Drivers Test: Seat Belts, Highways, Sharing the Road

5 feet

follow the 3-second rule

Tailgating is the cause of most rear-end collisions. According to the rule, when the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed point, like a sign, it should take your vehicle about three seconds to reach that same point.

vehicles that travel 25 mph or less

Slow-moving vehicles include:

Farm tractors;
Animal-drawn carts;
Road-maintenance vehicles

it is a slow-moving vehicle

The orange/red triangle at the back of vehicles indicate that they are slow-moving. Farm tractors, animal-drawn carts, and road maintenance vehicles are some examples of slow-moving vehicles and they usually travel 25 mph or less.

near to the right curb or edge of a one-way street

a minimum gap of half a block

at least 3 feet

keep a safe distance around your vehicle

When another driver makes a mistake, don’t react abruptly. Keep enough safe space on all sides of your vehicle. This space will give you room to brake or maneuver if necessary.

FALSE

Constantly staring ahead is not advisable. Besides scanning the road 10–15 seconds ahead of your vehicle, you should keep an eye on your rearview mirror, and check for blind spots.

You could miss what is happening on your flanks and behind you.

allow extra space ahead, slow down, merge into another lane

Allow extra space ahead and do not brake suddenly. Slow down gradually or merge into another lane to prevent a collision with the tailgater.

Brake slowly before stopping OR pull off the road when it is safe and let the tailgater pass.

Tap your brakes lightly a few times to warn the tailgater you are slowing down. If this does not work, pull off the road when it is safe and let the tailgater pass.

about 400 feet

bright green color

A designated preferred route for bicyclists on streets shared with vehicle traffic, intended to prioritize bicycle travel.

A designated preferred route for bicyclists on streets shared with vehicle traffic, established by placing bike route signs and/or shared roadway markings.

turn on emergency flashers, tap the brake pedal 3-4 times, signal with your hand

When you see a collision ahead, warn the drivers behind you by turning on your emergency flashers or tapping your brake pedal quickly 3 or 4 times. You can also use hand signals when slowing and stopping.

Stop on the road only when it is required and necessary for safety purposes or for obeying the law.

start braking early as a signal to the cars behind you

Stop where people can see you and your vehicle from behind. Do not stop on a slope or just around a curve.

lift the hood or place emergency flares or triangle

If it is safe, lift the hood to signal an emergency. Place emergency flares or triangles 200–300 feet behind the vehicle. This allows other drivers time to change lanes, if necessary.

a middle course between the oncoming and parked vehicles

If there are oncoming vehicles to your left and a row of parked vehicles to your right, the best thing to do is to split the difference. Steer a middle course between the oncoming cars and the parked cars.

No

First, slow down and let the oncoming vehicle pass. Then, when it is safe, move to the left to allow plenty of room (at least 3 feet) to pass the bicyclist.

Use as much of your lane to the left as possible until you pass the child.

The child is more likely to make a sudden move. Therefore, slow down and, if safe, use as much of your lane to the left as possible until you pass the child.

one at a time

to safely share the space with traffic

TRUE

• Cutting off a truck in traffic to reach an exit or turn

• Lingering alongside a truck when passing

• Tailgating a truck

• Underestimating the size and speed of a truck

turn on your right signal

Turning on your right turn signal lets the officer know that you recognize his or her presence.

keep calm, continue onward, and work your way back

Whenever you miss a turn, keep calm and do not make any last second changes that may cause an accident.

According to the 3-second rule, when the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed point, like a sign, it should take your vehicle about three seconds to reach that same point.

This rule helps avoid collisions from tailgating by giving drivers the time to recognize a hazard and respond safely.

A divided highway is a roadway divided by means of intermittent barriers, curbs, double-parallel lines, or “other roadway markings."

move ahead or pull back

Move ahead or pull back when you are driving in another vehicle's blind spot.

wait, make your turn only after the truck or bus turns

If you try to insert your vehicle between a turning truck or bus and a curb, you may suffer a serious crash. Slow down and let the truck pass, then move ahead.

Come to a complete stop. Wait to proceed until the lights have stopped flashing. Observe if the stop arm is withdrawn.

Coasting down a hill is unsafe and illegal as:

• It prevents you from maneuvering to avoid a hazard or emergency.

• It restricts one from braking.

a minimum gap of a full block

To safely exit a freeway:

• Signal your intention to exit.

• Look over your shoulder and change lanes one at a time.

• Maintain a proper speed for leaving the traffic lane.

Some of the things one should know about a large vehicle include:

• its physical capabilities

• how it maneuvers

FALSE

You can change lane to let the truck pass; however, DO NOT slow down or stop in front of the truck. The truck might not be able to stop in time to avoid crashing into your vehicle.

TRUE

By keeping an eye on its turn signals, you can anticipate if the truck is going to make a turn or not, allowing you to slow down or speed up and maintain a safe distance from the large vehicle.

the large vehicle

The average passenger vehicle traveling at 55 mph can stop within 400 feet, whereas a large truck at the same speed may take almost 800 feet to stop.

keep an eye on the truck's turn signals

The truck driver may be turning right but first swinging wide, therefore, you should check the truck's turn signals before you start to pass it.

behind the vehicle’s nearest door or vehicle platform

Stop behind the vehicle’s nearest door or vehicle platform and wait until all the people have boarded or reached a safe place.

No

Driving into an HOV or carpool lane with no passenger is illegal. This is a violation under the California Vehicle Code 21655.5.

FALSE

California law makes it illegal for a driver to pass on the right or drive on the shoulder of the road.

When there is not enough space to stay away from the freeway lanes when your vehicle is disabled, you should:

• Use your emergency blinking lights at your discretion and as per the weather.

• Wait for the Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) for free emergency roadside assistance. Call them if need be.

• If the FSP can't start your vehicle, it will be towed free of charge to a location approved by CHP.

NO, avoid driving beside other vehicles at a freeway exit

A driver may decide to exit suddenly or swerve back into the freeway.

pass on the left

You should never pass on the left if the driver ahead is signaling a left turn.

stop, avoid driving

A driver must avoid driving when he is drowsy or impaired in any way.

If your vehicle breaks down on the freeway, safely pull your vehicle to the right, and if you must exit the vehicle, exit on the right side of your vehicle, away from the traffic.

B. assist vehicles involved in a collision

Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) will not assist vehicles that have been involved in a collision unless directed by California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Bicycles can operate on a freeway when there is no alternate route and bicycling is not forbidden by any signs.

move over a lane or slow down

Move over a lane, if safe to do so, or slow down when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle or tow truck flashing amber warning lights, or a Department of Transportation (Caltrans) vehicle displaying emergency flashing or amber warning lights while stopped on the side of a state highway or freeway.

adjust the seat

The lap belt should be adjusted so that it is snug and lies low across your hips after fastening.

FALSE

Never wear the shoulder harness under the arm or behind the back. Wearing the harness the wrong way could cause serious internal injuries in a collision.

at or near the speed of traffic

Carpools and other vehicles with more than one person in them

watch out for slow-moving vehicles

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) are slow-moving vehicles and can reach a maximum speed of 25 mph.

The following are some of the ways to increase visibility while riding a motorcycle:

• Wear a bright helmet and a bright motorcycle jacket.

• To change lanes, slightly roll off the gas, turn on the indicators, and look into the rear-view mirror.

• Always use headlights during daytime riding.

Motorcyclists must be mindful of the following points while sharing road-space with other vehicles:

• Don’t ride too close to cars or motorcycles.

• Slow down if you see potholes or oil patches.

• Keep an eye on traffic lights and speed limits.