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, 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 or cross traffic you need about half a block, 150 feet, in the city 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. When turning left from a two-way street, which lane should you finish in to reduce collision risk?

   1. The right lane closest to the curb.
   2. Any open lane on the new road.
   3. The left lane closest to the middle of the street in your direction.
   4. The center lane until traffic clears.
   Show answer

   The left lane closest to the middle of the street in your direction.. For a left turn from a two-way street, California shows drivers ending in the left lane closest to the middle of the street going in their direction. The any-open-lane option belongs to certain turns onto one-way streets with three or more lanes, not this basic two-way-to-two-way turn. The cue is the street type you are leaving: from a two-way street, start near the center and finish near the center on the new roadway.

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. When entering a highway, what speed should you aim for on the on-ramp?

   1. 15 mph below the slowest vehicle
   2. At or near the speed of highway traffic
   3. A complete stop before every merge
   4. The posted alley speed until fully merged
   Show answer

   At or near the speed of highway traffic. When merging onto a highway, California advises being at or near the speed of traffic before entering. A complete stop is only for situations where it is absolutely necessary, because stopping on the ramp can make the gap harder to use. The cue is the flow of highway traffic beside you. Use the ramp to match speed, check mirrors and blind spots, signal, and merge into a large enough space.

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.