California DMV Permit Test Right of Way and Turns Summary

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.

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.

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.

You must yield to pedestrians in any crosswalk, whether it is marked or not. Stop and wait until they are safely out of your path.

Wrong answers

• Honk so the pedestrian knows you are coming: Honking can startle or frighten a pedestrian and does not give you the right of way.
• Drive around the pedestrian if there is room: Driving around a person in a crosswalk is illegal and dangerous.

When an emergency vehicle with a siren and red lights approaches, drive to the right edge of the road and stop until it has passed. Never follow closely behind it.

Wrong answers

• Speed up to stay ahead of it: Speeding up is dangerous and blocks the emergency vehicle.
• Stop right where you are in your lane: Stopping in your lane can block the ambulance. You must pull to the right first.

In a roundabout, all traffic moves counterclockwise: you enter by turning right and go around with the center island on your left.

Wrong answers

• Clockwise (to the left): Going clockwise would put you against the flow of traffic.
• Either direction, depending on your exit: Everyone must go the same direction. The exit you want does not change the direction of travel.

A white cane or guide dog usually means the person is blind or has low vision. Always yield to them. Do not honk, because it can confuse them or the dog.

Wrong answers

• Honk lightly to let them know where your car is: Honking can confuse a blind pedestrian or startle the guide dog.
• Continue driving, since they have not stepped into the street yet: You should stop for a blind pedestrian who is waiting to cross, not just one already in the street.

When you enter a street from a driveway, alley, or parking lot, you must yield to vehicles on the street and to pedestrians on the sidewalk.

Wrong answers

• You, because you are already moving: Being in motion does not give you priority when you enter a roadway.
• Whoever honks first: Honking never creates a right of way.

At an uncontrolled intersection (no signs or signals), yield to any vehicle already in it. If you arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

Wrong answers

• The driver on the right yields to the driver on the left: This is backwards: the driver on the left is the one who yields.
• Both drivers wait until a pedestrian waves one through: Drivers decide right of way by the rules, not by pedestrian signals.

At a T-intersection with no signs or signals, vehicles on the through road (the top of the T) have the right of way. The driver on the road that ends must yield.

Wrong answers

• You, because you are going to turn: Turning does not give you priority; the road you are on ends, so you yield.
• Whoever is on the right: The "driver on the right" rule does not override the T-intersection rule.