Turns, U-turns, merging and passing

Key points

1. For a right turn, start signaling about 100 feet before the turn.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “Start signaling about 100 feet before the turn.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 18

2. You may turn left against a red light only from a one-way street onto a one-way street, when no sign forbids it.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “You may turn left against a red light when you are turning from a oneway street onto a one-way street. Make sure there is no sign prohibiting the turn.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 20

3. In a residential district a U-turn is legal if no vehicles are approaching within 200 feet.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “In a residential district if no vehicles are approaching you within 200 feet.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 20

4. Never make a U-turn where you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “When you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 20

5. When exiting a highway and in the proper lane, signal five seconds, about 400 feet, before you exit.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “When in the proper lane, signal five seconds (approximately 400 feet) before you exit.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 23

6. To merge, enter or exit traffic you need a space of about half a block, 150 feet, on city streets and a full block, 300 feet, on the highway.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “Half a block on city streets, which is about 150 feet. • A full block on the highway, which is about 300 feet.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 24

7. Do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, railroad crossing or other hazardous area.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “Within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, railroad crossing, or other hazardous area.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 24

8. Never pass on the left if the driver ahead is signaling a left turn.

   Source: Handbook p. 25

   “Never pass on the left if the driver is signaling a left turn.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 25

9. When stopping behind a vehicle, leave enough space to see its rear wheels.

   Source: Handbook p. 22

   “If stopping behind a vehicle, leave enough space to see their rear wheels.”
   California Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 22

Numbers to know

3 questions from the California practice test

1. 1. Within what distance of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, or railroad crossing does California say you must not pass?

   1. 50 feet
   2. 300 feet
   3. 100 feet
   4. 1,000 feet
   Show answer

   100 feet. California says not to pass within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, railroad crossing, or other hazardous area. Fifty feet is too short a buffer. Three hundred feet is the distance for following a vehicle with high beams and for staying behind emergency vehicles, not a passing rule. One thousand feet is the headlight visibility test. Passing is also barred at crossroads and driveways and whenever there is not enough room to return to your lane.

2. 2. When may you pass another vehicle on a broken yellow line?

   1. Only within 100 feet of a railroad crossing
   2. Whenever the vehicle ahead is below the posted limit
   3. Only when the broken line is next to your lane and passing is safe
   4. Across any yellow line if you signal first
   Show answer

   Only when the broken line is next to your lane and passing is safe. A broken yellow line allows passing only when that broken line is beside your lane and the maneuver can be made safely. Signaling first does not permit crossing any yellow marking, and passing within 100 feet of a railroad crossing is prohibited. The cue is both the line pattern and the traffic view ahead. Confirm adequate space, oncoming traffic, hills, curves, and a safe return path before moving out.

3. 3. To merge or enter traffic on a California city street, about how much space do you need?

   1. Half a block, about 150 feet
   2. One car length
   3. A full block, about 300 feet
   4. About 50 feet
   Show answer

   Half a block, about 150 feet. On city streets, merging, entering, or exiting traffic takes a gap of about half a block, roughly 150 feet. A full block, about 300 feet, is the space the handbook calls for on the highway, where speeds are higher. One car length or 50 feet is far too little room to reach traffic speed safely. When entering from a full stop, signal and leave a big enough space to get up to the speed of traffic.

Source: the California Driver's Handbook, Section 6: Navigating the Roads. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.