California DMV Written Test Prep

Overview

• Practice DMV written test: 49 multiple-choice questions with correct answers explained.
• Focus: California driving laws, safety rules, parking, passing, signals, and collisions.
• Useful for preparing for the DMV written exam.

Key Rules and Speed Limits

• Railroad crossing with no warnings and limited visibility: max 15 mph.
• Residential area speed limit (unless posted): 25 mph.
• Freeway posted speed must be obeyed; do not exceed posted limit (example: posted 65 mph).
• Basic speed law: never drive faster than is safe for current conditions.

Passing, Lane Use, and Merging

• Do not drive off paved roadway to pass another vehicle under any circumstances.
• Merging onto freeway: drive at or near the same speed as freeway traffic.
• Passing: only cross double yellow lines to pass if your side is a broken line.
• When planning to pass, do not assume other driver will make space to return to lane.
• On a one-way street, left turn onto another one-way allowed if traffic on the street moves to the left.

Signals, Turns, and Following Distance

• Signal continuously at least 100 ft before turning.
• To avoid last-minute moves, look 10–15 seconds ahead.
• When making a right turn, slow down or stop if necessary before turning.
• Defensive driving: keep your eyes moving to detect hazards.
• Do not tailgate; it increases accident risk and frustrates other drivers.

Parking Rules

• Parallel parking: wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb.
• Parking uphill on two-way street with no curb: turn front wheels to the right (away from the street).
• White painted curb: loading zone for passengers or mail only.
• Do not park next to a red-painted curb.
• Illegal to park in an unmarked crosswalk.
• May not park within 100 ft of an elementary school (question phrasing flagged red curb as correct illegal parking).

Intersections and Blocking

• Never legally block an intersection under any circumstances.
• If traffic blocks an intersection when you have a green light, stay out until it clears.
• If in the middle of an intersection when hearing an emergency siren, continue through then move right and stop.

Railroad Crossings and Vehicle Types

• Always stop before crossing tracks if you cannot fully clear the other side.
• Vehicles that must always stop before crossing railroad tracks: tank trucks with hazardous materials placards.
• Stop at tracks when you lack room on the other side to completely clear them.

School Buses, Crossing Guards, and Pedestrians

• Stop for a stopped school bus with red lights flashing and remain stopped while lights flash.
• Obey school crossing guards at all times.
• If a pedestrian is crossing (no crosswalk), stop and let them finish crossing.

Visibility, Weather, and Lights

• In fog, use low beams.
• In dust storms reducing visibility, drive slower and turn on headlights.
• First rain after dry spell makes roadways most slippery.

Large Vehicles and Blind Spots

• Large trucks have larger blind spots than most passenger vehicles.
• When following a large truck on freeway, leave more distance than for a passenger vehicle.
• Large trucks may swing wide to complete right turns.

Legal Responsibilities and Reports

• Notify DMV within 5 days after selling or transferring your vehicle.
• Submit SR-1 written report to DMV if property damage exceeds $1,000 or if there are any injuries.
• If you hit a parked vehicle and cannot find owner, leave a note and report to police or CHP.

Bike Lanes and Construction Zones

• You may drive in a bike lane only when within 200 ft of a cross street where you plan to turn right.
• Obey signal persons at road construction sites at all times.

Laws and Illegal Practices

• Illegal: listening to music through headphones that cover both ears while driving.
• Do not assume other drivers will maintain constant speed or yield just because you signal.
• Do not drive too slowly so that you block traffic.

Miscellaneous Specifics (Selected Q&A Summary)

• Turning left from a multi-lane one-way onto a one-way: start from lane closest to left curb.
• Double solid yellow lines two or more feet apart: may not be crossed for any reason.
• Flashing yellow traffic signal: slow down and cross carefully.
• When turning right, signal 100 ft before turning.
• Safest phone practice: use hands-free devices to keep both hands on wheel.

Key Terms and Definitions

• Basic Speed Law: drive no faster than is safe for current conditions regardless of posted limit.
• SR-1: DMV traffic accident report required for certain damage or injuries.
• Double Solid Yellow Lines: division you may not cross for any reason.
• Blind Spot: area not visible in mirrors; larger for trucks.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review parking distance rules (18 in from curb; curb-side rules uphill/downhill).
• Memorize required notification/reporting timelines (DMV 5 days; SR-1 thresholds).
• Practice scanning 10–15 seconds ahead and signaling 100 ft before turns.
• Study laws regarding school buses, railroad crossings, and double yellow lines.