California Car / Permit practice question · Safe Driving Practices

Before backing up your vehicle, you should:

Answer choices

• Rely only on the backup camera
• Turn and look over your shoulder through the rear window— Correct answer
• Use the horn and back quickly
• Watch only the side mirrors

Why this is the answer

Before backing up, check your blind spots by looking in the rearview mirror and over your shoulder, then back at a smooth, safe speed. Vehicle safety technology such as backup cameras can help, but it does not replace an actual visual check. Watching only the side mirrors, or backing quickly with the horn, leaves hazards unseen.

Source: California Driver Handbook — Backing Up

Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026