DMV Written Test 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: You're approaching a railroad crossing without any warning devices and can only see 400 feet in one direction down the tracks. What is the speed limit?

15 mph. (Correct answer)
25 mph.
20 mph.

Correct answer: 15 mph.

When approaching a railroad crossing without warning devices and with limited visibility (you can only see 400 feet down the tracks), the maximum speed limit is 15 mph. This reduced speed allows drivers sufficient time to stop safely if a train is approaching. It is a critical safety measure to prevent collisions at uncontrolled crossings.

Question 2: Which of the following blind spot assertions is correct?

By gazing in your rearview mirrors, you may check for blind spots.
Blind spots in large trucks are larger than in most passenger vehicles. (Correct answer)
If you have one outside mirror on each side of the vehicle, you won't need them.

Correct answer: Blind spots in large trucks are larger than in most passenger vehicles.

Large trucks have significantly larger blind spots, often referred to as 'No-Zones,' compared to passenger vehicles. These areas exist on all sides of the truck where the driver cannot see smaller vehicles. Understanding this is crucial for safe driving, as it means you should avoid lingering in these zones when driving near trucks.

Question 3: To pass another car, you may drive off the paved road:

If the vehicle in front of you is making a left turn.
If there is enough room on the shoulder for your vehicle.
Without a doubt not. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Without a doubt not.

It is illegal and extremely dangerous to drive off the paved road to pass another car. Doing so can lead to loss of control, damage to your vehicle, and potential collisions with obstacles or other vehicles. Passing maneuvers should only be performed on the paved roadway when it is safe and legally permitted.

Question 4: It is not required to use your parking brake when making an emergency roadside stop.

FALSE (Correct answer)
TRUE

Correct answer: FALSE

It is always required to use your parking brake when making an emergency roadside stop. The parking brake provides an additional layer of safety by preventing the vehicle from rolling, especially on sloped surfaces or if the transmission unexpectedly shifts. This ensures the vehicle remains stationary and secure.

Question 5: A left turn is about to be made. During the last ________ feet before the turn, you must signal consistently.

75
100 (Correct answer)
50

Correct answer: 100

When preparing to make a left turn, you must signal consistently for at least the last 100 feet before the turn. This provides ample warning to other drivers and pedestrians about your intended maneuver. Signaling adequately allows others to anticipate your actions and react safely, preventing potential collisions.

Question 6: IF YOU'RE DRIVING UP A NARROW, STEEP ROAD AND COME ACROSS A CAR WITHIN REASONABLE PASSING ROOM:

Neither driver should take any steps backwards.
If the other vehicle is a truck, you should pull over to the side of the road.
You should take a detour down the road.
The other driver should pull over to the side of the road. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The other driver should pull over to the side of the road.

On narrow, steep roads, the vehicle going downhill typically has the right-of-way and should pull over to allow the uphill vehicle to pass. This is because it is generally more difficult and dangerous for a vehicle going uphill to stop and then restart on a steep incline. The downhill driver has better control and visibility to yield.

Question 7: When making a right turn from a one-way street with no designated turn lanes, which lane should you be in:

D
C
B
A (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A

When making a right turn from a one-way street with no designated turn lanes, you should position your vehicle in the lane closest to the right curb. This ensures you are in the correct and safest position to execute the turn. It prevents you from cutting across other lanes of traffic and minimizes conflicts with other road users.

Question 8: When parking parallel to the curb on a level street, you should do:

The distance between your wheels and the curb must be less than 18 inches. (Correct answer)
One of your back wheels must make contact with the curb.
You must turn your front wheels toward the street.

Correct answer: The distance between your wheels and the curb must be less than 18 inches.

When parking parallel to the curb on a level street, your vehicle's wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb. This regulation ensures that your vehicle does not obstruct traffic flow or create a hazard for other road users. Maintaining this distance is a key component of safe and legal parking.

Question 9: YOU MAY ONLY PROCEED WHEN WHAT IF TRAFFIC PREVENTS YOU FROM CROSSING ALL THE WAY ACROSS A SET OF RAILROAD TRACKS?

There are no trains in sight.
A train approaching isn't traveling fast enough to represent a threat.
On the other side, there is space for your vehicle. (Correct answer)
At least half of your car should be able to cross the tracks.

Correct answer: On the other side, there is space for your vehicle.

You must never stop on railroad tracks. You may only proceed across railroad tracks if there is sufficient space on the other side for your vehicle to clear the tracks completely. This prevents your vehicle from being trapped on the tracks if traffic ahead stops, avoiding a potentially fatal collision with a train.

Question 10: You must complete and submit a written report (SR1) to the DMV if you are involved in a traffic collision:

Only in the event that you or the other driver is hurt.
Only if you're the one who's at fault.
If there is more than $1,000 in property damage or if there are any injuries. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: If there is more than $1,000 in property damage or if there are any injuries.

In California, you must complete and submit a written report (SR1) to the DMV within 10 days if you are involved in a traffic collision that results in property damage exceeding $1,000 or if anyone is injured, regardless of who is at fault. This ensures proper documentation of significant incidents for insurance and legal purposes.

Question 11: The "Basic Speed Law" in California states:

On some freeways in California, the maximum speed limit is 70 mph.
Driving faster than is safe for the given conditions is never a good idea. (Correct answer)
It is never a good idea to drive faster than the posted speed limit.

Correct answer: Driving faster than is safe for the given conditions is never a good idea.

California's 'Basic Speed Law' states that you must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit. This means adjusting your speed based on factors like weather, traffic, road conditions, and visibility. The law prioritizes safety over adhering strictly to a numerical limit when conditions are poor.

Question 12: It is illegal to:

close to a railroad crossing by 300 feet
pass through any clearly designated no-passing zone (Correct answer)
a and b are both correct.

Correct answer: pass through any clearly designated no-passing zone

It is illegal and extremely dangerous to pass another vehicle in any clearly designated no-passing zone. These zones are marked by solid yellow lines or signs and are established in areas where visibility is limited, such as on hills or curves, or where other hazards exist, making passing unsafe.

Question 13: To make a left turn from a multilane one-way street onto a one-way street, begin your turn at:

The lane closest to the curb on the left. (Correct answer)
The lane that runs through the middle of the road.
Any lane will do (as long as it is safe).

Correct answer: The lane closest to the curb on the left.

When making a left turn from a multilane one-way street onto another one-way street, you should begin your turn from the lane closest to the left curb. This positioning ensures you enter the correct lane on the new street and minimizes conflicts with other traffic. It's the standard and safest practice for such turns.

Question 14: TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN FROM A HIGHWAY WITH TWO LANES IN YOUR DIRECTION, MAKE A RIGHT TURN FROM:

Depending on your pace, you can take either lane.
Depending on oncoming traffic, any lane.
The lane nearest to the road's center.
The lane closest to the road's edge or curb. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The lane closest to the road's edge or curb.

To make a right turn from a highway with two lanes in your direction, you should always make the turn from the lane closest to the road's edge or curb. This is the standard and safest practice, as it prevents you from cutting across other lanes of traffic. It ensures a smooth and predictable turn for other drivers.

Question 15: Signs with a black background and an orange background identify:

There are railroad tracks ahead.
zones of work (Correct answer)
There are no passing zones.

Correct answer: zones of work

Signs with a black background and an orange background are specifically used to identify work zones or construction areas. These colors are chosen for their high visibility to alert drivers to potential hazards, reduced speeds, and workers present on or near the roadway. Always exercise extra caution in these zones.

Question 16: You should be looking down the road to where your vehicle will be in around ____________ to avoid last-minute maneuvers.

10 to 15 seconds (Correct answer)
15 to 20 seconds
5 to 10 seconds

Correct answer: 10 to 15 seconds

To avoid last-minute maneuvers and react safely to changing road conditions, you should be looking down the road to where your vehicle will be in approximately 10 to 15 seconds. This 'visual lead time' allows you to anticipate hazards, plan your actions in advance, and maintain a safe following distance.

DMV Written Test 1

You're approaching a railroad crossing without any warning devices and can only see 400 feet in one direction down the tracks.
What is the speed limit?