California Car / Permit practice question · Signals & Pavement Markings

A center lane bordered by a solid yellow line on the outside and a broken yellow line on the inside is meant to be used for:

Answer choices

• Left turns, shared by traffic from both directions— Correct answer
• Passing slower vehicles ahead
• Through traffic during rush hour
• Parking during business hours

Why this is the answer

A center left turn lane sits in the middle of a two-way street, marked by a broken inner line and a solid outer line. You use it to get ready for a left turn or U-turn and then make it. It is not a passing lane or a regular travel lane, and you may drive in it for only 200 feet.

Source: California Driver Handbook — Pavement Markings / Turn Lanes

Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026