★ California Drivers Ed DMV Permit Test Answers 7

City, Rural and Freeway Driving
When you see a street with white markings only, what kind of street is it?
A.) Two-way street
B.) One-way street
C.) Depends on the posted sign

Get the Correct ANSWER

One-way street
EXPLANATION: One-way streets are common in city areas. Look out for signs and white markings on the road.

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You are driving in the left lane on a four-lane freeway and have to take the exit on the right, you should ______________.
You are driving in the left lane on a four-lane highway and have to take the exit on the right, you should ___________.
A.) cross all lanes at once
B.) change one lane at a time to be in the exit lane
C.) reduce speed before changing lanes

Get the Correct ANSWER

change one lane at a time to be in the exit lane

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If you are driving a vehicle on a two-lane highway where passing is unsafe, and five or more vehicles are following you, _________________.
A.) pull to the side of the road wherever you can and let them pass
B.) maintain your speed and lane position
C.) speed up and leave them behind

Get the Correct ANSWER

pull to the side of the road wherever you can and let them pass

EXPLANATION: If you are driving a vehicle on a two-lane highway where passing is unsafe, and five or more vehicles are following you, pull to the side of the road wherever you can—let the vehicles pass.

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Why do drivers have difficulty seeing side traffic at T-intersections in rural areas?
Why drivers have difficulty seeing side traffic at T-intersections in rural areas?
A.) These side streets are hidden because of crops, bushes, or tree overhangs.
B.) Drivers don't expect traffic coming from side streets.
C.) Curved highways hide side streets.

Get the Correct ANSWER

These side streets are hidden because of crops, bushes, or tree overhangs.

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Which technique provides a smooth transition from acceleration to braking?
A.) Cover braking
B.) Squeeze braking
C.) Skid braking

Get the Correct ANSWER

Cover braking

EXPLANATION: Cover braking provides a smooth transition from acceleration to braking as you can react quicker in case of a hazard.

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When merging with freeway traffic, you should try to merge ________________.
A.) at the same speed as freeway traffic
B.) 5 mph slower than freeway traffic
C.) at a speed that matches the posted speed limit

Get the Correct ANSWER

at the same speed as freeway traffic

EXPLANATION: When merging with the freeway traffic always try to merge at the same speed as the freeway traffic.

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Weaving in and out of lanes during heavy traffic _____________________.
A.) improves fuel efficiency
B.) slows down other vehicles
C.) creates more space for lane changes

Get the Correct ANSWER

slows down other vehicles

EXPLANATION: Avoid weaving as it increases the risk of collisions and irritates other drivers. In heavy traffic conditions, it also creates further congestion by slowing down other drivers.

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At freeway entrances, you should check traffic by ____________________.
A.) looking in all the mirrors and over the shoulder
B.) using the mirrors only
C.) looking over the shoulder

Get the Correct ANSWER

looking in all the mirrors and over the shoulder

EXPLANATION: At freeway entrances, check for traffic by looking in all the mirrors and over the shoulder. Look ahead, behind, and to the freeway.

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When traveling on narrow mountain roads _______________.
A.) honk your horn if you cannot see at least 200 ft ahead
B.) expect other drivers to yield to you
C.) drive as far to the left as reasonably possible

Get the Correct ANSWER

honk your horn if you cannot see at least 200 ft ahead

EXPLANATION: You must drive as far to the right as reasonably possible on narrow mountain roads, and if you cannot see at least 200 ft ahead, honk your horn.

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Defensive Driving
When you hit a parked vehicle and cannot find the owner, you should ___________.
A.) leave a note with your insurance information and drivers license number
B.) leave a note with your name and address and report the collision to police
C.) call the police to report the unattended vehicle

Get the Correct ANSWER

leave a note with your name and address and report the collision to police

EXPLANATION: If you hit a parked vehicle, make reasonable efforts to find the owner of the vehicle damaged in the collision. If you cannot locate anyone, leave a note with your name and address that can be found easily at the scene.

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You are required to submit a written report (SR 1) to the DMV within 10 days _______________.
A.) if there is property damage in excess of $750 or if there are any injuries
B.) only when you are at fault
C.) if there is property damage less than $750

Get the Correct ANSWER

if there is property damage in excess of $750 or if there are any injuries

EXPLANATION: If you are involved in a collision, you must report it to the DMV within 10 days in the following conditions: property damage of any one person in excess of $750; bodily injury; death of any person. You must make this report whether or not you caused the collision.

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At a minimum, your vehicle insurance policy must provide coverage of _________ for injury or death of one person.
A.) $15,000
B.) $30,000
C.) $10,000

Get the Correct ANSWER

$15,000

EXPLANATION: The minimum amount your insurance must cover per collision is as follows: Single death or injury—$15,000; Death or injury to more than one person—$30,000; Property damage—$5,000;

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When involved in a collision exchange the following information with other people involved: drivers license, vehicle registration card, proof of insurance, and _________.
A.) Social Security number
B.) driver record
C.) current address

Get the Correct ANSWER

current address

EXPLANATION: Exchange information with other people involved in the collision as soon as possible. Show your drivers license, registration card, evidence of financial responsibility, and current address to other driver or persons involved or to any peace officer.

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When you drive along the right-rear side of another vehicle, you are ______________.
A.) maintaining a space cushion on your left side
B.) in one of the driver's blind spots and in danger of a collision
C.) using a good defensive technique

Get the Correct ANSWER

in one of the driver's blind spots and in danger of a collision

EXPLANATION: Try to keep plenty of space between your car and others on all sides. Avoid driving alongside in the blind spots of other cars.

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To avoid a collision, you need as much time as possible to react. Allow a following distance of at least ____ seconds.
A.) two
B.) three
C.) four

Get the Correct ANSWER

three

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What is the best way to lose a tailgater?
A.) Speed up and leave the tailgater behind.
B.) Pull off the road when it is safe and let the tailgater pass.
C.) Honk your horn to remind the tailgater about safe following distance.

Get the Correct ANSWER

Pull off the road when it is safe and let the tailgater pass

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If someone is following you too closely, what is the best way to lose a tailgater?
A.) Speed up and leave the tailgater behind.
B.) Slow down or pull off the road when it is safe and let the tailgater pass.
C.) Honk your horn to remind the tailgater about safe following distance.
D.) Use your cell phone and report the tailgater to police as a traffic law violator.

Get the Correct ANSWER

Slow down or pull off the road when it is safe and let the tailgater pass

EXPLANATION: Lose the tailgater as soon as you can by changing lanes. If you cannot change lanes, slow down enough to encourage the tailgater to go around you. If this does not work, pull off the road when it is safe and let the tailgater pass.

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To drive defensively, you should _______________
A.) concentrate all your attention on a car in front of you
B.) keep your eyes moving, look over and around the vehicle ahead
C.) expect the other driver to do what you think he or she should do

Get the Correct ANSWER

keep your eyes moving, look over and around the vehicle ahead

EXPLANATION: When you drive, keep your eyes moving. Look over and around the vehicle ahead. This helps you visualize the space you intend to occupy and allows you to plan ahead. Do not expect the other driver to do what you think he or she should do.

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In order to identify hazards early and avoid last minute moves, you should scan the road _________ seconds ahead of your vehicle.
A.) 5 to 10
B.) 10 to 15
C.) 15 to 20

Get the Correct ANSWER

10 to 15

★ California Drivers Ed DMV Permit Test Answers 6

Sharing the Road
Why should you visually check for motorcycles when changing lanes?
A.) They are small and can hide easily into the blind spots.
B.) They need more space for maneuvering.
C.) They have the right-of-way at intersections.

Get the CORRECT Answer

They are small and can hide easily into the blind spots.

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Why should you visually check for motorcycles when changing lanes?
A.) They are small and are often hidden in blind spots.
B.) They need more space to maneuver.
C.) They have the right-of-way at intersections.

Get the CORRECT Answer

They are small and are often hidden in blind spots.

EXPLANATION: When changing lanes or entering a major thoroughfare, make a visual check for motorcycles, in addition to using your mirrors. Motorcycles are small and this allows them to tuck easily into the blind spots of other vehicles.

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If a truck in front of your car begins to turn left, but its right turn signals are flashing, it is most likely that the truck driver __________________.
A.) is preparing to turn right
B.) is actually turning left
C.) is making a U-turn

Get the CORRECT Answer

is preparing to turn right

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Which of these vehicles must stop before crossing railroad tracks?
A.) Commercial vehicles
B.) Pickup trucks towing a trailer
C.) All vehicles must stop

Get the CORRECT Answer

commercial vehicles

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When you see a blind person pulling in his or her cane and stepping away from the crosswalk, this usually means _________________.
A.) you may go
B.) wait and let the blind person go first
C.) honk your horn to let the person know of your presence

Get the CORRECT Answer

you may go

EXPLANATION: When you see a blind person pulling in his or her cane and stepping away from the crosswalk, this usually means you may go. Do not wait too long.

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Drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians ___________.
A.) within any crosswalk, marked or unmarked
B.) only within marked crosswalk
C.) only when traffic is controlled by signals or signs

Get the CORRECT Answer

within any crosswalk, marked or unmarked
EXPLANATION: By law, drivers must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.

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Many animals are most active ______________.
A.) in the afternoon
B.) around dusk or dawn
C.) on sunny winter days

Get the CORRECT Answer

around dusk or dawn

EXPLANATION: Be especially watchful for animals in fair weather periods before storms. Many animals are most active around dusk and dawn when they look for food

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You should never cross a railroad track if ______________________.
A.) there isn't room on the other side of the tracks
B.) you have passengers in the vehicle
C.) the tracks have frequent train traffic

Get the CORRECT Answer

there isn't room on the other side of the tracks

EXPLANATION: You should be prepared for a train to come at any time, day or night. Never start across if there isn't room for your vehicle on the other side of the tracks.

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When can you enter a bike lane?
A.) If there are no bicyclists in the bike lane
B.) To make a right turn not more than 200 ft before the intersection
C.) When you want to pass a vehicle ahead of you

Get the CORRECT Answer

To make a right turn not more than 200 ft before the intersection
EXPLANATION: Drivers must check for cyclists before turning right. Do not pass a cyclist just before making a right turn. Merge first, and then turn. Enter into a bike lane to make a right turn no more than 200 ft before the intersection.

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When you see road workers at a construction site, you should obey their instructions __________________.
A.) only if you see orange cones on the road
B.) unless the instructions conflict with the existing signals
C.) at all times

Get the CORRECT Answer

at all times

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To safely share the road with a light rail vehicle, you _________________.
A.) may turn in front of an approaching LRV at an uncontrolled intersection
B.) should never drive in the lane next to the light rail vehicle
C.) should watch traffic signals closely because they can change for the light rail vehicle

Get the CORRECT Answer

should watch traffic signals closely because they can change for the light rail vehicle

EXPLANATION: Maintain a safe distance from an LRV if it shares a street with vehicular traffic. Never make a turn in front of an oncoming LRV. When you turn across LRV tracks, if a signal is present, turn only when the signal indicates you may proceed. In many cases, LRVs can preempt traffic signals; so do not proceed forward until the signal light indicates you may do so.

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Driving Conditions and Emergencies
What should you do if you have a tire blowout?
A.) Hold the steering wheel tightly and take your foot off the accelerator.
B.) Turn your steering wheel in direction of the blown tire and apply the brake.
C.) Use your brake to slow down and stop to fix the tire.

Get the CORRECT Answer

Hold the steering wheel tightly and take your foot off the accelerator.

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When driving at night, only use your high-beam headlights ______________.
A.) on unlighted streets
B.) when it is legal and safe
C.) when you cannot see oncoming traffic

Get the CORRECT Answer

when it is legal and safe

EXPLANATION: Use your high-beam headlights on open highways or in rural areas.

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Compared to driving during the day, driving at night is:
A.) Less dangerous
B.) No more of less dangerous
C.) More dangerous
D.) Easier on your eyes

Get the CORRECT Answer

More dangerous

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When driving at night, it is most important for you to.
When driving at night it is most important for you to
A.) Use your high beams at all times.
B.) Drive within the range of your headlights.
C.) Be ready to brake more quickly.
D.) Watch for cars at intersections.

Get the CORRECT Answer

Drive within the range of your headlights. Explanation: Your headlights cover about 350 feet ahead. It is important that you drive at a speed that allows you to react and stop safely within that distance. This is called "driving within the range" of your headlights.

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California law states that you must drive with your headlights ____________________.
A.) no later than 30 minutes after sunset and until at least 30 minutes before sunrise
B.) when you cannot see at least 2 miles in front of your vehicle
C.) one hour before sunset until one hour after sunrise

Get the CORRECT Answer

no later than 30 minutes after sunset and until at least 30 minutes before sunrise
EXPLANATION: By California law, drivers are required to have headlights on no later than 30 minutes after sunset and until at least 30 minutes before sunrise or anytime they do not have enough light to see at least 1,000 ft in front of their vehicle.

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When driving in the fog you should use which of the following?
When driving in fog, you should use your
A.) High-beam headlights
B.) Low-beam headlights
C.) Fog lights only

Get the CORRECT Answer

Low-beam headlights

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Roadways are most slippery ______________.
A.) during a heavy downpour
B.) after it has been raining for awhile
C.) when it first starts to rain

Get the CORRECT Answer

when it first starts to rain
EXPLANATION: Slow down at the first sign of rain, drizzle, or snow on the road. This is when many road pavements are most slippery because oil and dust have not been washed away.

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What is the correct response when your vehicle starts to skid on ice?
A.) Hit the brakes hard.
B.) Take your foot off the accelerator.
C.) Switch to a low gear.
D.) Speed up

Get the CORRECT Answer

Take your foot off the accelerator.

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When vehicles meet on a steep, narrow road, not wide enough for two vehicles, which vehicle must yield the right-of-way?
A.) The vehicle going uphill
B.) The vehicle going downhill
C.) The vehicle going slower

Get the CORRECT Answer

The vehicle going downhill
EXPLANATION: When two vehicles meet on a steep road where neither can pass, the vehicle facing downhill must back up until the vehicle traveling uphill can drive through. (The driver going downhill has the greater amount of control when backing.)

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If you are driving a vehicle at night, dim your lights by switching to low-beams before you are ____ ft from a vehicle coming toward you.
A.) 500
B.) 200
C.) 300

Get the CORRECT Answer

500

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If your accelerator suddenly gets stuck what should you do?
A.) Put gear in reverse.
B.) Shift to neutral.
C.) Shut off your engine.

Get the CORRECT Answer

Shift to neutral.
EXPLANATION: If your accelerator suddenly gets stuck: shift to neutral. Apply the brakes. Keep your eyes on the road. Look for a way out.

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★ California Drivers Ed DMV Permit Test Answers 5

The Vehicle
You must notify the DMV within 5 days, when you ________.
You must notify the DMV within 5 days if you:
A.) purchase a vehicle from a private party
B.) sell or transfer your vehicle
C.) change your address

Get the CORRECT Answer

sell or transfer your vehicle

EXPLANATION: You have 5 days to report the transfer to the DMV if you sell or transfer ownership of a vehicle to another party.

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You must turn on your headlights _________________.
A.) before starting your vehicle
B.) whenever you use your windshield wipers
C.) when vehicles cannot be seen at a distance of 2,000 ft.

Get the CORRECT Answer

whenever you use your windshield wipers

EXPLANATION: You must turn on your headlights whenever you use your windshield wipers in bad weather conditions or when there is insufficient light and pedestrians or vehicles cannot be seen clearly at a distance of 1,000 ft.

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How can you save fuel while driving on hills?
A.) Accelerate before you start climbing the hill.
B.) Accelerate on the hill.
C.) Brake while going uphill.

Get the CORRECT Answer

Accelerate before you start climbing the hill.

EXPLANATION: Accelerate before you start climbing the hill, instead of on the hill itself. This technique uses your car's momentum instead of additional fuel.

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You need to maintain steady pressure on the ______________ to activate ABS.
A.) brake pedal
B.) clutch
C.) accelerator

Get the CORRECT Answer

brake pedal

EXPLANATION: You need to maintain steady pressure on the brake pedal to activate ABS. If you pump the pedal, you will deactivate the ABS.

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Choose the correct names for the car symbols shown in this picture.


A.) Oil pressure low; parking brake engaged
B.) Battery low warning light; parking brake engaged
C.) Battery low warning light; brake failure indicator

Get the CORRECT Answer

Battery low warning light; parking brake engaged

These symbols are the low battery warning light and parking brake engaged light.

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Choose the correct names for the car symbols shown in this picture.


A.) Low beam; safety belt
B.) Low beam; head restraint system
C.) High beam; safety belt

Get the CORRECT Answer

High beam; safety belt

These car symbols indicate the high beams and safety belts.

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Driving Maneuvers
Passing another vehicle is illegal _________________.
A.) when a yellow broken line marks the left side of your lane
B.) where cross-traffic is present or likely to be present
C.) on a multi-lane one-way street

Get the CORRECT Answer

where cross-traffic is present or likely to be present

EXPLANATION: Passing is illegal under the following conditions: your view is restricted or limited by a curve or hill; space is narrowed, and your front zones are closed; cross-traffic is present, even if there are no warning signs or lines; your line of sight is limited by fog, rain, or snow; etc.

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Turn your front wheels toward the curb when you park your car __________.
A.) facing uphill
B.) facing downhill
C.) on a level street

Get the CORRECT Answer

facing downhill

Parking the vehicle downhill: you must turn your vehicle's front wheels toward the curb or toward the side of the road.

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When traveling on a two-way street with two lanes in each direction and planning to make a left turn, start it in _______ lane open for traffic in your direction.
A.) the left
B.) the right
C.) any

Get the CORRECT Answer

the left

EXPLANATION: To make a left turn from a two-way street always start the turn from the lane closest to the middle of the street (the left lane open for traffic in your direction).

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Unless prohibited by a sign, you may legally make a U-turn ________________.
A.) in front of a fire station
B.) at an intersection on a one-way street
C.) at an intersection with a green light

Get the CORRECT Answer

at an intersection with a green light

EXPLANATION: At an intersection, you may make a U-turn on a green light or green arrow, unless a NO U-TURN sign is posted. U-turns are not allowed: on a one-way street; in front of a fire station; etc.

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Any time you merge with other traffic, you _________________.
A.) should stop first and check for cross traffic
B.) need at least a four second gap
C.) have a right-of-way

Get the CORRECT Answer

need at least a four second gap

EXPLANATION: Any time you merge with other traffic, you need a safe gap that provides a safe following distance for both you and the car behind you. Allow at least a 4 second gap.

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Any time you merge with other traffic, you should _____________.
A.) stop first and check for cross traffic
B.) make sure you have a gap of at least four seconds
C.) have the right-of-way

Get the CORRECT Answer

make sure you have a gap of at least four seconds

EXPLANATION: Any time you merge with other traffic, you need a safe gap that provides a safe following distance for both you and the car behind you. Allow at least a four second gap. Note that this gives both you and the other vehicle only a two-second following distance.

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When parked parallel to the curb on a level street, your vehicle ______________.
A.) should have its front wheels turned toward the curb
B.) must be within 18 inches of the curb
C.) must have parking lights on

Get the CORRECT Answer

must be within 18 inches of the curb

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To use your turn signals legally, you should ____________________.
A.) always signal to let other drivers know your intentions
B.) never use both electric and hand signals
C.) signal for a lane change only when other traffic is present

Get the CORRECT Answer

always signal to let other drivers know your intentions

EXPLANATION: You must signal at least 100 ft before making a turn, changing lanes, or pulling next to a curb. At freeway speeds, signal at least five seconds before you change lanes. Your signal lets other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians know your intentions.

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When should you return to the right lane after passing another car on the left?
A.) When you are 10 feet ahead of the car
B.) When you see the vehicle's headlights in your rearview mirror
C.) When you are within 100 ft of an oncoming vehicle

Get the CORRECT Answer

When you see the vehicle's headlights in your rearview mirror

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When you want to back out of a parking space, you should do it slowly and look _____________ while backing.
A.) at your rearview mirror
B.) over your right shoulder
C.) at your side mirrors

Get the CORRECT Answer

over your right shoulder

EXPLANATION: Do not depend on mirrors alone when backing. Turn and look over your right shoulder.

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To be safe from air-bag related injuries, you should sit _______________.
A.) at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel
B.) within 5 inches of the steering wheel
C.) as close as possible to the steering wheel

Get the CORRECT Answer

at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel

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This driver is signaling his or her intention to __________.
The driver is signaling his or her intention to _________.


A.) turn left
B.) turn right
C.) stop

Get the CORRECT Answer

turn right

EXPLANATION: This is the hand signal for a right turn.

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