運転免許を取得するにはまず最寄りの車輌管理を行う州政府事務所で、筆記試験を受けなければならない。問題は、最高時速や交通標識の種類など、交通常識一般と理解しておけば間違いはないが、各州の交通法の違いにより多少異なるため、事前に当該局よりマニュアルを入手、勉強しておく必要があるだろう。ここでは、これまでカリフォルニア州で出題された試験問題をサンプルとして挙げてみる。ちなみにカリフォルニア州の筆記試験では、36問が出題され31問以上の正解で合格となる。

1. You should expect to see this sign: ・Just before a road joins the highway [X] ・At a major intersection [ ] ・At the beginning of a divided highway [ ]

2. If police officer asks you to take an alcohol test, you may choose: ・A blood, breath, or urine test [X] ・A field sobriety test [ ] ・To say the alphabet backwards [ ]

3. A green painted curb means that stopping or parking is permitted only for: ・A limited time [X] ・Taxis and buses [ ] ・Loading or unloading freight [ ]

4. What percentage of traffic deaths are caused by driving under the influence of alcohol: ・50% [X] ・25% [ ] ・75% [ ]

5. After you have an accident or “close shave” you should: ・Decide what went wrong and who made the mistake [X]ｖTry not to think about what happened [ ] ・Try not to blame yourself or the other driver [ ]

6. It is against the law to change the muffler on your car to: ・Increase noise [X] ・Direct exhaust fumes to the rear [ ] ・Make it gas tight [ ]

7. When driving at NIGHT on a two lane road, lower your speed, increasefollowing distance and: ・Look below oncoming headlights [ ] ・Keep your eyes on the white line in the center of the road　[ ] ・Watch for bicycles, motorcycles and pedestrians. [X]

8. What is the best way to stop your vehicle quickly? ・Brake hard, and, if you start to skid, use a pumping action on the brake [X] ・Use the brake lightly at first, then step down hard [ ] ・Step down hard on the brake and hold it until you stop [ ]

9. The sign says both cars may turn left. Which car may make a U-turn: ・Black car [X] ・Both black and white car [ ] ・Neither car [ ]

10. You save gas if you: ・Start slowly and drive at a steady, moderate speed. [X] ・Buy it at self-service stations. [ ] ・Drive on city street, rather than on freeways whenever possible. [ ]

11. When driving near schools, playgrounds, and parks: ・Stay alert for fast moving vehicles [ ] ・Drive no faster than 10 mph [ ] ・Drive more carefully than usual. [X]

12. Driving off the road to pass a car: ・Should never be done [X] ・Is dangerous, but sometimes necessary on country roads. [ ] ・Is permitted if the car ahead is turning right [ ]

13. Driving under the influence of any drug which makes you drive unsafely is: ・Permitted if it is prescribed by a doctor. [ ] ・Against the law [X]Permitted if it is a diet pill or cold medicine [ ]

14. Before you open the door on the traffic side of your parked car you should: ・Give a hand and arm signal for a left turn [ ] ・Step on your brakes to flash your stop lights [ ] ・Look around for bicycles and other vehicles [X]

15. You may make a U-turn at a green light (and green arrow): ・Only if sign says “U Turn OK” [ ] ・Unless a “No U Turn” sign has been posted [X] ・Against a “No U Turn” sign on the green arrow [ ]

16. You must make a financial responsibility report after an accident when damage to one of the vehicle is over $500: ・No matter whose fault it was [X] ・Only if you are not insured [ ] ・Only if it was your fault [ ]

17. When you enter a freeway from an on-ramp, you should be driving at: ・The legal speed limit on the freeway [ ] ・About 10 mph below the legal speed limit on the freeway [ ] ・About the same speed as the freeway traffic [X]

18. This sign means: ・Vehicles on this road travel in two directions. [X] ・One way road widens into 2 lanes [ ] ・There are at least two lanes of traffic in each direction [ ]

19. You must always look carefully for motorcycles before you change lanes or make a left turn because they: ・Are hard to see. [X] ・Never have the right-of-way [ ] ・Are always driven too fast. [ ]

20. This sign means: ・Divided highway ahead. [ ] ・Fewer lanes ahead. [X] ・Slow down, pavement ends [ ]

21. Looking 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your car on the open highway will: ・Help you avoid last minute moves [ ] ・Warn you of hazards ahead [ ] ・Both of the above. [X]

22. A sign which reads “WRONG WAY” means: ・The road ahead is closed to all traffic. [ ] ・You must not enter this road from your direction [X] ・Enter this way carefully; construction ahead. [ ]

23. When waiting to make a left turn, you should give the right-of-way to cars coming from the opposite direction: ・Until at least two cars have passed [ ] ・Until all dangerously close cars have passed. [X] ・Until five cars have passed [ ]

24. An opened bottle of liquor may only be carried in the car if your parent or guardian is with you and: ・If the bottle is placed in the trunk [X] ・If the bottle is placed in a sealed box. [ ] ・If the bottle is placed in the glove compartment [ ]

25. On long drives, to keep alert and awake, you should: ・Let fresh air into the car [ ] ・If you get sleepy, park off the road and rest [ ] ・All of the above [X]

26. You should drive: ・At the posted speed limit. [ ] ・With the flow of traffic. [ ] ・According to the road and weather conditions. [X]

27. It is definitely illegal to drive when your blood alcohol concentration is: ・.09%. [ ] ・.01%. [ ] ・.08% or more [X]

28. You must not cross a double line to pass another car if the line on your side: ・Has double raised white dots [ ] ・Is solid yellow [X] ・Is broken yellow [ ]

29. If you are passing a school and see children near the street, your speed should be: ・30 mph [ ] ・25 mph [X] ・15 mph [ ]

30. California law says you have agreed in advance to a test for alcohol in your blood: ・Whenever you drive in the state [X] ・Only on the advice of an attorney. [ ] ・Only if an accident has occured. [ ]

31. A slow vehicle must turn off a two lane road at a turnout whenever being followed by: ・Two vehicles. [ ] ・Four vehicles. [ ] ・Five or more vehicles [X]

32. When entering an intersection on a green light you should be careful because: ・Of people crossing the street [ ] ・Some drivers on cross streets may not stop. [ ] ・Both of the above. [X]

33. In California, you may make a right turn at an intersection against a red light: ・Only when on-coming cars have a green arrow [ ] ・If you can move safely without interfering with traffic [X] ・Only if a sign says you can turn. [ ]

34. Entering a freeway, you should look for an open space in traffic and: ・Adjust speed to traffic flow, locate a space to enter and signal. [X] ・Stop, signal, look left, and find a space to enter [ ] ・Adjust speed to traffic flow, blow your horn, signal and merge [ ]

35. The “basic speed law” says that in addition to driving the 55 mph maximum speed: ・You may have to slow down suddenly at intersections with a stop sign [ ] ・You must consider other posted speed limits. [ ] ・You must consider the traffic and weather conditions [X]

36. If you have an accident while driving and there is any injury, death, or more than $500 in damages, you must: ・Make a written report to the Department of Motor Vehicles [ ] ・Stop at the scene, and if you hit a parked car or other unattended property, try to find the owner and identify yourself before leaving or leave a note with your name and address and the name and address of the owner of the vehicle you were driving. [ ] ・All of the above [X]

37. You should not drive: ・After you have taken any drink, drug or medication which changes how you think, or act, or causes you to be less careful [ ] ・If you are not alert [ ] ・All of the above [X]

38. If you are involved in an accident: ・Notify the local law enforcement officers or California Highway Patrol officer if anyone is injured or killed. [ ] ・Show evidence that you have insurance or another type of financial responsibility in effect to any police officer who asks for it [ ] ・All of the above [X]

39. Sleeping pills, tranquilizers, pain medicine, or cold or allergy medication may: ・Impair your driving [ ] ・Increase the bad effects of alcohol on your driving [ ] ・All of the above [X]

40. If a car ahead of you has stopped at a crosswalk, you should: ・Change lanes, look carefully, and pass [ ] ・Tap your horn, to let the driver know you are waiting [ ] ・Stop, then proceed when safe [X]

41. According to the chart in the California Driver Handbook, at 55 miles per hour, how far will it take you to stop? ・Less than 110 feet. [ ] ・Less than 150 feet. [ ] ・More than 225 feet. [X]

42. If you use both your left and inside rear-view mirrors when looking for vehicles near you: ・You will be able to see traffic behind and beside you. [ ] ・You will see any cars in your blind spots. [ ] ・You may not see vehicles near the rear of your car because of a “blind spot” [ ]

43. If your driving record shows you failed to appear in court after receiving a traffic ticket, DMV will: ・Take no action. [ ] ・Suspend the registration of the vehicle you are driving. [ ] ・Suspend your driving privilege until you appear in court [X]

44. If your are under 21, and convicted of drunk driving while operating your own car, the court may: ・Put your car in storage for up to thirty days at your expense [ ] ・Sentence you to spend time in jail and pay a fine [ ] ・Both of the above. [X]

45. If you become sleepy while driving it is best to: ・Stay alert by talking to yourself [ ] ・Play the radio real loud [ ] ・Drive to a safe place, stop and rest [X]

46. You must not cross over a double line on the road to pass another car if the line on your side is: ・Broken white. [ ] ・Solid yellow [X] ・Broken yellow. [ ]

47. You are driving alongside a bicycle lane and want to turn right at a corner. ou should signal, look carefully for bike riders, then: ・Merge into the bike lane before turning [X] ・Make your turn, being careful to stay out of the bikelane. [ ] ・Speed up and pass any bicycle riders before they can get to the corner [ ]

48. A good safety rule, when you are sure you have the legal right-of-way, is to: ・Never insist on it [X] ・Always take it [ ] ・Always let the other driver have it [ ]

49. Carpool lanes are marked with a diamond symbol. To use these lanes during the special hours shown on the signs you must: ・Have a van or bus [ ] ・Have the minimum number of passengers shown on the signs [X] ・Drive at the speed limit or have your lights on [ ]

50. When backing out of an angle parking place, you should always: ・Continue looking through your rear-view mirror while backing slowly [ ] ・Look back over your shoulder and back slowly [X] ・Have someone outside of the vehicle direct you and traffic until you are out. [ ]

51. You must look for bicycle riders in the same lanes used by motor vehicles because they: ・Must ride facing oncoming traffic [ ] ・Are entitled to share the road with you [X] ・Always have the right-of-way [ ]

52. You are driving alongside a bicycle lane and want to turn right at a corner. You should signal, look carefully for bike riders, then: ・Merge into the bike lane no more than 200 feet before turning [X] ・Make your turn, being careful to stay out of the bike lane [ ] ・Merge into the bike lane no more than 50 feet before turning. [ ]

53. When parking your car headed uphill on a two-way street, the front wheels should be: ・Turned to left and allowed to roll back against curb [X] ・Parallel to the curb with the brake set [ ] ・Turned to the right, against the curb [ ]

54. If you hit a parked car and cannot find the owner, you must: ・Leave a note on or in the car [X] ・Wait for the owner to return [ ] ・Leave a message at the nearest house [ ]

55. If you are arrested for drunk driving and refuse to submit to a chemical test of the alcohol content of your blood: ・Your driving privilege will be withdrawn. [X] ・You will receive an additional fine [ ] ・You will not be able to post bail [ ]

56. When driving through fog or rain, it is advisable to: ・Turn on your parking lamps only. [ ] ・Blink your turn signals regularly [ ] ・Turn on your headlights [X]

57. Seat belts properly worn: ・Will prevent accidents. [ ] ・Are required by law. [X] ・Will keep you from moving your body [ ]

58. A pedestrian crossing at a corner has the right-of-way: ・Only when a crosswalk is marked [ ] ・Whether or not a crosswalk is marked [X] ・Only when traffic signals are working [ ]

59. When a mechanical signal or flashing light is operating at a railroad crossing you must: ・Stop, then proceed when safe [X] ・Slow down before crossing [ ] ・Stop only if you see a train coming [ ]

60. Before changing lanes in traffic, you should: ・Give a signal and look in your rear-view mirrors. [ ] ・Look over your shoulder to be sure the lane you want to use is clear [ ] ・Do both of above. [X]

61. Flashing red lights on a stopped school bus mean: ・Stop first, then proceed when safe [ ] ・Stop as long as the red lights flash [X] ・Stop only when you see children in the street. [ ]

62. Two of these seeing habits are recommended for safe driving. Which one is NOT recommended? Turn your head and look before you turn the steering wheel. [ ] ・Fix your eyes on the car ahead [X] ・Keep your eyes moving as you drive. [ ]

63. When another car tries to pass you on a two-lane road, you should NEVER: ・Speed up [X] ・Stay at your speed. [ ] ・Slow down [ ]

64. When driving in heavy fog you should reduce your normal driving speed and use: ・High beam headlights [ ] ・Low beam headlights [X] ・Parking lights [ ]

65. The “implied consent law” says you have agreed to take a test for the alcohol content of your blood: ・Whenever you drive in California [X] ・Only on advice of an attorney [ ] ・Only if an accident has occured. [ ]

66. If a car ahead of you has stopped at a crosswalk to let someone walk across, you should: ・Change lanes and pass [ ] ・Blow your horn as you pass [ ] ・Stop, and proceed when safe. [X]

67. On a highway with less than four lanes in one direction, a passenger vehicle towing a trailer: ・May use any lane for travel [ ] ・Must travel in lane number one [ ] ・Must travel in the lane farthest to the right or in a special marked lane [X]

68. Whenever you leave your car unattended, you must stop the motor and: ・Close the windows. [ ] ・Leave the gears in neutral [ ] ・Set the parking brake [X]

69. Teen-agers as a group have more accidents than most other drivers because: ・They lack the skill to drive safely [ ] ・They do not use good judgement. [X] ・They drive unsafe vehicles [ ]

70. When you park your car uphill, next to a curb, the right front wheel: ・Should be turned to the left with the wheel touching the curb [X] ・Should be parallel to the curb with the brake set. [ ] ・Should be turned to the right against the curb [ ]

71. Your parents may request the DMV to cancel your Provisional License: ・Only if you use alcohol or drugs and drive [ ] ・Only if you’ve lied on your application [ ] ・For any reason. [X]

72. You may cross over a double line on the road to pass another car if the line on your side of the road is: ・Solid white [ ] ・Solid yellow [ ] ・Broken [X]

73. Bicycle riders: ・Have the same rights and responsibilities on the public roadways as motor vehicle drivers [ ] ・Must be given a safe amount of space when being passed by automobile drivers. [ ] ・All of the above [X]

74. You should allow an extra amount of space between you and the car ahead when: ・The driver behind you wants to pass. [ ] ・You are crowded by a car behind you [ ] ・Both of the above. [X]

75. What percentage of accidents occur on city streets? About 21% [ ] ・About 73% [ ] ・About 90%. [X]

76. Use your horn: ・To show other drivers they have made a mistake [ ] ・To encourage other drivers to speed up [ ] ・When necessary to avoid an accident. [X]

77. You will quickly ruin your engine if you drive without enough: ・Transmission fluid. [ ] ・Oil. [X] ・Battery water. [ ]

78. What is a common factor in the traffic deaths of teen-age drivers? Their need to push themselves and their cars [X] ・Their slow reflexes. [ ] ・Their fear of taking risks [ ]

79. A curb painted white means: ・Stop only long enough to drop off passengers or mail [X] ・No parking [ ] ・Parking is permitted [ ]

80. You are driving the speed limit and your passengers say you are holding up traffic. You should: ・Retain the same speed [ ] ・Speed up, if traffic is light [ ] ・Change to a slower lane, if possible [X]

81. The following parking is NOT permitted: ・On a hill. [ ] ・Closer than 15 feet of a fire hydrant [X] ・Twenty feet from a railroad track [ ]

82. When stopping for any reason along an open highway, other that as required by traffic, you should stop: ・In the right-hand lane [ ] ・Near the center lane. [ ] ・Off the pavement. [X]

83. You must show evidence that you have insurance or another type of financial responsibility in effect: ・Only if you are involved in an accident [ ] ・If a police officer requests to see it [X] ・If you feel you were at fault for an accident [ ]

84. If your vehicle is parked and becomes a runaway vehicle hitting another vehicle: ・You have to make a written report to the local law enforcement agency [ ] ・You should notify the owner of the other vehicle [ ] ・Both of the above. [X]

85. Lap and shoulder belt combination in your car: ・May keep an accident from happening [ ] ・Are usually safer than lap belts only [X] ・Are intended for freeway driving [ ]

86. Orange colored signs and flags, orange colored road repair machinery and workers wearing orange shirts can mean: ・Be alert, slow down, and be prepared for changed road conditions [ ] ・A warning to look out for workers and danger ahead. [ ] ・Both of the above. [X]

87. Motorcycle riders should: ・Use their headlight during the day [ ] ・Use sunglasses to protect their eyes from dust and insects [ ] ・Drive in bike lanes whenever possible to avoid collisions. [X]

88. A properly worn seat belt will: ・Probably make you tired on a long trip [ ] ・Reduce risk of injury and death. [X] ・Keep you from moving your body [ ]

89. When a car with bright headlights comes toward you at night you should: ・Look above the oncoming lights [ ] ・Look below the lights [ ] ・Look toward the right side of your lane [X]

90. Driving so slowly as to interfere with normal or reasonable flow of traffic, except when necessary for safety, is: ・A violation of the law [X] ・The right of any driver. [ ] ・Legal, but not advisable [ ]

91. At an intersection with stop signs in four (or more) directions, you must yield the right-of-way to: ・The car on your right [X] ・The car on your left [ ] ・The car signaling a turn [ ]

92. Using the unpaved shoulder of the road to pass to the right of a car ahead of you is: ・Forbidden by law. [X] ・Permitted if you are turning right. [ ] ・Permitted if car ahead is turning left [ ]

93. If a man is crossing the street at a corner without crosswalks, you should: ・Take the right of way but do not hit him [ ] ・Slow and proceed with care [ ] ・Let him have the right of way. [X]

94. You must not cross two solid yellow lines in the center of the roadway to: ・Make a left turn [ ] ・Overtake and pass another car [X] ・Park on the other side of the street [ ]

95. A flashing red traffic light at an intersection means that you must: ・Stop before entering. [X] ・Slow down before entering [ ] ・Wait for the green light [ ]

96. When a school bus stopped on the road ahead of you and is showing flashing red lights, you must: ・Slow to 10 mph in passing [ ] ・Stop until the lights stop flashing [X] ・Change lanes and pass cautiously [ ]

97. When there are no signs showing other limits, the speed limit in a business or residence district is: ・35 mph [ ] ・30 mph [ ] ・25 mph [X]

98. This sign means: ・Only trucks have to follow the arrow [ ] ・This is a temporary detour. [ ] ・On this street all vehicles must go the way the arrow points. [X]

99. This sign means: ・Pass only on the right. [ ] ・Pass only when safe. [ ] ・Don’t pass at all [X]

100. A yellow painted curb means that stopping or parking is permitted only for: ・Loading or unloading freight or passengers [X] ・Buses, as a loading zone. [ ] ・Emergency and police vehicles [ ]

101. On a moving passenger vehicle both right and left turn signals are flashing at the same time. This signal means: ・It is carrying children to or from school [ ] ・Let the vehicle have the right-of-way. [ ] ・There is a hazard or an accident ahead [X]

102. You are driving a slow moving vehicle on a winding two-lane highway. You must pull over and let other drivers pass when you are followed by: ・5 or more vehicles [X] ・4 vehicles [ ] ・2 vehicles [ ]

103. When you see orange construction signs and cones on a freeway you must: ・Slow down because the road ends [ ] ・Be prepared for workers and slow moving equipment [X] ・Change lanes and maintain speed [ ]

104. You can generally make a left turn off a one-way street from: ・Any lane as long as it is safe. [ ] ・The left lane only [X] ・The left or right lane. [ ]

105. You may not “double park”: ・Except when making a delivery [ ] ・Except while waiting in the car. [ ] ・At any time. [X]

106. When you hear the siren or see the red emergency light of a closely approaching ambulance, police car, or fire truck, and you are not in an intersection, you should: ・Drive to the right edge of the road and stop [X] ・Drive slowly in the right lane until it has passed [ ] ・Speed up to clear traffic [ ]

107. The sign means: ・Make a complete stop before turning right. [ ] ・Construction ahead, detour to the right [ ] ・You must not turn right here [X]

108. This symbol at a parking space means that you may park if: ・You have a clearance note from your doctor. [ ] ・Your car has special plates or a placard for disabled persons. [X] ・You are taking someone to the hospital [ ]

109. To help avoid being hit from the rear by another car you should: ・Keep parking lights on at all times [ ] ・Signal several blocks before turning. [X] ・Check your rearview mirrors often [ ]

110. To help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces you should: ・Step sharply on the brakes to slow down quickly [ ] ・Avoid quick stops [X] ・Aim for low spots on the road [ ]

111. Defensive driving is: ・Used when another driver makes a mistake [ ] ・The art of driving to stay alive [X] ・Being polite to other drivers [ ]

112. This sign means: ・Vehicles on the right go first. [ ] ・You have the right of way [ ] ・Let other traffic go first [X]

113. You are stopped for a red traffic light and the light turns green. You should: ・Start up as soon as the light turns green. [ ] ・Look left and right before starting. [X] ・Let most other cars start first [ ]

114. Drivers with one traffic conviction in three years will have: ・A higher accident rate than drivers with no convictions. [ ] ・A lower accident rate than drivers with no convictions [ ] ・A same accident rate as drivers with no convictions. [X]

115. Before turning left, right-of-way should be given to oncoming cars: ・Unless they are turning right [ ] ・Until it is safe to turn [X] ・Until most cars have passed. [ ]

116. If you are going to make a turn, you must signal: ・During the last 150 feet (about 1/3 city block). [ ] ・During the last one-hundred feet (about l/4 city block) before turning [X] ・During the last two hundred feet (about l/2 block) before turning. [ ]

117. Pedestrians using guide dogs or white canes: ・Must be given the right of way at all times. [X] ・Must be told when to cross street [ ] ・Has the right of way only in marked crosswalks. [ ]

118. Coasting with the gear shift in neutral is: ・Recommended in the mountains. [ ] ・Safe and conserves gas [ ] ・Against the law [X]

119. If you drive up a narrow, steep road, and meet a car with no room to pass: ・You should back down the road. [ ] ・The other driver should back up the road. [X] ・Neither driver should back at all. [ ]

120. Before going on a trip, you should: ・Have an extra can of gas in the trunk for emergencies [ ] ・Have the frame and engine mounting checked [ ] ・Check the tires and fluid levels [X]

121. At a corner where there is a flashing yellow light, you should: ・Continue at the same speed [ ] ・Slow and cross carefully [X] ・Stop before crossing [ ]

122. You should be most careful when driving: ・After it has been raining all day [ ] ・A half-hour after it stops raining [ ] ・During the first half-hour of rain, especially if it has not rained for some time [X]

123. If your driving privilege has been revoked you may: ・Still drive to and from work [ ] ・Not drive in this state with any license or permit [X] ・Drive only in the presence of a licensed parent or guardian. [ ] ・ Is alright since you should see most of the road ahead. [ ]

124. Constantly staring at the road just in front of your car: ・Will help you see and avoid pot holes and bumps. [ ] ・Is considered unsafe [X]

125. When you turn left into a driveway or parking lot you should: ・Stop in the road before starting the turn [ ] ・Signal and slow down before turning. [X] ・Avoid crossing a double yellow line. [ ]

126. Look to the left and right before entering any intersection on a green signal because: ・Other vehicles may enter~the intersection against the red signal. [X] ・Once you are in the intersection you should look straight ahead. [ ] ・Because cross traffic may have a green arrow [ ]

127. Parking on the wrong side of the street may: ・Be safer for your handicapped passengers [ ] ・Cause other drivers to be warned more quickly when you start into traffic [ ] ・Cause you to be struck by vehicles coming from the front or the rear [X]

128. If you see warning hazard lights when driving at night on an unlit road: ・Turn your car around and drive in the opposite direction. [ ] ・Pull to the right shoulder and stop [ ] ・Continue driving at a slower speed [X]

129. The person who signs for your driver’s license: ・Is not responsible for accidents you may have [ ] ・Is only responsible for you if you are driving cars registered to them. [ ] ・Is legally responsible for any accidents you may have that cause injury or damage to property [X]

130. A law enforcement officer can stop and cite you for violating the safety belt law: ・If you or your passengers over age 4 are not wearing safety belts–this can be the reason for stopping your vehicle [X] ・Only if you are the driver and are not buckled up [ ] ・Only if there is some other cause for stopping your vehicle [ ]

131. When two vehicles are approaching from opposite directions on a narrow mountain grade the right of way shall be granted to: ・The vehicle going uphill [X] ・The vehicle going downhill [ ] ・The larger vehicle [ ]

道路標識