Driver’s license knowledge test (Class C) · California DMV
Weather and emergencies
Questions and answers
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Your vehicle starts to skid on a slippery surface. What should you do?
Ease off the accelerator, do not brake, and steer in the direction of the skid
Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator, stay off the brakes, and turn the wheel in the direction of the skid.
Section 8 · Slippery Surface Skids ↗ -
What should you do before going down a steep hill on a slippery road?
Shift to low gear
A low gear helps control speed without heavy braking.
Section 8 · Slippery Surface Skids ↗ -
Your vehicle has four-wheel ABS and goes into a locked wheel skid. What should you do?
Apply firm pressure on the brake pedal
With four-wheel ABS, press the brake pedal firmly and let the system work.
Section 8 · Locked Wheel Skids ↗ -
Your vehicle has no ABS and begins to skid. What should you do with the brakes?
Quickly pump them until you reach a safe speed
Without ABS, pump the brakes quickly.
Section 8 · Locked Wheel Skids ↗ -
How can you dry wet brakes?
Lightly press the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time
Light pressure on both pedals dries the brakes. Do it only until they are dry.
Section 8 · Locked Wheel Skids ↗ -
When is pavement often most slippery?
When it first starts to rain after a dry spell
Oil and dust that have not been washed away make the first rain especially slick.
Section 8 · Slippery Roads ↗ -
Which parts of the road tend to freeze first?
Bridges and overpasses
Bridges and overpasses freeze before the rest of the road, and shaded spots can hide ice.
Section 8 · Slippery Roads ↗ -
Your vehicle starts to hydroplane. What should you do?
Slow down gradually and do not brake
Sudden braking can make you lose control. Ease off and slow down gradually.
Section 8 · Hydroplaning ↗ -
Which headlights should you use in fog or heavy smoke?
Low beams
High beams reflect back and cause glare. Never drive with only parking or fog lights.
Section 8 · Fog or Heavy Smoke ↗ -
What should you avoid using in high winds?
Cruise control
Keep full control of the accelerator in case a gust hits.
Section 8 · High Winds ↗ -
You have just driven through a flooded section of road. What should you do?
Test your brakes
After driving through water, check that the brakes work correctly.
Section 8 · Flooded Roads ↗ -
An officer ahead turns on emergency lights and weaves slowly across the lanes. What should you do?
Turn on your flashers, slow to the officer’s speed, and do not pass the patrol vehicle
This is a traffic break. Slow down with the officer and do not speed up until the emergency lights go off.
Section 8 · Law Enforcement Traffic Breaks ↗ -
You have a tire blowout. What should you do?
Hold the wheel with both hands and gradually release the accelerator
Sudden braking or abruptly lifting off the accelerator can cause loss of control. Slow down gradually and pull off when safe.
Section 8 · Tire Blowout ↗ -
Your wheels drift off the pavement. What should you do?
Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, brake gently, and carefully steer back
Pulling the wheel too hard may send you into oncoming traffic.
Section 8 · Driving Off the Pavement ↗ -
Your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks, a train is approaching, and the warning lights are flashing. What should you do?
Get out and run away from the tracks diagonally, toward the direction the train is coming from
Exit immediately and move away diagonally toward the oncoming train so you are clear of the crash area. Then call 911.
Section 8 · Disabled Vehicles on Railroad Tracks ↗ -
Your vehicle stops working on the freeway and you must get out. Which side should you exit from?
The right side, away from traffic
Pull onto the right shoulder and leave the vehicle on the side away from traffic.
Section 8 · If Your Vehicle Becomes Disabled on the Freeway ↗ -
What number can you dial for freeway assistance when your vehicle is disabled?
511
Dial 511 or use a call box for assistance.
Section 8 · If Your Vehicle Becomes Disabled on the Freeway ↗ -
Why should you never start your vehicle in a garage with the door closed?
The exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a deadly odorless gas
All gas-powered vehicles produce carbon monoxide, which is deadly and has no smell.
Section 8 · Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide ↗ -
You are stuck in snow or mud. What is the right approach?
Shift to a low gear, keep the wheels straight, and gently rock forward and back without spinning the wheels
Gentle forward and backward motion in low gear frees the vehicle. Spinning the wheels digs it in.
Section 8 · Stuck in Snow or Mud ↗ -
Your vehicle has trouble and you need to stop. Where should you avoid stopping?
Just over a hill or just around a curve
Other drivers may not see you in time just past a hill or curve.
Section 5 · Using Your Emergency Flashers ↗ -
What is a skid?
One or more tires lose traction with the road and the vehicle starts to slip
In a skid the tires lose their grip on the road, and you may not be able to control the vehicle.
Section 8 · Skids ↗ -
On ice or packed snow, what makes a skid even more likely?
Driving too fast or going downhill
Ice and packed snow can cause a skid, and speed or a downhill slope adds to the risk.
Section 8 · Slippery Surface Skids ↗ -
A sharp curve is ahead on a slippery road. How should you handle your speed?
Slow down as you approach the curve and as you move through it
To prevent a skid, slow down for intersections and curves. For a sharp curve, slow down both on the approach and through it.
Section 8 · Slippery Surface Skids ↗ -
Which group of surfaces should you steer clear of to prevent a skid?
Ice patches, wet leaves, oil, and standing water
Ice patches, wet leaves, oil, and standing water give poor traction. Fast turns and quick stops also invite a skid.
Section 8 · Slippery Surface Skids ↗ -
You are skidding on a slick patch and there is dry pavement beside it. What should you try to do?
Get a wheel onto the dry pavement
One of the steps for getting out of a skid is to try to get a wheel on dry pavement.
Section 8 · Slippery Surface Skids ↗ -
Which action is NOT part of recovering from a skid on a slippery surface?
Pressing the brake pedal
In a slippery surface skid you stay off the brakes. You ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid.
Section 8 · Slippery Surface Skids ↗ -
What usually causes a locked wheel skid?
Braking too hard while going too fast
Hard braking at high speed locks the wheels.
Section 8 · Locked Wheel Skids ↗ -
Your wheels are locked and the vehicle is skidding. What effect does turning the steering wheel have?
None, the vehicle skids no matter which way the wheel is turned
In a locked wheel skid the vehicle keeps skidding whichever way you turn the wheel.
Section 8 · Locked Wheel Skids ↗ -
Your light truck has rear-wheel ABS and goes into a locked wheel skid. What should you do with the brake pedal?
Ease up, keeping just enough pressure for the front wheels to roll again so you can steer
With rear-wheel ABS, ease up on the pedal so the front wheels roll again. Then stop braking and steer into the direction of the skid.
Section 8 · Locked Wheel Skids ↗ -
Your vehicle has front-wheel ABS and goes into a locked wheel skid. What should you do?
Take your foot off the brake pedal to unlock the wheels and steer where you want to go
With front-wheel ABS, release the brake to unlock the wheels, steer where you want to go, and straighten the front wheels as the vehicle straightens out.
Section 8 · Locked Wheel Skids ↗ -
How can you find out whether your vehicle has ABS?
Check the vehicle owner’s manual
The owner’s manual tells you whether the vehicle is equipped with ABS.
Section 8 · Locked Wheel Skids ↗ -
Which vehicle should have its brakes pumped quickly when it begins to skid?
A vehicle without ABS
Without ABS, pump the brakes quickly until you are at a safe speed. With four-wheel ABS you press firmly instead.
Section 8 · Locked Wheel Skids ↗ -
You press the brake pedal and it sinks to the floor. What should you do first?
Quickly pump the brakes, gently applying and releasing pressure
If the pedal sinks to the floor, pump the brakes quickly with gentle pressure.
Section 8 · Locked Wheel Skids ↗ -
Your brakes are failing and you are pumping them. What should you do next to slow down and stop?
Shift down into a lower or neutral gear, then try the emergency brake
While pumping the brakes, shift down to slow the vehicle. Then try the emergency brake to stop.
Section 8 · Locked Wheel Skids ↗ -
You are drying wet brakes by lightly pressing the accelerator and the brake together. How long should you keep doing it?
Only until the brakes are dry
Press both pedals lightly only until the brakes dry.
Section 8 · Locked Wheel Skids ↗ -
Rain, snow, or mud has made the road slippery. How should your driving change?
Drive more slowly than on a dry road and leave more space ahead
On a slippery road you need a lower speed and a bigger gap to the vehicle ahead.
Section 8 · Slippery Roads ↗ -
On cold, wet days, what is true of road areas shaded by trees or buildings?
They freeze first and dry out last
Shade can hide icy spots. Shaded areas freeze first and dry out last.
Section 8 · Slippery Roads ↗ -
It has been dry and hot for weeks and a drizzle begins. Why slow down right away?
Oil and dust on the road surface have not been washed away
Slow down at the first sign of rain, drizzle, or snow. After a dry spell the oil and dust still on the surface make it slick.
Section 8 · Slippery Roads ↗ -
Which equipment should you turn on when driving in rain or snow?
Windshield wipers, low-beam headlights, and defroster
Wipers, low beams, and the defroster help you see and be seen.
Section 8 · Slippery Roads ↗ -
You drive in snowy areas. What should you carry?
The correct number and type of snow chains for your vehicle
Snow chains give the tires more traction. Carry the right number and type for your vehicle.
Section 8 · Slippery Roads ↗ -
What is hydroplaning?
The tires lose all contact with the road and the vehicle rides on water
Hydroplaning happens in wet or rainy conditions when the tires ride on water instead of the road.
Section 8 · Hydroplaning ↗ -
While a vehicle is hydroplaning, which of these could throw it into a skid?
A slight change of direction, braking, or a gust of wind
With no tire contact, a small steering change, the brakes, or a gust of wind can start a skid.
Section 8 · Hydroplaning ↗ -
On a wet road you hear sloshing sounds from your tires. What should you do?
Slow down
Sloshing sounds are a warning. Slowing down helps you avoid hydroplaning.
Section 8 · Hydroplaning ↗ -
Which habit helps you avoid hydroplaning?
Driving slowly and steering around standing water when possible
Drive slowly, go around standing water if you can, and slow down when changing lanes or direction.
Section 8 · Hydroplaning ↗ -
Why should you stay off the brakes when your vehicle hydroplanes?
Sudden braking may make you lose control of the vehicle
Slow down gradually instead. Sudden braking can cost you control.
Section 8 · Hydroplaning ↗ -
Your vehicle is stuck in deep mud or snow. What can you put under the tires?
Boards or tree branches
In deep mud or snow, boards or branches under the tires help them grip.
Section 8 · Stuck in Snow or Mud ↗ -
When may you place boards or branches under the tires of a stuck vehicle?
Only when the vehicle is stopped
Do this only while the vehicle is stopped.
Section 8 · Stuck in Snow or Mud ↗ -
Which dangers does water on a flooded road bring?
Being swept off the road, hidden debris, a collapsing road, and electrocution from fallen power lines
Flood water can sweep you away, hide hazards, collapse the road, make the vehicle malfunction, and carry current from fallen power lines.
Section 8 · Flooded Roads ↗ -
Can you tell how deep the water on a flooded road is by looking at it?
Not always, it may be impossible to judge by looking
The depth of a flood may not be possible to determine by sight.
Section 8 · Flooded Roads ↗ -
The road ahead is under deep water. What is the best choice?
Find another route
Deep water may make the road too dangerous to cross, so another route is best.
Section 8 · Flooded Roads ↗ -
You have no other option but to cross a flooded section of road. How should you drive?
Slowly
If you must drive through a flooded road, drive slowly and test your brakes afterward.
Section 8 · Flooded Roads ↗ -
For which vehicles are high winds an especially serious hazard?
Trucks, campers, and vehicles with trailers
Larger vehicles are affected most by strong wind.
Section 8 · High Winds ↗ -
Why should you reduce your speed in high winds?
You have better control and more time to react if a gust hits
A lower speed gives better control and more time to react to a strong gust.
Section 8 · High Winds ↗ -
How should you hold the steering wheel in high winds?
With a firm hand position, because gusts are unpredictable
Without a proper grip, a sudden gust can make you lose control.
Section 8 · High Winds ↗ -
A windstorm is getting stronger as you drive. What may be the safer choice?
Pull over and wait for the storm to pass
Be proactive. Pulling over and waiting can be safer than driving on.
Section 8 · High Winds ↗ -
Why should cruise control stay off in high winds?
You need maximum control of the accelerator if a gust hits
Controlling the accelerator yourself lets you respond to a gust at once.
Section 8 · High Winds ↗ -
Heavy fog covers your route. What does the handbook recommend first?
Avoid driving and consider postponing the trip until the fog clears
It is best not to drive in heavy fog or smoke at all.
Section 8 · Fog or Heavy Smoke ↗ -
May you drive in fog using only your parking lights or fog lights?
No, never
Use low-beam headlights. Parking lights or fog lights alone are never enough.
Section 8 · Fog or Heavy Smoke ↗ -
What rule should set your speed in heavy fog or smoke?
You must be able to stop within the space you can see ahead
Drive slowly and make sure you can stop within the distance you can see.
Section 8 · Fog or Heavy Smoke ↗ -
What should you do with your following distance in heavy fog or smoke?
Increase it
A bigger gap gives you more time to react when you can see less.
Section 8 · Fog or Heavy Smoke ↗ -
What does the handbook say about changing lanes and passing in heavy fog or smoke?
Avoid both unless absolutely necessary
Crossing lanes or passing is risky when you cannot see well. Also listen for traffic you cannot see.
Section 8 · Fog or Heavy Smoke ↗ -
The fog becomes too thick to drive safely. What should you consider doing?
Pull off the road, turn on your emergency flashers, and wait
Pull off the road, activate the flashers, and wait for conditions to improve.
Section 8 · Fog or Heavy Smoke ↗ -
Why are high-beam headlights a poor choice in fog or heavy smoke?
Their light reflects back and causes glare
High beams bounce back off the fog or smoke. Low beams work better.
Section 8 · Fog or Heavy Smoke ↗ -
In thick fog, how can you notice traffic you cannot see?
Listen for it
Listening helps you detect vehicles hidden by the fog.
Section 8 · Fog or Heavy Smoke ↗ -
Why does law enforcement run a traffic break?
To slow or stop traffic to remove hazards, or during heavy fog or unusual traffic conditions
Traffic breaks slow or stop traffic so hazards can be removed and collisions prevented in unusual conditions.
Section 8 · Law Enforcement Traffic Breaks ↗ -
During a traffic break, how should you reduce your speed?
Slowly, without sudden braking unless it is needed to avoid a collision
Decrease your speed slowly to match the officer and keep a safe distance from the patrol vehicle.
Section 8 · Law Enforcement Traffic Breaks ↗ -
After a traffic break, when may you return to your normal speed?
When the officer turns off the emergency lights and traffic conditions allow
Do not speed up until the emergency lights are off and conditions allow.
Section 8 · Law Enforcement Traffic Breaks ↗ -
Dangers are on both sides of the road at once and one is greater. What should you do?
Give more space to the more dangerous one
When one danger is greater than the other, leave it the most room.
Section 8 · Choose Between Hazards ↗ -
On a two-lane road a vehicle is coming toward you on the left and a bicyclist is ahead on your right. What should you do?
Slow down, let the oncoming vehicle pass, then move left to pass the bicyclist
Take one danger at a time. Let the oncoming vehicle go by before you pass the bicyclist.
Section 8 · Choose Between Hazards ↗ -
In the handbook’s example of choosing between hazards, how much space do you leave when passing the bicyclist?
At least three feet
After the oncoming vehicle has passed, move left and give the bicyclist at least three feet.
Section 8 · Choose Between Hazards ↗ -
You need to pass a bicyclist on a two-lane road but oncoming vehicles keep coming in a steady flow. What does the handbook advise?
Use as much of the left lane as you safely can to pass
With a steady flow of oncoming traffic, use as much of the left lane as is safe.
Section 8 · Choose Between Hazards ↗ -
Right after a tire blows out, what should you do about your speed?
Keep it steady if that is possible and safe, then release the accelerator gradually
Maintain speed if possible and safe, then ease off gradually. Sudden braking can cause loss of control.
Section 8 · Tire Blowout ↗ -
After a tire blowout, where should you look and steer?
In the direction you want the vehicle to go
Correct the steering as needed and look and steer where you want to go.
Section 8 · Tire Blowout ↗ -
After a tire blowout, when should you pull off the road?
Once the vehicle has stabilized, where and when it is safe
Stabilize the vehicle first, keep slowing down, and then pull off where it is safe.
Section 8 · Tire Blowout ↗ -
Your wheels have drifted off the pavement. Why should you not turn the steering wheel hard to get back?
You may drive into oncoming traffic
Too much force on the wheel can carry you across the road into oncoming traffic.
Section 8 · Driving Off the Pavement ↗ -
Your wheels are off the pavement and you have slowed down. What should you check before steering back on?
Traffic behind you
Check for traffic behind you, then carefully steer back onto the pavement.
Section 8 · Driving Off the Pavement ↗ -
In extreme heat, what helps keep the engine from overheating?
Turning off the air conditioner and avoiding high speeds for long periods
Watch the temperature gauge, avoid long periods at high speed, and turn off the air conditioner.
Section 8 · Overheating Conditions ↗ -
Why should you watch the temperature gauge in extreme cold?
The engine may not have the correct level of antifreeze
Without the right level of antifreeze the engine can have trouble in extreme cold.
Section 8 · Overheating Conditions ↗ -
In extreme cold, how can you keep your windows from fogging up?
Use the defroster or open the windows slightly
The defroster or slightly open windows keep the glass clear.
Section 8 · Overheating Conditions ↗ -
Your vehicle stops working on the freeway. Where should you pull over?
The right shoulder
Safely pull over to the right shoulder.
Section 8 · If Your Vehicle Becomes Disabled on the Freeway ↗ -
You have called for help from the freeway shoulder. Where should you wait?
Inside your vehicle with your seat belt on
Return to the vehicle as soon as you can, get in from the right side, and stay inside with your seat belt on until help arrives.
Section 8 · If Your Vehicle Becomes Disabled on the Freeway ↗ -
Your vehicle is disabled on the freeway shoulder. What does the handbook say about emergency flashers?
Use them at your discretion, they help others see you
Flashers are used at your discretion. They help other vehicles see you at night and in different weather.
Section 8 · If Your Vehicle Becomes Disabled on the Freeway ↗ -
When is it safer to get out of a disabled vehicle on the freeway and stay away from it?
When the shoulder is too narrow, or there is a guardrail or a safe area away from the lanes
Not enough space on the shoulder, a guardrail, or a safe area away from the freeway lanes are reasons to stay away from the vehicle.
Section 8 · If Your Vehicle Becomes Disabled on the Freeway ↗ -
Your vehicle is disabled on the freeway and your cell phone is dead. How can you call for assistance?
Find a call box
Assistance can be requested by dialing 511 or from a call box.
Section 8 · If Your Vehicle Becomes Disabled on the Freeway ↗ -
When and at what cost does the CHP Freeway Service Patrol help stranded drivers?
During commute times in certain areas, free of charge
The Freeway Service Patrol gives free emergency roadside help during commute times in certain areas.
Section 8 · California Highway Patrol (CHP) Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) ↗ -
You run out of gas on the freeway during commute hours. What will the Freeway Service Patrol provide?
A gallon of gas
The patrol gives a gallon of gas to a driver who has run out.
Section 8 · California Highway Patrol (CHP) Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) ↗ -
Which of these services does the Freeway Service Patrol provide?
Jump starting a dead battery, changing a flat tire, and refilling the radiator
The patrol jump starts batteries, refills radiators and tapes hoses, changes flat tires, and reports collisions to CHP.
Section 8 · California Highway Patrol (CHP) Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) ↗ -
The Freeway Service Patrol cannot get your vehicle started. What happens next?
It is towed free of charge to a CHP-approved location
The vehicle is towed for free to a CHP-approved location, and CHP notifies an auto club or towing service.
Section 8 · California Highway Patrol (CHP) Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) ↗ -
Which of these will the Freeway Service Patrol NOT do?
Tow your vehicle to your home or recommend a repair shop
The patrol does not tow to a private repair service or residence and does not recommend tow companies or repair and body shops.
Section 8 · California Highway Patrol (CHP) Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) ↗ -
Which vehicles does the Freeway Service Patrol not tow?
Motorcycles
Towing motorcycles is on the list of things the patrol does not do.
Section 8 · California Highway Patrol (CHP) Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) ↗ -
Does the Freeway Service Patrol help vehicles that have been in a collision?
Only when CHP directs it to
Vehicles involved in a collision are helped only when CHP directs the patrol to do so.
Section 8 · California Highway Patrol (CHP) Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) ↗ -
Your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks. No train is in sight and the warning lights are not flashing. What should you do?
Get out, dial the number on the crossing posts or control box, then call 911
Exit, call the number posted at the crossing, give the crossing number if posted, say a vehicle is on the tracks, and then call 911.
Section 8 · Disabled Vehicles on Railroad Tracks ↗ -
When you call the number posted at a railroad crossing about your stalled vehicle, what should you tell them?
The crossing number, if posted, and that a vehicle is on the tracks
Give the crossing number if one is posted and say that a vehicle is on the tracks.
Section 8 · Disabled Vehicles on Railroad Tracks ↗ -
A train is about to hit a vehicle stalled on the tracks. Where is the crash area you must stay out of?
In front of the train, in the direction it is traveling
The hazardous zone lies ahead of the train in its direction of travel. That is why you run toward the side the train is coming from.
Section 8 · Disabled Vehicles on Railroad Tracks ↗ -
Where does the carbon monoxide from a vehicle come out?
The exhaust pipe
All gas-powered vehicles produce carbon monoxide, and it is released from the exhaust pipe.
Section 8 · Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide ↗ -
Which group of symptoms can point to carbon monoxide poisoning?
Tiredness, yawning, dizziness, nausea, headache, and ringing in the ears
These six symptoms are the ones listed for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Section 8 · Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide ↗ -
You often get a headache and feel dizzy and sleepy while driving. What should you have checked?
The exhaust system
These can be symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, so have the exhaust system checked.
Section 8 · Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide ↗