California DMV Study Guide
Table of Contents
- Rules to Remember
- 15 MPH Rule
- Number Questions
- California Rules
- Curb Colors
- Parking Distances
- Important Notes
- Flags
- Following Distance
- Road Types and Speeds
- Highway & Lane Tips
- Signs to Know
- Miscellaneous Rules
- Resources
Rules to Remember
The “Basic Speed Law” Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions (weather/traffic), regardless of the posted speed limit.
New 2025 Parking Law You cannot park within 20 feet of the approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk (to improve pedestrian visibility).
School Buses Flash yellow: Slow down and prepare to stop. Flash red: Stop.
Slippery Roads Slow down at the first sign of rain, drizzle, or snow. The road is most slippery right when it starts to rain because oil hasn’t washed away yet.
Insurance Limits As of 2025, minimum coverage has increased: \(30k for injury/death of one person and \)15k for property damage.
15 MPH Rule
Drive at 15 mph in these locations:
- Railroad Crossings – where you can’t see 400 feet down the tracks
- Blind Intersections – where you can’t see 100 feet in either direction during the last 100 feet of your approach
- Alleys – any alleyway
Number Questions
- Speed Limits: 25 mph for school zones/residential and 15 mph for blind intersections/alleys
- Alcohol/Drugs: 0.08% BAC is the legal limit for adults, but you can still be arrested at a lower level if “impaired”
- Signaling: Signal for at least 100 feet before turning
- Selling a Car: Notify the DMV within 5 days of selling your vehicle
California Rules
High Beams Use in low visibility environments. Not in fog, rain, or snow!
Dimming High Beams Dim within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or 300 feet of a vehicle you are following.
Low Beams Use if wipers are on due to rain/snow, if you can’t see clearly a person/vehicle from 1000 feet away, 30 min after sunset until 30 min before sunrise.
Cell Phone Law Hands-free only. You cannot even hold a phone while driving, even at a red light.
Smoking Illegal to smoke at any time when a minor (under 18) is in the vehicle.
Reporting Accidents Report to DMV (form SR-1) within 10 days if there is more than $1,000 in damage.
Curb Colors
White – Passenger Loading / Mail Stop only to drop off/pick up. Daly City: 3-minute limit max.
Green – Limited Time Parking Park for a limited time only. Daly City: 30-minute limit (8am-6pm).
Yellow – Commercial/Freight Loading Mainly for commercial vehicles. Non-commercial: Stay with vehicle. Daly City: 20-minute limit for loading.
Red – No Stopping or Parking Do not stop, stand, or park. Exception: Buses at marked zones only.
Blue – Disabled Parking MUST have a valid placard or plate. No time limit for placard holders.
Parking Distances
- Curb (Parallel Parking): Within 18 inches (Max)
- Crosswalk (Approach Side): 20 feet (Min)
- Crosswalk (with Curb Extension/Bulb): 15 feet (Min)
- Fire Hydrant: 15 feet (Min)
- Fire Station Driveway: 15 feet (Min)
- Sidewalk Ramp (Disabled Access): 3 feet (Min)
- Railroad Tracks (Nearest Rail): 7.5 feet (Min)
Important Notes
- Refuse blood/breath test → Driving privilege will be suspended or revoked
- Alcohol affects judgment first!
Flags
- White Flag – Towing connection (rope/chain)
- Red/Orange Flag – Wide or long loads extending 4+ feet off the back
Following Distance
Passenger Cars
- Standard Rule: 3-Second Rule
- Under 40 MPH: 3 Seconds
- Over 40 MPH: 3 Seconds
- Rain/Bad Weather: Increase to 4+ Seconds
- Stopping Distance (55mph): Approx. 300 Feet
Heavy Trucks (CDL)
- Standard Rule: 1 Second per 10ft of Length
- Under 40 MPH: 1 Second per 10ft of Length
- Over 40 MPH: Add 1 Second for Speed
- Rain/Bad Weather: DOUBLE the distance
- Stopping Distance (55mph): Approx. 400-500+ Feet
Drawbridge – Prepare to stop!
Rear-end crashes due to following distance are the most dangerous on highways.
Road Types and Speeds
Freeway – 65-70 MPH No lights; entry via on-ramps ONLY; fully fenced access.
Multi-lane Divided Highway – 65 MPH Has a median/barrier; may have traffic lights & cross-streets.
Two-lane Undivided Highway – 55 MPH Single lane each way; no barrier; separated by paint only.
Business or Residential Street – 25 MPH High density of homes/shops; frequent driveways/sidewalks.
School Zone – 25 MPH (15 if kids present) Near schools; look for yellow signs/flashing lights.
Blind Intersection / Alley – 15 MPH Cannot see 100ft in either direction; narrow passage.
Highway & Lane Tips
- Exit highway – Slow down as soon as you are on the exit ramp, not before!
- Green light left turn – Yield to cars in the opposite direction
- Street with 3 or more lanes – Means 3 lanes in the same direction!
- Center Left Turn Lane – For turning left only. Stay there for max 200 feet
- Center Traffic Lane – For smooth driving
Signs to Know
- No Passing Zone sign – Yellow triangle on the left side of the road
- Man with Flag sign – Flagger ahead (person with a flag guiding traffic)
Miscellaneous Rules
- Emergency Vehicle: If stopped with lights flashing – change lane if possible and slow down
- Seatbelt Ticket: Driver and passenger both get fined (except under 16 – only driver)
- Seatbelt Exemption: Not required if you have a medical condition or car is from before 1972