California DMV Permit Test flashcards
California DMV Permit Test · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- BAC limit for adults
- The legal blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers 21 and older in California is 0.08 percent; at or above this level a driver is presumed impaired.
- Zero tolerance for minors
- Drivers under 21 face a one-year license suspension for driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.01 percent or higher under California's zero-tolerance law.
- Open container law
- An open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle is illegal; sealed containers must be kept in the trunk or a locked compartment.
- Implied consent law
- A driver lawfully arrested for DUI must submit to a chemical test; refusing results in license suspension and additional penalties.
- Handheld phone rule
- Drivers may not use a handheld cell phone while driving; drivers under 18 may not use any electronic device, including hands-free.
- Texting penalty
- Texting while driving is illegal and carries a fine plus a point on the driving record; repeat offenses add more points.
- Stop sign rule
- A stop sign requires a complete stop at the limit line or before the crosswalk; rolling stops are violations and add points.
- Flashing red signal
- A flashing red traffic signal is treated as a stop sign; drivers must stop completely and proceed only when safe.
- Flashing yellow signal
- A flashing yellow traffic signal means slow down and proceed with caution while watching for hazards in the intersection.
- Three-second rule
- The three-second rule sets a minimum following distance in ideal conditions; increase to four or more seconds in rain or darkness.
- Double yellow line
- A solid double yellow line means no passing in either direction; a broken yellow line permits passing when the road ahead is clear.
- Yield sign shape
- A yield sign is a red and white triangle; drivers must slow down and stop if necessary to let cross traffic pass.
- Railroad crossing sign
- A round yellow sign warns of a railroad crossing ahead; a white X-shaped sign with black letters marks the crossing itself.
- Green arrow meaning
- A green arrow permits movement only in the direction of the arrow; oncoming traffic is stopped during the protected phase.
- Pedestrian right-of-way
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks and must not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.
- Bicyclist passing clearance
- Drivers must leave at least 3 feet when passing a bicyclist and may cross a double yellow line to do so when safe.
- Motorcycle lane rights
- Motorcyclists are entitled to a full lane; drivers must not share a lane with a motorcycle or pass within the same lane.
- School bus red lights
- When a school bus displays flashing red lights, traffic in both directions must stop unless a divided highway with a median separates the directions.
- Skid recovery
- In a skid, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid rather than braking hard or overcorrecting.
- Night high-beam rule
- Use high beams on dark roads without oncoming traffic and switch to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
- Four-way stop order
- 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.
- Uncontrolled intersection
- At an uncontrolled intersection, the vehicle that arrives first goes first; if two arrive together, the driver on the left yields to the right.
- Right turn on red
- A right turn on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it; drivers must yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.
- Blocking an intersection
- 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.
- Emergency vehicle response
- When an emergency vehicle approaches with sirens and lights, pull to the right edge and stop; if in an intersection, proceed through first.
- Seat belt requirement
- The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts; children under 8 must use an approved child restraint in the back seat when available.
- Tire tread minimum
- Tires must have at least 1/32 inch of tread depth; tire pressure should be checked monthly when tires are cold.
- Stuck accelerator response
- If the accelerator sticks, shift to neutral, brake firmly, and steer to a safe location; do not turn off the engine until stopped.
- Collision reporting duty
- A driver involved in a collision must stop, exchange information, and report to the DMV within 10 days if injury or damage over $1,000 occurs.
- Parking uphill with curb
- When parking uphill with a curb, turn the front wheels away from the curb and let the vehicle roll back slightly against the curb.
- Parking downhill
- When parking downhill, turn the front wheels toward the curb so the vehicle rolls into the curb if it moves.
- Headlight use hours
- Drivers must use headlights from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise and when visibility is less than 1,000 feet.