Understand the reason behind each answer
The U.S. question library. 32 independently written study questions. California and New York each have a 28-question pool, including state-specific rules. These are study materials, not an official complete test bank.
StateCalifornia New York TopicAll topics Road signs & signals Right-of-way Lane changes & passing Parking & reversing Defensive driving Sharing the road State requirements
32 questions available below
Start an interactive practice session Road signs & signals · California / New York
1. A stop sign has a marked stop line. Where should you stop? A. Before the stop line.B. Only after entering the crosswalk.C. Anywhere if you slow down enough.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Before the stop line.
Stop completely before the line, then yield and check for a safe opening.
A. The line marks where your vehicle must stop. B. Stopping in the crossing obstructs pedestrians. C. Slowing down is not a complete stop. Road signs & signals · California / New York
2. Traffic is approaching as you reach a yield sign. What should you do? A. Keep going because a yield sign never requires a stop.B. Accelerate to get ahead of the traffic.C. Slow down and stop if necessary to give way.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Slow down and stop if necessary to give way.
A yield sign requires you to give way; traffic conditions may require a full stop.
A. You must stop when conditions require it. B. Rushing creates a conflict. C. Give conflicting traffic enough space. Road signs & signals · California / New York
3. A yellow diamond-shaped sign normally tells you about what? A. Permission to ignore the speed limit.B. A hazard or changing road condition ahead.C. A place to buy fuel.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: A hazard or changing road condition ahead.
Warning signs alert you to conditions that call for attention or a driving adjustment.
A. A warning sign does not cancel speed rules. B. The sign warns you to prepare. C. Service signs generally use blue. Road signs & signals · California / New York
4. A ramp facing you has a DO NOT ENTER sign. What is the correct response? A. Stay out of that ramp.B. Enter if no other vehicle is visible.C. Use it only for a short distance.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Stay out of that ramp.
The sign prohibits entering from your direction, even when the road looks empty.
A. Follow the entry restriction. B. An empty road does not remove the restriction. C. Distance does not make entry permitted. Road signs & signals · California / New York
5. How should you respond to a flashing red traffic light? A. Continue at the posted speed without stopping.B. Wait for another driver to wave you through without stopping.C. Stop, yield, and proceed only when safe.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Stop, yield, and proceed only when safe.
Treat flashing red as a stop requirement, then apply the right-of-way rules.
A. A full stop is required. B. Another driver cannot remove your stop requirement. C. Stop and assess before proceeding. Road signs & signals · California / New York
6. A traffic signal is flashing yellow. What should you do? A. Assume other road users must stop for you.B. Slow down and proceed cautiously.C. Accelerate before it turns red.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Slow down and proceed cautiously.
Flashing yellow calls for caution and attention to the conditions ahead.
A. Caution does not grant priority. B. Adjust your speed and watch for conflicts. C. Rushing reduces reaction time. Right-of-way · California / New York
7. Two cars arrive together at an uncontrolled intersection at right angles. The other car is on your right. Who yields? A. You yield to the car on your right.B. The other car must yield because you want to go straight.C. The larger car always goes first.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: You yield to the car on your right.
When arrival is simultaneous in this situation, the driver on the left yields.
A. The other vehicle is on your right. B. Going straight does not create automatic priority. C. Vehicle size does not determine priority. Right-of-way · California / New York
8. You are making an unprotected left turn across oncoming traffic. What should you do? A. Turn immediately because your turn signal gives you priority.B. Require oncoming drivers to brake for you.C. Wait for conflicting traffic to clear and turn when safe.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Wait for conflicting traffic to clear and turn when safe.
A signal communicates intent; it does not give a left-turning driver priority over conflicting traffic.
A. A turn signal does not grant priority. B. Do not force another driver to avoid you. C. Choose a safe opening after yielding. Right-of-way · California / New York
9. Your light is green, but traffic beyond the intersection is stopped with no room for your car. What should you do? A. Drive onto the crosswalk to make room.B. Wait before entering until you can clear the intersection.C. Enter and stop in the middle.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Wait before entering until you can clear the intersection.
A green light does not justify entering an intersection you cannot clear.
A. Pedestrian space must remain clear. B. Keep the intersection clear. C. Stopping inside blocks crossing traffic. Right-of-way · California / New York
10. A pedestrian is crossing your path legally as you prepare to turn. What should you do? A. Wait and let the pedestrian cross safely.B. Turn in front of the pedestrian if your light is green.C. Use your horn to make the pedestrian stop.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Wait and let the pedestrian cross safely.
Before turning, yield to pedestrians using the crossing.
A. Yield and protect the crossing. B. A green light does not remove the duty to yield. C. A horn does not give you priority. Lane changes & passing · California / New York
11. Before moving into an adjacent lane, how should you check for traffic your mirrors may miss? A. Rely entirely on the rearview mirror.B. Assume a camera sees every road user.C. Look over your shoulder into the blind spot.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Look over your shoulder into the blind spot.
Mirrors and cameras have limits. A direct blind-spot check helps reveal nearby traffic.
A. A mirror can leave a blind spot. B. Technology does not replace observation. C. A shoulder check covers areas mirrors miss. Lane changes & passing · California / New York
12. When should you signal for a lane change? A. Only if a driver sounds a horn.B. Before moving, with time to warn others.C. Only after your car is already in the new lane.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Before moving, with time to warn others.
Signal your intention before changing position so others can anticipate your movement.
A. Your signal should not depend on a horn. B. Give other road users advance notice. C. A late signal does not warn in advance. Lane changes & passing · California / New York
13. The adjacent lane has no safe gap for your vehicle. What should you do? A. Keep your lane and wait for a safe opening.B. Move halfway into the lane to make others yield.C. Change lanes without signaling to be less distracting.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Keep your lane and wait for a safe opening.
Complete your observations and wait for enough space before moving.
A. A safe gap is needed before you move. B. Forcing a gap creates a conflict. C. Predictable signaling supports safe decisions. Lane changes & passing · California / New York
14. In ordinary traffic, may you use the shoulder simply to pass a slower car? A. Yes, whenever the car ahead is below the limit.B. Yes, if you use hazard lights.C. No; wait for a lawful and safe passing opportunity.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: No; wait for a lawful and safe passing opportunity.
A shoulder is not an ordinary passing lane. Follow signs and any officer directions.
A. A slower car does not authorize shoulder passing. B. Hazard lights do not authorize the maneuver. C. Use a permitted part of the road. Parking & reversing · California / New York
15. After parking and before leaving your vehicle, what helps prevent it from rolling? A. Rely on the curb without securing the vehicle.B. Set the parking brake and secure the vehicle appropriately.C. Leave the vehicle free to roll.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Set the parking brake and secure the vehicle appropriately.
Secure a parked vehicle rather than relying on the surroundings to hold it.
A. A curb alone is not a substitute. B. The parking brake helps secure the vehicle. C. An unsecured vehicle can move. Parking & reversing · California / New York
16. A crosswalk looks like a convenient parking space. What should you do? A. Keep the crossing clear and find a lawful space.B. Park there if pedestrians can walk around you.C. Park there with the engine running.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Keep the crossing clear and find a lawful space.
Parking in a crosswalk obstructs pedestrian access.
A. Choose a space that leaves the crossing usable. B. Pedestrians should not be forced around your car. C. A running engine does not make the space lawful. Parking & reversing · California / New York
17. Before backing out of a parking space, what should you do? A. Look only at the dashboard.B. Reverse quickly so traffic cannot reach you.C. Check behind and around the vehicle for people and traffic.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Check behind and around the vehicle for people and traffic.
Check your surroundings and continue observing as you reverse slowly.
A. The dashboard does not show nearby traffic. B. Speed reduces time to react. C. Look for people and hazards around your car. Parking & reversing · California / New York
18. Before opening a door toward passing traffic, what should you do? A. Assume everyone will stop for the door.B. Check for approaching vehicles, bicycles, and motorcycles.C. Open it quickly without checking.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Check for approaching vehicles, bicycles, and motorcycles.
A door can obstruct passing traffic. Check first and open it only when safe.
A. Other road users may have no time to stop. B. Look for people approaching alongside you. C. An unexpected door creates a hazard. Defensive driving · California / New York
19. Rain has made the road slippery. How should you adjust? A. Reduce speed and allow more following space.B. Drive closer to use the vehicle ahead as a guide.C. Maintain speed because the posted limit is always safe.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Reduce speed and allow more following space.
Reduced traction calls for gentler driving and more space to respond.
A. More space gives you time to react. B. Following closely reduces your safety margin. C. Conditions can require a lower speed. Defensive driving · California / New York
20. Which headlight setting is generally better in fog? A. High beams aimed into the fog.B. Parking lights alone while driving.C. Low beams.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Low beams.
High beams can reflect from fog and worsen visibility. Use low beams and adjust speed.
A. Reflected high-beam light can obscure your view. B. Parking lights are not a substitute for headlights. C. Low beams reduce reflected glare. Defensive driving · California / New York
21. You are struggling to stay awake behind the wheel. What is the best response? A. Drive faster to arrive sooner.B. Stop in a safe place and rest.C. Continue while turning the radio up.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Stop in a safe place and rest.
Fatigue reduces attention. Take a safe break instead of trying to push through it.
A. Speed adds risk when attention is reduced. B. Rest addresses the loss of alertness. C. Noise is not a reliable remedy for fatigue. Defensive driving · California / New York
22. You need to read a message while driving. What is the safer choice? A. Park safely before handling it.B. Read it while looking up between words.C. Hold the phone low so it is less visible.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Park safely before handling it.
Keep attention on driving; deal with a message after stopping in a safe, lawful place.
A. Parking separates the task from driving. B. Glancing away still takes attention from traffic. C. Phone position does not remove distraction. Sharing the road · California / New York
23. Why should you avoid lingering alongside a large truck? A. Your car becomes harder for you to steer only beside trucks.B. All trucks must remain in one lane.C. The truck has large blind spots where you may be unseen.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: The truck has large blind spots where you may be unseen.
Give large vehicles room and avoid remaining in their blind spots.
A. The concern is visibility and space, not a special steering effect. B. A truck may need to change lanes. C. The truck driver may not see you. Sharing the road · California / New York
24. When passing a motorcycle, what space should you allow? A. No extra space if the motorcycle is near the edge.B. Its full lane, with a safe passing maneuver.C. Only half a lane because motorcycles are narrow.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Its full lane, with a safe passing maneuver.
A motorcycle needs room to maneuver. Allow space for changes in its position.
A. Its lane position does not invite lane sharing. B. Respect the motorcycle’s operating space. C. A narrow vehicle still needs lane space. State requirements · California
25. For a California applicant under 18, what is the minimum age for a Class C instruction permit? A. 15½ years, with the other requirements met.B. 14 years with no education requirements.C. 18 years in every case.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: 15½ years, with the other requirements met.
California permits eligible minors to apply from age 15½; education and other conditions also apply.
A. Age is one part of the application requirements. B. This is below the stated minimum. C. Eligible minors can apply before 18. State requirements · California
26. A California permit holder remains under 18. What permit period generally applies before scheduling the drive test? A. One day in all cases.B. No holding period for any minor.C. At least six months, unless the applicant turns 18.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: At least six months, unless the applicant turns 18.
The California teen pathway includes a six-month permit period, with turning 18 as an alternative.
A. One day does not meet the teen holding period. B. A holding period applies on the teen pathway. C. Check the age and training conditions too. State requirements · California
27. California’s under-18 license pathway requires how much supervised practice? A. No supervised practice.B. 50 hours, including 10 at night.C. 10 hours, all in daylight.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: 50 hours, including 10 at night.
Teen applicants must document the required supervised practice alongside the other training requirements.
A. Supervised practice is required. B. This is the practice requirement in the teen pathway. C. This falls short of the requirement. State requirements · California
28. In California, you face a red arrow for your intended turn. What should you do? A. Remain stopped until a green signal or arrow permits movement.B. Turn after stopping whenever the road is empty.C. Treat it as a flashing yellow arrow.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: Remain stopped until a green signal or arrow permits movement.
California’s red arrow requires you to wait for a permissive signal.
A. Wait for the appropriate signal. B. A red arrow does not permit this turn on red. C. Red and flashing yellow have different meanings. State requirements · New York
29. In New York City, may you turn on a red light without a sign permitting it? A. Yes, after any full stop.B. Yes, but only during daylight.C. No; a permitting sign is required.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: No; a permitting sign is required.
New York City has a specific restriction: turning on red requires a sign that permits it.
A. Stopping alone does not authorize the turn there. B. Daylight does not remove the restriction. C. Follow the city-specific restriction. State requirements · New York
30. In New York, how far in advance must you signal an intended lane change? A. No advance signal is required.B. At least 100 feet.C. Only once you cross the lane line.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: At least 100 feet.
New York requires a lane-change signal at least 100 feet in advance.
A. Advance signaling is required. B. Allow the required advance warning. C. This would be too late. State requirements · New York
31. In New York, how far from a stopped school bus flashing red lights should you stop? A. At least 20 feet away.B. As close to its rear bumper as possible.C. Only if children are already in your lane.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: At least 20 feet away.
Stop at least 20 feet away for a school bus with flashing red lights; the rule applies to approaching traffic in both directions.
A. Keep the required stopping distance. B. Stopping very close does not provide the required buffer. C. Do not wait for a child to enter your path. State requirements · New York
32. In New York, an unattended car should generally not be parked within what distance of a fire hydrant? A. 3 feet.B. 1 foot if hazard lights are on.C. 15 feet.Show answer and explanation Correct answer: 15 feet.
Keep unattended parked vehicles at least 15 feet from a hydrant. The handbook describes a limited attended-vehicle exception.
A. This is inside the restricted distance. B. Hazard lights do not authorize the parking. C. Leave access for emergency use. All questions and explanations remain available without JavaScript. Enable it to filter or use interactive practice.