California Lanes & Turns practice test
Practice lane markings, turns, passing and merging: 55 questions based on the California Driver's Handbook, 21 of them on California's own rules.
Key California facts: Lanes & Turns
Sample Lanes & Turns questions
About how large a gap do you need to enter traffic on a California highway?
About 50 feet, a few car lengths About 300 feet, a full block About 2,000 feet, half a mile Show the answer
About 300 feet, a full block
A full block is about 300 feet, which gives you room to get up to speed.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6, Navigating the Roads
Where is a U-turn generally not allowed in California?
At a green light with no sign against it On a divided highway at a center opening In a business district Show the answer
In a business district
Business districts are among the places to avoid a U-turn, along with one-way streets and the front of a fire station.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6, Navigating the Roads
What is the farthest before a turn that you may enter a California bike lane?
200 feet 1,000 feet 20 feet Show the answer
200 feet
You may enter within 200 feet of the turn. Check your blind spots first, and let bicyclists go ahead.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7, Laws and Rules of the Road (continued)
Where can you find the minimum number of people needed to use a carpool lane?
In the DMV handbook's appendix On your vehicle registration card On signs along the road or at the on-ramp Show the answer
On signs along the road or at the on-ramp
Signs state the minimum number of people, along with the hours when carpool rules apply.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6, Navigating the Roads
How long before a California highway exit should you signal once you are in the proper lane?
Five seconds, about 400 feet One second, about 50 feet Thirty seconds, about 2,000 feet Show the answer
Five seconds, about 400 feet
Signal five seconds before you exit, then check that you are at a safe speed.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6, Navigating the Roads
How far may you drive in a center left turn lane in California?
1,000 feet 200 feet 50 feet Show the answer
200 feet
You may only drive 200 feet in the lane. It is not a regular traffic or passing lane.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6, Navigating the Roads
To pass safely on a two-lane California road, what is the minimum distance to any hill or curve ahead?
At least 100 feet At least 5 miles At least one-third of a mile Show the answer
At least one-third of a mile
That distance gives you room to complete the pass and return to your lane.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6, Navigating the Roads
When must a slow driver on a two-lane California road use a turnout?
When 5 or more vehicles are following Only when a police officer directs it When 2 or more vehicles are following Show the answer
When 5 or more vehicles are following
The rule applies on two-lane roads where passing is unsafe, so that the vehicles behind can get by.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6, Navigating the Roads
May you turn right at a red light in California?
Yes, after a full stop, unless a sign forbids it No, not until the light turns green Yes, without stopping if the way is clear Show the answer
Yes, after a full stop, unless a sign forbids it
Stop completely, yield to pedestrians and turn when it is safe. A No Turn on Red sign forbids it.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6, Navigating the Roads
How should you enter and leave a California HOV lane?
Only at designated entrances and exits Across double lines when it is clear Anywhere, if you signal first Show the answer
Only at designated entrances and exits
Do not cross double solid lines to enter or leave an HOV lane.
Source: California Driver's Handbook, Section 6, Navigating the Roads
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About these questions
We wrote these practice questions from the facts in the California Driver's Handbook (2025 edition) and from official sources on road signs. Every answer links to its source, so you can check it and read more.
DMV Decoded is an independent guide, not a government agency. This practice test is not connected to the California DMV, and your actual test will have different questions. Study the handbook, and check the agency's website for current rules.
