Monday, March 2, 2009

California DMV written test help

PASSSING THE CA DMV WRITTEN TEST

1. To help avoid being hit from the rear by another driver when preparing to turn, you should
b-Signal at least 100 feet before you turn
2. You must not cross a solid double line in the center of the roadway to
a-Overtake and pass another vehicle
3. For an adult over 21, the law states that you are legally drunk when your blood alcohol concentration reaches a minimum of
c-Eight hundredths (0.08) of one percent
4. When a school bus with flashing red lights has stopped on the road ahead of you, you must
b-Stop until the lights stop flashing
5. You are driving a slow moving vehicle on a winding two-lane highway. You must pull over when it is safe and let other drivers pass when you are followed by
c-5 or more vehicles
6. When you approach a "blind" intersection (you can't see 100 feet down the cross street) and there is no STOP or YIELD sign placed at the corner, the speed limit is
a-15 M.P.H..
7. Where a left turn at an intersection can be started from either of two lanes, a U-turn can be started from
b-Only the left lane
8. Pedestrians using guide dogs or carrying white canes must be
a-Given the right-of-way at all times
9. You must always look carefully for motorcycles before you change lanes or make a left turn because they
b-Are hard to see
10. When you hear the siren or see the red emergency light of a closely approaching ambulance, police vehicle, or fire truck, you must
a-Drive to the right edge of the road and stop
11. To be sure a lane is clear before moving into it, you should
a-Turn your head and look
12. A child under 4 years old or under 40 pounds, in a moving vehicle, must be fastened in a safety seat
b-Always
13. If you become angry or upset, you should
b-"Cool off" before driving
14. It is against the law to enter an intersection or crosswalk when
c-You cannot cross without obstructing traffic from either side.
15. Which one of the following is NOT a safe driving habit?
b-Fix your eyes on the vehicle ahead
16. Driving under the influence of any drug which makes you drive unsafely is
b-Against the law
17. This sign means
a-Fewer lanes ahead
b-Divided highway ahead
c-Vehicle may be merging from the side
18. You must make a financial responsibility report after an accident when damage to one of the vehicles is over $750
c-No matter who was at fault
19. At an intersection with stop signs at all four (or more) corners, you must yield the right-of way to the driver
a-On your right
20. Carpool lanes are marked with a diamond symbol. To use these lanes during the special hours shown on the signs you must
c-Have the minimum number of passengers shown on the signs.
21. If you are arrested for drunk driving and refuse to submit to a chemical test of the alcohol content of your blood
a-Your driving privilege will be withdrawn
22. When you come to a corner where there is a flashing yellow light you must
c-Slow down and cross carefully
23. This sign means don't pass
a-On the left
b-Unless safe to do so
c-Fewer lanes ahead
24. It has been proven that safety belts:
c-Can reduce injury and death
25. When you reach a corner without a traffic light or a signal at the same time as vehicles on the cross street, you must yield the right-of-way to
a-The driver on your right
26. When both right and left turn signals are flashing at the same time on a moving vehicle, it means
c-There may be a hazard or an accident ahead
27. California's basic speed law" says, in addition to obeying the maximum speed limit, drivers must keep in mind
c-Road, traffic and weather conditions
28. When coming to a corner where there is a stop sign, you must first stop
c-In back of the crosswalk
29. When a school bus with flashing red lights has stopped on the road ahead of you, you must
b-Stop until the lights stop flashing
30. Using the unpaved shoulder of the road to pass to the right of a vehicle ahead of you is
a-Forbidden by law
31. At an intersection with stop sign at all four (or more) corners, you must yield the right-of- way to the driver
c-On your right
32. If traffic light is red, but a police officer or fire fighter on duty tells you to go ahead, you should
b-Do as he or she tells you
33. Starting in January 1990, how many days do you have to report to DMV the sale or transfer of your vehicle?
a-5 days
34. It is against the law to have an open alcoholic beverage container in your vehicle, except
b-In the trunk
35. If you are repeatedly convicted for traffic violations
b-Your driving privilege may be suspended by DMV
36. This lane in the middle of a two-way street may only be used for
a-Beginning or ending left turns
b-Passing or overtaking other vehicles
c-Making right and left turns
37. Bicycle riders must
b-Be given a safe amount of space when being passed by automobile drivers
38. Driving so slowly as to interfere with normal or reasonable flow of traffic, except when necessary for safety, is
a-A violation of the law
39. If a police officer asks you to take an alcohol test, you may choose:
a-A blood, breath, or urine test
40. If you are involved in an accident
a-Notify the local law enforcement agency or CHP if anyone is injured or killed
41. Sleeping pills, tranquilizers, pain medicine, or cold or allergy medications
c-Both of the above
42. If you are going to make a turn, you must signal:
b-During the last 100 feet (about 1/4 city block)
43. If a driver ahead of you has stopped at a crosswalk, you should
c-Stop then proceed when safe
44. You should not drive
c-Both of the above
45. When you enter a freeway from an on ramp and merge with traffic, you should be driving at
a-The legal speed limit on the freeway
46. Coasting with the gearshift in neutral is:
c-Against the law
47. You are driving alongside a bicycle lane and want to turn right at a corner. You should signal, look carefully for bike riders, then
a-Merge into the bike lane before turning
48. This sign means
a-The road ahead is closed to all traffic
b-You must not enter this road from your direction
c-Enter carefully, construction ahead
49. This sign means:
a-Let cross traffic go by first
b-The driver on the right goes first
c-You have the right-of-way
50. The implied consent law says you have agreed to take a test for the alcohol content of your blood
a-Whenever you drive in California
51. You may cross over a double line on the road to pass another vehicle if the line on your side of the road is
a-Broken
52. If you see orange construction signs and cones on a freeway, you must
b-Be prepared for workers and slow moving equipment
53. You are passing a school and see children near the street. You may not drive faster than
c-25 m.p.h.
54. If you become sleepy while driving, it is best to
c-Drive to a safe place, stop and rest
55. You may not "double park"
a-At any time
56. A passenger vehicle may NOT tow
c-Two trailers
57. When waiting to make a left turn, you should give the right-of-way to drivers coming from the opposite direction
b-Until none are close enough to be dangerous
58. You may open your vehicle's door on the traffic side
c-Only when it is safe
59. If you are the first person to stop to give assistance at a collision scene, you should drive to the side of the road:
a-After you have passed the collision scene
60. When stopping for any reason along a highway, other than as required by traffic, you should stop
c-Off the pavement
61. When there are no signs showing other limits, the speed limit for driving in a residential street is
a-25 m.p.h.
62. You can generally make a left turn off a one-way street from
b-The left lane only
63. The following parking is NOT permitted
b-Closer than 15 feet to a fire hydrant
64. This sign means
a-One way road widens into two lanes
b-Vehicles on this road travel in two directions
c-Crossroad intersects the main road ahead
65. Which one of the following is NOT a safe driving habit?
c-Fix your eyes on the vehicle ahead
66. If you hit a parked vehicle and cannot find the owner, you
b-Must leave a note on or in the vehicle
67. Highways are the most slippery
c-When it first starts to rain after a dry spell
68. Seat belts properly worn
a-Are required by law
69. This symbol at a parking space means that the space is for
a-Vehicles with special plates or placard issued to disabled persons
b-Parking for less than five minutes
c-Unloading passengers
70. A pedestrian crossing at a corner has the right-of-way
b-Whether or not a crosswalk is marked
71. At a railroad crossing without gates or controls, where you can't see the tracks 400 feet in both directions, the speed limit is
a-15 m.p.h.
72. This sign means
a-Divided highway ahead
b-Side road ahead
c-Fewer lanes ahead
73. Yellow lines are used to separate
c-Lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions
74. The correct meaning of the colored curb marking is
a-Yellow-load or unload only
75. Flashing red lights on a stopped school bus mean
c-Stop as long as the red lights flash
76. A good safety rule, when you are sure you have the legal right-of-way, is to
a-Never insist on it
77. Use your horn:
c-When necessary to avoid a collision
78. You must look for bicycle riders in the save lanes used by motor vehicles because they
c-Are entitled to share the road with you
79. In a posted school zone where children are going to coming from a school, you may drive no faster than
b-25 m.p.h.
80. If your vehicle is parked and becomes a runaway hitting another vehicle
a-You have to make a written report to the local law enforcement agency or to CH
81. Before changing lanes in traffic, you need to
b-Look over your shoulder to be sure the lane you want to use is clear
82. This sign means
a-You may only turn left
b-You may turn left after stopping
c-You must not turn left here
83. Sleeping pills, tranquilizers, pain medicine, or cold or allergy medications
c-Both of the above
84. Your regular Class C driver license may be suspended or revoked when your driver record shows a violation point count of
a-4 points in 12 months, 6 in 24 months or 8 in 36 months
85. When driving in heavy fog, you should greatly reduce your normal driving speed and use
a-Low beam headlights
86. The correct meaning of the colored curb making is
a-Yellow-load or unload only
87. If a pedestrian is crossing at an intersection where there are no traffic controls or crosswalks
c-The pedestrian has the right-of-way
88. On long drives, to help keep yourself alert and awake in addition to pulling off the road and resting, you should
a-Let fresh air into the vehicle
89. Orange colored signs and flags can mean prepare for
a-Changing road conditions ahead
90. Lap and shoulder belt combinations in your vehicle
b-Are usually safer than lap belts only
91. When entering an intersection on a green light you should be careful because:
b-Drivers on the cross streets may not stop
92. California law says you have agreed in advance to a test for alcohol and/or drugs in your blood
a-Whenever you drive in the state
93. Driving under the influence of any drug which makes you drive unsafely is:
b-Always against the law
94. A slow vehicle must turn off a two-lane road at a turnout whenever it is being followed by:
c-Five or more vehicles
95. When backing your car, you should:
b-Look over your right shoulder through the rear window and back slowly
96. Driving off the road to pass a car:
a-Is not legal
97. If you have a collision, you must show evidence that you have insurance or some form of financial responsibility in effect:
c-If the other driver asks to see it
98. Drivers under age 21 years found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of ____, or more, may be subject to a driver license sanction.
a-0.01%
99. This symbol at a parking space means that you may park there if:
a-You have a permission slip from your physician
b-Your car has disabled person plates or a placard
c-You are taking someone to the hospital in an emergency
100. This sign means:
a-Divided highway ahead
b-Freeway entrance ahead
c-Fewer lanes ahead
101. You have a restriction on your license that states "must wear corrective lenses." You lost your contacts the day before. What should you do?
b-Do not drive until your contacts are replaced
102. You may not legally drive faster than 65 m.p.h.:
b-Except on designated freeways where posted
103. Blocking an intersection during "rush hour" traffic is:
c-Never permitted
104. When driving near schools, playgrounds, and parks:
c-Drive more carefully than usual
105. You must not cross two solid yellow lines in the center of the roadway if you are:
b-Passing another car
106. A person between the ages of 13 and 17, who is a habitual truant, may have his or her license delayed by the court for:
b-12 months
107. This sign means:
a-You must not turn left here
b-You may turn left here
c-The street curves to the left
108. When you enter a freeway, you should be driving at:
c-The same speed as the freeway traffic
109. When you park your vehicle, you must leave the vehicle in gear or "park" and:
c-Set the parking brake
110. A good "rule of thumb" to follow when you are not sure about using your headlights is:
a-Use them any time you have trouble seeing other cars
111. Chronic traffic congestion, or gridlock, is caused by driving behavior such as:
a-Inattention (eating breakfast, reading maps, etc., while driving)
112. Bicycle riders:
b-Can move into a left turn lane to turn left
113. An alcoholic beverage may only be carried in the car:
b-The container is sealed
114. When a school bus with flashing red lights has stopped on the road ahead, you must:
a-Stop until the lights stop flashing
115. If you drive up a narrow, steep road, and meet a car with no room to pass:
b-The other drive should back up the road
116. If you are convicted of defacing property by using paint or another liquid, the court may suspend your driving privilege for:
b-12 months
117. The "basic speed law" says that:
c-You must consider the traffic and weather conditions
118. To avoid sudden "last minute moves," how far ahead should you look when scanning the road for hazards?
c-10 to 15 seconds
119. Drivers with no traffic convictions in three years will have:
b-A lower collision rate than drivers with one conviction
120. If your driving record shows you failed to appear in court after receiving a traffic ticket, DMV will:
c-Suspend your driving privilege until you appear in court
121. After you have a collision or "close shave" you should:
a-Decide what went wrong and who made the mistake
122. Before going on a trip, you should:
c-Check the tires and fluid levels
123. A green painted curb means that stopping or parking is permitted only for:
a-A limited time
124. If you use both your left and inside rear view mirrors when looking for vehicles near you:
c-You may not see vehicles near the rear of your car because of a "blind spot"
125. In California, you may make a right turn at an intersection against a red light:
b-If you can move safely without interfering with traffic
126. Collisions are more likely to happen:
a-When one driver is going faster or slower than other drivers on the road
127. If you are under 21, and convicted of driving under the influence while operating your own vehicle, the court may:
c-Put your vehicle in storage for up to 30 days at your expense
128. Orange colored signs and flags mean that you must be alert for:
a-Changed road conditions

This educational posting is designed to help you retain information stated in the California DMV handbook. It is not a substitution to reading the CA DMV handbook. Sorry for the missing signs.

Teaching a deaf person how to drive

INSTRUCTING THE DEAF ON THE ROAD
Instructing a deaf student on the road is just as easy as instructing a hearing student, as long as you follow these simple suggestions, and use the hand signals previously agreed upon.
When working with the deaf on the road, a note pad, pen and a selected route should be organized before each lesson in the vehicle. Each student should be shown the hand signals that will be used by the instructor before the lesson starts. Students should be told that unless they are told (or shown) otherwise, they should proceed straight at intersections and cross streets.
Preparation - Draw out the maneuverability test and explain what is required of them to pass the test.
Instructing – First demonstrate the maneuverability test to the deaf student by stopping the car at each critical turning point. This will make it easier for the deaf student to understand the required movement of the vehicle and make it easier for you to instruct them.

Friday, June 29, 2007

Testimonial

Does driving affect profoundly people's lives?
Allow me to answer this retorical question by posting an unsollicited email I received today from a classy person.



"Hi Stephan,
Thank you so much for all of the great help you've provided for my dad!! I appreciated your text message today telling me that he passed his test!! Passing this test is a monumental achievement in his life right now in terms of his stroke recovery and not only a benefit to his own independency but a big relief on the family as we are so happy that my dad can resume re-building his life!! We couldn't have done it without you and your patience and understanding and commitment to his learning!! Thank you so much for all that you've done and we will miss you!! I hope that we have a chance to see you sometime! You are truly a miracle and I am so happy that there are people like you in this world who benefit the lives of others!!! We will celebrate my dad's passing his test this week during our San Diego vacation!! Next week -- I will make sure that I also send a note to your company for your great abilities and patience and commitment!! Thanks again! And, hope to see you sometime in the future!!

J. H"

The need to change our driving philosophy

It has become self evident to me that driving is a reflection of one personality. Erratic driving is often manifested by uptight, on the edge, diffident drivers. On the other hand, calm and smooth driving is usually performed by secure, confident, well-balanced drivers.
Thus, it is significant to develop and nurture the ability to disassociate our inherent personality and our driving style. This psychological metamorphosis is not easy as it needs to undergo some devolvement against the trendy current of the “me first” philosophy. This voluntary change is only genuine when it is implemented when nothing appears to be leading to that change, when it is produced from our inner resource.
Stress and adverse intense psychological attacks do affect us profoundly as we react to our life environment.
A few years ago, I was contracted to evaluate a senior driver whose license was suspended as the result of running through a red light just next to a police car. The driver stated that he saw the policeman clearly well before committing the potential fatal traffic violation.
The elderly gentlemen revealed to me that he was on his way back from his wife funeral.
There is no excuse for committing such road sin but it is important to understand the imperfection of our physical and mental constitution to arm ourselves with the tools that are going to increase our chance to perform at our very best on the road. It is paramount to remember that our driving does not only affect ourselves but others: someone son, someone wife, someone father, someone grandson, etc…
The very first action before driving is not to look around the vehicle, adjust the mirrors and turn on the engine. Prior to that, take a few long deep diaphragmatic breath to calm yourself and flush yourself from all counterproductive issues, meditate on your change of demeanor and surround yourself with the feeling of gratefulness toward your life, towards who or what positively contributed to your existence.
Those few minutes of preliminary reflection constitute a pro-active exercise to help you become a safer, more tolerant driver.

Please promote good driving behavior.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Hug your children tightly tonight


My delectable and peaceful 40 minute morning drive was painfully pinched by a 10’ X 6’ banner hanging on a short pedestrian bridge. The following words were inscribed in the sign:
“Thank you to the Ladera Ranch community for the love, support, and prayers for our loss of Kyle, Emma, and Katie,”
At the bottom of the sign, 2 pink bows and 1 blue bow were printed.
The banner puzzled and saddened me. I could not hold back tears.
Who are Kyle, Emma and Katie?
What happened?
I arrived at my customer house and asked him about the banner.
“Those children were killed when a semi-tractor trailer rear-ended the minivan the parents were driving, heading of the Oso exit”
They were 5, 4, and 2 year old.
I am posting the picture of the accident after researching the accident on the net.

I have three children as well. I am heartbroken and I will hold them a little longer tonight when I get my welcome home hugs.

I am more than ever resolute to share what I know about driving with others.

For start, here are the three pillars of Defensive Driving:
1. Never compromise your space cushion. Divide your speed by 10 and the number obtained would be the numbers of car length needed in front of your car. If you are driving at 50 mph, leave at least 5 car length in between your car and the car ahead
2. Always leave yourself a way out. Try to avoid staying side by side with a car if possible.
3. Always be aware of your driving environment. Check your mirrors actively. Practice constant visual search to observe potential dangers

Please hug your children tightly tonight

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Road Rage

It has become apparent in my essays that I know one thing or two about driving behavior. My background in advanced driving rehabilitation has given me opportunities to explore and to help correct several esoteric driving disorders ranging from freeway phobia to hand controlled driving for quadriplegics, from brain injury driving modification to driving evaluation for at risk drivers. A web of expertise has been spun and woven over 17 years and I will generously share my know how as time permits.
However, my observations and my reflections develop and shape themselves, as I am alone in the car.
As I crisscross cities and counties, I have noticed that during the last 5 years, Road Rage has become a phenomenon that has reached unbelievable proportion. Road Rage is augmenting exponentially and will reach a status of an epidemic road disease.

The stressful lifestyle, the bombardment of required expected daily tasks, the need to process increasingly fast information, the multitasking under the umbrella of information super highway, the lack of time, the lack of affordability of California lifestyle, drain all of us from any down time to reflect, to meditate, and to silence our mind.

Many tasks, usually dealt with at home are now transferred to the commuting time in the car. So the car has now become a fully integrated office with blackberries, cell phones, lap tops, etc… and has severely handicapped the concentration and serenity necessary to operate a vehicle safely.

Multiply the spiral of these activities by millions of drivers to understand where we are headed: a driving war zone.
Understanding where we are all headed is ‘the first step to recovery’.