California DMV · Class C · Based on the 2025 California Driver’s Handbook
California DMV Turns, Lane Changes & Passing Practice (2026)
These questions cover how and where to turn, when U-turns are legal, how to change lanes, and when passing is forbidden. The key numbers: signal at least 100 feet before a turn and at least five seconds before changing lanes on a freeway.
Free practice questions
1Which of the following behaviors does not meet the standard for "safe reversing"?
- A You should turn your head around to check conditions while reversing.
- B The speed should not be too fast when reversing.
- C If possible, you should get out of the vehicle to check behind the car for young children before reversing.
- D Honk the horn before reversing to warn nearby pedestrians.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D — Correct. In the handbook, the horn is only for avoiding collisions and warning others on blind mountain curves. Honking does not replace turning around to look, so it is not part of safe backing.
Why the other options are wrong
- A Incorrect. Looking over your shoulder is what the handbook requires when backing up; it is a safe practice, so it is not the answer here.
- B Incorrect. The handbook says to back up at a smooth, safe speed; backing up slowly is correct.
- C Incorrect. Making sure there are no children or obstacles behind the vehicle before backing up is a safe practice, consistent with the handbook's advice to check behind you.
Handbook: §6 Backing in a straight line
2Under what circumstances can you turn right on a red light?
- A You cannot do so unless a posted sign explicitly indicates that it is permitted.
- B Unless a sign explicitly prohibits it, you can do so after coming to a complete stop and confirming it is safe.
- C You can do so under any circumstances as long as you determine it is safe.
- D You cannot do so under any circumstances.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B — Correct. Per the handbook, after a complete stop at a red light, unless there is a NO TURN ON RED sign, you may turn right once you yield to pedestrians and it is safe.
Why the other options are wrong
- A Incorrect. In California, right turns on red are allowed by default without a sign permitting them; only a NO TURN ON RED sign prohibits them.
- C Incorrect. Right turns are prohibited when there is a NO TURN ON RED sign or a red arrow, so it is not allowed in every case.
- D Incorrect. California allows right turns on red, as long as you stop completely, no sign prohibits it, and you yield.
Handbook: §6 Right turn on red
3What is the correct procedure when making a left turn at an intersection?
- A Always come to a complete stop before turning.
- B Scan all directions of traffic at the intersection before turning.
- C Honk your horn during the turn to warn pedestrians to get out of the way.
- D Extend your hand out of the window and wave it continuously while turning.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B — Correct. The handbook says to look left, right, and ahead for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians before entering an intersection, and to look left-right-left to confirm it is safe before turning left.
Why the other options are wrong
- A Incorrect. You must stop completely only for a STOP sign, red light, and similar situations; on a green light, you only need to slow down and yield before turning left.
- C Incorrect. The horn is only for avoiding collisions or warning others on blind mountain curves, not for clearing pedestrians out of the way; pedestrians always have the right-of-way.
- D Incorrect. Hand signals have set positions (left arm straight out for a left turn) and are used only when signal lights aren't working or bright sunlight makes them hard to see, not continuous waving.
Handbook: §6 Left turns / §7 Intersections
Practice all 106 Turns, lanes & passing 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
- Signal at least 100 feet before you turn, before every lane change, and at least five seconds before changing lanes on a freeway. §5
- Right turn: drive close to the right edge (you may enter a bike lane within 200 feet of the turn), stop behind the limit line, and finish the turn in the right lane without swinging wide. §6
- Left turn: keep your wheels pointed straight ahead until it is safe to turn — if you are hit from behind with wheels turned, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic. §6
- You may turn left on a red light only from a one-way street onto a one-way street, and only if no sign prohibits it. §6
- A center left turn lane is only for preparing and making a left turn or U-turn; you may drive in it for no more than 200 feet, and it is not a passing lane. §6
- U-turns are allowed in a residential district only if no vehicles are approaching within 200 feet. Never make one on a one-way street, at a railroad crossing, in front of a fire station, or where you cannot see 200 feet each way. §6
- Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, or railroad crossing; a hill or curve should be at least one-third of a mile ahead to pass safely. §6
- You may pass on the right only on a road with two or more lanes in your direction, when the driver ahead is turning left, or on a one-way street — never by driving off the paved road. §6
Common traps on the test
- Turning your steering wheel left while waiting to make a left turn — keep the wheels straight until you can actually turn.
- Believing you must slow down before changing lanes — the handbook says it is not necessary; you must signal, check mirrors, and look over your shoulder.
- Choosing that a missed turn should be fixed by a quick last-second move — if you miss a turn, keep driving until you can safely and legally turn around.
FAQ
Can you turn left on a red light in California?
Only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, with no sign prohibiting it. Yield to vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists who have a green light.
How far before a turn should you signal in California?
At least 100 feet before the turn. On a freeway, signal at least five seconds before changing lanes.