20 questions from the California Driver's Handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. Which of the following is a valid exception allowing a provisional driver to drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.?
Answer: Driving for schooling or a school activity. The handbook lists driving for schooling or school activities as a specific exception to the nighttime driving restriction for provisional drivers.
California Driver's Handbook, page 6: “Drive for schooling or a school activity. You must carry a note signed by your school principal, dean, or designee.”
2. What is the minimum distance required between a car and a cyclist when sharing the roadway?
Answer: Three (3) feet. The handbook specifies that a distance of three feet must be maintained between the car and the cyclist.
California Driver's Handbook, page 14: “Three (3) feet of distance • Bicycle boulevard: Prioritizes bicycle must be maintained travel on streets shared with vehicle between the car and cyclist.”
3. Why should you increase your following distance when driving in heavy fog?
Answer: To allow more time to react to unseen traffic. Increasing following distance provides more space to stop within the visible area, which is crucial when visibility is limited by fog.
California Driver's Handbook, page 54: “Increase your following distance.”
4. Which colored curb indicates that you may stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers?
Answer: White. According to the handbook, white curbs are designated for brief stops to load or unload passengers.
California Driver's Handbook, page 24: “White: Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers.”
5. According to the handbook, what is the recommended action if a vehicle merges in front of you too closely?
Answer: Take your foot off the accelerator. The handbook instructs drivers to remove their foot from the accelerator to create space when another vehicle merges too closely.
California Driver's Handbook, page 48: “If a vehicle merges in front of you too closely, take your foot off the accelerator.”
6. What action must drivers take for stationary emergency vehicles or tow trucks displaying flashing amber warning lights?
Answer: Move over and slow down. The handbook mandates that drivers must both move over and reduce speed when encountering these specific stationary vehicles.
California Driver's Handbook, page 42: “Drivers must move over and slow down for emergency and road work vehicles.”
7. According to the Basic Speed Law in California, what is the primary requirement for determining your driving speed?
Answer: You may never drive faster than is safe for the current road conditions. The handbook states that the Basic Speed Law requires drivers to adjust their speed to ensure it is safe for current conditions.
California Driver's Handbook, page 56: “In California, you may never drive faster than is safe for the current road conditions. This is known as the Basic Speed Law.”
8. What is the minimum age of a person who can supervise a child left unattended in a vehicle?
Answer: At least 12 years old. The handbook states that a child can be left unattended only if supervised by someone who is at least 12 years old.
California Driver's Handbook, page 56: “A child may be left under the supervision of a person who is at least 12 years old.”
9. If you miss your intended turn at an intersection, what is the correct procedure?
Answer: Keep driving until you can safely and legally turn around. Drivers are instructed to continue driving to find a safe place to turn around rather than stopping or reversing in the intersection.
California Driver's Handbook, page 12: “If you miss a turn, keep driving until you can safely and legally turn around.”
10. What must a driver do when approaching a pedestrian crossing a roadway, whether there is a crosswalk or not?
Answer: Use caution, reduce speed, or stop to allow the pedestrian to cross safely. The handbook mandates that drivers must exercise caution and potentially stop to ensure pedestrians can finish crossing safely, regardless of crosswalk markings.
California Driver's Handbook, page 36: “When there is a pedestrian crossing a roadway with or without a crosswalk, you must use caution, reduce your speed, or stop to allow the pedestrian to safely finish crossing.”
11. Which of the following is a valid reason to drive in a bicycle lane?
Answer: To park where permitted, enter or leave the road, or turn within 200 feet of an intersection. The handbook lists specific exceptions allowing vehicle entry into bicycle lanes, including parking, entering/leaving the road, and turning near intersections.
California Driver's Handbook, page 13: “It is illegal to drive in a bicycle lane unless you are: • Parking (where permitted). • Entering or leaving the road. • Turning (within 200 feet of an intersection).”
12. Which colored curb indicates that parking is reserved for disabled persons?
Answer: Blue. Blue curbs are designated specifically for disabled parking according to the handbook.
California Driver's Handbook, page 24: “Blue: Parking for a disabled person or someone driving a disabled person with a special placard or special license plate.”
13. What is the primary purpose of the left lane (Number 1 Lane) on a multilane road?
Answer: To pass other vehicles or turn left. The handbook specifies that the left lane is designated for passing other vehicles or making left turns, distinguishing it from the right lane used for entering or exiting.
California Driver's Handbook, page 11: “Use the left lane to pass or turn left.”
14. If your vehicle becomes disabled on the freeway, from which side should you exit the vehicle?
Answer: The right side. The handbook instructs drivers to exit on the right side to stay away from traffic when their vehicle is disabled on the freeway.
California Driver's Handbook, page 57: “Exit on the right side so you are away from traffic if you must get out of the vehicle.”
15. If a traffic light is not working, how should a driver treat the intersection?
Answer: Stop as if the intersection is controlled by STOP signs in all directions. The handbook instructs drivers to treat a non-working traffic light intersection as if it were controlled by STOP signs in all directions.
California Driver's Handbook, page 29: “When a traffic light is not working, stop as if the intersection is controlled by STOP signs in all directions. Then proceed cautiously when it is safe to do so.”
16. When turning left, how should you position your wheels while waiting in the intersection?
Answer: Keep them pointed straight ahead until safe to turn. Keeping wheels straight prevents the vehicle from being pushed into oncoming traffic if struck from behind while waiting to turn.
California Driver's Handbook, page 16: “Keep your wheels pointed straight ahead until it is safe to start your turn.”
17. When backing up in a straight line, how many vehicle lengths should you back while staying within three feet of the curb?
Answer: Three vehicle lengths. The instructions for backing up specify moving back for exactly three vehicle lengths while maintaining proximity to the curb.
California Driver's Handbook, page 23: “Back in a straight line for three vehicle lengths while remaining within three feet of the curb.”
18. When driving at night and encountering a vehicle with only one light approaching, what should you do?
Answer: Drive as far to the right as possible. The handbook advises moving to the right to accommodate potential bicyclists, motorcyclists, or vehicles with missing headlights.
California Driver's Handbook, page 50: “When a vehicle with one light drives toward you, drive as far to the right as possible.”
19. What is the correct action if you miss your exit while navigating a roundabout?
Answer: Continue around until you return to your exit. The instructions for using a roundabout state that drivers should continue circling the island until they reach their desired exit again.
California Driver's Handbook, page 35: “If you miss your exit, continue around until you return to your exit.”
20. When encountering a red arrow traffic signal, what is the correct action for a driver?
Answer: Stop and remain stopped until a green signal appears. The handbook specifies that drivers must stop and wait for a green signal or green arrow when facing a red arrow.
California Driver's Handbook, page 28: “A red arrow means STOP. Do not turn at a red arrow. Remain stopped until a green traffic signal light or green arrow appears.”