicate otherwise.
California Driver's Handbook, page 12: “You are riding a motorcycle (unless otherwise posted).”
13. What is the maximum imprisonment term for a person convicted of causing serious bodily injury during a law enforcement pursuit?
Answer: Up to seven years in state prison. The handbook specifies that causing serious bodily injury during a pursuit carries a penalty of up to seven years in state prison.
California Driver's Handbook, page 45: “A person convicted of causing serious bodily injury during a law enforcement pursuit is subject to imprisonment in a state prison for up to seven years, or a county jail for one year or less.”
14. How long does a DUI conviction remain on a driver's record in California?
Answer: Ten years. The handbook clearly indicates that DUI convictions stay on the driver's record for a period of 10 years.
California Driver's Handbook, page 61: “All DUI convictions remain on your driver’s record for 10 years.”
15. When stopping at a limit line, what is the correct procedure?
Answer: Do not cross over the line. The handbook states that drivers must stop without crossing the limit line.
California Driver's Handbook, page 19: “When stopping at a limit line, do not cross over the line.”
16. How far before starting a turn are you permitted to enter a bike lane?
Answer: No more than 200 feet. The rule specifies that drivers should enter a bike lane within 200 feet of the point where they intend to turn.
California Driver's Handbook, page 41: “Enter a bike lane no more than 200 feet before starting a turn.”
17. When making a right turn, how far before the turn should you start signaling?
Answer: About 100 feet. The handbook states that drivers should begin signaling approximately 100 feet prior to executing a right turn.
California Driver's Handbook, page 15: “Start signaling about 100 feet before the turn.”
18. According to the handbook, how should you adjust your speed when driving on packed snow?
Answer: Reduce your speed by half. The handbook states that drivers should reduce their speed by half when driving on packed snow.
California Driver's Handbook, page 52: “Packed snow: Reduce your speed by half.”
19. What is the correct procedure if a tailgater is behind you?
Answer: Maintain your course and speed, then merge right when safe. The handbook instructs drivers to maintain their current speed and course, then safely merge right to allow the tailgater to pass.
California Driver's Handbook, page 48: “Maintain your course and speed. Then, when safe to do so, merge right to change into another lane and allow the tailgater to pass.”
20. What is the minimum length required for a parallel parking space relative to your vehicle?
Answer: At least three feet longer than your vehicle. The instructions for parallel parking require finding a space that exceeds the vehicle length by at least three feet.
California Driver's Handbook, page 22: “Look for a space at least three feet longer than your vehicle.”