California knowledge test practice

How this practice set compares to the real test

All 48 questions with answers

Open a question to see its answer, the explanation, and the handbook sentence it is based on.

1. Q1. You are stopped at a red light and want to turn right. When does the handbook say you may make the turn? A. Slow down and proceed without a complete stop if the way is clearB. Only after the light turns greenC. After you make a complete stop, unless a No Turn on Red sign is postedD. Only when you are turning from a one-way street onto a one-way street Show the answer

   Answer: C. After you make a complete stop, unless a No Turn on Red sign is posted

   You may turn right on a red light after coming to a complete stop, as long as there is no No Turn on Red sign. The other options borrow other rules - the left-turn-on-red one-way condition, the wait-for-green rule, and the roll-through behavior of a YIELD sign - none of which is the right-turn-on-red rule.

   Handbook: You may turn right at a red light after a complete stop unless there is a No Turn on Red sign. - Section 6 - Navigating the Roads: Right Turn Against a Red Light

2. Q2. You are at a red light, turning left from a one-way street onto a one-way street with no sign prohibiting the turn. What does the handbook require before you complete the turn? A. Yield to any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian who has a green lightB. Wait for a green light before you turnC. Yield only to whichever vehicle arrived at the intersection firstD. Yield only to an approaching vehicle that is close enough to be dangerous Show the answer

   Answer: A. Yield to any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian who has a green light

   A left turn against a red light is legal only from a one-way street onto a one-way street with no prohibiting sign (the conditions in the question); even then you must yield to anyone who has a green light before completing it. The other options borrow the first-to-arrive rule, the ordinary left-turn yield standard, and the wait-for-green rule - none is the requirement for this turn.

   Handbook: Yield to other vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists who have a green light. - Section 6 - Navigating the Roads: Left Turn Against a Red Light

3. Q3. A double solid yellow line runs down the middle of the road. What does it tell you? A. You may pass a vehicle ahead of youB. It divides a carpool (HOV) lane from the regular lanesC. The lanes travel in the same directionD. Do not pass across the lines Show the answer

   Answer: D. Do not pass across the lines

   Double solid yellow lines mean do not pass across them. The other options are the meanings of different markings - the broken-yellow passing rule, the single-solid-white same-direction marking, and the double-solid-white carpool-lane divider - none of which is the double-solid-yellow rule.

   Handbook: Do not pass over double solid yellow lines. - Section 6 - Navigating the Roads: Double Solid Yellow Lines

4. Q4. You approach an intersection with no STOP or YIELD signs, and another vehicle clearly gets there before you. According to the handbook, what should you do? A. Yield to the vehicle on your rightB. Yield to the vehicle that arrived firstC. Yield to traffic on the through roadD. Yield to any oncoming vehicle that is close enough to be dangerous Show the answer

   Answer: B. Yield to the vehicle that arrived first

   At an uncontrolled intersection the handbook settles priority by order of arrival, so you give the right-of-way to whoever got there first. The other options are the yield-to-the-right rule, the through-road rule, and the left-turn rule (yield to oncoming traffic close enough to be dangerous) - none of which decides arrival order.

   Handbook: The vehicle that arrives to the intersection first has the right-of-way. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First? (Intersections)

5. Q5. At an intersection with no STOP or YIELD signs, you and another vehicle arrive at exactly the same time. What does the handbook tell you to do? A. Proceed, because the vehicle that arrived first has the right-of-wayB. Give the right-of-way to the vehicle on your rightC. Give the right-of-way to the vehicle on the through roadD. Yield to the traffic already occupying the lanes Show the answer

   Answer: B. Give the right-of-way to the vehicle on your right

   When two road users reach an uncontrolled intersection together, the tie is given to whoever is on the right, so you yield to the vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian to your right. The other options are the arrival-order rule, the through-road rule, and the entering-traffic rule (yield to traffic already in the lanes) - none of which decides a tie between two vehicles arriving together.

   Handbook: 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. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First? (Without STOP or YIELD signs)

6. Q6. You reach an intersection with a stop sign on all four corners. After you stop, how does the handbook say to decide who goes? A. Whoever arrived first, regardless of who is on the rightB. The vehicle on the through road goes firstC. The first to arrive goes; if two arrive together, the one on the right goesD. After stopping, go ahead and the other drivers will yield to you Show the answer

   Answer: C. The first to arrive goes; if two arrive together, the one on the right goes

   At an all-way stop every driver must stop, then the ordinary intersection order applies: first to arrive proceeds, and a tie is given to the driver on the right. The other options are the through-road rule, the arrival rule stripped of its tie-breaker, and the dangerous assumption the handbook warns against - that other drivers will give you the right-of-way.

   Handbook: 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. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First? (Without STOP or YIELD signs)

7. Q7. You are turning left at an intersection and have yielded to any crossing pedestrians. What must you still do before completing the turn? A. Yield to any approaching vehicle close enough to be dangerousB. Give the right-of-way to whichever vehicle arrived firstC. Give the right-of-way to the vehicle on your rightD. Slow down and be ready to stop, then continue on Show the answer

   Answer: A. Yield to any approaching vehicle close enough to be dangerous

   A left-turning driver has no right-of-way: after letting pedestrians cross, you must still yield to oncoming traffic that is close enough to be a hazard before completing the turn. The other options are real rules for other situations - yield-to-the-right, arrival order, and the yield response - none of which lets you turn across close oncoming traffic.

   Handbook: Give the right-of-way to any pedestrian or approaching vehicle that is close enough to be dangerous. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First? (Turning Left)

8. Q8. A pedestrian is crossing the road within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. Who has the right-of-way? A. The vehicle on your rightB. The vehicle that arrived firstC. The vehicle on the through roadD. The pedestrian in the crosswalk Show the answer

   Answer: D. The pedestrian in the crosswalk

   Pedestrians have the right-of-way in a crosswalk, marked or unmarked, so the pedestrian goes and you wait. The other options name the party that would have priority under real vehicle-vs-vehicle intersection rules - arrival order, yield-to-the-right, and the through road - none of which overrides a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

   Handbook: Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked or unmarked crosswalks. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First? (Crosswalks)

9. Q9. The vehicle ahead of you has stopped at a crosswalk. What does the handbook tell you to do? A. Do not pass the vehicle stopped at the crosswalkB. Proceed, since you have the right-of-wayC. Pull to the right edge of the road and stopD. Slow down and be ready to stop, then continue on Show the answer

   Answer: A. Do not pass the vehicle stopped at the crosswalk

   A vehicle stopped at a crosswalk may be hiding a pedestrian you cannot see, so you stay behind it rather than passing. The other options are the emergency-vehicle response, the yield response, and a mistaken right-of-way claim - none of which lets you pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.

   Handbook: Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First? (Pedestrians)

10. Q10. A partially blind pedestrian is crossing the road using a white cane. Who has the right-of-way? A. The vehicle on the through roadB. The vehicle that arrived firstC. The vehicle on your rightD. The pedestrian, at all times Show the answer

    Answer: D. The pedestrian, at all times

    A pedestrian using a white cane or a guide dog is given the right-of-way at all times, without condition. The other options name the party that would have priority under real vehicle-vs-vehicle intersection rules - arrival order, yield-to-the-right, and the through road - none of which overrides a blind pedestrian's right-of-way.

    Handbook: Pedestrians using guide dogs or white canes have the right-of-way at all times. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First? (Pedestrians who are Blind)

11. Q11. As you approach and enter a roundabout, what does the handbook tell you to do? A. Proceed, because you have the right-of-way if you reach it firstB. Enter without waiting; the circulating traffic will make room for youC. Yield to all traffic already in the roundaboutD. Give the right-of-way to the vehicle on your right Show the answer

    Answer: C. Yield to all traffic already in the roundabout

    Entering traffic yields at a roundabout: you wait for a gap and give way to the vehicles already circulating. The other options are the arrival-order rule, the yield-to-the-right rule, and the dangerous assumption that circulating traffic will make room for you.

    Handbook: Yield to all traffic already in the roundabout. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First? (Roundabouts)

12. Q12. Which statement about a roundabout is correct according to the handbook? A. The first vehicle to arrive has the right-of-wayB. Traffic travels in one direction around a central islandC. Drivers yield to the vehicle on their rightD. Traffic on the through road has the right-of-way Show the answer

    Answer: B. Traffic travels in one direction around a central island

    In a roundabout all traffic flows one way around the central island. There is no through road and no arrival-order or yield-to-the-right contest, because drivers entering simply yield to whoever is already circulating.

    Handbook: In a roundabout, traffic travels in one direction around a central island. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First? (Roundabouts)

13. Q13. Two vehicles meet on a steep, narrow road where neither can pass, so one must back up the grade to let the other by. Which vehicle has the right-of-way? A. The vehicle that arrived at the spot firstB. The vehicle on the rightC. The vehicle on the through roadD. The vehicle facing uphill Show the answer

    Answer: D. The vehicle facing uphill

    On a steep, narrow road where neither vehicle can pass, the one facing uphill has the right-of-way; the downhill vehicle backs up the grade - it has more control reversing - to let the uphill vehicle by. The other options are the arrival-order, yield-to-the-right, and through-road rules from ordinary intersections.

    Handbook: If two vehicles meet on a steep narrow road and neither vehicle can pass, the vehicle facing uphill has the right-of-way. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First? (Mountain Roads)

14. Q14. An emergency vehicle is approaching you using its siren and red lights. According to the handbook, what should you do? A. Give the right-of-way to the vehicle on your rightB. Proceed, because the vehicle that arrived first has the right-of-wayC. Drive to the right edge of the road and stop until it has passedD. Yield to traffic on the through road Show the answer

    Answer: C. Drive to the right edge of the road and stop until it has passed

    An emergency vehicle using a siren and red lights has the right-of-way, so you pull to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes. The other options are ordinary intersection right-of-way rules - yield-to-the-right, arrival order, and the through-road rule - none of which is the response to an approaching emergency vehicle.

    Handbook: Drive to the right edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle(s) have passed. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued): Emergency Vehicles

15. Q15. You are already in an intersection when you see an emergency vehicle approaching with its siren on. What does the handbook tell you to do? A. Continue through the intersection, then drive to the right and stopB. Pull to the right edge and stop right away, before clearing the intersectionC. Proceed, because the vehicle that arrived first has the right-of-wayD. Give the right-of-way to the vehicle on your right Show the answer

    Answer: A. Continue through the intersection, then drive to the right and stop

    If you are already in an intersection when an emergency vehicle appears, you clear the intersection first, then pull to the right and stop - you do not stop inside the intersection. The other options are the general pull-over rule applied too soon, yield-to-the-right, and arrival order.

    Handbook: If you are in an intersection when you see an emergency vehicle, continue through the intersection. Drive to the right as soon as it is safe and stop. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued): Emergency Vehicles

16. Q16. An emergency vehicle ahead of you has its siren and flashing lights on. How closely does the handbook allow you to follow it? A. No closer than 500 feetB. No closer than 300 feetC. No closer than 100 feetD. No closer than 400 feet Show the answer

    Answer: B. No closer than 300 feet

    It is against the law to follow within 300 feet of an emergency vehicle when its siren or flashing lights are on. The other options are other real handbook distances - the 100-foot visibility figure, the 500-foot school-zone figure, and the 400-foot railroad sight-distance figure - none of which is the following distance behind an emergency vehicle.

    Handbook: 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. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued): Emergency Vehicles

17. Q17. You are entering a roadway from a driveway or parking lot. What does the handbook tell you to do? A. Proceed, because the vehicle that arrived first has the right-of-wayB. Proceed with caution and yield to the traffic already in the lanesC. Give the right-of-way only to any approaching vehicle that is close enough to be dangerousD. Give the right-of-way to the vehicle on your right Show the answer

    Answer: B. Proceed with caution and yield to the traffic already in the lanes

    When you enter a roadway you must yield to the traffic already occupying the lanes - you do not have priority over it. The other options are yield-to-the-right, arrival order, and the narrower left-turn standard (only vehicles close enough to be dangerous), none of which is the rule for entering traffic.

    Handbook: When entering traffic, you must proceed with caution and yield to the traffic already occupying the lanes. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Entering Traffic

18. Q18. You are approaching an intersection on a green light, but traffic is backed up on the far side. What does the handbook tell you to do? A. Enter and yield to the traffic already occupying the lanes aheadB. Yield to traffic on the through roadC. Proceed, because the vehicle that arrived first has the right-of-wayD. Do not enter the intersection unless you can get completely across Show the answer

    Answer: D. Do not enter the intersection unless you can get completely across

    It is against the law to block an intersection: if there is not enough room to get all the way across, you wait rather than entering. The other options are arrival order, the through-road rule, and the entering-traffic yield rule - none of which is the anti-gridlock rule for a backed-up intersection.

    Handbook: It is against the law to stop or block an intersection where there is not enough space to completely cross before the traffic signal light turns red. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First? (Entering Traffic)

19. Q19. You reach a T-intersection that has no STOP or YIELD signs, traveling on the road that ends at the intersection. Who has the right-of-way? A. Traffic on the through road has the right-of-wayB. The vehicle on your right has the right-of-wayC. An approaching vehicle that is close enough to be dangerous has the right-of-wayD. Whichever vehicle arrived at the intersection first has the right-of-way Show the answer

    Answer: A. Traffic on the through road has the right-of-way

    At a T-intersection without STOP or YIELD signs, traffic on the through road - the road that continues straight - has the right-of-way, so a driver on the ending road must yield. The other options are the same-time yield-to-the-right rule, the first-to-arrive rule, and the left-turn yield standard - none is the T-intersection rule.

    Handbook: Vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians on the through road (continuing to go straight) have the right-of-way. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Right-of-Way Rules: Who Goes First? (T-Intersections without STOP or YIELD signs)

20. Q20. You are following a bicyclist and the lane is too narrow to change lanes to get by. What does the law require of you as you pass the bicyclist? A. Give it the full lane whenever possibleB. Never try to pass it in the same laneC. Leave at least three feet of spaceD. Allow a safe three-second following distance Show the answer

    Answer: C. Leave at least three feet of space

    When you cannot change lanes, the law requires you to leave at least three feet between your vehicle and the bicyclist. The other options are real sharing rules for other road users that do not set the bicycle passing distance.

    Handbook: When you cannot change lanes to pass a bicyclist, allow at least three feet between your vehicle and the bicyclist. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Passing a Bicyclist

21. Q21. A motorcycle is travelling ahead of you in your lane. What does the handbook tell you to do? A. Leave at least three feet of spaceB. Give it the full lane, whenever possibleC. Look at its turn signals before you passD. Never turn in front of it Show the answer

    Answer: B. Give it the full lane, whenever possible

    A motorcycle is entitled to the full lane whenever possible; you do not share it side by side. The other options are real sharing rules for other road users that do not set how much lane to give a motorcycle.

    Handbook: Whenever possible, give a motorcycle the full lane. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Motorcycles

22. Q22. A traffic signal light turns green as you reach the intersection. What does the handbook tell you to do? A. Yield to whichever vehicle arrived at the intersection firstB. Slow down and be ready to stop to let others pass before you proceedC. Go, but still stop for any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian in the intersectionD. Give the right-of-way to the vehicle on your right Show the answer

    Answer: C. Go, but still stop for any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian in the intersection

    A green light means GO, but you must still stop for any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian already in the intersection. The other options are the YIELD-sign behavior and two uncontrolled-intersection rules - yield to whoever arrived first and yield to the vehicle on your right - none of which is the green-light rule.

    Handbook: A green traffic signal light means GO. You should still stop for any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian in the intersection. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Solid Green Light

23. Q23. You are approaching a YIELD sign. What does the handbook tell you to do? A. Slow down and be ready to stop, letting others pass firstB. Yield to whichever vehicle arrived at the intersection firstC. Stop only for a vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian already in the intersectionD. Proceed straight through without slowing Show the answer

    Answer: A. Slow down and be ready to stop, letting others pass first

    At a YIELD sign you slow down and be ready to stop, letting any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian pass before you proceed. The other options borrow the green-light GO rule, the first-to-arrive rule, and the green-light rule to stop for anyone already in the intersection - none is the YIELD-sign rule.

    Handbook: Slow down and be ready to stop to let any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian pass before you proceed. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Red YIELD Sign

24. Q24. A traffic signal is showing a steady red light. What does it require you to do? A. Slow down and proceed with cautionB. Caution - the light is about to turn redC. Stop, then go when it is safeD. Come to a complete stop Show the answer

    Answer: D. Come to a complete stop

    A Solid Red Light means STOP - come to a complete stop. The other options are the meanings of other signs or signals - each belongs to a different one, not this one.

    Handbook: A red traffic signal light means STOP. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Solid Red Light

25. Q25. The signal for your turn lane shows a red arrow. What are you allowed to do? A. You may turn, but the turn is unprotectedB. Stop, and do not make the turnC. Go in the direction the arrow pointsD. The protected turn is ending Show the answer

    Answer: B. Stop, and do not make the turn

    A Red Arrow means "Stop, and do not make the turn". The other options are the meanings of other signs or signals - each belongs to a different one, not this one.

    Handbook: A red arrow means STOP. Do not turn at a red arrow. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Red Arrow

26. Q26. You come to an intersection with a flashing red light. What does it mean? A. Stop, then go when it is safeB. Slow down and proceed with cautionC. Stop, and stay stopped until the light changesD. Go Show the answer

    Answer: A. Stop, then go when it is safe

    A Flashing Red Light means "Stop, then go when it is safe". The other options are the meanings of other signs or signals - each belongs to a different one, not this one.

    Handbook: A flashing red signal light means STOP. After stopping, you may go when it is safe. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Flashing Red Light

27. Q27. The light ahead changes to a steady yellow as you approach. What is it telling you? A. Stop, then go when it is safeB. Stop, and stay stopped until the light changesC. Caution - the light is about to turn redD. Slow down and proceed with caution Show the answer

    Answer: C. Caution - the light is about to turn red

    A Solid Yellow Light means "Caution - the light is about to turn red". The other options are the meanings of other signs or signals - each belongs to a different one, not this one.

    Handbook: A yellow traffic signal light means CAUTION. The light is about to turn red. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Solid Yellow Light

28. Q28. A steady yellow arrow appears for your turn. What does it indicate? A. You may turn, but the turn is unprotectedB. Stop, and do not make the turnC. Go in the direction the arrow pointsD. The protected turn is ending Show the answer

    Answer: D. The protected turn is ending

    A Yellow Arrow means "The protected turn is ending". The other options are the meanings of other signs or signals - each belongs to a different one, not this one.

    Handbook: A yellow arrow means the protected turning time is ending. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Yellow Arrow

29. Q29. You approach a signal displaying a flashing yellow light. What does it warn you to do? A. Slow down and proceed with cautionB. Stop, and stay stopped until the light changesC. Stop, then go when it is safeD. Caution - the light is about to turn red Show the answer

    Answer: A. Slow down and proceed with caution

    A Flashing Yellow Light means "Slow down and proceed with caution". The other options are the meanings of other signs or signals - each belongs to a different one, not this one.

    Handbook: A flashing yellow traffic signal light is a warning to PROCEED WITH CAUTION. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Flashing Yellow Light

30. Q30. Your turn lane shows a flashing yellow arrow. What does it allow? A. Stop, and do not make the turnB. The protected turn is endingC. Go in the direction the arrow pointsD. You may turn, but the turn is unprotected Show the answer

    Answer: D. You may turn, but the turn is unprotected

    A Flashing Yellow Arrow means "You may turn, but the turn is unprotected". The other options are the meanings of other signs or signals - each belongs to a different one, not this one.

    Handbook: You can turn, but your turn is not protected from other traffic. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Flashing Yellow Arrow

31. Q31. A green arrow lights up for your lane. What does it mean? A. The protected turn is endingB. Go in the direction the arrow pointsC. Stop, and do not make the turnD. You may turn, but the turn is unprotected Show the answer

    Answer: B. Go in the direction the arrow points

    A Green Arrow means "Go in the direction the arrow points". The other options are the meanings of other signs or signals - each belongs to a different one, not this one.

    Handbook: A green arrow means GO in the direction the arrow is pointing. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Green Arrow

32. Q32. You arrive at an intersection where the traffic light is completely dark and not working. What should you do? A. GoB. Caution - the light is about to turn redC. Treat it as an all-way stopD. Slow down and proceed with caution Show the answer

    Answer: C. Treat it as an all-way stop

    A Traffic Light Not Working means "Treat it as an all-way stop". The other options are the meanings of other signs or signals - each belongs to a different one, not this one.

    Handbook: When a traffic light is not working, stop as if the intersection is controlled by STOP signs in all directions. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Traffic Light Not Working

33. Q33. You see a red, eight-sided (octagonal) sign. What does it require? A. Make a full stop at the limit line or crosswalkB. It warns of road conditions or dangers aheadC. You are approaching a railroad crossingD. Near a school - slow down and stop for children crossing Show the answer

    Answer: A. Make a full stop at the limit line or crosswalk

    A STOP Sign means "Make a full stop at the limit line or crosswalk". The other options are the meanings of other signs or signals - each belongs to a different one, not this one.

    Handbook: Make a full stop before entering the crosswalk or at the limit line. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: STOP Sign

34. Q34. A five-sided (pentagon) sign is posted ahead. What does it tell you? A. Follow the posted instruction, such as DO NOT ENTERB. Make a full stop at the limit line or crosswalkC. Near a school - slow down and stop for children crossingD. You are approaching a railroad crossing Show the answer

    Answer: C. Near a school - slow down and stop for children crossing

    A 5-sided Sign means "Near a school - slow down and stop for children crossing". The other options are the meanings of other signs or signals - each belongs to a different one, not this one.

    Handbook: You are near a school. Drive slowly and stop for children in the crosswalk. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: 5-sided Sign

35. Q35. A yellow diamond-shaped sign is ahead. What is its purpose? A. Follow the posted instruction, such as DO NOT ENTERB. Make a full stop at the limit line or crosswalkC. Near a school - slow down and stop for children crossingD. It warns of road conditions or dangers ahead Show the answer

    Answer: D. It warns of road conditions or dangers ahead

    A Diamond-shaped Sign means "It warns of road conditions or dangers ahead". The other options are the meanings of other signs or signals - each belongs to a different one, not this one.

    Handbook: Warns you of specific road conditions and dangers ahead. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Diamond-shaped Sign

36. Q36. Under California's Basic Speed Law, you may never drive faster than which of the following? A. 65 mph, the maximum limit on most highwaysB. A speed that is safe for the current road conditionsC. The speed of the traffic around youD. A speed that maintains a three-second following distance Show the answer

    Answer: B. A speed that is safe for the current road conditions

    The Basic Speed Law ties your legal speed to conditions, not only to the sign. Even at or below the posted limit, you must slow to whatever is safe for the traffic, road surface, weather, and visibility at that moment.

    Handbook: In California, you may never drive faster than is safe for the current road conditions. - Section 8 - Safe Driving: Manage Your Speed

37. Q37. Unless a different speed is posted, what is the maximum speed limit on a two-lane undivided highway in California? A. 65 mphB. 25 mphC. 55 mphD. 35 mph Show the answer

    Answer: C. 55 mph

    The handbook sets a lower default ceiling on a two-lane undivided highway - and for vehicles towing trailers - than the 65 mph that applies on most California highways.

    Handbook: It is 55 mph on a two-lane undivided highway and for vehicles towing trailers. - Section 8 - Safe Driving: Manage Your Speed

38. Q38. While children are outside or crossing the street within 500 feet of a school, and no lower limit is posted, what is the speed limit? A. 15 mphB. 10 mphC. 35 mphD. 25 mph Show the answer

    Answer: D. 25 mph

    A school zone lowers the speed limit to 25 mph while children are outside or crossing near the school.

    Handbook: The speed limit is 25 mph within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Around Children

39. Q39. At a blind intersection - one with no stop signs at any corner and a view that is blocked - what is the speed limit? A. 15 mphB. 5 mphC. 25 mphD. 10 mph Show the answer

    Answer: A. 15 mph

    Where no signs control the intersection and cross-traffic cannot be seen, the law holds your speed low enough that you can stop for whatever enters your path.

    Handbook: The speed limit for a blind intersection is 15 mph. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Blind Intersections

40. Q40. What is the speed limit when you are driving in an alley? A. 10 mphB. 15 mphC. 25 mphD. 35 mph Show the answer

    Answer: B. 15 mph

    The speed limit in an alley is 15 mph, kept low for the people and vehicles entering and leaving the buildings along it.

    Handbook: The speed limit in an alley is 15 mph. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Alleys

41. Q41. You are within 100 feet of a railroad crossing, you cannot see the tracks for 400 feet in both directions, and the crossing has no gates, warning signal, or flagman. What is the speed limit? A. 25 mphB. 15 mphC. 35 mphD. 10 mph Show the answer

    Answer: B. 15 mph

    When the tracks are uncontrolled and you cannot see far enough along them, the law limits your speed so you can stop before the crossing. A crossing controlled by gates, a signal, or a flagman removes that cap.

    Handbook: 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. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Near Railroad or Light Rail Tracks

42. Q42. Unless a different speed is posted, what is the speed limit in a business or residential district? A. 25 mphB. 15 mphC. 35 mphD. 30 mph Show the answer

    Answer: A. 25 mph

    Built-up areas with driveways, cross-streets, and pedestrians carry a low default limit unless a sign sets a different one.

    Handbook: The speed limit is 25 mph, unless otherwise posted. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Business or Residential Districts

43. Q43. When a bus, streetcar, or trolley is stopped at a safety zone or traffic light, what is the maximum speed at which you may pass it? A. 15 mphB. 5 mphC. 25 mphD. 10 mph Show the answer

    Answer: D. 10 mph

    Passengers may be stepping to or from the safety zone, so you crawl past a stopped bus, streetcar, or trolley rather than passing at normal speed.

    Handbook: When a bus, streetcar, or trolley is stopped at a safety zone or traffic light, you may pass at no more than 10 mph. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: Buses, Streetcars, Trolleys

44. Q44. NEVs and low-speed vehicles (LSVs) are restricted from roads where the posted speed limit is greater than what? A. 30 mphB. 55 mphC. 35 mphD. 25 mph Show the answer

    Answer: C. 35 mph

    Because these vehicles reach a maximum of about 25 mph, they are kept off faster roads where they could not safely keep pace with traffic.

    Handbook: They are restricted from roads where the speed limit is greater than 35 mph. - Section 7 - Laws and Rules of the Road: NEVs and LSVs

45. Q45. If you cannot see farther than 100 feet ahead, the handbook says it is not safe to drive faster than what? A. 55 mphB. 25 mphC. 30 mphD. 15 mph Show the answer

    Answer: C. 30 mph

    When visibility drops that far, your safe speed drops with it - you need to be able to stop within the distance you can actually see.

    Handbook: If you cannot see farther than 100 feet, it is not safe to drive faster than 30 mph. - Section 8 - Safe Driving: Slippery Roads

46. Q46. According to the handbook, on ice you should reduce your speed to no more than what? A. 25 mphB. 5 mphC. 15 mphD. 10 mph Show the answer

    Answer: B. 5 mph

    Ice offers almost no traction, so the handbook calls for a near-crawl - reduce your speed to no more than 5 mph.

    Handbook: Reduce your speed to no more than 5 mph. - Section 8 - Safe Driving: Slippery Roads (Ice)

47. Q47. As you enter a highway from an on-ramp, at what speed should you be when you merge into traffic? A. At or near the speed of the other trafficB. Well below the speed of traffic, to give yourself more timeC. Stopped on the ramp until a large gap opensD. At exactly the posted speed limit, whatever the flow is doing Show the answer

    Answer: A. At or near the speed of the other traffic

    Matching the flow lets you blend into a gap without forcing drivers behind you to brake. The other options are three real merge mistakes the handbook warns against: driving the posted limit regardless of the flow, stopping on the ramp, and creeping in far below the flow - all of which either block traffic or force others to brake.

    Handbook: Be at or near the speed of traffic. - Section 6 - Navigating the Roads: Merging and Exiting

48. Q48. Unless a different speed is posted, what is the maximum speed limit on most California highways? A. 25 mphB. 55 mphC. 35 mphD. 65 mph Show the answer

    Answer: D. 65 mph

    On most California highways the maximum speed limit is 65 mph unless a sign posts a different figure. The other options are lower limits for other situations - 55 mph on a two-lane undivided highway, the 35 mph NEV/LSV road restriction, and the 25 mph school-zone limit.

    Handbook: Unless otherwise posted, the ideal maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph. - Section 8 - Safe Driving: Manage Your Speed