California Right-of-Way Quiz
Right-of-way is one of the most-tested topics on the California DMV exam. The rules differ slightly from other states — especially around 4-way stops, roundabouts, and T-intersections. Test yourself on these 10 scenarios.
Sample Questions
1. Two cars arrive at a 4-way stop at the same time, perpendicular to each other. Who goes first?
A. The car with more passengers
B. The car on the right ✓
C. The faster car
D. The car turning right
Why: When two cars arrive simultaneously at a 4-way stop, the driver on the right has the right-of-way.
2. Two cars arrive at a 4-way stop at the same time, facing each other. One is going straight, the other is turning left. Who goes first?
A. The car turning left
B. The car going straight ✓
C. The car on the right side of the road
D. They alternate
Why: When facing each other, the driver going straight (or turning right) has the right-of-way over the one turning left.
3. You are at a T-intersection. You are on the road that ENDS. The other driver is on the road that CONTINUES. Who goes first?
A. You go first
B. The driver on the continuing road has right-of-way ✓
C. Whoever signals first
D. The faster car
Why: At a T-intersection, the driver on the road that ends must yield to the driver on the road that continues.
4. A pedestrian is in an unmarked crosswalk (no painted lines). What is your obligation?
A. Continue normally — only marked crosswalks count
B. Yield to the pedestrian ✓
C. Honk to warn them
D. Pass behind them
Why: Every intersection has an implied crosswalk in California, marked or not. Yield to pedestrians always.
5. You hear an emergency vehicle siren approaching from behind. What should you do?
A. Speed up to clear the lane
B. Pull to the right and stop until it passes ✓
C. Move to the left lane
D. Stop in the current lane
Why: Pull to the right and come to a complete stop. Stay stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.
6. You are entering a roundabout. What is the right-of-way rule?
A. Vehicles entering have priority
B. You must yield to vehicles already in the roundabout ✓
C. It's first-come-first-served
D. Stop completely before entering
Why: At California roundabouts, yield to vehicles already circulating. Do not stop while in the circle.
7. You approach an uncontrolled intersection (no signs or signals) at the same time as another driver perpendicular to you. Who goes first?
A. Whichever car is bigger
B. The driver on the right ✓
C. The driver going faster
D. The driver who arrived first
Why: At an uncontrolled intersection with simultaneous arrival, the driver on the right has the right-of-way.
8. You are at a stop sign on a side street. Cars on the through-street are NOT stopping. When can you go?
A. Whenever you want
B. After all through-traffic clears ✓
C. After you wait 10 seconds
D. After honking once
Why: When you have a stop sign and the cross-traffic does not, you must yield to all cross-traffic until safe to proceed.
9. You see a funeral procession with funeral flags and police escort. What is correct?
A. You may break into the procession to keep moving
B. You must yield and not break the procession ✓
C. You must stop completely until they pass
D. Only if your light is red
Why: A funeral procession may proceed through stop signs and signals. Other drivers must yield and not break the line.
10. A pedestrian with a white cane is crossing your path. What is required?
A. Honk to alert them
B. Stop and yield until they have completely cleared ✓
C. Pass slowly behind them
D. Continue at slow speed
Why: A blind or visually-impaired pedestrian (white cane or guide dog) requires you to come to a full stop until they are completely off the road.