Safe Driving & Conditions — California DMV Practice Questions

53 questions in this content area. 7 are published in full below with worked explanations.

1. How far ahead should you scan the road while driving?

AAt least 3 seconds ahead.
At least 10 seconds ahead.
COnly as far as the car in front.

Why B is correct

Keep your eyes moving and scan at least 10 seconds ahead so you have time to react and avoid last-minute moves.

2. On a two-lane road, a car is coming toward you and a bicyclist is ahead on your right. What is the safest plan?

Slow down, let the car pass, then give the bicyclist room.
BPass between them quickly before they meet.
CHonk so the bicyclist moves onto the shoulder.

Why A is correct

Take one danger at a time: slow down and let the oncoming car pass, then move left to give the bicyclist at least three feet.

3. The road ahead is flooded and you cannot tell how deep the water is. What is the best choice?

ADrive through quickly.
Find another route.
CFollow the car ahead closely through it.

Why B is correct

You may not be able to judge the depth by looking. It is best to find another route; if you must cross, drive slowly and test your brakes after.

4. When is the road most slippery in the rain?

Just after it starts to rain.
BAfter several hours of steady rain have soaked the pavement.
COnly at night.

Why A is correct

When rain starts, oil and dust have not yet washed away and the pavement can be very slippery.

5. Where may you mount your phone while driving?

AIn your lap where you can glance at it.
BAnywhere in the car, as long as it is in some kind of holder.
On the dashboard, without blocking your view.

Why C is correct

Mount the phone on the windshield, dashboard or center console without blocking your view, and use single swipe or touch only.

6. Which of these will the CHP Freeway Service Patrol NOT do?

AChange a flat tire.
Tow your car to your own repair shop.
CGive you a gallon of gas.

Why B is correct

FSP can add gas, jump start, refill the radiator and change a tire. It tows only to a CHP-approved location, not to a private shop or home.

7. You leave a brightly lit parking garage at night. What should you do?

AUse high beams in the city.
Drive slowly until your eyes adjust to the dark.
CSpeed up to reach lit streets.

Why B is correct

When you leave a brightly lit place, drive slowly until your eyes adjust to the darkness.

Watch the lesson

5:34California Safe Driving & Conditions: five situations explainedFive real situations acted out, answered and explained from the California Driver's Handbook.Free account to watch

46 more Safe driving questions

Answers and explanations for these are in the study app.

A 17-year-old driver may use a cell phone while driving:
A car merges into your lane too close in front of you. What should you do?
A driver is tailgating you. What is the best response?
A front tire blows out at highway speed. What should you do first?
A patrol car with emergency lights on is weaving slowly across all lanes ahead (a traffic break). What should you do?
An adult driver needs to make a call while driving. Which is allowed?
An oncoming car’s headlights are too bright. Where should you look?
An oncoming driver does not dim their high beams. What should you do with yours?
At night, a vehicle with only one light approaches. What should you do?
For most vehicles, where are the blind spots?
How should you check a blind spot?
If you must get out of a disabled car on the freeway shoulder, which side should you use?
In a heavy storm you cannot see farther than 100 feet ahead. What is the fastest safe speed?
In extreme heat your engine is running hot. What can help?
In strong, gusty winds you should:
On a cold, wet day, which part of the road is likely to freeze first?
On a wet road, by how much should you reduce your speed?
On ice, what is the most you should drive?
On packed snow, how much should you reduce your speed?
The fog becomes too thick to drive safely. What should you do?
To prevent skids on a slippery steep downhill, you should:
Vehicles are entering the freeway from an on-ramp next to you. You have the right-of-way. What should you do?
What should you remember about vehicles with self-driving or driver-assistance systems?
When driving at night on a dark country road, you should be able to stop within:
When should you leave extra space behind a motorcyclist?
Which headlights should you use in heavy fog?
Which number can you dial for freeway assistance and Freeway Service Patrol information?
Which of these helps you manage sun glare?
Which of these is a common driving distraction?
Which of these is a time to check your blind spot?
Which rule helps you keep a safe following distance?
Why check traffic behind you before slowing down to turn into a driveway?
Why should you never start your car in a closed garage?
You feel dizzy, tired and get a headache whenever you drive. What might this be a sign of?
Your brakes got wet driving through water. How can you dry them?
Your car begins to skid on an icy road. What should you do?
Your car has four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) and the wheels lock in a hard stop. What should you do?
Your car has no antilock brakes and begins to skid while braking. What should you do?
Your car is stuck in mud. Which technique should you use?
Your car stalls on the tracks but no train is in sight and no lights are flashing. Whom should you call first?
Your car stalls on the tracks, warning lights are flashing and a train is coming. What should you do?
Your car starts to hydroplane. What should you do?
Your car stops working on the freeway and you pull onto the right shoulder. What is usually safest?
Your light is green and cross traffic has a red light. Should you still look both ways before entering?
Your phone rings while you are driving. What does the handbook recommend?
Your right wheels drift off the pavement. What should you do?

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