DMV California Cheat Sheet 2020: A Comprehensive Guide to Driving in California

When relocating from New York to California, my family and I were surprised to find that despite our extensive driving experience and spotless record, we still needed to take a written test to obtain our California driver's licenses. As you prepare for your own test, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the unique traffic laws and regulations in California.

To begin with, if another vehicle approaches you with its high-beam headlights on, you must dip your headlights to avoid temporary blindness. This simple precaution can prevent accidents and ensure safe driving.

When overtaking a bicycle, drivers should exercise caution and yield to approaching vehicles. It's crucial to maintain awareness of the road and other traffic around you.

The wide white line painted across a traffic lane before an intersection is known as a 'median.' At intersections, drivers should yield to other vehicles that have the right-of-way.

Electronic flashing arrow panels may be used in work zones during both day and night hours to guide traffic flow. These devices help ensure the safety of road workers and drivers alike.

When turning left from a one-way street onto another one-way street, it's essential to turn into the lane farthest from oncoming traffic. This reduces the risk of accidents and ensures safe navigation.

Using a handheld cell phone while driving is prohibited in California, as it can lead to distractions and increase the risk of accidents. Similarly, following too closely behind another vehicle is considered reckless driving and can result in serious consequences.

On the other hand, using high-beam headlights at night or when facing oncoming traffic is not only permitted but also recommended for enhanced safety.

When another driver tailgates your vehicle, it's essential to maintain a safe distance and avoid aggressive reactions. A calm and patient approach helps prevent accidents and ensures a smooth journey.

California law requires drivers to switch on their high-beam headlights in specific situations, including when approaching an intersection or driving on the freeway at night.

If another driver is tailgating your vehicle, it's crucial to maintain a safe distance and avoid sudden braking. This helps prevent accidents and reduces stress during long road trips.

Airbags are designed to deploy in the event of an accident, providing critical protection for drivers and passengers. In California, all new vehicles must be equipped with airbags.

Before turning beyond an intersection, it's essential to check for oncoming traffic and pedestrians to ensure safe navigation.

A center lane between lanes of traffic traveling in opposite directions may be designated as a 'reversible' or 'flexible' lane, allowing drivers to use the available space efficiently. High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes are reserved for vehicles with multiple occupants, reducing congestion and promoting eco-friendly driving habits.

If your tire suddenly goes flat while driving, it's crucial to slow down immediately and find a safe location to change the tire or call for assistance. Before reaching the crest of a hill or entering a curve, drivers should slow down and watch for oncoming vehicles.

In California, the speed limit for blind intersections is typically lower than regular intersections, requiring drivers to exercise extra caution when navigating these areas.

Before backing up your vehicle, it's essential to look in all directions – front, sides, and rear – and continue to monitor your surroundings while reversing. This helps prevent accidents and ensures safe parking.

A yield sign indicates that a driver must slow down and be prepared to stop if another vehicle or pedestrian with the right-of-way is approaching from another direction. In California, this sign is used to control traffic flow at intersections and roundabouts.

The first rule of a safe and legal turn is to always come to a complete stop before turning onto another road. This ensures that drivers have a clear view of oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Before stopping at a stop sign, drivers must come to a complete halt and yield to other vehicles or pedestrians with the right-of-way.

The most likely places for car and motorcycle collisions to occur are intersections, roundabouts, and highways. Regulatory devices such as speed limits, traffic signals, and signs help guide drivers through these areas safely.

In California, all regulatory devices on the road tell you how to drive safely and legally. For example, a hospital sign indicates that medical facilities are located nearby, allowing drivers to take necessary precautions.

When parking and leaving your vehicle on a highway or street, it's essential to avoid obstructing traffic flow or creating hazards for other drivers. Blind pedestrians may carry white canes or use guide dogs to navigate the road safely.

If you encounter a breakdown on a freeway, move to the side of the road as far away from traffic as possible and call for assistance. When turning off a high-speed roadway, drivers should slow down and signal their intentions to other vehicles behind them.

In California, roundabouts are designed to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. When approaching a roundabout, drivers must enter the central island slowly and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles already in the circle.

By familiarizing yourself with these essential driving rules and regulations in California, you'll be well-prepared for your written test and confident behind the wheel of your vehicle.

Dmv california cheat sheet 2020