Question 1

When approaching a four-way stop, who has the right-of-way?

Accepted Answer

The vehicle that arrives first — At four-way stops, the first vehicle to arrive goes first. If tied, yield to the vehicle on your right.

Question 2

Two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop at exactly the same time. Which vehicle must yield?

Accepted Answer

The vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right — When two vehicles reach a stop-controlled intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

Question 3

You are turning left at an intersection with a green light and no arrow. An oncoming vehicle is going straight through. Who has the right-of-way?

Accepted Answer

The oncoming vehicle going straight — A driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic that is close enough to be a hazard, even with a green light, unless a green arrow grants protected left-turn priority.

Question 4

When entering a roadway from a private driveway or alley, who must yield?

Accepted Answer

The driver entering the roadway — Drivers entering a public road from a driveway, alley, or parking lot must yield to pedestrians and vehicles already on the roadway.

Question 5

At an intersection with traffic signals that are not working (blacked out), how should drivers treat the intersection?

Accepted Answer

As a four-way stop — When traffic signals are dark or malfunctioning, drivers must treat the intersection as an all-way stop and follow normal right-of-way rules.

Question 6

A pedestrian is crossing at an intersection with no crosswalk lines painted. Do drivers still have to yield?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every intersection has a legal (unmarked) crosswalk — Every intersection, whether or not it has painted lines, contains a legal crosswalk, and drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing within it.

Question 7

You are on a narrow mountain road and meet another vehicle going the opposite direction where one of you is facing a steep downgrade. Who has the right-of-way?

Accepted Answer

The vehicle going uphill — On narrow grades, the vehicle traveling uphill has the right-of-way because it is harder to restart on an incline; the downhill vehicle should back up to a safe spot if needed.

Question 8

When must you yield to traffic already circulating in a roundabout?

Accepted Answer

Always, before entering the roundabout — Vehicles inside a roundabout have the right-of-way. Drivers entering must yield and wait for a safe gap before proceeding.

Question 9

A funeral procession with headlights on is proceeding through an intersection with a green light for cross traffic. What should cross traffic generally do?

Accepted Answer

Yield to keep the funeral procession together — Drivers should avoid cutting through a funeral procession and should yield the right-of-way to keep the procession together, unless a law enforcement officer is directing traffic differently.

Question 10

When you want to merge onto a freeway from an on-ramp, who generally must adjust speed to allow a safe merge?

Accepted Answer

The merging driver should adjust speed to blend into the gap — Drivers entering a freeway do not automatically have the right-of-way; they should use the acceleration lane to match freeway speed and merge into a safe gap.

Question 11

At an intersection controlled only by stop signs on two of the four approaches (the cross street has no stop sign), who must yield?

Accepted Answer

Traffic on the street with stop signs must yield to cross traffic — At a two-way stop, only the vehicles facing stop signs must stop; they must yield to cross traffic on the uncontrolled street that has the right-of-way.

Question 12

You are stopped at a stop sign and want to turn right. There is a steady red light for cross traffic and no sign prohibiting the turn. What must you do first?

Accepted Answer

Stop completely, then yield to pedestrians and cross traffic before turning — A stop sign requires a full stop, and after stopping you must yield to any pedestrians and cross traffic with the right-of-way before completing the turn.

Question 13

A blind pedestrian carrying a white cane or using a guide dog is crossing the street. What must drivers do?

Accepted Answer

Always stop and yield the right-of-way — Drivers must always yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian carrying a white cane or using a guide dog, regardless of whether the pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk.

Question 14

A regulatory sign that is round with a red background and the word STOP is an example of which sign category?

Accepted Answer

Regulatory sign — Regulatory signs, like the octagonal STOP sign, tell drivers what they must or must not do and carry the force of law.

Question 15

What shape is a standard STOP sign?

Accepted Answer

Octagon — The eight-sided octagon shape is reserved exclusively for STOP signs so drivers can recognize it even from behind or in poor visibility.

Question 16

A yellow diamond-shaped sign is generally used to convey what type of information?

Accepted Answer

Warnings about upcoming road conditions or hazards — Yellow diamond-shaped signs warn drivers of upcoming hazards, such as curves, intersections, or crossings, so they can adjust speed and attention.

Question 17

What does a triangular sign pointing downward at an intersection typically mean?

Accepted Answer

Yield — A downward-pointing red-and-white triangle is a YIELD sign, meaning drivers must slow down and give the right-of-way to other traffic or pedestrians.

Question 18

Orange-colored signs on a roadway are used to indicate what?

Accepted Answer

Construction or maintenance work areas — Orange is reserved for temporary construction and maintenance signage, alerting drivers to changed conditions like lane closures or workers on the road.

Question 19

A green sign with white lettering along a highway most likely shows what?

Accepted Answer

Directional and distance/guide information for travelers — Green signs are guide signs that show directions, exit numbers, and distances to destinations.

Question 20

A round yellow sign with an X and two R's is used to mark which type of crossing?

Accepted Answer

Railroad crossing — The round yellow advance-warning sign with an X and two R's specifically warns of an upcoming railroad crossing.

Question 21

A red circle with a slash through a symbol, such as a left-turn arrow, means what?

Accepted Answer

That movement is prohibited — A red circle-and-slash over a symbol is a prohibition sign meaning that action, such as the turn shown, is not allowed at that location.

Question 22

A pentagon-shaped (five-sided) sign along the road is used for what purpose?

Accepted Answer

School zones and school crossings — The five-sided pentagon shape is reserved for school-related signage, helping drivers quickly recognize school zones and crossings.

Question 23

What does a sign reading 'NO OUTLET' warn drivers about?

Accepted Answer

The road ahead does not connect through and ends, such as in a cul-de-sac — A NO OUTLET sign warns that the road does not continue through to another road, so drivers may need to turn around.

Question 24

A blue sign along the highway is most commonly used to display which type of information?

Accepted Answer

Motorist services such as gas, food, and lodging — Blue signs indicate motorist services like fuel, food, lodging, and hospitals available near an exit or along the route.

Question 25

A sign shows a curved arrow with the words 'REDUCED SPEED AHEAD' before a freeway ramp. What does this signal?

Accepted Answer

Drivers should slow down before the upcoming curve or ramp — This warning sign alerts drivers to reduce speed for an upcoming ramp or curve where the posted advisory speed is lower than the highway speed.

Question 26

A rectangular white sign with black lettering showing a number is most likely which type of sign?

Accepted Answer

A regulatory speed limit or route marker sign — White rectangular signs with black text are typically regulatory signs, such as speed limits, showing legal requirements drivers must follow.

Question 27

A brown sign along the highway typically points to what kind of destination?

Accepted Answer

Recreational or cultural areas such as parks or historic sites — Brown signs guide drivers to recreational and cultural points of interest, such as state parks, campgrounds, or historic landmarks.

Question 28

What should a driver do upon seeing a warning sign showing a winding road ahead?

Accepted Answer

Slow to a safe speed for the curves before entering them — Warning signs for winding roads mean drivers should reduce speed before entering the curves to maintain control of the vehicle.

Question 29

What does a solid red traffic signal light require drivers to do?

Accepted Answer

Come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the light changes — A solid red light requires a full stop at the marked limit line or before entering the intersection, and drivers must remain stopped until the light turns green.

Question 30

When can a driver legally turn right on a solid red light in California?

Accepted Answer

After stopping completely and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it — Unless a posted sign says 'No Turn on Red,' drivers may turn right on red after stopping completely and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic.

Question 31

A flashing red traffic signal should be treated the same as which sign?

Accepted Answer

A stop sign — A flashing red signal means the same as a stop sign: drivers must come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe.

Question 32

A green arrow signal pointing left means what for drivers wanting to turn left?

Accepted Answer

They have a protected turn and oncoming traffic is stopped — A green arrow gives a protected turn; oncoming traffic faces a red light, so the turning driver does not need to yield to oncoming vehicles.

Question 33

If a traffic signal shows a steady green light but a police officer is directing traffic to stop, what should you do?

Accepted Answer

Follow the officer's direction, which overrides the signal — Directions from a law enforcement officer or authorized traffic controller always take precedence over traffic signals and signs.

Question 34

What does a green light with a lit-up pedestrian countdown timer showing numbers mean for a pedestrian who has not yet entered the crosswalk?

Accepted Answer

They should not begin crossing since time is running out — A countdown signal shows the seconds remaining to finish crossing; pedestrians who have not yet started should not begin crossing once the countdown appears.

Question 35

A red arrow signal for a turn lane means what?

Accepted Answer

The turn is prohibited until the arrow changes to green — A red arrow means the specific turn is prohibited; drivers must wait until the arrow turns green or the signal changes.

Question 36

In California, is turning left on red permitted from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop?

Accepted Answer

Yes, unless a sign prohibits it — California permits a left turn on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street after a complete stop, unless signage prohibits it.

Question 37

What is the basic speed law in California?

Accepted Answer

Drivers must never drive faster than is safe for conditions — The basic speed law requires driving at a speed that is safe for current conditions, meaning drivers must slow below the posted limit in rain, fog, heavy traffic, or other hazards.

Question 38

Unless otherwise posted, what is the default speed limit in a business or residential district in California?

Accepted Answer

25 mph — Unless a different limit is posted, the prima facie speed limit in business and residential districts is 25 mph.

Question 39

What is the maximum speed limit typically allowed within 500 to 1,000 feet of a public school while children are present, unless otherwise posted?

Accepted Answer

25 mph — Near schools during school hours when children are present, the speed limit is typically 25 mph unless a different posted limit applies.

Question 40

Unless posted otherwise, what is the speed limit when passing a school with a marked crosswalk while children are present?

Accepted Answer

25 mph — When passing a school with a marked crosswalk while children are present, the speed limit is 25 mph, and it may be as low as 15 mph in a designated school zone with a senior high or crossing guard control, unless posted otherwise.

Question 41

What is the maximum speed limit on most California highways unless otherwise posted?

Accepted Answer

65 mph — The ideal maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph, unless a lower limit is posted for that stretch of road or a vehicle-specific restriction (such as towing a trailer) applies.

Question 42

When towing a trailer or driving a vehicle with three or more axles, what is the maximum speed on a highway even where the posted limit is higher?

Accepted Answer

55 mph — Vehicles towing a trailer or with three or more axles are limited to a maximum speed of 55 mph, even on highways posted at 65 or 70 mph.

Question 43

What speed is generally recommended when driving through a residential alley?

Accepted Answer

No more than 15 mph — Alleys are narrow with limited visibility, so drivers should travel no faster than 15 mph and watch for pedestrians and vehicles backing out.

Question 44

Which of these is a factor that could require driving below the posted speed limit under the basic speed law?

Accepted Answer

Heavy rain reducing visibility and traction — The basic speed law requires reducing speed below the posted limit when conditions such as heavy rain, fog, or poor visibility make the posted limit unsafe.

Question 45

A speed limit sign showing a number below a warning sign for a sharp curve represents what kind of speed?

Accepted Answer

An advisory speed considered safe for that curve — Advisory speed plates below warning signs suggest a safe speed for the hazard ahead, such as a curve, though it is not always a separately enforced legal limit like a posted speed limit sign.

Question 46

Is it illegal in California to drive so slowly that you block the normal flow of traffic when not required for safety?

Accepted Answer

Yes, impeding traffic unnecessarily is a violation — California law prohibits driving at a speed that impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable flow of traffic when it is not required for safety.

Question 47

Before making a right turn from the far-left lane of a one-way street with multiple turn lanes, what should a driver do?

Accepted Answer

Move into the correct turn lane well in advance and signal — Drivers should move into the proper lane for their intended turn well before reaching the intersection and signal continuously for at least 100 feet.

Question 48

When making a right turn at an intersection, which lane position should you generally be in before the turn?

Accepted Answer

The lane closest to the right curb or edge — Right turns should be made from the lane nearest the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, ending in the closest lane on the cross street.

Question 49

When making a left turn from a two-way street into a two-way street, which lane should you enter?

Accepted Answer

The lane nearest the center line, or leftmost lane for that direction — A left turn should begin and end just to the right of the center line of the road being entered, meaning the leftmost lane going in your direction.

Question 50

How far in advance should you signal before turning or changing lanes?

Accepted Answer

At least 100 feet before the turn — Drivers should signal continuously for at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes so others have time to react.

Question 51

Are U-turns permitted in a residential district if there is no traffic within 200 feet and no sign prohibits it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, U-turns are generally allowed there under those conditions — In a residential district, a U-turn is generally legal if it can be made safely, is not prohibited by signage, and no vehicle is approaching within 200 feet.

Question 52

Where are U-turns generally prohibited?

Accepted Answer

On streets posted above 25 mph without clear visibility, or where signed — U-turns are prohibited where a sign bans them, on curves, near hilltops with limited visibility, and on many roads posted above 25 mph unless a signal-controlled intersection allows it.

Question 53

Before turning right at a corner, why should you check your mirrors and blind spot even though you are turning in that direction?

Accepted Answer

A bicyclist or motorcyclist may be passing on your right — Cyclists and motorcyclists may travel along the right side of a lane or in a bike lane, so drivers must check for them before turning right to avoid a right-hook collision.

Question 54

When turning left across multiple oncoming lanes, what should you do if your view of oncoming traffic is blocked by a large vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Wait until you can clearly see that all lanes are clear — If a large vehicle blocks your view of oncoming lanes, you should wait until your view is clear so you can confirm it is safe to complete the turn.

Question 55

What is a 'hook turn' hazard that drivers should watch for when turning right at a red light?

Accepted Answer

A collision with a cyclist or pedestrian who has the right-of-way — When turning right, drivers often focus on cross traffic and may fail to notice a cyclist in a bike lane or a pedestrian in the crosswalk who has the right-of-way, causing a hook-turn collision.

Question 56

On a two-way street, where should you position your vehicle before making a left turn into a driveway?

Accepted Answer

Close to, but right of, the center line of the road — Before turning left, position your vehicle close to the center line (or in the proper left-turn lane) so other traffic can pass safely on the right.

Question 57

What does a solid white line between two lanes traveling the same direction generally indicate?

Accepted Answer

Lane changes are discouraged and should be avoided if possible — A solid white lane line discourages lane changes; drivers should stay in their lane unless necessary and it is safe to cross.

Question 58

A single broken yellow line next to a solid yellow line means that the side with the broken line may do what?

Accepted Answer

Cross the line to pass when safe — When a broken yellow line is on your side of a shared center line, you may cross it to pass when the way is clear; the solid side may not cross to pass.

Question 59

What does a diamond symbol painted in a lane along with the words 'HOV' typically indicate?

Accepted Answer

A lane restricted to high-occupancy vehicles meeting requirements — Diamond lane markings indicate a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane restricted to vehicles with the minimum number of occupants posted, unless otherwise exempt.

Question 60

When two lanes both display a left-turn arrow on the pavement at an intersection, what should drivers do?

Accepted Answer

Stay in their lane through the turn, merging only when safe after — When multiple lanes are marked for the same turn, each driver should stay within their lane through the turn and only change lanes afterward when safe.

Question 61

What should you do before changing lanes on a multi-lane road?

Accepted Answer

Signal, check mirrors, and check your blind spot before moving — Safe lane changes require signaling, checking mirrors, and checking the blind spot over your shoulder before moving into the new lane.

Question 62

On a road with a two-way left-turn lane (center turn lane) marked with yellow lines on both sides, what is this lane meant for?

Accepted Answer

Left turns only, from either direction, not for through travel or passing — A center two-way left-turn lane, marked by yellow lines on both sides, is meant only for vehicles turning left from either direction and should not be used to pass or drive through for a long distance.

Question 63

Which curb color generally indicates no stopping, standing, or parking at any time?

Accepted Answer

Red — A red curb means no stopping, standing, or parking is allowed at any time, often used near fire lanes or safety zones.

Question 64

A blue curb is generally reserved for what kind of parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking for disabled persons with a valid placard or plate — Blue curb zones are reserved for vehicles displaying a valid disabled person placard or license plate.

California Permit Test Sample Questions

Dui Alcohol Drugs

Lane Usage

Licensing Provisional Rules

Parking

Right Of Way

Seatbelts Child Safety

Speed Limits

Traffic Signals

Traffic Signs

Turning

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