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Topics · Parking and maneuvers

Parking and maneuvers: DMV test questions

Wheels, mirrors and blind spots. Here are 46 questions like the ones on the written test, with answers and explanations.

Video lessonParking on a HillDo you know how to park on a hill?

46 questions with answers

  1. 1. Parking DOWNHILL next to a curb, turn your front wheels…

    1. Doesn't matter
    2. Toward the curb
    3. Away from the curb
    4. Straight
    Show answer

    Answer: Toward the curb

    If it slips, the wheel bumps into the curb.

  2. 2. Parking UPHILL next to a curb, turn your front wheels…

    1. Away from the curb
    2. Straight, lined up with the curb
    3. Toward the curb
    4. Doesn't matter
    Show answer

    Answer: Away from the curb

    If it rolls back, the tire catches on the curb.

  3. 3. Parking on a hill with NO curb, turn your wheels…

    1. Toward the edge of the road
    2. Toward the center of the road
    3. Always left
    4. Straight
    Show answer

    Answer: Toward the edge of the road

    If it rolls, it goes off the road, not into traffic.

  4. 4. Before changing lanes, you should…

    1. Just signal
    2. Just check the rearview mirror
    3. Honk to warn others, then move over quickly without braking
    4. Check mirrors, signal, and look over your shoulder
    Show answer

    Answer: Check mirrors, signal, and look over your shoulder

    Mirrors don't see everything. A head check saves bumpers.

  5. 5. How far ahead do you signal before turning in town?

    1. Right as you turn
    2. A mile ahead, so everyone knows
    3. At least 100 feet
    4. It's not needed
    Show answer

    Answer: At least 100 feet

    Most states say 100 feet. Some ask for more on highways.

  6. 6. Hand signal: left arm straight OUT the window means…

    1. Left turn
    2. Hello
    3. Stop
    4. Right turn
    Show answer

    Answer: Left turn

    Arm straight out is left. Arm up is right. Arm down is stop.

  7. 7. Hand signal: left arm bent UP means…

    1. Stop
    2. Left turn
    3. Pass me
    4. Right turn
    Show answer

    Answer: Right turn

    Arm up means a right turn.

  8. 8. Hand signal: left arm pointing DOWN means…

    1. Right turn
    2. Stopping or slowing down
    3. All good, you can pass me
    4. Left turn
    Show answer

    Answer: Stopping or slowing down

    Arm down means you're braking.

  9. 9. When backing up, the safest approach is…

    1. Use only the camera
    2. Use only the mirrors
    3. Go fast to finish quickly and not block traffic
    4. Look over your shoulder and go slowly
    Show answer

    Answer: Look over your shoulder and go slowly

    The camera helps, but your eyes are the boss.

  10. 10. In many states, how close to a fire hydrant may you park?

    1. No closer than 15 feet
    2. Right next to it is fine
    3. 2 feet
    4. OK if you stay inside the car
    Show answer

    Answer: No closer than 15 feet

    15 feet is the most common rule. Check your state.

  11. 11. To parallel park, you first pull up…

    1. Alongside the car in front of the space
    2. Alongside the car behind the space
    3. Right against the curb of the space
    4. Behind the space, already in reverse
    Show answer

    Answer: Alongside the car in front of the space

    Line up with the car in front, about 2 feet away, then back in.

  12. 12. In most states, a curb painted RED means…

    1. No stopping or parking
    2. Short-term parking
    3. Disabled permit only
    4. Loading and unloading only
    Show answer

    Answer: No stopping or parking

    Red means red: don't even stop.

  13. 13. A curb or space painted BLUE is…

    1. Time-limited parking
    2. Disabled permit only
    3. A bus stop
    4. Truck loading zone
    Show answer

    Answer: Disabled permit only

    Blue is for permit holders. No placard, no parking.

  14. 14. In states that use curb colors, a YELLOW curb usually means…

    1. Loading or unloading cargo or passengers
    2. Police cars only
    3. Disabled permit only
    4. Free parking all day with no time limit at all
    Show answer

    Answer: Loading or unloading cargo or passengers

    Yellow is for loading and moving on. Not for leaving your car.

  15. 15. Where can't you park, even with no sign?

    1. On a street with no curb
    2. On a crosswalk
    3. At a paid parking meter
    4. In front of a park
    Show answer

    Answer: On a crosswalk

    Crosswalks, sidewalks, intersections, and railroad tracks: never.

  16. 16. A three-point turn is used to…

    1. Parallel park in a tight space
    2. Merge onto a freeway
    3. Turn around on a narrow street
    4. Pass on a curve
    Show answer

    Answer: Turn around on a narrow street

    Forward, reverse, forward. And look every direction.

  17. 17. Where should you NOT make a U-turn?

    1. On a quiet, clear street
    2. On a wide street with no traffic
    3. Where you can see both ways
    4. Near a curve or a hilltop
    Show answer

    Answer: Near a curve or a hilltop

    If others can't see you coming, don't turn there.

  18. 18. On a road with one lane each way, when may you pass on the right?

    1. Never, under any circumstances
    2. When the car ahead is very slow
    3. When the car ahead is turning left
    4. Using the shoulder, if it's clear and empty
    Show answer

    Answer: When the car ahead is turning left

    Only if there's room on the pavement. The shoulder isn't a lane.

  19. 19. When should you adjust your seat and mirrors?

    1. Only when backing up
    2. Once you're on the freeway
    3. While driving down the street
    4. Before you start driving
    Show answer

    Answer: Before you start driving

    Get set first, then drive. Not the other way around.

  20. 20. In many states, how close to a crosswalk at an intersection may you park?

    1. No closer than 50 feet
    2. No closer than 100 feet
    3. No closer than 5 feet
    4. No closer than 20 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: No closer than 20 feet

    So drivers can see people about to cross. The number varies a bit by state.

  21. 21. In many states, you may not park within how many feet of a STOP sign or traffic light?

    1. 3 feet
    2. 10 feet
    3. 300 feet
    4. 30 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 30 feet

    If you block the sign, nobody sees it. Leave your 30 feet, kiddo.

  22. 22. In many states, how close to railroad tracks may you park?

    1. No closer than 15 feet
    2. No closer than 500 feet
    3. No closer than 5 feet
    4. No closer than 50 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: No closer than 50 feet

    The train won't move over for you. Stay well back.

  23. 23. In many states, on the same side of the street, how close to a fire station driveway may you park?

    1. No closer than 20 feet
    2. Right next to it, if the door is clear
    3. Anywhere, if you stay in the car
    4. No closer than 5 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: No closer than 20 feet

    Fire trucks leave in a hurry. Some states also limit the opposite side of the street.

  24. 24. Where is parking not allowed, even with no sign?

    1. Next to an unpainted curb
    2. In front of a closed store
    3. On a residential street at night
    4. On a bridge or in a tunnel
    Show answer

    Answer: On a bridge or in a tunnel

    Bridges, tunnels, and bike lanes aren't parking. You block traffic and risk a crash.

  25. 25. You stop in the street next to a car that's already parked. Is that allowed?

    1. Yes, if you stay under 5 minutes
    2. Yes, if you're unloading heavy items
    3. No, that's double parking
    4. Yes, if your hazard lights are on
    Show answer

    Answer: No, that's double parking

    Hazard lights don't make it legal. Find a real spot.

  26. 26. May you park in front of someone else's driveway?

    1. Yes, if you leave your number on the windshield
    2. No, you'd block it
    3. Yes, if it's for less than 10 minutes
    4. Yes, if it looks like nobody's home
    Show answer

    Answer: No, you'd block it

    If someone needs to get out, you've trapped them. And the tow truck is quick.

  27. 27. You're leaving your car for just a minute. May you park with two wheels on the sidewalk?

    1. Yes, if you leave room to walk by
    2. Yes, if your hazard lights are on
    3. Yes, if the street is very narrow
    4. No, never on the sidewalk
    Show answer

    Answer: No, never on the sidewalk

    Sidewalks are for people, not your tires. Not even for a minute.

  28. 28. You have no disabled placard or plate. May you use that space «just for a minute»?

    1. Yes, at night when the store is empty
    2. Yes, if other spaces like it are empty
    3. Yes, if you stay inside the car
    4. No, never without the permit
    Show answer

    Answer: No, never without the permit

    Not for a minute. The fine is big, and someone who needs it loses the spot.

  29. 29. In many states, when parallel parking, your wheels must be no more than… from the curb.

    1. 3 feet
    2. 18 inches
    3. Exactly 6 inches
    4. 5 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: 18 inches

    Close to the curb, without hitting it. Some states require 12 inches; check your handbook.

  30. 30. You're backing out of an angled parking space. What do you do?

    1. Honk and back out without stopping
    2. Back out slowly, looking all around
    3. Trust that others will see you
    4. Back out fast to beat other cars
    Show answer

    Answer: Back out slowly, looking all around

    The cars beside you block your view. Go slow and keep your head turning.

  31. 31. When parking on level ground, what do you do before getting out?

    1. Shift to Park and set the parking brake
    2. Leave it in neutral, with no brake
    3. Turn your wheels toward the street
    4. Just turn off the engine; that's enough
    Show answer

    Answer: Shift to Park and set the parking brake

    Always set the parking brake, even on flat ground. With a stick shift, leave it in gear.

  32. 32. You're pulling out of a parallel parking space into traffic. What do you do?

    1. Signal and look over your shoulder
    2. Honk and pull out without signaling
    3. Pull out fast to get ahead of everyone
    4. Check only your inside rearview mirror
    Show answer

    Answer: Signal and look over your shoulder

    Your blind spot doesn't show in the mirror. Turn your head and wait for a gap.

  33. 33. You have to stop on a road with no curb. How do you do it?

    1. On a curve, where traffic moves slower
    2. In your lane, with your hazard lights on
    3. At the edge, with your tires on the white line
    4. As far off the road as you can, with hazards on
    Show answer

    Answer: As far off the road as you can, with hazards on

    Get as far off the road as you can and be seen. On a curve, nobody sees you in time.

  34. 34. You're backing up and want the back of the car to go right. Which way do you turn the wheel?

    1. Left first, then right
    2. To the right
    3. To the left
    4. You don't; reverse steers itself
    Show answer

    Answer: To the right

    In reverse, turn toward where you want the back to go. Nice and slow.

  35. 35. You're backing up in a straight line. How should you look?

    1. Straight ahead, to watch your front bumper
    2. Only in your inside rearview mirror
    3. In your side mirror, without turning
    4. Turn and look over your right shoulder out the back
    Show answer

    Answer: Turn and look over your right shoulder out the back

    Turn your body right and look out the back. Mirrors don't show everything.

  36. 36. In many states, when may you make a U-turn in a residential area?

    1. When no cars are close and no sign forbids it
    2. Any time you turn on your hazard lights
    3. Never, it's banned in every city
    4. Only at an intersection with a traffic light
    Show answer

    Answer: When no cars are close and no sign forbids it

    The rules vary by state and city. If a sign says no U-turn, that's that.

  37. 37. You park on a hill with a manual transmission. Which gear do you leave it in?

    1. Whatever gear you had; the brake is enough
    2. Reverse facing downhill; first facing uphill
    3. Neutral, with the parking brake set firmly
    4. First facing downhill; reverse facing uphill
    Show answer

    Answer: Reverse facing downhill; first facing uphill

    The gear pushes against the hill. Plus the parking brake and turned wheels.

  38. 38. Your car has a backup camera. Before backing out of your driveway…

    1. Honk and back out quickly
    2. Watching the camera screen is enough
    3. Only look if you hear kids' voices
    4. Still look around for children
    Show answer

    Answer: Still look around for children

    The camera helps, but it doesn't see everything. A small child fits right where you can't see.

  39. 39. How do you drive in a store parking lot?

    1. At street speed, if it's empty
    2. Cutting across empty spaces to get there faster
    3. Fast, since there's no speed limit there
    4. Slowly, watching for people on foot
    Show answer

    Answer: Slowly, watching for people on foot

    People walk between cars and others back out. Go at a turtle's pace.

  40. 40. You're looking for parking. There's an open spot right next to a fire hydrant. Do you park there?

    1. No: stay at least 15 feet from the hydrant
    2. Yes, if there's no sign
    3. Yes, if you stay in the car
    4. Yes, if it's just for a minute
    Show answer

    Answer: No: stay at least 15 feet from the hydrant

    You can't park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, even without a sign. Farther ahead, before pulling over: signal, mirror and look over your shoulder.

  41. 41. There's an open spot, but the curb is painted red. Do you park?

    1. Yes, just to drop someone off
    2. Yes, if you turn off the engine
    3. Yes, at night it's allowed
    4. No: red means no stopping, standing or parking
    Show answer

    Answer: No: red means no stopping, standing or parking

    A red curb means you can't stop, stand or park there. When you find a spot: signal, mirror and look over your shoulder before pulling over.

  42. 42. Between two parked cars there's a gap right in front of a driveway. Do you park?

    1. Yes, if you know the people who live there
    2. Yes, if the garage door is closed
    3. No: never in front of a driveway
    4. Yes, if you leave your hazard lights on
    Show answer

    Answer: No: never in front of a driveway

    You can't park in front of a driveway. You'd block whoever lives there.

  43. 43. You're about to back out of the driveway and someone is walking along the sidewalk. What do you do?

    1. Back out quickly before he gets there
    2. Back out slowly: he'll see you
    3. Honk and back out
    4. Stay stopped and let him pass
    Show answer

    Answer: Stay stopped and let him pass

    When you back up, watch for everything behind you, cars and people. Wait until he passes, then back out slowly.

  44. 44. You found a parallel parking spot between two cars. What do you do first?

    1. Stop in the middle of the street to think
    2. Drive past and back in without signaling
    3. Pull in front-first
    4. Signal and stop next to the car ahead, about 2 feet away
    Show answer

    Answer: Signal and stop next to the car ahead, about 2 feet away

    Signal before you reach the spot to warn drivers behind you. Stop next to the car ahead, about 2 feet from it. Check, turn the wheel all the way right and back up slowly; when your seat lines up with its rear bumper, turn all the way left. You must end up within 18 inches of the curb.

  45. 45. You parked uphill next to a curb. Which way do you turn your front wheels?

    1. Left (away from the curb), then let the car roll back until the wheel touches it
    2. Right, toward the curb
    3. Straight: the parking brake is enough
    4. Left, and stay away from the curb
    Show answer

    Answer: Left (away from the curb), then let the car roll back until the wheel touches it

    Uphill with a curb: turn your wheels left, away from the curb, and let the car roll back a few inches until the wheel gently touches the curb. If the brakes fail, the curb stops the car. Always set the parking brake and leave the car in Park.

  46. 46. You parked downhill next to a curb. Which way do you turn your front wheels?

    1. Away from the curb (left)
    2. Toward the curb (right)
    3. It doesn't matter if the car is in Park
    4. Straight: the parking brake is enough
    Show answer

    Answer: Toward the curb (right)

    Downhill: turn your wheels into the curb, to the right. If the car moves, the wheel catches on the curb instead of rolling into the street. Set the parking brake and leave the car in Park. With no curb, uphill or downhill, turn the wheels right, toward the side of the road.

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