You can drive off the road to pass another vehicle:
- If the vehicle ahead is turning left.
- If there are two or more lanes traveling in your direction.
- Under no circumstances. ✓
Answer: C. Under no circumstances.
You can never drive off the paved or main-traveled part of the road to pass another vehicle; the correct choice is under no circumstances.
Why this is the answer
The handbook's passing section lists when passing on an open highway is allowed, including passing on the right when the driver ahead is turning left or when there are two or more lanes in your direction. It then states plainly that you must never leave the paved or main-traveled part of the road to pass. So those lane and left-turn situations may describe lawful passing within the road, but they do not make driving off the road acceptable.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. If the vehicle ahead is turning left. — A vehicle ahead turning left is a situation where passing on the right may be allowed, not a reason to drive off the paved or main-traveled road.
- B. If there are two or more lanes traveling in your direction. — Having two or more lanes in your direction is also a condition for lawful passing, but it does not permit you to leave the road to pass.
Remember it
Before you pull out to pass, check that the move keeps you on the paved or main-traveled part of the road.
Official handbook: California Driver Handbook (DL 600), Section 6: Navigating the Roads, p. 25