California DMV cheat sheet: every number on the permit test

Speed limits

65 mph

Most California highways, unless postedSpeed Limits

55 mph

Two-lane undivided highways, and any vehicle towing a trailerSpeed Limits

25 mph

Business and residential districts, unless postedBusiness or Residential Districts

25 mph

Within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossingAround Children

15 mph

Blind intersections (no stop sign on any corner)Blind Intersections

15 mph

AlleysAlleys

15 mph

Within 100 feet of a railroad crossing when you can't see 400 feet down the tracks both waysNear Railroad or Light Rail Tracks

Distances

100 feet

Start signaling before a turnSignaling

5 seconds

Signal before changing lanes on a freewaySignaling

3 seconds

Following distance behind the vehicle aheadFollowing distance (three-second rule)

500 / 300 feet

Dim high beams for oncoming traffic / for a vehicle you are followingUsing Your Headlights

15 feet

Stop at least this far from the nearest rail when a train is comingRailroad crossings

200 feet

U-turn in a residential district only if no vehicle is approaching within this distanceU-turns

Parking and curbs

15 feet

No parking within this distance of a fire hydrant or fire station drivewayIllegal Parking

20 feet

No parking within this distance of a marked or unmarked crosswalk (15 feet with a curb extension)Illegal Parking

Red curb

No stopping, standing or parkingParking at Colored Curbs

White curb

Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengersParking at Colored Curbs

Yellow curb

Load and unload passengers or freight, for no longer than postedParking at Colored Curbs

Green / blue curb

Limited-time parking / disabled placard or plate onlyParking at Colored Curbs

Alcohol

0.08%

Illegal BAC at 21 and overBlood Alcohol Concentration Limits

0.01%

Illegal BAC under 21, or at any age while on DUI probationBlood Alcohol Concentration Limits

0.04%

Illegal BAC when driving a vehicle that needs a commercial licenseBlood Alcohol Concentration Limits

Rules people get wrong

• School bus with flashing red lights: stop from either direction and stay stopped until the children are across and the lights stop — unless the bus is on the other side of a divided or multilane highway. Failing to stop can cost up to $1,000 and a one-year suspension.
• Move over and slow down for stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks and road work vehicles with flashing lights.
• Minors may not use a cell phone to answer calls or send or respond to texts while driving, even hands-free.
• Fail the knowledge test and a minor must wait seven days to retake it.