Before passing on a two-lane road, how far ahead should any hill or curve be?
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A.
At least 100 feet ahead
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B.
Just past the crest of the hill
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C.
At least one-third of a mile ahead Correct
The answer is "At least one-third of a mile ahead"
The manual sets the safe passing distance to any hill or curve at one-third of a mile ahead. Drivers who reach for 100 feet pick option A. That number is the buffer around intersections and bridges from the bulleted list on the same page, not the sight-line rule for hills and curves.
The traps in the wrong answers
A. At least 100 feet ahead
100 feet is the no-pass buffer around intersections and bridges, not the hill or curve distance. This answer pulls the intersection/bridge figure from the bulleted list above and applies it to the sight-line rule taught right below.
B. Just past the crest of the hill
Waiting until the crest gives no room to abort a pass if oncoming traffic appears. This answer follows the informal 'wait until you can see over' habit rather than the manual's specific figure.
This question tests your knowledge of Passing in California. Source: California Driver Manual, "Passing," p.24..
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