California DMV Test: 10 Questions about Pavement Markings

California Pavement Markings

1 / 10

1. If double solid white lines separate a freeway ramp, you must:

A) Not enter until you see a single broken white line

B) Cross the lines with caution

C) Slow down and stop

Double solid white lines indicate a lane barrier between a regular use and a preferential use lane, such as a carpool (HOV) lane. You may also see double solid white lines in or near the freeway on and off ramps. Never change lanes over double solid white lines. Wait until you see a single broken white line.

2 / 10

2. Sharrows mark:

A) Lanes shared by bicyclists and motorists

B) Lanes reserved for bicyclists

C) Lanes reserved for left turns

Sharrows are shared roadway bicycle markings. They alert drivers that bicyclists can occupy the lane and help bicyclists maintain a safe lane position in traffic.

3 / 10

3. A solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line means:

A) Vehicles next to the solid line may pass

B) In both directions may pass

C) Vehicles next to the broken line may pass

A broken yellow line indicates that passing on the left is permitted when the way ahead is clear. Overtaking and passing should be done with care because of oncoming traffic.

4 / 10

4. White lines mark:

A) Traffic lanes going in the same direction

B) Traffic moving in opposite directions

C) No-passing zones

The white line marks traffic lanes going in the same direction. It includes one-way streets.

5 / 10

5. Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart:

A) May be crossed only when turning left

B) May be crossed only when exiting a private road

C) May not be crossed

Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart are considered a barrier. Do not drive on or over this barrier, make a left turn, or make a U-turn across it, except at designated openings.

6 / 10

6. What indicates whether you can pass other cars on a two-way road?

A) Single solid white lines

B) White yield lines

C) Solid or broken yellow lines

On two-way roadways, broken yellow lines indicate that you may pass if the broken line is next to your driving lane. Yellow solid lines indicate that passing is prohibited.

7 / 10

7. If there is a center lane as shown, you must:

A) Use this lane for a left turn

B) Use this lane for both left and right turns

C) Use this lane for passing slow-moving vehicles

Use the center left turn lane to prepare for and make a left turn or U-turn. It is not a regular traffic lane or passing lane. You may only drive for 200 feet in the center left turn lane.

8 / 10

8. You must not drive to the left of two solid yellow lines unless:

A) You pass a motorcyclist

B) The way is clear

C) You turn left into a private road

Do not pass over double solid yellow lines. Stay to the right of these lines unless you are

• In a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) carpool lane that has a designated entrance on the left.
• Instructed by construction or other signs to drive on the other side of the road because your side is closed or blocked.
• Turning left across a single set of double yellow lines to enter or exit a driveway or private road or make a U-turn.

9 / 10

9. What is true about a public transit bus lane?

A) You must not drive or cross the lane for any reason

B) You may cross a bus lane to make a right turn

C) You may drive in this lane at night

Driving, stopping, parking, or leaving a vehicle in an area designated for public transit buses is illegal. Signs will be posted to indicate that the lanes are for buses only. You may cross a bus lane to make a right turn.

10 / 10

10. The road surface in carpool lanes is marked with:

A) A diamond symbol

B) A solid white line of triangles

C) Double solid yellow lines

The road surface in a HOV lane is marked with a diamond symbol. A HOV lane is reserved for carpools, buses, motorcycles, or low-emission vehicles with decals.

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10 Questions and Answers about Pavement Markings

Pavement markings are essential to keep you safe on the road.

Edge lines and center lines help you position your vehicle and reduce the risk of running off the roadway or going against traffic.

These ten questions are examples of questions you may see on a DMV test in California and every state in the United States. Pavement markings are consistent across the country and have the same meaning in all states.

Learn the Meaning of the Colors

The colors tell you if road lines separate traffic in different directions (center lines) or in the same direction (lane lines).

Yellow lines always mark the center and separate traffic in opposite directions. On divided highways with a wide median, you will see the yellow center line on your left, and it may not always be obvious that it is a center line.

If you find yourself with a yellow line on your right, you are going against traffic. Pull over and stop immediately.

White lines mark the road edge and separate traffic going in the same direction (lane lines).

Red lines can mark edges where parking is prohibited (curb markings).

The Appearance

Broken (dashed) and solid lines convey different meanings.

Broken lines are permissive. You can cross broken lines to change lanes or pass other vehicles. Before you move from one lane to another or from a straight course:
Make sure it is safe to do so.
Check behind you, and do not forget your blind spot.
Signal your intentions so that others are aware of your movements.

Solid lines are restricted. You are discouraged or prohibited from changing lanes and passing other vehicles.

A single solid white line tells you to stay in your lane if possible.

The pavement is marked with two solid white lines to indicate that changing lines is prohibited.

Two solid yellow lines in the center of the road tell you that moving to the left of these lines to pass others is prohibited. You may, however, cross two solid yellow lines to make a left turn if safe.

Sometimes, the center markings have one broken and one solid yellow line. If the solid line is on your side, it tells you that passing is prohibited. If the broken line is on your side, passing is allowed.

Special Lane Markings

There are two lane markings you should pay special attention to:

  Center left turn lanes: These lanes are located in the middle of a two-way street and marked on both sides by two painted lines. The inner line is broken, and the outer line is solid. These lanes may only be used for left turns, not passing other vehicles. The lanes are known as two-way left turn lanes since traffic from both directions can use them.

  Reversible lanes: These lanes accommodate traffic going in one direction at certain times (like morning commute) and in the other directions at other times (like evening commute). They have double dashed lines on both sides and are also called flex lines.

Reversible lanes are not mentioned in the California Driver Handbook and will not be on your test.

Sharrows

Test takers often trip on questions about sharrows.

These markings are uncommon outside larger cities, and many drivers take them for bike lane markings.

Sharrows mean Shared Roadway Bicycle Markings. They alert motorists that bicyclists can occupy a travel lane and share it with other vehicles. They also help bicyclists to maintain a safe lane position.

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