California DMV · Class C · Based on the 2025 California Driver’s Handbook
California DMV Right-of-Way Practice Questions (2026)
Right-of-way questions ask who goes first at intersections, crosswalks, roundabouts, and narrow roads. The key rule: pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked or unmarked crosswalks, and if two vehicles reach an uncontrolled or all-way-stop intersection at the same time, yield to the one on your right.
Free practice questions
1Which of the following descriptions is correct?
- A All drivers will strictly obey traffic signs and signals.
- B All drivers will turn on their turn signals when turning.
- C You must never take it for granted that other drivers will yield to you.
- D All drivers have purchased insurance.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C — Correct. The handbook says: "Never assume that other drivers will give you the right-of-way."
Why the other options are wrong
- A Incorrect. In reality not every driver obeys signs and signals; the handbook says to scan both ways even when you have a green light.
- B Incorrect. Don't assume others will signal; the handbook warns that another driver's turn signal may be on by mistake or they may turn later.
- D Incorrect. California does have uninsured drivers; the handbook specifically says that if you are in a collision without insurance, your license can be suspended for up to four years.
Handbook: §7 Basic right-of-way principles
2What is the minimum distance you must maintain when following a fire truck, police car, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle?
- A 100 feet
- B 150 feet
- C 300 feet
- D 500 feet
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C — Correct. Per the handbook, it is illegal to follow within 300 feet of an emergency vehicle that is responding with its siren or flashing lights.
Why the other options are wrong
- A Incorrect. 100 feet is the distance for signaling before a turn and for the no-passing zone near intersections and bridges, not a following limit.
- B Incorrect. The handbook has no 150-foot rule; the legal minimum following distance behind an emergency vehicle is 300 feet.
- D Incorrect. 500 feet is the distance at which you must dim your high beams for oncoming vehicles, not a rule for following emergency vehicles.
Handbook: §7 Emergency vehicles (no following within 300 feet)
3Under what circumstances can a driver turn at an intersection that has no marked crosswalk?
- A When there are no traffic signals
- B When all pedestrians and vehicles have cleared
- C When there is no stop sign
- D When driving at night
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B — Correct. Handbook: pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Wait until pedestrians and vehicles with the right-of-way have passed, then turn when it is safe.
Why the other options are wrong
- A Incorrect. Whether there are traffic signals has nothing to do with pedestrian right-of-way; pedestrians have the right-of-way at intersections without marked crosswalks too, so you cannot simply turn.
- C Incorrect. The absence of a stop sign does not mean you can turn right away; you must still check for and yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic before turning.
- D Incorrect. Driving at night has nothing to do with whether you may turn; pedestrians are actually harder to see at night, so be even more careful.
Handbook: §7 Crosswalks
Practice all 77 Right-of-way questions
The full bank has 1,000+ questions across 15 topics, each explained option by option and available in 8 languages beside the original English.
What you need to know
- At an intersection without STOP or YIELD signs, the vehicle that arrives first goes first; if you arrive at the same time as another road user, yield to the one on your right. The same applies at an all-way stop after you stop. §7
- At a T intersection without STOP or YIELD signs, traffic on the through road has the right-of-way. §7
- When turning left, give the right-of-way to pedestrians and any approaching vehicle close enough to be dangerous. §7
- Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked or unmarked crosswalks. Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk — you may not see a pedestrian crossing. §7
- Pedestrians using a guide dog or white cane have the right-of-way at all times; do not honk at them. When a blind person pulls in the cane and steps away, it usually means you may go. §7
- In a roundabout, yield to all traffic already in it, travel counter-clockwise, and do not stop or pass; if you miss your exit, go around again. §7
- On a steep, narrow mountain road where neither can pass, the vehicle facing uphill has the right-of-way; the downhill vehicle backs up. §7
- Yield to emergency vehicles using a siren and red lights: drive to the right edge and stop. If you are already in the intersection, continue through first, then pull right and stop. §7
Common traps on the test
- Saying the vehicle going downhill has the right-of-way on a narrow mountain road — it is the vehicle facing uphill.
- Stopping in the middle of an intersection when an emergency vehicle approaches — continue through, then pull to the right and stop.
- Assuming an oncoming car with its right turn signal on will turn before reaching you — wait until it actually starts its turn before turning left.
FAQ
Who has the right-of-way at a four-way stop in California?
The vehicle that arrives and stops first goes first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.
Who has the right-of-way on a narrow mountain road?
The vehicle facing uphill. The downhill vehicle has more control when backing up, so it should back up until the uphill vehicle can pass.