California Car / Permit practice question · Safe Driving Practices
You should dim your high-beam headlights to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is within:
Answer choices
- 100 feet
- 250 feet
- 500 feet— Correct answer
- 1,000 feet
Why this is the answer
Switch from high beams to low beams once an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet, and when you are within 300 feet of a vehicle you are following. This keeps you from blinding the other driver. At 100 feet it is far too late. Keeping high beams on only makes it harder for both drivers to see the road.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Headlights
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
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