How far before your turn should you begin signaling?
-
A.
About one full block.
-
B.
As you reach the crosswalk.
-
C.
About 100 feet. Correct
The answer is "About 100 feet."
The manual says to start signaling 100 feet before the turn, giving drivers behind you time to see the signal and slow before you brake. A substitutes the informal 'about a block ahead' rule of thumb some drivers pick up from casual instruction for the specific distance the manual actually prints.
The traps in the wrong answers
A. About one full block.
A city block runs closer to 300 feet, roughly triple the distance the manual gives for a turn signal. This answer substitutes the informal 'about a block ahead' rule of thumb some drivers learn from casual instruction for the manual's specific 100-foot distance.
B. As you reach the crosswalk.
A signal given at the crosswalk arrives too late for the drivers behind you to react. This answer reflects the last-second habit of flicking the signal on as the turn begins, which is what the 100-foot minimum was written to correct.
This question tests your knowledge of Turning in California. Source: California Driver Manual, "Left Turns," p.19..
Related California questions
- You make a right turn from a two-way street. Absent signs or lane arrows directing otherwise, in which lane should you end the turn? →
- Before beginning a right turn at an intersection, how does the manual tell you to check for traffic? →
- You enter a center left turn lane to prepare for a left turn. What limit does the manual set on how far you can drive in it? →
- You are stopped in the intersection waiting for a gap to turn left. How should your front wheels be pointed? →
- The rightmost lane at an intersection is a public transit bus lane. You want to turn right. What may you do? →
You just took one California question apart. The book does it for the whole test.
The California book unlocks a free companion: an adaptive study plan, progress synced across your devices, a denser laminate cheat sheet, and a test-day walkthrough. Verify your copy once, usually in seconds; there's nothing extra to buy.
$18.99 paperback, free companion included.