California DMV Permit Test · Class C Knowledge Test
California DMV Permit Test: Right of Way and Turns Concepts
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Overview
Right-of-way rules decide who goes first when two road users want the same space. The law never gives anyone the right to cause a crash, so the main idea is to yield whenever going ahead could put someone in danger. This chapter covers four-way stops, uncontrolled intersections, left turns, roundabouts, and pedestrians.
At a four-way stop, the first driver to come to a full stop goes first. If two drivers stop at the same time, the one on the left yields to the one on the right. A driver turning left must wait for oncoming traffic that is close enough to be a danger.
Roundabouts move counterclockwise, so you always enter to the right. Drivers already in the circle have the right of way, and entering drivers wait for a gap.
Pedestrians in any crosswalk, marked with paint or unmarked at a corner, get the right of way. A person using a white cane or a guide dog must always be given the right of way. When you turn, you must also signal for the last 100 feet before the turn.
Key concepts
Four-way stop
The first vehicle to stop completely gets to go first. If two vehicles stop at the same moment, the driver on the left lets the driver on the right go first.
Memory tip'First to stop, first to go. Tie? Right goes first.'
Left turn
A driver turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles that are close enough to be a danger, and to pedestrians crossing the street they are turning into.
Memory tipTurning left means crossing someone's path, so the left-turner waits.
Roundabout
A circular intersection where all traffic moves counterclockwise. Drivers entering the circle yield to vehicles already inside it.
Memory tipTurn right to enter, go around to the right, and the circle has the right of way.
Pedestrians in a crosswalk
Drivers must yield to people walking in a crosswalk. Most corners have a crosswalk even when no lines are painted (an unmarked crosswalk).
Memory tipNo paint does not mean no crosswalk. Corners count.
Source: California Vehicle Code (VC 21950) / CA DMV Driver Handbook · as of 2026
Blind pedestrian
A person walking with a white cane or a guide dog always has the right of way. Do not honk at them, since the sound can confuse them.
Memory tipWhite cane or guide dog = you wait, quietly.
Turn signal distance
Signal for at least the last 100 feet before you turn, so other drivers know what you plan to do.
Memory tip100 feet is about one-third of a football field. Signal early, not at the corner.
Source: California Vehicle Code (VC 22108) / CA DMV Driver Handbook · as of 2026
Often tested
- The tie rule at a four-way stop is 'yield to the right,' not 'yield to the left.'
- Questions often ask about an unmarked crosswalk. Pedestrians there still have the right of way.
- In a roundabout, the car already in the circle goes first, not the car entering.
- Expect the number 100 feet for turn signals.
3 sample questions
Verified practice questions from this unit.
Question 1. At a four-way stop, you and another driver arrive at about the same time. The other car is on your right. Who should go first?
- ① You, because you are on the left
- ② Whoever is driving the larger vehicle
- ③ The driver on the right
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Answer: ③ The driver on the right
Key point: Four-way stop tie = yield to the driver on your right
At a four-way stop, the driver who stops first goes first. If two drivers stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Wrong answers
- You, because you are on the left: Being on the left means you are the one who yields, not the one who goes.
- Whoever is driving the larger vehicle: Vehicle size has nothing to do with right of way.
Question 2. You want to turn left at an intersection with a solid green light. A car is coming toward you and is close. What should you do?
- ① Turn quickly before the oncoming car arrives
- ② Wait and let the oncoming car pass before turning
- ③ Flash your headlights and then turn
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Answer: ② Wait and let the oncoming car pass before turning
Key point: Turning left = yield to oncoming traffic that is close
When turning left, you must yield to oncoming vehicles that are close enough to be a danger. Wait in the intersection, wheels pointed straight, until there is a safe gap.
Wrong answers
- Turn quickly before the oncoming car arrives: Rushing the turn in front of a close oncoming car is a common cause of serious crashes.
- Flash your headlights and then turn: Flashing your lights does not give you the right of way.
Question 3. You are about to enter a roundabout. Who has the right of way?
- ① You, because you are entering from the right
- ② Whoever reaches the roundabout with the most speed
- ③ Vehicles already inside the roundabout
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Answer: ③ Vehicles already inside the roundabout
Key point: Entering a roundabout = yield to traffic already in it
When entering a roundabout, yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to traffic already circulating inside. Enter when there is a safe gap.
Wrong answers
- You, because you are entering from the right: Entering from the right does not give you priority; traffic already in the circle goes first.
- Whoever reaches the roundabout with the most speed: Speed never gives you the right of way.