Written Test Flashcards
16 cards from real DMV practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 16 Written Test flashcards as text
In a residential area, the speed restriction is _________ unless otherwise indicated.
Answer: 25 mph
In a residential area, the default speed limit is 25 mph unless otherwise indicated by posted signs. This lower speed limit is established to ensure the safety of pedestrians, children, and other residents in areas with higher potential for unexpected activity. Always be mindful of your surroundings in residential zones.
You've been in a small traffic mishap with a parked car and can't seem to locate the owner. You must do:
Answer: Both of the above are true.
If you are involved in a small traffic mishap with a parked car and cannot locate the owner, you must take two actions. First, leave a note on the vehicle's dashboard with your contact information. Second, report the collision as soon as possible to the city police or the CHP in unincorporated regions, especially if there's significant damage.
A diamond-shaped symbol denotes the following:
Answer: warning
A diamond-shaped symbol on a road sign denotes a warning. These signs are used to alert drivers to potential hazards ahead, such as curves, intersections, pedestrian crossings, or changes in road conditions. They require drivers to exercise increased caution and attention to the road.
When two solid yellow lines separate oncoming vehicles and designate the middle of the road:
Answer: It is not permitted to pass in any direction.
When two solid yellow lines separate oncoming vehicles and designate the middle of the road, it means passing is strictly prohibited in both directions. These lines indicate areas where it is unsafe to cross into the opposing lane, such as on hills or curves with limited visibility. Adhering to this rule is crucial for preventing head-on collisions.
YOU'RE ON A HIGHWAY WITH TWO TRAFFIC LANES DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF YOU, AND YOU SEE A VEHICLE STOPPED ON THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AHEAD WITH HAZARD LIGHTS ON. YOU ARE ADVISED TO:
Answer: Slow down and pass with caution.
When you see a vehicle stopped on the right shoulder of the road ahead with hazard lights on, you are advised to slow down and pass with caution. This allows you to react safely if the vehicle or its occupants move unexpectedly. Many areas also have 'Move Over' laws requiring drivers to shift lanes or reduce speed when passing stopped emergency or service vehicles.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS SIGN IS TO PREVENT:
Answer: On one-way streets and highway ramps, wrong-way entrances are common.
The 'DO NOT ENTER' or 'WRONG WAY' sign, often red with white text, is specifically designed to prevent drivers from entering one-way streets or highway ramps in the wrong direction. These signs are critical for preventing head-on collisions and ensuring safe traffic flow by clearly indicating prohibited entry points.
In foggy conditions, you should use your:
Answer: Low beams.
In foggy conditions, you should always use your low beam headlights. High beams reflect off the fog particles, creating glare and reducing visibility even further, making it harder to see. Low beams direct light downwards and forward, illuminating the road more effectively without causing excessive reflection.
When merging into the motorway, you should be doing the following:
Answer: At or near the same speed as the interstate traffic.
When merging onto a motorway, it's crucial to match the speed of the existing traffic flow. This minimizes the speed differential, allowing you to blend smoothly and safely into the lane without disrupting traffic. Accelerating to highway speed helps prevent collisions and ensures efficient merging.
You have the legal right to close down an intersection:
Answer: Under no circumstances.
Drivers are legally prohibited from entering an intersection if they cannot clear it completely, even if the light is green. This rule, often called 'blocking the box,' prevents traffic congestion and gridlock. It ensures that cross-traffic can flow once their light turns green, maintaining orderly traffic movement.
A SINGLE BROKEN WHITE (OR YELLOW) LINE MAY NOT BE CROSSED.
Answer: When doing so would cause traffic congestion
A single broken white (or yellow) line generally indicates that passing or changing lanes is permitted when safe. However, crossing any line, even a broken one, is prohibited if it would impede traffic flow or create a dangerous situation. Causing congestion by blocking traffic is always an unsafe and often illegal maneuver.
You've just sold your car. Within ___ days, you must tell the DMV.
Answer: 5
In California, when you sell or transfer ownership of a vehicle, you are legally required to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 5 days. This notification protects you from liability for any parking violations, accidents, or other issues involving the vehicle after the sale. It ensures the DMV's records are accurate regarding vehicle ownership.
When parked uphill near to a curb, which way do you turn your front wheels?
Answer: Away from the curb
When parking uphill with a curb, you should turn your front wheels away from the curb. This way, if your vehicle's brakes fail, the wheels will turn into the curb, preventing the car from rolling into traffic. This is a critical safety measure to secure the parked vehicle.
The following rules apply to the speed restriction in residential areas:
Answer: 25 mph
In California, the default speed limit in residential areas is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. This lower speed limit is set to ensure the safety of pedestrians, children, and other residents in areas with higher activity and potential hazards. Drivers must always be aware of their surroundings and adjust speed accordingly.
When a traffic light has a red arrow pointing to the right, you may:
Answer: Not turn in that direction until, the light turns green.
A red arrow traffic signal specifically prohibits turns in the direction of the arrow. Unlike a solid red light where a right turn on red might be permitted after stopping, a red arrow means you must wait until a green arrow or a solid green light appears for that direction. Disregarding a red arrow is a traffic violation.
If you are found guilty of operating a vehicle while above the legal limit for alcohol, you could receive the following punishments:
Answer: Up to six months in jail.
Operating a vehicle while above the legal alcohol limit (DUI) in California carries severe penalties, even for a first offense. These can include fines, license suspension, mandatory DUI school, and potential jail time. A first offense can result in up to six months in county jail, highlighting the seriousness of impaired driving.
What should you do when a flashing yellow signal light is present at an intersection?
Answer: Slow down and cross carefully
A flashing yellow signal light at an intersection indicates that drivers should proceed with caution. It means that you do not need to stop, but you should slow down significantly and be prepared to stop if necessary, yielding to any pedestrians or vehicles already in the intersection. This signal warns of potential hazards or merging traffic.