Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way
The rules domain tests who yields at intersections, how to treat pedestrians and special vehicles, and the speed and following rules California enforces. Right-of-way is not taken; it is given.
Intersections and yielding
At an uncontrolled intersection, yield to the vehicle on your right (CVC 21800). At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive goes first; if two arrive at the same time, yield to the right. A left-turning vehicle must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians (CVC 21801). At a T-intersection without signs, traffic on the road that ends yields to traffic on the through road. Never enter an intersection unless you can clear it.
Pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and school buses
Yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. A blind pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog has the right-of-way. When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull to the right and stop; do not block the intersection. On a two-lane road, stop for a school bus with flashing red lights in either direction (CVC 22454); on a divided highway, traffic on the opposite side of the divider need not stop.
Speed and following
California's basic speed law requires a safe speed for conditions. Common prima facie limits are 25 mph in business and residential districts and school zones when children are present, 55 mph on two-lane undivided highways, and 65 mph on freeways (CVC 22352). Use at least a three-second following distance in good conditions; increase it in rain or darkness. Dim high beams within 500 feet of oncoming traffic and 300 feet when following.
Worked example
You are on a two-lane road behind a school bus that has stopped with flashing red lights. A car approaches from the opposite direction. Both directions must stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and the bus moves. If the road were a divided highway, the opposite-direction car would not have to stop.
Traps that cost marks
Failing to stop for a school bus; turning left in front of oncoming traffic; not yielding to a pedestrian in a crosswalk; following too closely; speeding in a school zone when children are present; and entering an intersection when traffic is backed up.