Driver’s license knowledge test (Class C) · California DMV
Passengers and phones
Questions and answers
-
Your passenger is under 16 and not wearing a seat belt. Who can be ticketed?
You, the driver
Everyone must wear a seat belt. The driver can be ticketed when a passenger under 16 is not belted.
Section 8 · Seat Belts ↗ -
How should the shoulder harness be worn?
Across the shoulder and chest with little or no slack
Wearing the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back can cause injury in a crash.
Section 8 · Seat Belts ↗ -
How should a pregnant person wear the lap belt?
As low as possible under the abdomen
Place the lap belt low under the abdomen and the shoulder strap between the breasts and to the side of the abdomen.
Section 8 · Seat Belts ↗ -
Which children must ride in a rear-facing child restraint?
Children under 2 years old who are under 40 pounds and under 3 feet 4 inches tall
Rear-facing is required for children under 2 who are also under 40 pounds and under 3 feet 4 inches.
Section 8 · Child Restraint System and Safety Seats ↗ -
May a child in a rear-facing restraint ride in the front seat of a vehicle with an air bag?
No
A rear-facing child restraint may not be used in the front seat of an airbag-equipped vehicle.
Section 8 · Child Restraint System and Safety Seats ↗ -
Until what age or height must a child be secured in a child restraint system in a rear seat?
Until 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall
Children 8 or older, or at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, may use a properly fitted safety belt.
Section 8 · Child Restraint System and Safety Seats ↗ -
How far from the air bag cover should you sit?
At least 10 inches
Measure from the center of the steering wheel to your breastbone. Keep at least 10 inches.
Section 8 · Air Bags ↗ -
Is it legal to leave a 5-year-old alone in a vehicle?
No, unless supervised by someone at least 12 years old
A child six or younger may not be left unattended. Supervision by a person at least 12 years old is allowed.
Section 8 · Unattended Children and Pets ↗ -
How may an adult driver use a cell phone while driving?
Hands-free only, when necessary
Using a handheld cell phone while driving is illegal. Adults may use hands-free mode.
Section 8 · Cell Phones and Texting ↗ -
Where may a cell phone be mounted in the vehicle?
On the windshield, dashboard, or center console, without blocking your view
A mounted phone must not block your view of the road and may be operated with a single swipe or touch.
Section 8 · Cell Phones and Texting ↗ -
When may a minor use a cell phone while driving?
Only to call for emergency assistance
Minors may not use a cell phone or wireless device while driving, even hands-free, except to call for emergency help.
Section 8 · Minors And Cell Phones ↗ -
May you smoke in a vehicle when a minor is present?
No, you can be fined
Smoking is not allowed when a minor is in the vehicle.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
When may a person ride in the back of a pickup truck?
Only if the vehicle has secure seats and seat belts there
Riding in the back of a pickup is allowed only with secure seats and safety belts.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
You want to carry your dog in the open back of a pickup. What is required?
The animal must be properly secured
Animals must be secured so they cannot fall, jump, or be thrown from the vehicle.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
Your cargo extends more than 4 feet past the rear bumper. What must it display in daytime?
A 12-inch red or fluorescent orange square flag
Cargo more than 4 feet past the rear bumper needs a 12-inch red or fluorescent orange square flag.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
At night, how must cargo extending more than 4 feet past the rear bumper be marked?
With two red lights
At night the cargo must carry two red lights.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
A video monitor is visible to the driver. What may it display?
Vehicle information, navigation, media player, or radio
A screen the driver can see may only show vehicle information, navigation, a media player, or radio.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
May you hang objects from your rearview mirror?
No
Do not hang objects on the mirror or place items on the windshield that block your view.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
Below what passenger age can the driver be ticketed when the passenger is not wearing a seat belt?
16 years old
The driver can get a ticket when a passenger under 16 is not belted.
Section 8 · Seat Belts ↗ -
In a collision your vehicle stops. What happens to your body if you are not wearing a seat belt?
It keeps moving at the same speed until it hits the dashboard or windshield
The vehicle stops but you keep moving at the speed you were traveling until something stops you.
Section 8 · Seat Belts ↗ -
Another car hits yours on the driver’s side. How is your body thrown?
First against the driver’s side door, then back toward the passenger’s side
A side impact can push you back and forth across the seat. You hit the near door first and then rebound the other way.
Section 8 · Seat Belts ↗ -
Besides reducing injuries, how do seat and shoulder belts help the driver in a collision?
They keep the driver in a better position to control the vehicle
Belts hold you in place so you can keep controlling the vehicle, and they may minimize serious injuries.
Section 8 · Seat Belts ↗ -
How should the lap belt be adjusted?
Snug and low across the hips
A snug lap belt low on the hips keeps you from sliding out of the belt in a crash.
Section 8 · Seat Belts ↗ -
Where should a pregnant person place the shoulder strap?
Between the breasts and to the side of the abdomen’s bulge
The shoulder strap goes between the breasts and beside the bulge, and the lap belt goes as low as possible.
Section 8 · Seat Belts ↗ -
What kind of child restraint system does California require?
A federally approved one
Children must be secured with a federally approved child passenger restraint system or a safety belt, depending on height and age.
Section 8 · Child Restraint System and Safety Seats ↗ -
A child is 18 months old, weighs 25 pounds, and is 2 feet 8 inches tall. How must the child ride?
In a rear-facing child restraint
A child under 2 who is under 40 pounds and under 3 feet 4 inches rides rear-facing.
Section 8 · Child Restraint System and Safety Seats ↗ -
A 6-year-old is 4 feet tall. Where and how must the child normally ride?
In a child restraint system in a rear seat
Children under 8, or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches, ride in a child restraint in a rear seat.
Section 8 · Child Restraint System and Safety Seats ↗ -
A child is 8 years old and 4 feet 10 inches tall. What may the child use?
A properly secured safety belt that meets federal standards
Children who are 8 or older, or at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, may use a properly secured safety belt.
Section 8 · Child Restraint System and Safety Seats ↗ -
Your pickup has no rear seat. May a child under 8 ride in front?
Yes, in a federally approved child restraint system
With no rear seat, a child under 8 may ride in front in an approved restraint.
Section 8 · Child Restraint System and Safety Seats ↗ -
All rear seats are taken by other children. How old must those children be for a child under 8 to ride in front in a restraint?
7 years old or younger
A child under 8 may ride in front when every rear seat is already occupied by children 7 or younger.
Section 8 · Child Restraint System and Safety Seats ↗ -
Which kinds of rear seats allow a child under 8 to ride in the front seat in an approved restraint?
Side-facing jump seats or rear-facing seats
When the rear seats are side-facing jump seats or rear-facing seats, the child may ride in front.
Section 8 · Child Restraint System and Safety Seats ↗ -
Which of these is an accepted reason for a child under 8 to ride in the front seat in an approved restraint?
The restraint cannot be installed properly in the rear seat, or medical reasons keep the child out of the back
A restraint that will not fit properly in the rear and medical reasons are both on the list of exceptions.
Section 8 · Child Restraint System and Safety Seats ↗ -
Who can check that your child restraint system is installed correctly?
Your local law enforcement agency or fire department
Local law enforcement or the fire department can check the installation. As the child grows, check that the restraint is still the right size.
Section 8 · Child Restraint System and Safety Seats ↗ -
How do you measure your distance from the driver’s air bag?
From the center of the steering wheel to your breastbone
The 10 inches are measured from the center of the steering wheel to the breastbone.
Section 8 · Air Bags ↗ -
You cannot safely sit far enough from the air bag. Who should you contact?
Your vehicle dealer or manufacturer
The dealer or manufacturer may have advice about other ways to move back from the air bag.
Section 8 · Air Bags ↗ -
Does the air bag distance rule apply to a front passenger?
Yes, passengers should also sit at least 10 inches from their air bag
Passengers should sit at least 10 inches from the passenger-side air bag.
Section 8 · Air Bags ↗ -
What does the handbook warn about children seated next to a side air bag?
They may be at risk of serious or fatal injury
A side air bag can seriously or fatally injure a child seated next to it.
Section 8 · Air Bags ↗ -
You run into a store and leave your 4-year-old in the car with your 11-year-old. Is this legal?
No, the person supervising must be at least 12 years old
A child six or younger may be left only under the supervision of someone at least 12.
Section 8 · Unattended Children and Pets ↗ -
You park in the sun and leave a window slightly open. Is it safe to leave a pet inside?
No, the temperature inside can still rise rapidly
Leaving children or animals in a hot vehicle is dangerous and illegal, even with a window slightly open.
Section 8 · Unattended Children and Pets ↗ -
What can too much exposure to heat in a parked vehicle lead to?
Dehydration, heat stroke, and death
Heat inside a parked vehicle can cause dehydration, heat stroke, and death.
Section 8 · Unattended Children and Pets ↗ -
Which of these does the handbook list as a common driving distraction?
Changing the music or volume
Changing music or volume, looking at a phone or navigation system, and applying makeup or shaving are listed distractions.
Section 8 · Do Not Drive Distracted ↗ -
Besides a phone, what does the handbook say can distract a driver by drawing the eyes away?
The navigation system, children, and pets
Looking at a phone, navigation system, children, or pets takes your attention from the road.
Section 8 · Do Not Drive Distracted ↗ -
What is the main source of distracted driving?
Cell phones
Cell phones are named as the main source of distracted driving.
Section 8 · Cell Phones and Texting ↗ -
Your cell phone rings while you are driving. What does the handbook advise?
Do not answer and let the call go to voicemail
Let the call go to voicemail.
Section 8 · Cell Phones and Texting ↗ -
You must return a call during your trip. What should you do?
Pull safely off the road first
If you must make or return a call, pull safely off the road.
Section 8 · Cell Phones and Texting ↗ -
May you read a text message while driving if you do not reply to it?
No, neither sending nor reading is allowed
Do not send or read text messages or emails while driving.
Section 8 · Cell Phones and Texting ↗ -
How may you operate a mounted cell phone while driving?
With a single swipe or touch
A mounted phone is operated with the single swipe or touch feature.
Section 8 · Cell Phones and Texting ↗ -
A 17-year-old is driving and the phone rings. May the driver answer it?
No, a minor may not use a phone to answer calls while driving
A minor may not use a cell phone or electronic wireless device to answer calls or to send or respond to texts while driving.
Section 8 · Minors And Cell Phones ↗ -
What should you keep in mind about vehicles with advanced driver assistance or self-driving systems?
They may respond to road situations differently than a human driver would
Vehicles with these systems may react differently from a human driver.
Section 8 · Be Familiar with New Technology ↗ -
What is the penalty for dumping or abandoning an animal on a highway?
A fine of up to $1,000, six months in jail, or both
Abandoning an animal on a highway is a crime with a fine of up to $1,000, six months in jail, or both.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
When is a vehicle too heavily loaded to be driven legally?
When you cannot control it or cannot see ahead or to the sides
You may not drive a vehicle so overloaded that you cannot control it or see ahead or to the sides.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
Your load is not tied down and could fall onto the road. May you drive?
No, an unsecured load that is a safety hazard is not allowed
Driving with an unsecured load that is a safety hazard is prohibited.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
How far may something carried on a passenger vehicle extend beyond the fenders on the right side?
No more than 6 inches
On the right side the limit is 6 inches beyond the fenders.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
How far may something carried on a passenger vehicle extend beyond the fenders on the left side?
Not at all
Nothing may extend beyond the fenders on the left side. The 6-inch allowance is for the right side only.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
How far must cargo stick out behind the rear bumper before a flag or lights are required?
More than 4 feet
Cargo extending more than 4 feet from the rear bumper needs a flag, and two red lights at night.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
Why must an animal carried in the back of a pickup be secured?
So it cannot fall, jump, or be thrown from the vehicle
Securing the animal keeps it from falling, jumping, or being thrown out.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
Is it legal to flick a lit cigarette out of your vehicle window?
No, never
You may not throw a cigarette, cigar, or any other flaming or glowing substance from a vehicle.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
What is the largest object allowed on the lower corner of the passenger’s side of the windshield?
A 7-inch square
A 7-inch square is allowed on the lower corner of the passenger’s side windshield or of the rear window.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
What is the largest object allowed on the lower corner of the driver’s side window?
A 5-inch square
On the driver’s side window the limit is a 5-inch square in the lower corner.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
Where on the windshield may an electronic toll payment device be placed?
In a 5-inch square at the center of the uppermost portion
A toll device goes in a 5-inch square in the center uppermost part of the windshield.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
Besides the small marked squares, where may objects be affixed to a vehicle’s windows?
On the side windows behind the driver
Objects may be placed on the side windows behind the driver.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
A funeral procession is still passing through the intersection when your light turns green. What should you do?
Wait, the procession has the right-of-way
A funeral procession has the right-of-way. You can be ticketed for interrupting it.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
How can you recognize the vehicles taking part in a funeral procession?
Windshield markers and headlights on
All vehicles in the procession carry windshield markers and have their headlights on.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
Who leads a funeral procession?
A traffic officer
A funeral procession is led by a traffic officer.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
Your license plate is so worn that it cannot be read. May you drive the vehicle?
No, an illegible plate is not allowed
You may not operate a vehicle with an illegible license plate.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗ -
May you alter your license plate?
No, not in any way
Altering a license plate in any way is prohibited.
Section 7 · Other Important Roadway Information ↗