California CAR DMV Practice Test 13

You should adjust your speed to travel smoothly with the other traffic on a roadway (provided that the other traffic is driving within the posted speed limits). Remember that vehicles moving in the same direction at the same speed cannot hit each other. Crashes involving multiple vehicles often happen when some vehicles are traveling at different speeds than others.

The only way to remove the effects of alcohol from the body is to let time pass. Eating, drinking coffee, or taking a shower will not speed up this process.

If you come across a "No passing zone" sign, it is not legal to pass in the indicated area. You are likely driving in an area with restricted visibility where it would be unsafe to pass another vehicle.

If you experience a sudden tire blowout, do not panic. Grasp the steering wheel firmly and take your foot off the accelerator to allow the vehicle to roll to a stop. Lightly apply the breaks when it is safe to do so. Do not move to the shoulder of the road until the car has slowed considerably.

To drive quickly, pass, or turn left, use the left lane. Use the right lane when driving more slowly than surrounding traffic, entering the road, or turning right.

It is illegal to drive under the influence of any substance that impairs your ability to drive safely. This includes alcohol, prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and illegal drugs.

While airbags provide supplemental protection for adults in the event of a crash, they pose a severe safety risk for children. Anyone age 12 or under should sit in the back seat of a vehicle with airbags.

This sign indicates that there is a crossroad ahead.

You may sometimes turn right when stopped by a solid red light. You may never turn left or right when stopped by a traffic light with a red arrow.

Before you return to your driving lane, be sure you are not dangerously close to the vehicle you have just passed. One way to do this is to look for the vehicle in your inside rearview mirror. When you can see both headlights in your rearview mirror, you may have enough room to return to your driving lane.

When you sell or transfer a vehicle, you must notify the DMV within five days.

Many roads are most slippery during the first rain after a dry spell because oil and dust on the road have not previously been washed away.

Drivers must obey special signs or instructions given by flaggers. They are in place to keep drivers and workers safe.

Always be aware of what is happening around your vehicle. Constantly observing your surroundings to the front, sides, and rear of your vehicle will help you see problems that may require you to change speed or roadway position.

Not getting enough sleep is a cause of poor driving behavior. Just like drugs and alcohol, sleepiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness, and impairs judgment.

Stopping distances are longer and crashes are more severe when traffic travels at higher speeds.

This sign indicates that there is a pedestrian crosswalk.

Minors may not use a cellular phone while driving, except for certain emergencies. Cell phones are allowed to be used by drivers over age 18, but a hands-free device should be used.

A double yellow centerline means that it is prohibited for traffic from either direction to cross the centerline to pass.

A diamond-shaped yellow sign warns of possible danger ahead. Orange signs, which are mostly diamond-shaped, are used to warn of possible dangers in or near work areas.

When turning left from a one-way street onto a one-way street, start the turn from the far left lane. Watch for pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists between your vehicle and the curb because they may also legally use the left turn lane for their left turns. Turn into any lane that is safely open.

This sign indicates that there is a yield sign ahead. You should begin to slow down when you see this warning sign.

You must drive more slowly than usual when there is heavy traffic or bad weather. However, if you block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic by driving too slowly, you may be cited. You should match the speed of traffic, unless the speed of traffic exceeds the legal speed limit.

To avoid last-minute moves, scan the road 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle so you can see hazards early. Constantly staring at the road right in front of your vehicle is dangerous.

A driver should watch beside, ahead, and to the rear of their car. To be a good driver, you must know what is happening all around your vehicle.

It is never a good idea to leave a child unattended in a car. It is illegal to leave a child who is age six or younger unattended in a vehicle. A child may be left in a car if they are under the supervision of a person age 12 or older.

Warning signs are usually yellow with black markings. They alert you to conditions that are immediately ahead. There may be an upcoming change in traffic direction, a steep downgrade, or another potentially hazardous situation that requires action on the part of the driver.

Expect a train on any track, at any time, traveling in either direction. If you need to stop after crossing the tracks, wait until you can completely cross the tracks before proceeding. Make sure your vehicle clears the tracks before you stop.

The flashing overhead lights and stop arm on a school bus will be activated when the bus is stopped to load or unload students. If approaching a bus using these signals, you may not proceed until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been retracted. Never pass a school bus that is dropping off or picking up students.

When changing lanes, look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move. Check for obstructions near the rear corners of your vehicle. These areas are called “blind spots” because you cannot see them by using your mirrors.