Driver's License Test Prep
California Practice Right of Way

A pedestrian using a white cane is at the corner preparing to cross. When must you give them the right-of-way?

  1. A.
    Only when the pedestrian is inside a marked crosswalk.
  2. B.
    Only when the pedestrian signal shows WALK for them.
  3. C.
    At all times, whether or not a signal or crosswalk is present. Correct
The Why

The answer is "At all times, whether or not a signal or crosswalk is present."

Pedestrians with a white cane or guide dog carry right-of-way at every point on the road, not only inside painted lines. Choice A is the trap: drivers who apply the general 'crosswalk gives priority' rule miss that visually impaired pedestrians are protected outside marked crossings as well.

Why the others miss

The traps in the wrong answers

A. Only when the pedestrian is inside a marked crosswalk.

The at-all-times protection applies whether or not the pedestrian is inside painted crosswalk lines. This answer applies the marked-crosswalk rule written for sighted pedestrians and misses the broader protection.

B. Only when the pedestrian signal shows WALK for them.

Their right-of-way stands even without a WALK indication or a functioning signal. This answer assumes pedestrian signals govern all foot traffic, missing the exception for guide-dog and cane users.

The Rule

This question tests your knowledge of Right of Way in California. Source: California Driver Manual, "Pedestrians Who Are Blind," p.42..

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