Work through intersections, turns, and shared spaces. Learn the general road principle, then check how your state handbook frames the decision.
Practice all right of way questionsBefore entering a junction, look for vehicles approaching from other directions, pedestrians crossing, and cyclists alongside you. Check the entire space your vehicle will use, including the exit.
When turning across a travel path, make sure the gap is large enough to finish without forcing someone else to brake sharply. A driver flashing headlights or waving is not a substitute for checking the other lanes yourself.
Do not move into an intersection just because your signal changes if traffic leaves no room beyond it. Wait until you can clear the crossing. When another road user acts unexpectedly, slow down and create space instead of trying to enforce priority.
Remember: Observe, identify conflicts, then move only when your path is clear. Use your state handbook for the exact priority rules.
Check the California driver handbookState-focused questions appear first when available; general road-rule questions are labeled separately and do not replace California law.
Answer: Yield and wait until the pedestrian is safely clear
California’s handbook emphasizes yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks and scanning for people who may enter the roadway.
California official sourceAnswer: Yield to the vehicle on your right and proceed only after checking the whole intersection
Many state handbooks use the right-side priority rule for simultaneous arrival at an uncontrolled intersection. State rules can vary, and no driver should assume others will yield, so reduce conflict and verify it is safe.
Check the California driver handbookAnswer: Yield and wait until the pedestrian has a safe path
Turning drivers must watch for people in the crosswalk and yield when required. A pedestrian can be hidden by the vehicle you are turning around, so check the full path before moving.
NHTSA safety guidanceAnswer: Oncoming traffic with the green signal; you wait for a safe gap
A circular green light does not automatically give a left turn priority over oncoming traffic. Yield to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists whose signal or movement gives them priority.
Check the California driver handbookAnswer: Stay alert, signal, and move out of its path when safe and required
Emergency vehicles need a clear path. Check mirrors, signal, and pull over or otherwise yield as local law directs, avoiding a sudden stop in a location that blocks the intersection or creates another hazard.
Check the California driver handbookPermit preparation context: California says the knowledge test is based on the handbook and requires an 80 percent passing score.
Permit preparation context: A provisional instruction permit applicant under 18 must be at least 15½, complete driver education, and have a parent or guardian sign the application.
Use the California Department of Motor Vehicles driver handbook for the complete rule, exceptions, and current wording.