California DMV Permit Test cheat sheet

A California driver's permit requires passing a knowledge test; applicants under 18 also need driver education, behind-the-wheel training, and a 50-hour supervised driving log with 10 hours at night.

Traffic signals: a steady red means stop and remain stopped until green; a flashing red is treated as a stop sign; a flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with caution; a green arrow permits the indicated movement only.

Right-of-way at an uncontrolled intersection belongs to the vehicle that arrives first; if two arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

Speed limits: 25 mph in residential and business districts and school zones, 15 mph in blind intersections and alleyways, 65 mph on most freeways unless posted otherwise.

A left turn at a green light yields to oncoming traffic unless a green arrow is displayed; a right turn on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it.

Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, or on a sidewalk is illegal; wheels must be curbed when parking downhill or uphill without a curb.

A solid double yellow line means no passing in either direction; a broken white line separates lanes traveling in the same direction and may be crossed to change lanes when safe.

The legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.08 percent for drivers 21 and older, 0.01 percent for drivers under 21, and 0.04 percent for commercial drivers.

Seat belts are required for the driver and all passengers 8 and older or at least 4 feet 9 inches tall; children under 8 must use an approved child passenger restraint in the back seat when available.

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked, and may not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk because a pedestrian may be crossing.

A bicyclist in a bike lane has the right-of-way; drivers must leave at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist and may cross a double yellow line to do so when safe.

School buses with flashing red lights require traffic in both directions to stop until the lights stop flashing; a painted median or multi-lane divided highway separates opposing traffic and exempts oncoming drivers.

Emergency vehicles displaying sirens and red lights require drivers to pull to the right edge and stop until the vehicle passes.

When a tire blows out, hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight; brake gently after slowing and pull off the road.

If your brakes fail, pump the pedal repeatedly, downshift to a lower gear, and use the parking brake gradually while steering toward a safe area.

In fog or heavy rain, use low-beam headlights, increase following distance, and avoid using high beams because they reflect off moisture and reduce visibility.

A vehicle registered in California must carry liability insurance, and drivers must show proof of financial responsibility when requested by law enforcement.

Hydroplaning occurs when tires ride on a film of water; drivers should slow down, avoid sudden braking, and steer straight until traction returns.

Driving under the influence applies to alcohol, prescription medications, and cannabis; impairment begins before the legal limit is reached, and a driver may be cited at any BAC if judgment is affected.

An open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle is illegal for drivers and passengers; sealed containers belong in the trunk or a locked compartment.

California's implied consent law requires a driver lawfully arrested for DUI to submit to a chemical test; refusal results in license suspension and additional penalties.

A first DUI conviction carries up to six months in jail, fines, license suspension, and mandatory completion of a DUI program.

Drivers under 21 face a one-year license suspension for a BAC of 0.01 percent or more, and a refusal adds an additional one-year suspension.

Handheld cell phone use while driving is illegal for all drivers; drivers under 18 may not use any electronic device, including hands-free, while driving.

Texting while driving carries a base fine and adds a point to the driving record; a second offense within 36 months adds more points.

A hit-and-run involving injury or death is a felony with prison time, fines, and license revocation; property damage only is a misdemeanor.

A stop sign requires a complete stop at the limit line or before entering the crosswalk; rolling stops are violations and count as points on the driving record.

A yellow light warns that the signal is changing to red; drivers should stop if they can do so safely rather than accelerate through the intersection.

A red circle with a diagonal slash means the action is prohibited; a yellow diamond sign warns of a condition ahead such as a curve, merge, or slippery road.

A pentagon-shaped sign indicates a school zone or school crossing; a round sign indicates a railroad crossing ahead.

A solid white line marks the right edge of the roadway or separates a bike lane; a broken yellow line permits passing when the road ahead is clear.

The three-second rule sets a minimum following distance in ideal conditions; increase to four or more seconds in rain, darkness, or when following large vehicles.

A left-turn lane marked with a curved arrow and a yellow line is a two-way left-turn lane; drivers may enter it only to turn left and must not use it for passing.

A driver must signal at least 100 feet before turning and use hand signals if the vehicle's turn signals are not working.

At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive proceeds first; if vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way.

Before backing up, check mirrors and turn to look over your shoulder; a vehicle must not back up on a freeway or highway.

When parking uphill with a curb, turn the front wheels away from the curb and let the vehicle roll back slightly; when parking downhill, turn wheels toward the curb.

A driver must not drive in a bike lane except to park, enter or leave a driveway, or turn within 200 feet of an intersection.

Freeway merging requires matching the speed of traffic, signaling, and yielding to vehicles already in the lane; drivers should not stop on the on-ramp unless traffic is stopped.

A driver approaching a railroad crossing with flashing red lights or a lowered gate must stop and remain stopped until the signals stop and the gate is raised.

When an emergency vehicle approaches from behind with sirens and lights, drivers should pull to the right and stop; do not stop in an intersection.

A vehicle must not be left unattended with the engine running or with keys in the ignition on a public road.

Drivers must use headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, and whenever visibility is less than 1,000 feet due to weather.

A driver who is involved in a collision must stop, exchange information, and report the collision to the DMV within 10 days if there is injury, death, or property damage over $1,000.

Octagonal signs mean stop; triangular signs mean yield; rectangular signs provide regulatory information such as speed limits or lane use.

A yellow pennant-shaped sign marks a no-passing zone on the left side of the road.

A white X-shaped sign with black letters marks a railroad crossing; a round yellow sign warns of a railroad crossing ahead.

A green light means proceed when the intersection is clear; a green arrow means proceed in the direction of the arrow only.

A steady yellow arrow means the protected turn is ending; drivers should complete the turn if already in the intersection or stop if they can do so safely.

A red arrow means stop and do not turn in the direction of the arrow; a flashing yellow arrow means turn with caution after yielding to oncoming traffic.

A solid yellow line on your side of the road means no passing; a broken yellow line on your side means passing is permitted when safe.

Crosswalk markings may be painted lines or unmarked; drivers must yield to pedestrians in either case.

A blue sign with a white wheelchair symbol marks accessible parking; parking there without a placard is a violation subject to a fine.

A DUI conviction requires proof of driving under the influence; a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher creates a legal presumption of impairment for drivers 21 and older.

Commercial drivers are held to a 0.04 percent BAC limit, and a DUI in a commercial vehicle can result in a one-year disqualification.

A driver under 21 with a BAC of 0.01 percent or higher faces a one-year license suspension under California's zero-tolerance law.

Refusing a chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest triggers a one-year suspension for a first offense and a two-year suspension for a second offense within 10 years.

A second DUI conviction within 10 years carries a minimum of 90 days in jail, a longer license suspension, and mandatory ignition interlock installation.

Prescription medications can support a DUI charge when they impair driving; a driver must not drive if warned that the medication causes drowsiness.

Cannabis use before driving is illegal; a driver impaired by cannabis can be convicted of DUI even without a specific BAC threshold.

A driver convicted of DUI must complete a licensed DUI program, file proof of insurance, and pay fines and court costs before license reinstatement.

Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and must not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk; a pedestrian in a crosswalk has the right-of-way.

When passing a bicyclist, drivers must leave at least 3 feet of space; if that is not possible, the driver must slow down and pass only when safe.

Motorcyclists are entitled to a full lane; drivers must not share a lane with a motorcycle or pass within the same lane.

Large trucks have blind spots on both sides and behind; drivers should avoid lingering alongside a truck and should pass quickly and safely.

When a school bus displays flashing red lights, traffic in both directions must stop unless a divided highway with a median separates the directions.

In snow or ice, drivers should slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or steering; chains may be required in mountain areas.

At night, drivers should use high beams on dark roads without oncoming traffic and switch to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

In a skid, drivers should ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid rather than braking hard.

A driver must yield the right-of-way to a vehicle already in the intersection and to pedestrians crossing with a green light.

At a T-intersection without signs, the vehicle on the terminating road must yield to vehicles on the through road.

A driver entering a freeway must yield to traffic already on the freeway and must not cross a solid white line to enter.

A left turn from a one-way street to another one-way street may be made from the left lane, and a left turn on red is permitted from a one-way street onto a one-way street after a full stop unless posted otherwise.

A driver must not pass a vehicle on the right unless the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is room to pass safely on the paved shoulder or roadway.

A driver approaching a yield sign must slow down and stop if necessary to let cross traffic pass before proceeding.

A driver must not enter an intersection unless there is space to clear it; blocking an intersection is a violation even on a green light.

A driver must obey a police officer directing traffic even when the officer's directions conflict with a traffic signal or sign.

Seat belts must be worn by the driver and all passengers; children under 8 must be secured in an approved child restraint in the back seat when available.

Headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals must be in working order; a vehicle with a broken taillight may be cited and may fail a smog or safety inspection.

Tires must have at least 1/32 inch of tread depth, and tire pressure should be checked monthly when tires are cold.

If the accelerator sticks, shift to neutral, brake firmly, and steer to a safe location; do not turn off the engine until the vehicle is stopped.

If a vehicle stalls on railroad tracks, occupants should exit immediately and move away from the tracks, then call for help.

When an emergency vehicle approaches, drivers should pull to the right and stop; if in an intersection, proceed through and then pull over.

A driver must not leave a child or animal unattended in a vehicle under conditions that endanger health or safety.

If a collision occurs, drivers must stop, exchange information, render aid if needed, and report the collision to the DMV within 10 days when required.

A red octagon means stop; a red and white triangle means yield; a yellow diamond warns of a hazard ahead.

A white rectangle with black lettering is a regulatory sign, such as a speed limit or lane-use sign, and must be obeyed.

A green sign with white lettering provides guidance such as distance to exits or route numbers.

A blue sign indicates a service such as a hospital, rest area, or gas station; a brown sign indicates a recreational or scenic area.

A flashing red light is treated as a stop sign; a flashing yellow light means proceed with caution.

A solid white line marks the edge of the roadway or a lane boundary that should not be crossed except in an emergency.

A double solid yellow line means no passing in either direction; a single broken yellow line permits passing when the road ahead is clear.

A painted arrow in a lane indicates the direction of travel permitted from that lane; drivers must follow the arrow or change lanes before the intersection.

A driver 21 or older is presumed impaired at a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher; a driver under 21 is subject to a 0.01 percent limit.

California's implied consent law requires submission to a chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest; refusal carries license suspension penalties.

An open container of alcohol in the passenger area is illegal; containers must be sealed and kept in the trunk or a locked compartment.

Handheld cell phone use is illegal for all drivers; drivers under 18 may not use any electronic device, including hands-free, while driving.

Texting while driving is illegal and carries a fine plus a point on the driving record.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications can support a DUI charge when they impair driving ability.

Cannabis impairment can support a DUI conviction even without a measurable BAC threshold.

A first DUI conviction carries up to six months in jail, fines, license suspension, and completion of a DUI program.

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks and must not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.

Drivers must leave at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist and may cross a double yellow line to do so when safe.

Motorcyclists are entitled to a full lane; drivers must not share a lane with a motorcycle.

Large trucks have blind spots on both sides and behind; drivers should avoid lingering alongside a truck.

When a school bus displays flashing red lights, traffic in both directions must stop unless a divided highway with a median separates the directions.

In rain, snow, or ice, drivers should slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or steering.

At night, use high beams on dark roads without oncoming traffic and switch to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

In a skid, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid rather than braking hard.

A driver must yield the right-of-way to a vehicle already in the intersection and to pedestrians crossing with a green light.

At a T-intersection without signs, the vehicle on the terminating road must yield to vehicles on the through road.

A driver entering a freeway must yield to traffic already on the freeway and must not cross a solid white line to enter.

A left turn from a one-way street to another one-way street may be made from the left lane, and a left turn on red is permitted from a one-way street onto a one-way street after a full stop unless posted otherwise.

A driver must not pass a vehicle on the right unless the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is room to pass safely.

A driver approaching a yield sign must slow down and stop if necessary to let cross traffic pass before proceeding.

A driver must not enter an intersection unless there is space to clear it; blocking an intersection is a violation even on a green light.

A driver must obey a police officer directing traffic even when the officer's directions conflict with a traffic signal or sign.

Seat belts must be worn by the driver and all passengers; children under 8 must be secured in an approved child restraint in the back seat when available.

Headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals must be in working order; a vehicle with a broken taillight may be cited.

Tires must have at least 1/32 inch of tread depth, and tire pressure should be checked monthly when tires are cold.

If the accelerator sticks, shift to neutral, brake firmly, and steer to a safe location; do not turn off the engine until the vehicle is stopped.

If a vehicle stalls on railroad tracks, occupants should exit immediately and move away from the tracks, then call for help.

When an emergency vehicle approaches, drivers should pull to the right and stop; if in an intersection, proceed through and then pull over.

A driver must not leave a child or animal unattended in a vehicle under conditions that endanger health or safety.

If a collision occurs, drivers must stop, exchange information, render aid if needed, and report the collision to the DMV within 10 days when required.

A red octagon means stop; a red and white triangle means yield; a yellow diamond warns of a hazard ahead.

A white rectangle with black lettering is a regulatory sign, such as a speed limit or lane-use sign, and must be obeyed.

A green sign with white lettering provides guidance such as distance to exits or route numbers.

A blue sign indicates a service such as a hospital, rest area, or gas station; a brown sign indicates a recreational or scenic area.

A flashing red light is treated as a stop sign; a flashing yellow light means proceed with caution.

A solid white line marks the edge of the roadway or a lane boundary that should not be crossed except in an emergency.

A double solid yellow line means no passing in either direction; a single broken yellow line permits passing when the road ahead is clear.

A painted arrow in a lane indicates the direction of travel permitted from that lane; drivers must follow the arrow or change lanes before the intersection.

A driver 21 or older is presumed impaired at a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher; a driver under 21 is subject to a 0.01 percent limit.

California's implied consent law requires submission to a chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest; refusal carries license suspension penalties.

An open container of alcohol in the passenger area is illegal; containers must be sealed and kept in the trunk or a locked compartment.

Handheld cell phone use is illegal for all drivers; drivers under 18 may not use any electronic device, including hands-free, while driving.

Texting while driving is illegal and carries a fine plus a point on the driving record.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications can support a DUI charge when they impair driving ability.

Cannabis impairment can support a DUI conviction even without a measurable BAC threshold.

A first DUI conviction carries up to six months in jail, fines, license suspension, and completion of a DUI program.

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks and must not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.

Drivers must leave at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist and may cross a double yellow line to do so when safe.

Motorcyclists are entitled to a full lane; drivers must not share a lane with a motorcycle.

Large trucks have blind spots on both sides and behind; drivers should avoid lingering alongside a truck.

When a school bus displays flashing red lights, traffic in both directions must stop unless a divided highway with a median separates the directions.

In rain, snow, or ice, drivers should slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or steering.

At night, use high beams on dark roads without oncoming traffic and switch to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

In a skid, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid rather than braking hard.

A driver must yield the right-of-way to a vehicle already in the intersection and to pedestrians crossing with a green light.

At a T-intersection without signs, the vehicle on the terminating road must yield to vehicles on the through road.

A driver entering a freeway must yield to traffic already on the freeway and must not cross a solid white line to enter.

A left turn from a one-way street to another one-way street may be made from the left lane, and a left turn on red is permitted from a one-way street onto a one-way street after a full stop unless posted otherwise.

A driver must not pass a vehicle on the right unless the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is room to pass safely.

A driver approaching a yield sign must slow down and stop if necessary to let cross traffic pass before proceeding.

A driver must not enter an intersection unless there is space to clear it; blocking an intersection is a violation even on a green light.

A driver must obey a police officer directing traffic even when the officer's directions conflict with a traffic signal or sign.

Seat belts must be worn by the driver and all passengers; children under 8 must be secured in an approved child restraint in the back seat when available.

Headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals must be in working order; a vehicle with a broken taillight may be cited.

Tires must have at least 1/32 inch of tread depth, and tire pressure should be checked monthly when tires are cold.

If the accelerator sticks, shift to neutral, brake firmly, and steer to a safe location; do not turn off the engine until the vehicle is stopped.

If a vehicle stalls on railroad tracks, occupants should exit immediately and move away from the tracks, then call for help.

When an emergency vehicle approaches, drivers should pull to the right and stop; if in an intersection, proceed through and then pull over.

A driver must not leave a child or animal unattended in a vehicle under conditions that endanger health or safety.

If a collision occurs, drivers must stop, exchange information, render aid if needed, and report the collision to the DMV within 10 days when required.