Written Car Flashcards
1
Q
When Should you signal a turn?
A
At least 100 ft before turn
Before every lane change
At least five seconds before you change lanes on a freeway
Before pulling next to the curb or away from the curb.
When you are almost through the intersection if you plan to turn shortly after crossing the intersection
2
Q
When to use horn?
A
Alert oncoming traffic on narrow mountain roads where you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead.
3
Q
When should you switch from high to low beam headlights?
A
within 500 feet of a vehicle coming toward you
or within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.
4
Q
When should you use the headlights
A
- When it is too dark to see from 1,000 feet away.
- Beginning 30 minutes after sunset.
- Until 30 minutes before sunrise.
- In adverse weather. If you need to use your windshield wipers due to fog, rain, or snow, you must turn on your low-beam headlights.
- On mountain roads and tunnels (even on sunny days).
- To help other drivers see your vehicle, especially when the sun is lowon the horizon.
5
Q
When is it allowed to pass double solid yellow lines?
A
- In a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) carpool lane that has a
designated entrance on the left. - Instructed by construction or other signs to drive on the other side of the road because your side is closed or blocked.
- Turning left across a single set of double yellow lines to enter or exit a driveway or private road or make a U-turn.
6
Q
Double Solid White Lines, when is it ok to cross?
A
Never
change lanes over double solid white lines. Wait until you see a single
broken white line.
7
Q
What is a yield line?
A
solid white line of triangles that shows approaching vehicles where to yield or stop. The triangles point towards approaching vehicles.
8
Q
How long can you drive on a center left turn lane?
A
Only 200 feet to turn left.
9
Q
When should you use a turnout area or lane?
A
When 5 or more vehicles are behind you.
10
Q
When is it ok to be on a bicycle lane?
A
- Parking (where permitted).
- Entering or leaving the road.
- Turning (within 200 feet of an intersection).
11
Q
Right Turn at a Public Transit Bus Lane
A
It is illegal to drive, stop, park, or leave a vehicle in an area designated for public transit buses. Signs will be posted to indicate the lanes are for bus only use. However, you may cross a bus lane to make a right turn.
12
Q
When can you Left Turn Against a Red Light?
A
When you are turning from a oneway street onto a one-way street. Make sure there is no sign prohibiting
the turn
13
Q
When can you make a U turn?
A
- Across a double yellow line.
- In a residential district if no vehicles are approaching you within 200 feet.
- At an intersection on a green traffic light or green arrow, unless a No U-turn sign is posted.
- On a divided highway if a center divider opening is provided.
14
Q
When should you never make a U-turn?
A
- Where a No U-turn sign is posted.
- At or on a railroad crossing.
- On a divided highway by crossing a dividing section, curb, strip of land, or two sets of double yellow lines.
- When you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction.
- On a one-way street.
- In front of a fire station. Never use a fire station driveway to turn around.
- In business districts (the part of a city or town where most offices and businesses are).
15
Q
Merging highway
A
Be at or near the speed of traffic
Make sure you can stop safely by leaving three seconds of space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Do not cross over any solid lines when merging. If you need to cross several lanes, signal and cross them one at a time.
16
Q
Exit highway when should you signal?
A
5 seconds before exit (~400ft)
17
Q
Crossing or entering traffic from full stop
A
Half a block on city streets, which is about 150 feet.
A full block on the highway, which is about 300 feet.
18
Q
When should you not pass?
A
- If you are approaching a hill or curve and cannot see if other traffic is approaching. This is very dangerous on one and two lane roads.
- Within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, railroad crossing, or other hazardous area.
- At crossroads and driveways.
- Unless you have enough space to return to your lane.
19
Q
When can you pass on the right?
A
- An open highway has two or more lanes going in your direction.
- The driver ahead of you is turning left and you can safely pass on the right. Never pass on the left if the driver is signaling a left turn.
- You are on a one-way street.
20
Q
What should your speed be when someone is passing you?
A
Maintain your lane position and your speed.
21
Q
Parallel parking.
A
Need at least 3ft more than the length of your vehicle.
Be within 18 inches from curb
22
Q
Parking on hill
A
Turn wheels towards curb
Downhill: turn the wheels toward the curb.
Uphill: turn the wheels away from the curb.
No Curb: turn the wheels toward the shoulder of the road.
23
Q
White curb
A
Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers.
24
Q
Green curb
A
Park for a limited time. The time limit may be posted on signs or painted on the curb.
25
Yellow curb
Load and unload passengers and freight. Do not stop
longer than the time posted. If you drive a noncommercial vehicle, you are usually required to stay with your vehicle.
26
Red curb
No stopping, standing, or parking. Buses may stop at a red zone marked for buses only.
27
Blue curb
Parking for a disabled person or someone driving a
disabled person with a special placard or special license
plate
28
Illegal Parking
On a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
On a sidewalk, partially blocking a sidewalk, or in front of a driveway
Within three feet of a sidewalk ramp for disabled persons.
In front of or on a curb that provides wheelchair access to a sidewalk.
In the crosshatched (diagonal lines) area next to a designated disabled parking space.
In a tunnel or on a bridge, unless permitted by signs.
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or fire station driveway.
Within 20 feet of an unmarked or marked crosswalk, or within 15 feet
of a crosswalk where a curb extension is present.
Between a safety zone and curb.
Double parked.
On the wrong side of the street or on a freeway (exccept: emergency, when LE requires it, a stop is specifically permitted.)
29
Stopping in freeway
If you must stop on a freeway, park completely off the pavement and stay in your vehicle with the doors locked until help arrives. A vehicle that is stopped, parked, or left standing on a freeway for more than four hours may be removed.
30
Driving green
Speed up and slow down smoothly. Drive at a steady speed.
* Regularly inflate your tires, get oil changes, and check filters.
* Get rid of extra weight in your vehicle.
31
What to do during LE stop
Turn on your right turn signal to acknowledge that you see the officer.
* Move completely onto the right shoulder, even if in the carpool/HOV lane. Stop in a well-lit area when possible.
* Turn off your radio.
* Remain inside your vehicle unless directed to get out by the officer.
* Roll down your window after stopping your vehicle and before the officer makes contact with you.
* The driver and all passengers should place their hands in clear view before the officer makes contact with them.
32
Documents to produce to LE
The driver of a stopped vehicle must produce a driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration when stopped by law enforcement.
33
California LE immigration status
In California, only federal law enforcement officers can ask you about your immigration status.
34
Yellow Solid Light
When you see a yellow traffic signal light, stop, if you
can do so safely. If you cannot stop safely, cautiously cross the intersection.
35
Flashing Yellow Light
PROCEED WITH CAUTION. Slow down and be alert. You do not need to stop.
36
Traffic Light 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.
37
5-sided Sign
You are near a school. Drive slowly and stop for children in the crosswalk.
38
Intersections Without STOP or YIELD signs
The vehicle that arrives to the intersection first has the right-of-way. However, if a vehicle, pedestrian,
or bicyclist gets to the intersection at the same time as you, give the right-of-way to the vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist on your right. If you approach a stop sign and there is a stop sign on all four corners, stop first and proceed as above.
39
T intersections without STOP or YIELD signs
Vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians on the through road (continuing to go straight) have the right-of-way.
40
Intersection Turning left
Check for pedestrians. Give the right-of-way to any
pedestrian or approaching vehicle that is close enough to be dangerous.
41
Intersections Turning right
Always check for pedestrians crossing the street, and
motorcycles and bicycles riding next to you.
42
Braking lengths
The average passenger vehicle traveling at 55 mph can stop within 300 feet. A large vehicle traveling at the same speed can take up to 400 feet to stop.
43
Safety zones
Do not drive through a safety zone under any condition. When a bus, streetcar, or trolley is stopped at a safety zone or traffic light you may pass at no more than 10 mph.
44
Do not overtake and pass a light rail vehicle or streetcar on the left side, whether it is moving or standing, unless:
* When the tracks are so close to the right side that the passenger vehicle cannot pass on the right.
* You are on a one-way street.
* A traffic officer directs you to pass on the left.
45
Emergency vehicle
It is against the law to follow within 300 feet of any fire engine, law enforcement vehicle, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle when their siren or flashing lights are on.
46
NEV LSV
NEVs and LSVs reach a maximum speed of 25 mph. They are restricted from roads where the speed limit is greater than 35 mph.
47
Bicycling at Night
* A front lamp with a white light visible from 300 feet.
* A built-in rear red reflector, solid red light, or flashing red light. This must be visible from 500 feet.
* A white or yellow reflector on each pedal, the bicyclist’s shoes, or their ankles. These must be visible from 200 feet.
* A white or yellow reflector on the front wheel, a white or red reflector on the rear wheel, or reflectorized tires.
48
Entering bikelane
Enter a bike lane no more than 200 feet before starting a turn.
49
Fines and Double Fine Zones
Fines for traffic violations in a work zone can be $1,000 or more. Anyone convicted of assaulting a highway worker faces fines of up to $2,000 and imprisonment for up to one year
50
School Zone
The speed limit is 25 mph within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street. Some school zones may have speed limits as low as 15 mph.
51
Failing to stop with school bus flashing red lights
If you fail to stop, you may be fined up to $1,000 and your driving privilege could be suspended for one year.
52
Blind intersections
The speed limit for a blind intersection is 15 mph.
53
Alleys
An alley is any road no wider than 25 feet that is used to access the rear or side entrances of buildings or properties. You may drive on or cross a sidewalk to enter or exit a driveway or alley. The speed limit in an alley is 15 mph.
54
Near Railroad or Light Rail Tracks
The speed limit is 15 mph within 100 feet of a railroad crossing and you cannot see the tracks for 400 feet in both directions. You may drive faster than 15 mph if the crossing is controlled by gates, a warning signal, or a flagman.
When the crossing devices or a person warns you a train is coming, stop at least 15 feet from the nearest track.
55
Speed Limit in Business or Residential Districts
The speed limit is 25 mph, unless otherwise posted.
56
Load size
Not carry anything in or on a passenger vehicle which extends beyond the fenders on the left side or more than 6-inches beyond the fenders on the right side.
— Cargo that extends more than 4 feet from the back-rear bumper of the vehicle must display a 12-inch red or fluorescent orange square flag.
— At night, this cargo must be marked with two red lights.
57
If you start to skid
1. Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator.
2. Do not use the brakes.
3. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.
4. Try to get a wheel on dry pavement.
58
Points suspension
4 points in 12 months.
* 6 points in 24 months.
* 8 points in 36 months.
59
Locked Wheel Skids
Four-wheel antilock braking system (ABS), apply firm pressure on the brake pedal.
* Rear-wheel ABS (common in light trucks):
— Ease up on the brake pedal while maintaining just enough pressure to allow the front wheels to roll again so you can steer.
— Stop braking and turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid.
* Front-wheel ABS, remove your foot from the brake pedal to unlock the wheels. Steer in the direction you want to go and straighten the front wheels as the vehicle begins to straighten out.
If your vehicle is not equipped with ABS and begins to skid, quickly pump your brakes until you are at a safe speed. If you:
* Press the brake pedal and it sinks to the floor, quickly pump the brakes by gently applying and releasing pressure on your brake pedal.
* Pump the brakes, down shift your vehicle into a lower or neutral gear to slow down. Then try using your emergency brake to stop.
60
Slippery Roads
* Wet road: Reduce your speed by 5 to 10 mph.
* Packed snow: Reduce your speed by half.
* Ice: Reduce your speed to no more than 5 mph.
61
Storm driving
If you cannot see farther than 100 feet, it is not safe to drive faster than 30 mph. You may have to stop from time
to time to wipe mud or snow off your windshield, headlights, and taillights.
62
Hydroplaning
* Drive slowly.
* Steer around standing water, if possible.
* Slow down if you hear sloshing sounds from the tires.
* Slow down when changing lanes or direction.
If your vehicle starts to hydroplane:
* Slow down gradually.
* Do not use the brakes. Sudden braking may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
63
Stuck in Snow or Mud
1. Shift into a low gear and keep the front wheels straight.
2. Gently step on the accelerator. Avoid spinning the wheels.
3. Drive slowly forward as far as possible.
4. Shift into reverse and slowly back up as far as possible. Do not spin the wheels.
5. Shift into a low gear again and drive forward.
6. Repeat a forward-backward motion until the vehicle rolls free.
7. In deep mud or snow, put boards, tree branches, etc., under the tires. Only take this action when the vehicle is stopped.
64
Fog or smoke
* Use your low-beam headlights. High-beam headlights will reflect back
and cause glare.
* Never drive using only your parking or fog lights.
If the fog becomes too thick to drive safely, consider pulling off the road. Activate your emergency flashers and wait for conditions to improve.
65
Law Enforcement Traffic Breaks
* Turn on your emergency flashers to warn other drivers.
* Slowly decrease your speed to the same speed as the officer. Do not brake suddenly unless necessary to avoid a collision. Keep a safe distance from the patrol vehicle ahead of you.
* Not drive past the patrol vehicle. Do not speed up until the officer turns off their emergency lights and traffic conditions allow you to return to your normal speed.
66
Child Seat
Children who are under 2 years old, under 40 pounds, and under 3 feet 4 inches tall: Secure in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system.
67
Children who are under 8 years old, or who are less than 4 feet 9 inches tall:
Secure in a child passenger restraint system in a rear
seat. In some cases, children under 8 years old may ride in the front seat of a vehicle in a federally-approved child passenger restraint system. They may ride in the front seat if:
— There is no rear seat.
— The rear seats are side-facing jump seats.
— The rear seats are rear-facing seats.
— The child passenger restraint system cannot be installed properly in the rear seat.
— All rear seats are already occupied by children 7 years old or younger.
— Medical reasons prevent the child from riding in the back seat.
68
Children who are 8 years old or older, or at least 4 feet 9 inches tall:
May use a properly secured safety belt that meets federal
standards.
69
Airbag distance
Ride at least 10 inches from the airbag cover, as long as you can maintain full control of your vehicle.
70
Unattended Children and Pets
It is illegal to leave a child who is six years old or younger unattended in a vehicle. A child may be left under the supervision of a person who is at least 12 years old.
71
Speed Limit highways
. Unless otherwise posted, the ideal maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph. It is 55 mph on a two-lane undivided highway and for vehicles towing trailers.
72
Refusal to take drug test or alcohol
If you refuse to take one, DMV will suspend or revoke
your driving privilege for one year.
If you are 13 to 20 years old and convicted of operating
a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, your driving
privilege may be suspended or delayed for one year once you are
eligible to drive.
73
Blood alcohol limits
0.08% or higher if you are over 21 years old.
* 0.01% or higher if you are under 21 years old.
* 0.01% or higher at any age if you are on DUI probation.
* 0.04% or higher if you drive a vehicle that requires a commercial driver’s license.
* 0.04% or higher if you are driving a passenger for hire.
74
Insurance
Your insurance must cover at least:
* $15,000 for a single death or injury.
* $30,000 for death or injury to more than one person.
* $5,000 for property damage.
74
Common causes collision
* Driver distractions.
* Unsafe speed.
* Improper turns.
* Not following the right-of-way rules.
* Not following stop signals and signs.
* Driving on the wrong side of the road.
* A vehicle traveling faster or slower than the flow of traffic.
74
DUI Conviction
* You may be sentenced to up to six months in jail.
* You may have to pay a fine.
* Law enforcement may impound your vehicle and you may have to
pay a storage fee.
* If you cause serious injury or death while driving under the influence
of drugs or alcohol, you may face civil lawsuits.
All DUI convictions remain on your driver’s record for 10 years.
75
Collision
Report to LE within 24 hrs if anyone injured or killed. * If you kill or injure an animal, call the nearest humane society or law enforcement.
must report it to DMV within 10 days if more than $1,000 in damage to property, anyone injured or killed.
75
Driving without insurance
suspension for up to 4 years
76
Buying selling vehicle
When you buy a vehicle, you have 10 days to transfer ownership to your name.
When you sell a vehicle, you must notify DMV within five days
77
Out of state vehicles
You have 20 days to register your vehicle after you become
a resident or get a job in California
