______________________________________
CALIFORNIA DMV
DRIVER'S PERMIT
TEST EXAM V1 & V2
CLASS C DRIVER’S LICENSE – LEARNER’S
PERMIT (INSTRUCTION PERMIT) WRITTEN
KNOWLEDGE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS|
LATEST UPDATE
EXAM COVER SHEET
PROGRAM: California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Driver
Licensing Program
EXAM NAME: California DMV Driver’s License Knowledge Test (Written
Test) / Instruction Permit Knowledge Test
COURSE NAME: California Driver Education / California Driver
Handbook (Rules of the Road & Traffic Safety)
, V1
1. Proper Steering Method During Heavy City Traffic Lane Changes
Question:
While driving in heavy city traffic, you need to quickly change lanes because your
current lane is blocked by stopped vehicles ahead. You must maintain control of
your vehicle while checking your mirrors, blind spots, and surrounding traffic
before moving into the next lane. Which steering method should you use to
ensure the safest and most controlled lane change?
A. Hand-to-hand steering with hands at 9 and 3 o'clock
B. Hand-over-hand steering with hands at 8 and 4 o'clock
C. One-hand steering with your hand at 12 o'clock
Correct Answer: A. Hand-to-hand steering with hands at 9 and 3 o'clock
Rationale:
The hand-to-hand steering method with your hands positioned at 9 and 3 o’clock
provides the driver with the best balance, control, and ability to respond quickly
during normal driving situations. This steering position reduces the chance of
losing control and allows smoother lane changes, especially in heavy traffic.
Keeping both hands on the steering wheel improves stability and helps the driver
react safely to sudden movements from nearby vehicles. The 9 and 3 o’clock
position is also recommended because it reduces the risk of injury if the airbag
deploys. Maintaining proper steering control is essential when changing lanes in
crowded city environments.
2. Signaling Before Changing Lanes Around a Parked Vehicle
Question:
You are driving in a residential neighborhood and notice a parked vehicle
blocking part of your lane. You need to move into another lane to safely pass the
parked car while watching for pedestrians, bicycles, and other vehicles. You want
to make sure other road users understand your intention before you move. How
should you signal your intention to change lanes?
,A. Signal for at least 100 feet before changing lanes
B. Signal only if another vehicle is approaching
C. Signal just as you begin to change lanes
Correct Answer: A. Signal for at least 100 feet before changing lanes
Rationale:
Drivers should signal early enough to give other road users time to understand
their actions and adjust accordingly. In California, drivers must signal
continuously for at least 100 feet before making a lane change or turning when
operating on a roadway. Waiting until the last moment to signal can surprise
other drivers and increase the risk of a collision. Signaling only when another
vehicle is nearby is unsafe because pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers may
still need warning. Proper signaling is an important part of defensive driving and
communication on the road.
3. Avoiding a Collision With a Swerving Vehicle on a Highway
Question:
You are driving on a busy highway when you notice another vehicle suddenly
swerving into your lane. The other driver appears distracted and may not realize
they are moving toward your vehicle. You need to take immediate action to
prevent a crash while maintaining control of your vehicle. What should you do to
avoid a collision?
A. Use your horn to warn the driver
B. Speed up to pass the car quickly
C. Turn on your hazard lights
Correct Answer: A. Use your horn to warn the driver
Rationale:
Using your horn is an appropriate way to alert a driver who may not notice that
they are drifting into your lane. A short horn warning can quickly get the other
driver’s attention and may prevent a collision. Speeding up to pass the vehicle
could place you closer to danger and reduce your ability to react. Hazard lights
, are not intended for warning another driver during a moving traffic situation.
Safe driving requires staying calm, maintaining control, and using communication
methods that help avoid crashes.
4. Using Headlights During Heavy Rain
Question:
You are driving during heavy rain, and your windshield wipers are operating
because visibility has become reduced. Other vehicles are nearby, and you want
to make sure your vehicle can be seen clearly by other drivers. What should you
do with your headlights while driving in these conditions?
A. Turn off your headlights
B. Turn on your high-beam headlights
C. Turn on your low-beam headlights
Correct Answer: C. Turn on your low-beam headlights
Rationale:
Low-beam headlights should be used during heavy rain because they improve
visibility and help other drivers see your vehicle. High beams are not
recommended because rain droplets can reflect the bright light back toward you
and create glare, making it harder to see. Driving without headlights reduces your
visibility to other vehicles and increases the chance of a collision. California law
requires headlights to be used when windshield wipers are needed because of
weather conditions. Proper lighting helps drivers maintain awareness and safety
during poor weather.
5. Waiting Safely After Stopping for Emergency Roadside Assistance
Question:
You are driving on a busy roadway when your vehicle breaks down and you need
to stop on the side of the road. You call emergency roadside assistance and must
wait for help to arrive. While you are waiting, traffic continues passing close to
CALIFORNIA DMV
DRIVER'S PERMIT
TEST EXAM V1 & V2
CLASS C DRIVER’S LICENSE – LEARNER’S
PERMIT (INSTRUCTION PERMIT) WRITTEN
KNOWLEDGE EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS|
LATEST UPDATE
EXAM COVER SHEET
PROGRAM: California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Driver
Licensing Program
EXAM NAME: California DMV Driver’s License Knowledge Test (Written
Test) / Instruction Permit Knowledge Test
COURSE NAME: California Driver Education / California Driver
Handbook (Rules of the Road & Traffic Safety)
, V1
1. Proper Steering Method During Heavy City Traffic Lane Changes
Question:
While driving in heavy city traffic, you need to quickly change lanes because your
current lane is blocked by stopped vehicles ahead. You must maintain control of
your vehicle while checking your mirrors, blind spots, and surrounding traffic
before moving into the next lane. Which steering method should you use to
ensure the safest and most controlled lane change?
A. Hand-to-hand steering with hands at 9 and 3 o'clock
B. Hand-over-hand steering with hands at 8 and 4 o'clock
C. One-hand steering with your hand at 12 o'clock
Correct Answer: A. Hand-to-hand steering with hands at 9 and 3 o'clock
Rationale:
The hand-to-hand steering method with your hands positioned at 9 and 3 o’clock
provides the driver with the best balance, control, and ability to respond quickly
during normal driving situations. This steering position reduces the chance of
losing control and allows smoother lane changes, especially in heavy traffic.
Keeping both hands on the steering wheel improves stability and helps the driver
react safely to sudden movements from nearby vehicles. The 9 and 3 o’clock
position is also recommended because it reduces the risk of injury if the airbag
deploys. Maintaining proper steering control is essential when changing lanes in
crowded city environments.
2. Signaling Before Changing Lanes Around a Parked Vehicle
Question:
You are driving in a residential neighborhood and notice a parked vehicle
blocking part of your lane. You need to move into another lane to safely pass the
parked car while watching for pedestrians, bicycles, and other vehicles. You want
to make sure other road users understand your intention before you move. How
should you signal your intention to change lanes?
,A. Signal for at least 100 feet before changing lanes
B. Signal only if another vehicle is approaching
C. Signal just as you begin to change lanes
Correct Answer: A. Signal for at least 100 feet before changing lanes
Rationale:
Drivers should signal early enough to give other road users time to understand
their actions and adjust accordingly. In California, drivers must signal
continuously for at least 100 feet before making a lane change or turning when
operating on a roadway. Waiting until the last moment to signal can surprise
other drivers and increase the risk of a collision. Signaling only when another
vehicle is nearby is unsafe because pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers may
still need warning. Proper signaling is an important part of defensive driving and
communication on the road.
3. Avoiding a Collision With a Swerving Vehicle on a Highway
Question:
You are driving on a busy highway when you notice another vehicle suddenly
swerving into your lane. The other driver appears distracted and may not realize
they are moving toward your vehicle. You need to take immediate action to
prevent a crash while maintaining control of your vehicle. What should you do to
avoid a collision?
A. Use your horn to warn the driver
B. Speed up to pass the car quickly
C. Turn on your hazard lights
Correct Answer: A. Use your horn to warn the driver
Rationale:
Using your horn is an appropriate way to alert a driver who may not notice that
they are drifting into your lane. A short horn warning can quickly get the other
driver’s attention and may prevent a collision. Speeding up to pass the vehicle
could place you closer to danger and reduce your ability to react. Hazard lights
, are not intended for warning another driver during a moving traffic situation.
Safe driving requires staying calm, maintaining control, and using communication
methods that help avoid crashes.
4. Using Headlights During Heavy Rain
Question:
You are driving during heavy rain, and your windshield wipers are operating
because visibility has become reduced. Other vehicles are nearby, and you want
to make sure your vehicle can be seen clearly by other drivers. What should you
do with your headlights while driving in these conditions?
A. Turn off your headlights
B. Turn on your high-beam headlights
C. Turn on your low-beam headlights
Correct Answer: C. Turn on your low-beam headlights
Rationale:
Low-beam headlights should be used during heavy rain because they improve
visibility and help other drivers see your vehicle. High beams are not
recommended because rain droplets can reflect the bright light back toward you
and create glare, making it harder to see. Driving without headlights reduces your
visibility to other vehicles and increases the chance of a collision. California law
requires headlights to be used when windshield wipers are needed because of
weather conditions. Proper lighting helps drivers maintain awareness and safety
during poor weather.
5. Waiting Safely After Stopping for Emergency Roadside Assistance
Question:
You are driving on a busy roadway when your vehicle breaks down and you need
to stop on the side of the road. You call emergency roadside assistance and must
wait for help to arrive. While you are waiting, traffic continues passing close to
