20 questions from the California Driver's Handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. According to the handbook, under what condition is a driver permitted to turn right at a red traffic signal light?
Answer: There is not a NO TURN ON RED sign posted. The handbook lists the absence of a NO TURN ON RED sign as a condition for making a right turn on red.
California Driver's Handbook, page 28: “You can turn right at a red light, if: • There is not a NO TURN ON RED sign posted.”
2. If a law enforcement officer asks you to take a blood or urine test for DUI suspicion and you refuse, what consequence does the DMV impose?
Answer: Your driving privilege is suspended or revoked for one year. Refusing a chemical test results in a mandatory one-year suspension or revocation of driving privileges according to the handbook.
California Driver's Handbook, page 59: “If you refuse to take one, DMV will suspend or revoke your driving privilege for one year.”
3. What is the minimum prison sentence for a person convicted of manslaughter resulting from evading law enforcement during a pursuit?
Answer: A minimum of 4 to 10 years in state prison. The handbook distinguishes manslaughter penalties from other offenses, specifying a minimum state prison term of 4 to 10 years.
California Driver's Handbook, page 45: “A person convicted of manslaughter resulting from evading law enforcement during a pursuit is subject to imprisonment in a state prison for a minimum of 4 to 10 years.”
4. What requirement must a driver meet to apply for a replacement license after a suspension or revocation ends?
Answer: Show proof of financial responsibility. The handbook mandates that drivers must provide proof of financial responsibility, such as SR 22/SR 1P, to apply for a replacement license.
California Driver's Handbook, page 46: “You must show proof of financial responsibility (such as SR 22/SR 1P).”
5. Unless otherwise posted, what is the ideal maximum speed limit on most California highways?
Answer: 65 mph. The handbook states that the ideal maximum speed limit for most California highways is 65 mph unless signs indicate otherwise.
California Driver's Handbook, page 56: “Unless otherwise posted, the ideal maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph.”
6. Which of the following is a recommended method to help manage sun glare?
Answer: Wear polarized sunglasses. The handbook lists wearing polarized sunglasses as a specific method to help manage sun glare.
California Driver's Handbook, page 50: “To help manage sun glare: • Keep the inside and outside of your windshield clean. • Wear polarized sunglasses.”
7. Under what condition do you NOT need to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?
Answer: If the bus is on the other side of a divided or multilane highway. The handbook states that stopping is not required if the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway.
California Driver's Handbook, page 43: “If the school bus is on the other side of a divided or multilane highway (two or more lanes in each direction), you do not need to stop.”
8. When turning left from a one-way street onto a one-way street, who can legally use the left turn lane?
Answer: Only bicyclists. The handbook specifically notes that bicyclists are permitted to use the left turn lane when making left turns in this scenario.
California Driver's Handbook, page 19: “Bicyclists can legally use the left turn lane for their left turns.”
9. When driving in heavy fog, which type of headlights should you use?
Answer: Low-beam headlights. The handbook instructs drivers to use low-beam headlights in fog to avoid glare caused by high beams reflecting back.
California Driver's Handbook, page 54: “Use your low-beam headlights. High-beam headlights will reflect back and cause glare.”
10. When entering a highway, what speed should you aim for?
Answer: At or near the speed of traffic. The instructions for entering a highway state that drivers need to be at or near the speed of traffic.
California Driver's Handbook, page 19: “When you enter a highway, you will need to: • Be in the proper lane on the on-ramp. • Be at or near the speed of traffic.”
11. What does a yellow arrow signal indicate to a driver?
Answer: The protected turning time is ending. The handbook defines the yellow arrow as a signal that the protected turning period is concluding.
California Driver's Handbook, page 28: “A yellow arrow means the protected turning time is ending.”
12. When entering a two-way center left turn lane, within what distance of the turn should you enter?
Answer: Within 200 feet of the turn. Drivers are instructed to enter a two-way center left turn lane within 200 feet of their intended turn.
California Driver's Handbook, page 16: “Enter a two-way center left turn lane within 200 feet of the turn.”
13. Who is permitted to ask about immigration status during a traffic stop in California?
Answer: Only federal law enforcement officers. California law restricts this inquiry specifically to federal officers.
California Driver's Handbook, page 26: “In California, only federal law enforcement officers can ask you about your immigration status.”
14. When passing a bicyclist in the travel lane without changing lanes, what is the minimum space you must leave between your vehicle and the bicyclist?
Answer: At least three feet. The handbook states that a minimum clearance of three feet is required when passing a bicyclist without changing lanes.
California Driver's Handbook, page 41: “When you cannot change lanes to pass a bicyclist, allow at least three feet between your vehicle and the bicyclist.”
15. How far from a fire hydrant must you stop when parking?
Answer: Within 15 feet. The handbook specifies a minimum distance of 15 feet from a fire hydrant.
California Driver's Handbook, page 24: “Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or fire station driveway.”
16. What action should a driver take if fog becomes too thick to drive safely?
Answer: Pull off the road and activate emergency flashers. The instructions state that if visibility is too poor, the driver should pull off the road and use emergency flashers until conditions improve.
California Driver's Handbook, page 54: “Activate your emergency flashers and wait for conditions to improve.”
17. What must a driver do when turning, changing lanes, slowing down, or stopping?
Answer: Always signal. The handbook mandates that drivers must always use signals when performing these specific maneuvers.
California Driver's Handbook, page 7: “Always signal when you turn, change lanes, slow down, or stop.”
18. When making a right turn, which lane should you begin and end the turn in?
Answer: The lane closest to the right edge of the road. The handbook instructs drivers to stay in the rightmost lane for right turns to avoid swinging wide.
California Driver's Handbook, page 18: “Begin and end the turn in the lane closest to the right edge of the road.”
19. What specific license class do most people need to drive their vehicle?
Answer: Class C. The handbook identifies the noncommercial Class C license as the standard requirement for most drivers.
California Driver's Handbook, page 5: “Most people need a noncommercial Class C driver’s license.”
20. What does a diamond-shaped sign on a truck indicate?
Answer: The truck’s load may be dangerous. The handbook states that the diamond-shaped sign specifically warns that the vehicle is carrying a potentially dangerous load.
California Driver's Handbook, page 42: “A diamond-shaped sign on a truck means that the truck’s load may be dangerous (gas, explosives, etc.).”