Parking & Turns - DRIVING INSTRUCTOR CA

Parking & Turns #1

Learn the basics of safe parking, turning, and simple intersection procedures.

1 / 20

In California, where is it legal to make a U-turn?

On a railroad crossing

On a one-way street

Across a double yellow line when it’s safe

In front of a fire station driveway

💡 Explanation: You may make a U-turn across a double yellow line when it’s safe and legal. However, U-turns are never allowed on one-way streets, railroad crossings, or in front of fire station driveways.

2 / 20

Where should you stop your vehicle before making a right turn at an intersection with no limit line?

Before entering the crosswalk

Directly in the crosswalk

In the middle of the intersection

At the edge of the intersection

💡 Explanation: If there’s no limit line, stop before the crosswalk to allow pedestrians to cross safely. If there’s no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection.

3 / 20

Which statement is true about making a right turn on a red light in California?

You may turn without stopping if the way is clear

You may turn after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it

You may turn only when the green arrow appears

You must wait for a flashing yellow light before turning

💡 Explanation: In California, you can turn right at a red light after stopping completely, unless a “NO TURN ON RED” sign is posted. Always check for pedestrians, bicyclists, and oncoming traffic before turning.

4 / 20

When parking uphill or downhill on a road without a curb, how should you position your front wheels?

Keep them parallel to the edge of the road.

Keep them straight to avoid tire wear.

Always turn them toward the center of the road.

Always away from the road — turn them toward the shoulder.

💡 Explanation: When there’s no curb, always turn your wheels toward the side of the road. This way, if your vehicle starts to roll, it will move off the roadway instead of into traffic. Always set the parking brake and leave the car in park or in gear.

5 / 20

Which of the following conditions makes a U-turn illegal?

When using an opening in a divided highway

When there’s a “NO U-TURN” sign posted

When there are no approaching vehicles within 200 feet in a residential area

When turning on a green light at an intersection

💡 Explanation: A “NO U-TURN” sign clearly prohibits turning around at that location. Even if it seems safe, ignoring posted signs violates California law.

6 / 20

What does a white curb marking mean?

You may park for any amount of time if you stay in the vehicle.

Stop only for commercial loading.

Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers.

Parking is not allowed at any time.

💡 Explanation: A white curb means you may stop briefly to pick up or drop off passengers. The stop must be quick and for loading passengers only — not for waiting or parking. You may step out to assist, but you cannot leave the vehicle parked or unattended for longer than necessary.

7 / 20

What does a red curb indicate?

Stop only for emergency vehicles.

Parking is allowed only with hazard lights on.

Stop briefly to load passengers only.

No stopping, standing, or parking at any time (except buses in bus zones).

💡 Explanation: A red curb means no stopping or parking at all, not even momentarily. The only exception is buses at clearly marked bus zones.

8 / 20

Before making a turn at an intersection, which directions should you look to make sure the road is clear?

Left–right–left

Only in the direction you are turning

Right–left–right

Left only

💡 Explanation: Before turning, always look left, then right, then left again. The left side is where traffic enters your path first, so checking it twice ensures no vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians are approaching before you begin your turn.

9 / 20

Before backing into a parallel parking space, what is the safest step to take right after stopping beside the car in front of the space?

Move slightly forward before you start backing in.

Turn off your signal so you don’t confuse other drivers.

Check your mirrors and look over your shoulder for approaching traffic and pedestrians.

Turn your wheels sharply toward the curb and begin reversing immediately.

💡 Explanation: Before you begin reversing into a parallel parking space, always check your mirrors and look over your shoulder to make sure the area is clear. Blind spots can hide cars, bicycles, or pedestrians — taking a few seconds to check prevents collisions.

10 / 20

What does a green curb marking indicate?

You may park for a limited time, as posted by signs or curb markings.

Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers.

You can park freely after business hours.

Parking is allowed only for disabled drivers.

💡 Explanation: A green curb allows short-term parking. Look for nearby signs or painted time limits to know how long you can stay. Once the time expires, you must move your vehicle to avoid a citation.

11 / 20

Where are U-turns specifically prohibited in California?

On one-way streets, railroad crossings, and in business districts (except at intersections or designated openings)

On divided highways that have a median opening

On residential streets with no traffic present

At intersections controlled by green arrows

💡 Explanation: U-turns are never allowed on one-way streets, railroad crossings, or business districts unless made at an intersection or through a marked opening in a divided highway.

12 / 20

How far in advance can you legally drive in a bicycle lane when preparing for a right turn?

Only once you begin turning

Up to 50 feet before the turn

Up to 200 feet before the turn

Up to 100 feet before the turn

💡 Explanation: You may enter a bicycle lane no more than 200 feet before making a right turn. Always check for bicyclists in your blind spot before merging into the lane.

13 / 20

When making a right turn from a two-way street, what is the correct lane use?

Start in the left lane and end in the right lane

Start and finish in the lane closest to the right edge of the road

Start from the middle lane if traffic is light

Swing wide into the next lane after turning

💡 Explanation: A proper right turn starts and ends in the rightmost lane of both streets. Swinging wide or cutting across lanes can endanger pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicles turning from the opposite direction.

14 / 20

A yellow curb marking is used for what type of parking?

Freight or passenger loading and unloading, following time limits.

Passenger loading only.

Disabled parking only.

No stopping or standing.

💡 Explanation: A yellow curb means it’s a loading zone for passengers or freight. Commercial drivers may use it for deliveries, and noncommercial drivers may stop briefly if they stay with their vehicle. Always obey posted time limits.

15 / 20

What does a blue curb marking mean?

Short-term visitor parking only.

Free parking for electric vehicles.

Parking for buses only.

Parking for vehicles displaying a disabled person placard or license plate.

💡 Explanation: Blue curbs are reserved exclusively for vehicles displaying a valid disabled person placard or license plate. Parking in a blue zone without proper authorization is illegal and may result in heavy fines and towing.

16 / 20

When the right-turn signal displays a red arrow, when are you allowed to turn right?

When there is no cross traffic approaching

After yielding to vehicles in the intersection

After making a full stop and checking for pedestrians

You are not allowed to turn right under any condition while the red arrow is on

💡 Explanation: A red arrow means no turn is permitted in that direction. You must remain stopped until the arrow changes to green, even if the intersection appears clear and no traffic or pedestrians are present.

17 / 20

When you start backing into a parallel parking space, about what angle should your vehicle enter the space?

Straight back with no steering.

About a 90-degree angle toward the curb.

About a 45-degree angle toward the curb.

As sharply as possible to fit into the space.

💡 Explanation: The safest way to begin parallel parking is to back slowly at about a 45-degree angle toward the curb. This angle gives you enough room to clear the vehicle in front and line up your car smoothly within the space.

18 / 20

When making a U-turn in a residential district, how far must approaching vehicles be before it’s legal to turn?

At least 200 feet away

At least 250 feet away

At least 150 feet away

At least 100 feet away

💡 Explanation: In a residential area, you may make a U-turn only if no vehicles are approaching within 200 feet in either direction. This ensures you have enough space and visibility to complete the turn safely.

19 / 20

When preparing to make a left turn, where should your vehicle be positioned?

Near the right curb

In the middle of the intersection

Anywhere as long as your signal is on

Close to the center divider or in the designated left-turn lane

💡 Explanation: Before making a left turn, move your vehicle near the center divider or into a designated left-turn lane at its opening. Never cross a solid line to enter, and always yield to oncoming vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians before turning.

20 / 20

When parking uphill on a street with a curb, which way should your front wheels be turned?

Straight ahead.

Toward the curb.

Away from the curb.

Toward the shoulder.

💡 Explanation: When parking uphill with a curb, turn your front wheels away from the curb. Then, let the vehicle roll back slowly until the wheel touches the curb. This ensures your car will roll into the curb if the brakes fail, not into the street.

Your score is

The average score is 91%

Parking & Turns #2

Practice hill parking, U-turns, and common turning situations with greater accuracy.

1 / 20

You need to turn left into a driveway across one set of double solid yellow lines. What should you do?

Move partly across the double yellow lines early so drivers behind you understand your intention

Cross the double yellow lines to pass slower traffic first, then turn into the driveway

Signal, yield to oncoming traffic, and cross only when it is safe to enter the driveway

Continue to the next intersection because crossing double solid yellow lines is never allowed

💡 Explanation: You may cross one set of double solid yellow lines to make a left turn into or out of a driveway or private road when it is safe. You must signal, yield to oncoming traffic, and complete the turn without using the double yellow lines as a passing lane.

2 / 20

You need to stop on a bridge to check your phone or directions. What should you do?

Stop close to the curb if traffic can still pass

Turn on your hazard lights and stop only for a short time

Continue to a safe and legal place before stopping

Stop only if there is no sign saying “No Parking”

💡 Explanation: You must not park or leave your vehicle on a bridge unless signs specifically allow it. If you need to check directions, continue to a safe and legal place to pull over before stopping.

3 / 20

When is a U-turn allowed in a residential district?

When no vehicles are approaching within 200 feet and the turn is safe

Anytime, as long as you complete the turn quickly

Only when there is a green arrow

Only if another driver waves you through

💡 Explanation: In a residential district, a U-turn may be allowed when no vehicles are approaching within 200 feet and the turn can be made safely. Always check for signs, signal, and use the left-turn lane or far-left lane before making the turn.

4 / 20

You plan to turn right, but a bicyclist is traveling ahead of you in the bike lane. What should you do?

Honk so the bicyclist moves out of the bike lane

Check your blind spot, yield if necessary, and merge safely behind the bicyclist before turning

Speed up and turn before the bicyclist reaches the intersection

Stay in your lane and make the right turn across the bike lane without merging

💡 Explanation: Before turning right near a bike lane, you must check for bicyclists and merge only when it is safe. Never cut across a bicyclist’s path or force the bicyclist to slow suddenly. If needed, slow down and merge behind the bicyclist before turning.

5 / 20

You are waiting to turn left, and an oncoming vehicle has its right turn signal on. What should you do before turning?

Move partly into the oncoming lane, then wait there until the signaling vehicle finishes turning

Wait until the oncoming vehicle begins its turn or until there is a safe gap before you turn

Start turning slowly while watching to confirm the oncoming vehicle continues its turn

Begin your turn because the oncoming vehicle’s signal shows that the driver intends to turn right

💡 Explanation: A turn signal only shows what the other driver may intend to do. It does not guarantee the vehicle will actually turn. The driver may have forgotten the signal, may change their mind, or may be turning after passing you. When you are waiting to turn left, stay stopped and yield until the oncoming vehicle clearly begins its turn or until you have a safe gap to complete your turn.

6 / 20

You have a disabled parking placard and see the crosshatched area next to a disabled parking space is open. What should you do?

Use the space briefly if no regular disabled parking space is available

Do not park there because the crosshatched area must remain clear

Park there only if your disabled parking placard is clearly displayed

Park there as long as your vehicle does not block the blue parking space itself

💡 Explanation: The crosshatched area next to a disabled parking space is an access aisle, not an extra parking space. It must stay clear so people using wheelchairs, ramps, walkers, or other mobility devices can safely enter and exit vehicles.

7 / 20

You are stopped before turning right, and pedestrians are crossing the street you want to enter. What should you do?

Remain stopped and wait until the pedestrians have safely cleared your path

Turn slowly if the pedestrians are closer to the opposite side

Honk once so pedestrians know you are turning

Move into the crosswalk to show that you are waiting

💡 Explanation: Pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks have the right-of-way. Before turning right, stop before the crosswalk or limit line and wait until pedestrians have safely cleared your path.

8 / 20

When using a two-way center left-turn lane, what is the correct way to prepare for your turn?

Stop in it and wait until all traffic in both directions clears

Drive in it as long as needed if your left turn is coming later

Enter it only to prepare for a left turn or permitted U-turn, and do not drive in it for more than 200 feet

Use it to pass slow traffic before returning to your lane

💡 Explanation: A two-way center left-turn lane is only for preparing to make a left turn or a permitted U-turn. It is not a regular traffic lane or a passing lane. Enter it only when you are close enough to your turn, check for vehicles already using the lane, and do not drive in it for more than 200 feet.

9 / 20

You are in a dedicated right-turn lane that continues into its own lane after the turn. The traffic light for vehicles going straight is red. What should you do?

Move into the straight-through lane because the right-turn lane cannot be used on red

Stop and wait for the straight-through traffic light to turn green every time

Turn without checking because dedicated right-turn lanes always have the right-of-way

Follow any sign or signal for your turn lane and yield to pedestrians before turning

💡 Explanation: A dedicated right-turn lane may allow you to turn even when the signal for straight traffic is red, but only if the lane continues separately and there is no sign or signal controlling that turn lane. You must still yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and obey any posted sign or traffic light for your lane.

10 / 20

You will turn shortly after passing through an intersection. When should you signal?

Signal when you are almost through the intersection so your intention is clear

Signal only after you have already started turning

Signal before entering the first intersection so drivers have more time to react

Do not signal because the turn is too close to the intersection

💡 Explanation: Signal early enough to warn other drivers, but not so early that they think you are turning at the first intersection. If your turn is shortly after crossing an intersection, wait until you are almost through the intersection before signaling for the next turn.

11 / 20

You are driving a gasoline-powered vehicle and find an empty space marked for zero-emission vehicle parking or fueling. What should you do?

Do not park there unless you are driving a qualifying zero-emission vehicle

Park there briefly if no zero-emission vehicles are waiting

Park there if you are not blocking a charging cable

Use the space only if all regular parking spaces are full

💡 Explanation: Spaces marked for zero-emission vehicle parking or fueling are reserved for vehicles that qualify for that use. A gasoline-powered vehicle should not park there, even if the space is empty or the driver plans to leave soon.

12 / 20

You want to turn left at a green light, but traffic on the street you are entering is backed up. What should you do?

Enter the intersection because the light is green

Stop in the intersection and wait for traffic ahead to move

Turn into the nearest open lane, even if it is not your intended lane

Wait before entering the intersection until there is enough space to complete the turn

💡 Explanation: Do not enter an intersection unless there is enough room to complete your turn without blocking traffic. Even with a green light, you can be cited if you enter and stop where your vehicle blocks the intersection.

13 / 20

A road has two marked right-turn lanes. What should you do when making the turn?

Use only the far-right lane because two right-turn lanes are never allowed

Start in either lane, then move to any open lane during the turn

Wait until the other right-turn lane is empty before turning

Use a marked right-turn lane and stay in your lane through the turn

💡 Explanation: When signs or pavement markings allow more than one right-turn lane, use one of the marked lanes and stay in your lane during the turn. Do not drift into another turning vehicle’s path or swing wide into a different lane.

14 / 20

You find a parking space, but part of your vehicle would block a driveway or sidewalk. What should you do?

Choose another legal parking space

Park there if you leave enough room for pedestrians to walk around

Use your hazard lights so others know you will move soon

Park there only if you stay inside the vehicle

💡 Explanation: You may not park where your vehicle blocks a driveway, a sidewalk, or part of a sidewalk. Even if the space looks open, your vehicle must not interfere with access for drivers, pedestrians, wheelchair users, or others using the sidewalk.

15 / 20

You need to turn right, but the right-turn lane is separated from your lane by double solid white lines. What should you do?

Stop before the intersection until another driver leaves space for you to enter the turn lane

Continue ahead and make the turn later where you can legally enter the correct lane

Slow down, wait for a gap, and carefully move into the right-turn lane

Signal and cross the double solid white lines if the right-turn lane is clear

💡 Explanation: Double solid white lines separate lanes where lane changes are not allowed. Even if you need to turn, you should not cross them. Continue ahead and make your turn later from a legal lane position.

16 / 20

You see an open space between a safety zone and the curb. What should you do?

Park there if the curb is not painted red or marked with a sign

Stop there only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers

Park there if no pedestrians are currently using the safety zone

Choose another legal parking space because parking there is not allowed

💡 Explanation: A safety zone is marked to protect pedestrians who are entering or leaving public transportation or crossing near traffic. You must not park between a safety zone and the curb, even if the space looks open or you only plan to stop briefly.

17 / 20

You are approaching a designated left-turn lane, but a solid line separates it from your lane. What should you do?

Turn left from your current lane without entering the turn lane

Enter the left-turn lane at the opening and stay within the lane markings

Cross the solid line early if the turn lane is empty

Drive partly in the turn lane and partly in your lane until traffic clears

💡 Explanation: Enter a designated left-turn lane only at the opening. Do not cross a solid line to enter the lane early. Stay within the lane markings and prepare for the turn only when it is safe.

18 / 20

You want to turn left into a driveway, but two sets of solid double yellow lines are between your lane and the driveway. What should you do?

Cross slowly because left turns into driveways are usually allowed over yellow lines

Cross the lines only if no oncoming traffic is close enough to be dangerous

Stop next to the lines and wait until drivers behind you can safely pass

Continue to a designated opening or another legal place to turn

💡 Explanation: Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced apart are treated like a barrier. You may not drive over them or turn across them, except at a designated opening. Continue to a legal place to turn around or enter the driveway from the proper direction.

19 / 20

You realize too late that you are in the wrong lane for your intended turn. What is the safest action?

Stop where you are and wait for drivers to let you move over

Continue driving and make a safe, legal turn later

Quickly change lanes as long as your turn signal is on

Turn from your current lane if no vehicle is directly beside you

💡 Explanation: Never make a sudden lane change or last-second turn because you might surprise other drivers and cause a collision. If you miss your turn, continue driving and turn around later where it is safe and legal.

20 / 20

You are making a left turn and begin turning the steering wheel too early. What danger can this create?

It is safer because your vehicle is already aimed left

Your vehicle will automatically complete the turn faster

Your vehicle may enter the lane of oncoming traffic

Drivers behind you will have more room to pass

💡 Explanation: Turning the steering wheel too early during a left turn can cause your vehicle to enter the lane of oncoming traffic. Keep the vehicle properly positioned, begin the turn only when safe, and complete the turn into the correct lane.

Your score is

The average score is 70%

These practice questions focus on California parking and turns rules commonly tested on the DMV written exam.

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