DMV STUDY GUIDE (2009/2010)

THE CALIFORNIA DRIVER LICENSE

1. California residents who drive on public highways or in public parking facilities must
have a California driver license, unless they are:
a.
b.
c.
2. A driver license shows that you have been given ____________________ by the state
to drive on public roadways. It is a ____________________ to drive in California
without a _________________________.
3. List four things you have to do to receive a driver license.
a.
b.
c.
d.
4. To replace a lost or damaged license you must go to the DMV and pay a _________.
LICENSE CLASSES
5. A valid basic Class C allows you to drive:
a.
b.
c.
d.
6. Classes M1 or M2 are required to drive a __________________.
OBTAINING A DRIVER LICENSE
7. List 8 application requirements for all basic Class C driver licenses
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
8. The application fee is nonrefundable and allows you to take the test _______ times within a
period of _________ months.

9. If you fail the traffic laws and road signs test, your ________________ is __________.
10. An _________________ is required to take any driving test.
11. List three things your driver license examinations include
a.
b.
c.
12. For the driving test bring these four things
a.
b.
c.
d.
SPECIAL SECTION-MINORS
Minors; Permit Requirements
13. List five things you must do to get a permit:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
14. The provisional permit is not valid until you start ______________________________
or reach age ________.
15. If you are at least ________ you may obtain a _____________ without completing DE
or DT.
16. With a permit you may practice with an adult _________ of age or older.
Minors License Requirements
17. List 5 minors license requirements
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
18. During the first _______ months after you are licensed, you cannot drive between _____
and ______ and you cannot transport passengers under age _____ unless accompanied
by a licensed driver _________ of age or older.

Exceptions-Minors License Restrictions

19. List five exceptions to the restrictions on a minors license:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Traffic Violations & Increase Accidents
20. Nearly ___________ of the drivers between the ages of _________ and _________ are
convicted of a traffic violation in their ___________ year of driving. _________________
is the most common violation for teenagers.
21. Traffic ________________ are the leading cause of _________ for teenagers. If you are
under 18 years old, your risk of a fatal accident is about ________ times that of an
average driver.
22. ___________________ as a group average ____________ as many accidents as adult
drivers. This makes the teenage accident rate per mile __________ times as great as that
of adult drivers.
Keeping Your Provisional License
23. If you have one ____________________ within 12 months, DMV will send you a
__________________ letter. After a second at-fault accident/conviction, you cannot
drive for ______________ days unless supervised by your _____________ or other
licensed adult __________ years of age or older. After a third at-fault you will have your
_____________ suspended for ________________ and be placed on _______________
for _______________.
24. If you are convicted of using ____________ or a __________________________ and
you are between the ages of 13 and 21, the court tells DMV to suspend your license for
_________________. If you dont have a driver license yet, the court tells DMV to make
you wait a __________ longer before you can ____________ for a license.
Habitual Truant
25. The court will ___________, _____________, ______________, or _______________
your driving privilege for ________________ if you are habitually truant (ditching) from
school.
MINORS AND CELL PHONES
26. It is against the law for a minor to use a ____________________ while driving.
Four exceptions to this law are:
a.
b.
c.
d.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND SIGNS

27. A red signal light means _______________.
28. A flashing red signal or red arrow means __________________.
29. A yellow signal light or yellow arrow means ___________________________________.
30. A flashing yellow light or arrow means _______________________________________.
31. A solid green light or arrow means _______________.
32. If a traffic signal light is not working proceed as if the ___________________ is
controlled by a _________________________ in all directions.
33. _____________ sided red ___________ signs mean you must make a full__________.
stop before entering the ______________ or at a white ____________ ________, which
is a wide white line painted on the street.
34. ____________ sided red ____________signs mean you must ____________________
and be ready to _________.
35. A Do Not Enter or Wrong Way sign means_________________________________
__________________________________.
36. If a sign has a red circle with a red line through it, it always means ______________.
37. Most warning sign colors are ______________ and ___________________.
38. ____________ sided signs mean you are near a school.
39. Most regulatory sign colors are ______________ and black.
40. Most highway construction and maintenance signs are _____________ and black.
SEAT BELTS
41. If seat belts are not worn, _________________________________________________.
42. Your chances of surviving an accident are:
a. _______________ better with __________ belt only
b. ___________________________ better with ______________ and ______________
_______________________.
43. _____________________________ can reduce injuries and deaths.
44. ______________ of all traffic deaths happen within ___________________ of home.

45. ____________________ are the number one preventable cause of death for children.
Child Restraints
46. Any child under the age of __________ and weighing less than _________ pounds must
be secured in a child restraint system and ride in the _________ seat of the vehicle.
47. A child may not ride in the front seat of an airbag-equipped vehicle if the child is:
a.
b.
c.
Air Bags
48. The biggest risk is being too close to the __________________. An air bag needs about
_________ inches of space to inflate. __________ at least __________________ from
the air bag cover if you can.
Unattended Children in Motor Vehicles
49. It is ______________ to leave a child _________ years of age or younger unattended in
a motor vehicle when:
a.
b.
The exception to this rule is when the child is left under the supervision of a person
__________ years of age or older.
LAWS AND RULES OF THE ROAD
Right-of-Way Rules
50. It is important to respect the _____________- of - _________ of others, especially
pedestrians, motorcycle riders, and bicycle riders.
Pedestrians
51. A ___________________ is someone on foot or who uses roller skates or skateboards.
This person may also be a person with a ___________________ who uses a wheelchair.
52. One in six traffic fatalities is a _______________________.
53. Always stop for any ______________________ crossing at ______________ or
_____________________.
54. A ___________________ is that part of the pavement where the sidewalk lines would
extend across the street and is set aside for pedestrian traffic.
55. Pedestrians have the ______________- of - __________ in ___________________.

56. Do not __________ a car from behind that has stopped at a _________________. A
pedestrian may be crossing.
57. Do not _____________ in a _______________. You will place pedestrians in
____________________.
58. Allow older _________________ more ___________ to cross the street.
Crosswalks
59. A ___________________ is that part of the roadway where the sidewalk lines would
extend across the street and is set aside for pedestrian traffic.
60. Crosswalks are often marked with __________ lines. ____________ crosswalk lines
may be painted at ______________ crossings.
INTERSECTIONS
61. An _____________________ is any place where one line of traffic meets another.
Intersections account for more than ______% of all reported crashes and ______% of
fatalities.
62. At _____________________ without STOP or YIELD signs, slow down and be ready
to _______________. Yield to vehicles already in the intersections or just ___________
it. Also, yield to the car which arrives ____________, or to the car on your __________
if it reaches the intersection at the same time as you do.
63. When making left turns you must give the right-of-way to all _______________
approaching you that are ____________ enough to be _________________.
ROUNDABOUTS
64. A ________________________ is an intersection where traffic travels around a central
island in a __________________________ direction.
65. Enter a roundabout where there is a big enough _________ in traffic.
66. Do not _________ or __________ other vehicles.
MOUNTAIN ROADS
67. When two vehicles meet on a steep road where neither can pass, the vehicle facing
_____________________ must yield the ___________- of - ____________ by backing
up until the vehicle going uphill can _____________.
SPEED LIMITS
68. California has a Basic Speed Law which means _______________________________
__________________________________________________________________________.

69. You may _________________ drive faster than the posted ________________________
even if you think it is safe to do so.
70. The maximum speed limit on most California highways is _____________. You may
drive ____________ where posted. Unless otherwise posted the speed limit is ________
on two-lane highways and for vehicles towing trailers.
71. The speed limit within 500 feet of a school while children are present is ___________.
72. When a school bus flashes red lights you must ___________ from either _____________
until the children are safely across the street and the lights stop flashing. Failure to stop
may result in a $__________ fine and a possible ________________ in driving privilege
73. List three places where the speed limit is reduced to 15 mph.
a.
b.
c.
74. The speed limit in a business or residential area is _____________.
TRAFFIC LANES
Line Colors
75. Solid ______________ lines mark the center of a road used for two-way traffic.
76. ________________ yellow lines mean you may pass if the ______________ line is next
to your driving lane.
77. __________ solid _______________ lines mean no passing at any time.
78. Solid white lines mark____________________________________________________.
79. Broken ___________ lines separate traffic lanes on roads with two or ore lanes in the
same ______________________.
80. You may cross a double solid yellow line(s) when you are:
a.
b.
c.
d.
81. The left lane or ____________ lane is also called the No. _______ lane. The lane to the
right of the No. 1 lane is the No. _________ lane.

Changing Lanes
82. List three times that are considered changing lanes.
a.
b.
c.
83. List four steps for changing lanes after you have signaled and checked your mirrors.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Bicycle Lanes
84. A _________________ lane is shown by a solid _____________ line on either side of the
street, ____________ or more feet from the curb.
85. When you are making a ___________ turn and are within __________ feet of the corner
you must enter the ___________ lane for the turn. Do _______________________ in the
bike lane at any other time.
Passing Lanes
86. Before you pass, _____________________________________________________________
87. When traveling the same direction as other vehicles you should pass traffic on the ________.
Passing on the right is legal only:
a.
b.
Carpool Lanes
88. A carpool lane is a special freeway lane for ___________, _________, and ____________.
You may use this lane if your vehicle carries the _________________ number of people
required or you drive a ________-_______________ vehicle with a decal
89. The pavement in this lane is marked with a __________________ symbol.
90. Do _________ cross over _____________ parallel solid ___________ to enter or exit
carpool lanes except at _________________ entry or exit places.
91. Vehicles ______________ trailers are typically _________ allowed in carpool lanes.
Center Left Turn Lanes
92. A ________________________________________ is in the middle of a two-way street
and is marked on both sides by two painted lines. The inner line is ________________
and the outer line is ________________.
93. You may only drive for __________ feet in the center left turn lane.

94. Look for ____________ coming toward you in the same _____________ to start their left
turn.
Turnout Areas and Lanes
95. Special ________________ areas are sometimes marked on two-lane roads to drive into to
allow cars behind you to pass.
96. If you are driving on a two lane highway and ___________ or more cars are following you,
you must drive into _________________________ to let the vehicles pass.
TURNS
Left Turns
97. To make a __________ turn, drive close to the center divider line or into the ____________
___________. Begin signaling about ___________ feet before the turn.
98. Stop behind the __________ line. Look _________, then _________, then __________
again.
Right Turns
99. To make a __________ turn, drive close to the __________ edge of the road. If there is a
_______ lane, drive in it no more than _________ feet before the turn.
100. Begin signaling ________ feet before the turn. Stop behind the _________ line.
101. Signal and __________ for a red traffic light at the ___________ line or at the _________.
If there is no sign to prohibit the ___________, you may turn ___________.
102. You may ____________ turn right or left against a __________ arrow.
Examples of Right and Left Turns
103. To make a left turn from a two-way street, start the turn in the _________ lane closest to
the ______________ of the street. Complete the turn in _____________ lane of the cross
street.
104. To make a right turn, begin and end the __________ in the lane ____________ the righthand curb. Sometimes signs or pavement markings will let you turn right from _________
lane.
105. To make a left turn from a two-way street to a one-way street, start the turn from the lane
____________ to the _______________ of the street. Turn into any lane that is _______
open.
106. To make a left turn from a one-way street to a two-way street, start the turn from the
__________ left lane. Turn into either of the __________ that are ___________ open.

107. To make a left turn from a one-way street to a one-way street, start the turn from the
__________ lane.
108. To make a right turn from a one-way street into a one-way street, start the turn in the ____
___________ lane. If safe, you may __________ the turn in _______ lane.
U-TURNS
109. A ____________ is turning around in the street to go back the way you came.

110. List four instances when a U-turn can be made.

a.
b.
c.
d.
111. List seven places where you cannot make U-turns.
a.
e.
b.
f.
c.
g.
d.
SAFE DRIVING PRACTICES
SCANNING & KNOWING WHAT IS AHEAD
112. When another driver makes a ____________ you need time to react. You give yourself time
by keeping a ______________________ on all sides of your vehicle.
113. To avoid last minute moves, look down the road __________ to ________________ ahead
of your vehicle.
114. In the city, 10 to 15 seconds is about __________________________.
115. On the highway, 10 to 15 seconds is about ____________________________________.
116. List three things scanning helps you see.
a.
b.
c.
117. Keep scanning and check your ________________________ every _______ to ________
118. Dont be a tailgater! The more ___________ you allow between your car and the car
ahead, the more _________ you will have to see a hazard.
119. To avoid tailgating use the _____________________ rule.

120. List eight times when you should allow a four-second cushion.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Know What is At Your Side
121. List three places you should always look to each side.
a.
b.
c.
122. List three rules to follow for looking both ways anytime you approach an intersection.
a.
b.
c.
Know What is Behind You
123. Name four times you should check behind you.
a.
b.
c.
d.
124. List six safety rules for backing up.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
125. If you are being tailgated, be careful. Lose the tailgater by:
a.
b.
c.
Adjusting Seat and Mirrors
126. Adjust your ____________ before putting on your ______________. Adjust your _______
and ____________ mirrors before you start _____________.

How Well You Stop

127. At 55 mph, it takes about ________ feet to react and bring the car to a complete _________.
At 35 mph, it takes about ________ feet to react and bring the car to a complete _________.
128. Adjust your driving ____________ to the ___________ and __________ conditions. Turn
on your ___________ during the day if it is hard to ____________ or you cant see at least
____________ feet ahead.
Driving in the Fog
129. The best advice for driving in the fog is __________! If you must drive in the fog the drive
_____________ and use your _________ beam headlights. Never drive with just your
________________ or __________ lights.
130. Increase your ______________ distance and be prepared to __________ within the space
you can see ahead.
131. If fog becomes so thick that you can barely see, pull _________________ off the _____.
Do not __________________ driving until you can ___________ better.
Driving in Darkness
132. Drive more ___________ at night because you cannot see as __________ ahead and you
have less __________ to stop for a _______________.
133. Dont drive with only your ______________ lights on. Use your __________ beams
whenever possible. Dim your lights when other drivers are near. If another driver does not
dim his/her lights:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Driving in Rain or Snow
134. Many roads are most slippery when _________________________________________
because _________ and ____________ have not been washed away.
135. __________________ at the first sign of rain, drizzle, or snow.
Driving in Hill Country
136. When you come to a __________ or curve, ____________ down so you can stop for any
hazard.
137. Only pass if a hill or curve is at least ______________ of a mile away.

Horn
138. Use your horn:
a.
b.
c.
139. Dont use your horn:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Use Your Headlights
140. List five times to use your headlights.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Use Your Emergency Signals
141. If your car breaks down on the road, make sure other ________________ can ________ it.
142. List six rules to follow if you are having car trouble and need to stop.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Following Distances
143. Take one _______________ at a ____________.
144. Sometimes there will be _____________ on both sides of the road at the same __________.
In this case the best thing to do is ________ the ____________. If one danger is _________
than the other, give the ____________ room to the ____________ danger.
Problem Drivers
145. Name four problem drivers that could be dangerous.
a.
b.
c.
d.

Merging In/Out of Traffic

146. Whenever you enter traffic, ___________ and be sure you have enough ___________ to
enter ______________.
147. List three safety rules for merging.
a.
b.
c.
Passing Other Traffic
148. Always _______________ before passing. Avoid passing other vehicles on ______-_____
______ roads.
149. Before you return to your driving lane, be sure you arent dangerously close to the car you
just____________. One way to do this is to look for the car inside your _____________
mirror. When you can see both _________________ in your mirror, you have enough
________________ to return to your driving lane.
SIGNALING
150. Always signal to other drivers when you plan to __________________________________.
151. List seven times you should always signal.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
152. Draw and label the three hand signals for left turn, right turn, slow or stop.
___________________
__________________

__________________

SHARING THE ROAD WITH OTHER VEHICLES

Large Trucks and RVs
153. Large trucks take longer to _________ than a car traveling the same speed. Dont move in
front of a large truck and suddenly ____________ down or ___________.
154. List four mistakes to avoid when driving around large trucks.
a.
b.
c.

d.
Buses, Streetcars, and Trolleys
155. Do not overtake and pass any light rail vehicle or streetcar on the ___________ side
whether it is moving or standing.
156. List four rules for sharing the road with light rail vehicles.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Emergency Vehicles
157. You must yield the _________-______-________ to any _________________________,
_______________________, ______________________, or other emergency vehicle
using a _________________ and ___________ lights.
158. Drive as close to the ____________ edge of the road as possible and ___________ until
the emergency vehicle has passed.
159. It is against the law to follow within ___________ feet of any emergency vehicle which is
answering a call.
Slow-Moving Vehicles
160. Slow moving vehicles usually travel _________ mph or less and have an ____________
triangle on the back.
Motorcyclists and Bicyclists
161. Motorcyclists and bicyclists have the same ______________ and ____________________
as ___________________ drivers.
Pedestrians Who Are Blind
162. Pedestrians using ______________________ or ______________________ with or without
a red tip must be given the ___________-______-________ at all times. Only blind people
are allowed to use such canes.
Road Workers & Work Zones
163. Pay more _____________________ where road work is being performed. Reduce your
___________ and be prepared to _________________ or __________ for highway
equipment.
164. Remember to slow down for the ___________ zone
PARKING
Parking on a Hill
165. When parking downhill, turn your front wheels ______________ curb or ______________

the side of the road.

166. When parking uphill, turn your front wheels _____________ from the curb and let your
vehicle ____________________ a few inches.
167. Headed uphill or downhill where there is no curb, turn the wheels so the car will ________
______________________________________________________.
168. Always set your _________________________ and leave the vehicle in gear or the _____
position.
Parking at Colored Curbs
169. A white curb means _______________________________________________________.
170. A green curb means _______________________________________________________.
171. A yellow curb means ______________________________________________________.
172. A red curb means _________________________________________________________.
173. A blue curb means ________________________________________________________.
Illegal Parking
174. List 14 examples of illegal parking
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.

175. You may not stop on a freeway except:

a.
b.
c.
176. If you must stop on a freeway, park completely off the __________________ and stay in
your vehicle until ___________ arrives. Your car should be visible for at least ______ feet
in each direction.
Special Parking Rules
177. When you park alongside a curb on a level street, the ___________ and _________ wheels
must be _______________ and within _________ inches of the curb.

IMPORTANT DRIVING TIPS

Dealing with Traffic Congestion
178. List five driving behaviors that should be avoided
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Dealing with Road Rage
179. List seven suggestions for dealing with road rage.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Mobile Telephones
180. Beginning Jan 1, 2009, regardless of age, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while using an
electronic wireless communication device to _________, ________, or read _________
messages and emails.
181. With certain exceptions, you may not use a cell phone while driving unless _______________________ equipment is used.
182. List seven sensible ways to use your cell phone.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
What is the Road Like
183. The faster your _________, the less _______________ you have of your car. Many
inexperienced drivers do not adjust their ________________________ for each roads
_____________________.

Curves
184. On _______________, there is a strong __________________ pull on your vehicle.
_____________, _____________, snow, or _________________ make the road slippery.
Slow down ______________ you enter the curve.
Water on the Road/Slippery Roads
185. Describe hydroplaning.___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________.
186. Slow down at the first sign of ___________. This is when many roads are the most
____________because ____________ and ___________ have not yet been washed away.
Driving in Heavy Traffic
187. List six places that you should generally drive more slowly.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Traffic Speeds
188. Accidents are more likely to happen when one _______________ goes ______________ or
________________than other cars.
Handling Emergencies
189. If you start to skid:
a.
b.
c.
Causes of Accidents
190. The six most common causes of accidents are:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Involved in an Accident
191. If you are involved in an accident you must ____________. If you dont stop, you may be
convicted of a ________-______-__________. You must make a written report to the

police within ___________ hours of the accident if someone was _________ or ________.
192. You must leave a ____________ with your name and address in the car or attached to it if
you hit a _________________ vehicle or other _________________.
Reporting the Accident
193. When you have an accident, report it to the DMV within ___________ days if:
a.
b.
ADDITIONAL DRIVING RULES
Things You Must Not Do
194. List 20 do not driving rules
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
o.
p.
q.
r.
s.
t.
Things You Must Do
195. You must use your headlights __________________ after sunset and leave them on until
____________________ before sunrise.
196. You must dim your lights to low beams within ____________ feet of a vehicle coming
toward you.
197. You must turn on your headlights in low visibility, ___________ feet or less.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Good Vision for All Drivers
198. Have your __________checked every year or two.

Alertness
199. When you are tired you are less __________. Most drivers are less alert at ___________,
especially after __________________.
Medications
200. It is your _____________________ to know the effects of the _____________________
you take.
MISC LICENSING INFORMATION
License in Your Possession
201. You must always have your driver ________________ when you _____________.
Address Changes
202. When you ___________, you must give DMV your new address within _________ days.
Unlicensed Drivers
203. It is against the law to ____________ your vehicle to a person who is _______________.
If the person is caught driving, ____________ vehicle will be impounded for _______ days.
Pedestrian Responsibilities
204. Yield the right-of-way to vehicles when you:
a.
b.
205. Do not ___________ or delay traffic unnecessarily while _________________ a street.
206. If there is no ___________________, walk ______________ the oncoming traffic.
What a Driver Should Do During an Enforcement Stop
207. List the six things you should do if stopped by an officer.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
ACTIONS RESULTING IN LOSS OF LICENSE
Financial Responsibility and Insurance
208. Every driver and vehicle owner must maintain ___________________________________.
209. The minimum amount your insurance must cover per accident is:
$_____________ for ________________ or ___________________ to any person.
$_____________ for ________________ or ___________________ to more than one person.
$___________ for _______________________________.

Drinking While Driving

210. You lose your _______________ when you ____________or use __________. It takes
about ______________________ for the body to get rid of each ________________.
211. The laws regarding alcohol and driving also apply to ________________.
212. If a police officer suspects that you are under the influence, the officer can require you to
take a _________________ or _______________ test. Drivers who refuse these tests are
subject to longer ________________________________ and ______________________.
213. The use of any ______________ which impairs your ability to drive safely is __________.
214. You must not drink alcohol in any vehicle. A container of ______________, ___________,
or _______________ carried inside the vehicle must be ____________, _______________,
and __________________.
215. If you are under 21 you ___________________ have beer, wine, or liquor in your vehicle
unless accompanied by a ____________________. If you are caught with an alcoholic
beverage in your vehicle these four things could happen:
a.
b.
c.
d.
216. Your driving privilege will be _______________ for one year if you are driving with a
BAC of ___________ or higher (under 21 years.)
217. If over 21, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of ___________ or higher.
Admin Per Se
218. Admin Per Se states that when you drive in California you consent to take a test of your
________________, _______________, or ________________ if arrested for DUI.
Court DUI Convictions
219. If you are convicted of DUI, you may be sentenced to serve up to ________ months in jail
and pay a fine between $_________ and $____________ (plus penalties) on the first
conviction. Your driving privilege will be _______________ for six months.
Points on the Driver Record
220. You may be considered a negligent operator when your record shows
a. _______________ in __________ months
b. _______________ in __________ months
c. _______________ in __________ months.

221. Two examples of one point deductions are:

a.
b.
222. Three examples of two point violations are:
a.
b.
c.
Vandalism/Graffiti
223. The courts can suspend your license for up to ________ years if you are convicted of
vandalism or graffiti. If you do not have a license, the courts can delay the issuance of
a license for up to ___________ years from the date you are legally eligible to drive.
Speed Contests/Reckless Driving
224. List three things that can happen if a person is convicted of reckless driving and injures
another person.
a.
b.
c.

SIGNS
Study the signs on pages 14 and 15 of the California Driver Handbook