California Driver License (DMV) Written Practice Test

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Ace your California DMV written test! Prepare for the exam by practicing hundreds of multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws and road signs. Boost your knowledge, gain confidence, and increase your chances of passing the test on your first try.

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What should you do if you have a tire blowout while driving?

Brake firmly to stop the vehicle.
Accelerate to maintain control.
Grip the steering wheel firmly and steer straight.
Immediately change lanes to the right side of the road.

The correct answer is: Grip the steering wheel firmly and steer straight.

When experiencing a tire blowout while driving, gripping the steering wheel firmly and steering straight is the best course of action. This response allows you to maintain control of the vehicle despite the sudden loss of tire pressure. A blowout can cause a vehicle to pull to one side, and by keeping a firm grip, you can counteract this pull and stabilize the vehicle. Maintaining a straight course helps prevent panic reactions that can lead to overcorrection or swerving, which might result in losing control or colliding with other vehicles or obstacles. It is crucial to remain calm and avoid drastic maneuvers, allowing yourself to gradually decelerate and safely steer the vehicle to the side of the road once you have regained control. Other options suggest responses that could lead to dangerous situations. For instance, braking firmly may cause skidding or loss of control, while accelerating could make the situation worse by increasing speed. Changing lanes immediately could create a risky situation as it might not allow adequate time for safe transition, especially if other vehicles are nearby. Thus, steering straight while maintaining a firm grip is the most effective strategy for safely handling a tire blowout.