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Essential DMV Driving Rules and Tips

Apr 23, 2025

DMV Practice Test Lecture Notes

Important Driving Rules and Regulations

  1. Passing on Roadways:

    • Never drive off paved roadways to pass another vehicle under any circumstances.
  2. Railroad Crossings:

    • If crossing has no warning devices and visibility is limited to 400 feet, the speed limit is 15 mph.
  3. Parking on Streets:

    • When parking parallel to the curb on a level street, your wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb.
  4. Freeway Merging:

    • Enter the freeway at or near the same speed as traffic already on the freeway.
  5. Driving in Fog:

    • Use low beams when driving in fog.
  6. Curb Color Indications:

    • A white painted curb indicates a loading zone for passengers or mail only.
  7. School Bus Rules:

    • Stop as long as the red lights are flashing on a stopped school bus.
  8. California's Basic Speed Law:

    • Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions.
  9. Vehicle Sales:

    • Notify the DMV within 5 days of selling your vehicle.
  10. Looking Ahead While Driving:

    • Look down the road to where your vehicle will be in about 10 to 15 seconds to avoid last-minute moves.
  11. Signaling for Turns:

    • Signal continuously for 100 feet before making a left turn.
  12. Blind Spots:

    • Trucks have larger blind spots than most passenger vehicles.
  13. Collision with Parked Vehicles:

    • Leave a note and report the accident to authorities.
  14. Residential Area Speed Limit:

    • Speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise posted.
  15. Blocking Intersections:

    • Never legally block an intersection.
  16. Parking Uphill:

    • Turn front wheels away from the street when parking uphill without a curb.
  17. Class C Driver’s License:

    • Allows driving a three-axle vehicle if the gross weight is less than 6,000 pounds.
  18. Turning from One-Way to One-Way Streets:

    • Start from the lane closest to the left curb.
  19. Traffic Collision Reporting:

    • Report to DMV if property damage exceeds $1,000 or if there are injuries.
  20. Slippery Roads:

    • Roads are most slippery after the first rain following a dry spell.
  21. Prohibited Parking Locations:

    • Do not park next to a red-painted curb.
  22. DMV Notification:

    • Notify the DMV within 5 days if you sell or transfer your vehicle.
  23. Crossing Double Yellow Lines:

    • Do not cross if lines are two or more feet apart.
  24. Right Turns at Intersections:

    • Signal for 100 feet before turning right.
  25. Freeway Speed Limits:

    • Do not exceed 65 mph even if others are driving faster.
  26. Parking Restrictions:

    • Illegal to park in an unmarked crosswalk.
  27. Cell Phone Use:

    • Use hands-free devices while driving.
  28. Traffic Blocking Intersections:

    • Stay out of intersections until traffic clears.
  29. Making Right Turns:

    • Slow down or stop if necessary before turning.
  30. School Crossing Guards:

    • Obey at all times.
  31. Driving in Dust Storms:

    • Use headlights for visibility.
  32. Passing Vehicles:

    • Do not assume other drivers will make space for you.
  33. Emergency Vehicles in Intersections:

    • Continue through the intersection, then move to the right and stop.
  34. Speeding Risks:

    • Driving faster than other vehicles increases accident risks.
  35. Stopping for Railroad Crossings:

    • Tank trucks with hazardous materials must stop before crossing.
  36. Turning Left on One-Way Streets:

    • Permitted if traffic moves to the left.
  37. Trucks Turning Right:

    • May need to swing wide.
  38. Crossing Double Yellow Lines:

    • Allowed if your side has a broken line.
  39. Approaching Intersections and Crosswalks:

    • Always check the sides for oncoming traffic.
  40. Defensive Driving:

    • Keep eyes moving to look for hazards.
  41. Driving Behind Large Trucks:

    • Maintain greater distance than with passenger vehicles.
  42. Illegal Driving Practices:

    • Listening to music with headphones covering both ears is illegal.
  43. Crossing Railroad Tracks:

    • Stop if unable to completely clear the tracks.
  44. Tailgating:

    • Can frustrate and anger other drivers.
  45. Driving Speed in Traffic:

    • Driving too slowly can block traffic.
  46. Obeying Construction Site Personnel:

    • Follow their instructions at all times.
  47. Driving in Bike Lanes:

    • Permitted within 200 feet of a right turn.
  48. Flashing Yellow Traffic Signal:

    • Slow down and proceed cautiously.
  49. Pedestrian Crossings:

    • Stop and allow pedestrians to cross safely.