California DMV Driver's License Preparation Quiz

1. In which situations may you drive off of the paved roadway to pass another vehicle?

Under no circumstances

When you are in a hurry and need to pass quickly

If the vehicle ahead of you is turning left

If the shoulder is wide enough to accommodate your vehicle

It is important to always stay on the paved roadway and not drive off onto the shoulder or any unpaved areas when passing another vehicle for safety reasons.

Explanation

It is important to always stay on the paved roadway and not drive off onto the shoulder or any unpaved areas when passing another vehicle for safety reasons.

2. 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:

25 mph

30 mph

20 mph

15 mph

When approaching a railroad crossing with no warning devices and limited visibility, it is important to reduce speed to ensure safety. The recommended speed limit in this scenario is 15 mph to allow for enough time to react to any oncoming trains.

Explanation

When approaching a railroad crossing with no warning devices and limited visibility, it is important to reduce speed to ensure safety. The recommended speed limit in this scenario is 15 mph to allow for enough time to react to any oncoming trains.

3. When parking your vehicle parallel to the curb on a level street, where should your wheels be positioned?

Your wheels must be more than 24 inches away from the curb.

Your front wheels must be turned toward the street.

Your wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb.

One of your rear wheels must touch the curb.

When parking parallel to the curb on a level street, it is important to position your wheels within 18 inches of the curb to ensure proper alignment and safety.

Explanation

When parking parallel to the curb on a level street, it is important to position your wheels within 18 inches of the curb to ensure proper alignment and safety.

4. When you are merging onto the freeway, you should be driving:

As fast as possible regardless of traffic speed.

At or near the same speed as the traffic on the freeway.

5 to 10 MPH slower than the traffic on the freeway.

The posted speed limit for traffic on the freeway.

When merging onto a freeway, it is important to match your speed with the traffic already on the freeway to smoothly and safely merge into the flow of traffic.

Explanation

When merging onto a freeway, it is important to match your speed with the traffic already on the freeway to smoothly and safely merge into the flow of traffic.

5. When driving in fog, you should use your:

Low beams.

Parking lights

High beams

Fog lights only

Low beams are the best option to use when driving in fog as they minimize glare and reflection, making it easier to see the road and other vehicles.

Explanation

Low beams are the best option to use when driving in fog as they minimize glare and reflection, making it easier to see the road and other vehicles.

6. A white painted curb means:

Loading zone for freight or passengers.

No parking zone.

Loading zone for freight only.

Loading zone for passengers or mail only.

7. A school bus ahead of you in your lane is stopped with red lights flashing. You should:

Slow to 25 MPH and pass cautiously.

Stop, then proceed when you think all of the children have exited the bus.

Stop as long as the red lights are flashing.

Continue at normal speed while passing the bus with caution.

When a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing, all traffic must stop until the lights stop flashing. This is to ensure the safety of children getting on or off the bus.

Explanation

When a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing, all traffic must stop until the lights stop flashing. This is to ensure the safety of children getting on or off the bus.

8. California's "Basic Speed Law" says:

You should always drive at the maximum speed limit.

You should never drive faster than posted speed limits.

You should never drive faster than is safe for current conditions.

The maximum speed limit in California is 70 mph on certain freeways.

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of driving at a speed that is safe given the current conditions, rather than rigidly following posted speed limits or always driving at the maximum limit.

Explanation

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of driving at a speed that is safe given the current conditions, rather than rigidly following posted speed limits or always driving at the maximum limit.

9. After selling your vehicle, how many days do you have to notify the DMV?

5

30

15

10

When selling a vehicle, it is important to notify the DMV within 5 days to ensure proper documentation and transfer of ownership. Waiting longer may lead to complications or legal issues.

Explanation

When selling a vehicle, it is important to notify the DMV within 5 days to ensure proper documentation and transfer of ownership. Waiting longer may lead to complications or legal issues.

10. To avoid last minute moves, you should be looking down the road to where your vehicle will be in about ______________.

15 to 20 seconds

10 to 15 Seconds

20 to 25 seconds

5 to 10 seconds

When driving, it is recommended to look ahead and anticipate where your vehicle will be in the next 10 to 15 seconds to avoid making sudden or last minute moves.

Explanation

When driving, it is recommended to look ahead and anticipate where your vehicle will be in the next 10 to 15 seconds to avoid making sudden or last minute moves.

11. When two vehicles meet on a steep mountain road where neither can pass, which vehicle has the right-of-way?

Both vehicles

The vehicle traveling downhill

The vehicle traveling uphill

The vehicle which comes first

In situations where two vehicles meet on a steep mountain road and neither can pass, the vehicle traveling uphill has the right-of-way. This is because the vehicle going uphill would have a harder time stopping and starting again on the steep terrain compared to the vehicle going downhill.

Explanation

In situations where two vehicles meet on a steep mountain road and neither can pass, the vehicle traveling uphill has the right-of-way. This is because the vehicle going uphill would have a harder time stopping and starting again on the steep terrain compared to the vehicle going downhill.

12. What does this sign represent?

A playground

Pedestrian crosswalk

A school zone

A library

The sign shown typically indicates the presence of a school zone, where drivers are required to slow down and exercise caution to ensure the safety of children.

Explanation

The sign shown typically indicates the presence of a school zone, where drivers are required to slow down and exercise caution to ensure the safety of children.

13. The first step a driver should do during an enforcement stop is:

Stop on the left shoulder of the freeway

Stop on the center median of a freeway

Turn on the left turn signal

Turn on the right turn signal

During an enforcement stop, it is crucial for the driver to turn on the right turn signal to indicate to law enforcement and other drivers the intention to pull over to the side of the road safely. This helps in ensuring clear communication and safety during the stop process.

Explanation

During an enforcement stop, it is crucial for the driver to turn on the right turn signal to indicate to law enforcement and other drivers the intention to pull over to the side of the road safely. This helps in ensuring clear communication and safety during the stop process.