California Permit Test: Safe Driving Practice Questions
Following distance, headlights, seat belts and distractions.
Question 1
How far ahead should you scan the road while driving?
Correct answer: At least 10 seconds ahead
Keep your eyes moving and look at least 10 seconds ahead so you have time to react to hazards.
Source: Section 8: Safe Driving β Scan Your Surroundings
Question 2
What following distance does the handbook recommend under normal conditions?
Correct answer: At least three seconds
Use the three-second rule: when the car ahead passes a fixed point, you should not reach it before counting three seconds.
Source: Section 8: Safe Driving β Tailgating
Question 3
A vehicle is tailgating you. What should you do?
Correct answer: Keep your speed, then move right when safe to let it pass
Do not react aggressively. Maintain your course and speed, then change lanes to the right when it is safe so the tailgater can pass.
Source: Section 8: Safe Driving β Tailgating
Question 4
A car cuts in too closely in front of you. What is the best first action?
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator
Easing off the accelerator creates space between you and the vehicle that merged in front of you.
Source: Section 8: Safe Driving β Tailgating
Question 5
How should you check your blind spots?
Correct answer: Turn your head to look over your shoulder, keeping the wheel steady
Look over your shoulder out the side window, turning only your head, so the vehicle does not drift.
Source: Section 8: Safe Driving β Blind Spots
Question 6
For most vehicles, where are the blind spots?
Correct answer: At the sides, slightly behind the driver
Most vehicles have blind spots at the sides, slightly behind the driver, which the mirrors do not cover.
Source: Section 8: Safe Driving β Blind Spots
Question 7
Why should you avoid driving directly alongside other vehicles for long periods?
Correct answer: You may be in their blind spot with less room
Staying beside another vehicle can put you in its blind spot and limit your space to maneuver.
Source: Section 8: Safe Driving β Know What Is at Your Side
Question 8
Within what distance of an oncoming vehicle must you dim your high beams?
Correct answer: 500 feet
Dim to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.
Source: Section 5: An Introduction to Driving β Using Your Headlights
Question 9
Within what distance of a vehicle you are following should you use low beams?
Correct answer: 300 feet
Switch to low beams when you are within 300 feet of a vehicle ahead so you do not blind its driver.
Source: Section 5: An Introduction to Driving β Using Your Headlights
Question 10
When must you have your headlights on?
Correct answer: From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise
Headlights are required beginning 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise, and whenever you cannot see 1,000 feet ahead.
Source: Section 5: An Introduction to Driving β Using Your Headlights
Question 11
You turn on your windshield wipers because of rain. What else does California law require?
Correct answer: Turn on your low beams
If conditions require windshield wipers because of fog, rain, or snow, you must turn on your low-beam headlights.
Source: Section 5: An Introduction to Driving β Using Your Headlights
Question 12
Is it legal to drive using only your parking lights?
Correct answer: No
Driving with only parking lights is illegal; use your headlights when lights are needed.
Source: Section 5: An Introduction to Driving β Using Your Headlights
Question 13
An oncoming driver's headlights are blinding you. What should you do?
Correct answer: Look toward the right edge of your lane
Do not stare into bright lights or answer with your own high beams. Look toward the right edge of your lane and watch the vehicle from the corner of your eye.
Source: Section 8: Safe Driving β Darkness
Question 14
Which headlights should you use in heavy fog?
Correct answer: Low beams
In fog, use low beams; high beams reflect back and cause glare, and you should never drive with only parking or fog lights.
Source: Section 8: Safe Driving β Fog or Heavy Smoke
Question 15
At night, a vehicle with only one light is coming toward you. What should you do?
Correct answer: Drive as far right as you can
A single light could be a bicycle, motorcycle, or car with a missing headlight, so move as far right as you can.