Question 1:
Why are bridges and highway overpasses the most dangerous spots in freezing weather?
A
They lack guardrails
B
Cold air circulates above and below the bridge deck, causing them to freeze before roadways
C
They are narrower than normal highways
D
Salt melts faster on bridges
Because air flows underneath bridge decks as well as above, bridges lose heat from both sides and freeze much earlier than ground-supported roads.
Question 2:
What is 'highway hypnosis'?
A
A trance-like state of reduced awareness caused by driving long distances on monotonous highways
B
A technique for falling asleep while parked
C
A state of panic in heavy traffic
D
An optical illusion caused by headlights
Highway hypnosis is a drowsy, semi-conscious state resulting from monotonous highway driving. Prevent it by taking rest breaks every 2 hours.
Question 3:
What does a broken (dashed) yellow line alongside a solid yellow line indicate?
A
Passing is permitted for vehicles on the side with the broken line
B
Passing is permitted for vehicles on the side with the solid line
C
Passing is banned for both lanes
D
The road is one-way
Passing is permitted only on the side of the road with the broken yellow line when the way ahead is clear.
Question 4:
When should you increase your following distance beyond 3 to 4 seconds?
A
During rain, snow, or icy conditions
B
When following large commercial trucks or motorcycles
C
When being tailgated by another vehicle
D
All of the above
Following distance should be increased to 5-8 seconds in bad weather, behind motorcycles/trucks, when following heavy vehicles, or when tailgated.
Question 5:
You are approaching an intersection with a flashing red traffic light. You must:
A
Slow down and proceed with caution
B
Come to a complete stop and proceed only when it is safe
C
Stop only if other vehicles are present
D
Speed up before cross traffic arrives
A flashing red traffic light has the exact same meaning as a Stop sign. You must come to a full stop and yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Question 6:
How long does it take the average human body to process and eliminate the alcohol in one standard drink?
A
About 15 minutes
B
About 1 hour to 1.5 hours
C
About 5 hours
D
Instantly if drinking water
The human liver eliminates alcohol at an average rate of approximately one standard drink (12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, 1.5 oz liquor) per hour.
Question 7:
What is the hand signal for slowing down or stopping?
A
Left arm extended straight out
B
Left arm bent upward
C
Left arm extended downward with palm facing to the rear
D
Flashing inside cabin lights
Extend your left arm out and point downward toward the road with your palm facing backward to indicate slowing or stopping.
Question 8:
When passing a bicyclist traveling in your direction, state laws typically require a minimum clearance of:
A
At least 3 feet of buffer space
B
6 inches
C
No clearance required if you honk
D
15 feet
Most US states enforce the 'Three-Foot Rule', requiring motorists to leave at least 3 feet of safe clearance when passing bicyclists.
Question 9:
If you miss your freeway exit, what is the safest and legal action to take?
A
Stop and back up along the freeway shoulder
B
Make an immediate U-turn across the center median
C
Proceed to the next exit, safely exit, and navigate back
D
Cut across all traffic lanes to reach the ramp
Never stop, back up, or cross medians on a freeway. Continue to the next exit and turn around safely.
Question 10:
What are a vehicle's 'blind spots'?
A
Areas around your vehicle that cannot be seen using inside and outside mirrors alone
B
Spots on the windshield with rock chips
C
Areas illuminated only by fog lights
D
Sections of roadway without streetlights
Blind spots are side and rear areas obscured by vehicle pillars. Always turn your head to look over your shoulder before changing lanes.
Question 11:
When parking alongside a curb on a level street, your tires must be within ____ inches of the curb.
A
12 to 18 inches
B
36 inches
C
24 to 30 inches
D
Touching the curb firmly
When parallel parking along a street curb, tires must be parallel and within 12 to 18 inches (depending on state) of the curb.
Question 12:
If you are involved in a traffic accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage above a specified threshold, you must:
A
Leave the scene immediately if you feel fine
B
Stop immediately, render aid if needed, exchange information, and report the accident to police/DMV
C
Only contact your personal mechanic
D
Drive away if other drivers are already helping
Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or damage is a serious hit-and-run crime. You must stop, render aid, and exchange information.
Question 13:
Which of the following can sober up an impaired driver before driving?
A
Drinking black coffee
B
Taking a cold shower
C
Time (allowing the body to metabolize the alcohol)
D
Exercising vigorously
Only time allows your liver to filter alcohol from your bloodstream. Coffee, cold showers, or fresh air have zero effect on BAC levels.
Question 14:
Before changing lanes, what is the correct defensive driving sequence (SMOG)?
A
Signal, Mirrors, Over-the-shoulder check, Go when safe
B
Speed up, Move over, Honk horn, Glance behind
C
Brake, Signal, Turn wheel, Accelerate
D
Look straight, Change lanes, Turn on signal
SMOG stands for: Signal intentions, check Mirrors, look Over shoulder for blind spots, and Go (glide smoothly) into the lane.
Question 15:
What does a green curb marking mean in most municipalities?
A
No stopping or parking at any time
B
Parking is permitted for a limited time (as posted on signs or painted on the curb)
C
Reserved for emergency vehicles only
D
Loading and unloading passengers only
Green curbs indicate parking is allowed for a specified brief time period (often 10, 15, or 20 minutes).
Question 16:
When two vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled four-way intersection at the same time, who has the right-of-way?
A
The vehicle on the left
B
The vehicle on the right
C
The larger vehicle
D
The vehicle traveling faster
At an intersection without traffic signals or signs, drivers must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the right.
Question 17:
What does a flashing yellow arrow traffic signal indicate for a left-turning driver?
A
You have a protected left turn and oncoming traffic is stopped
B
You may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
C
Left turns are prohibited at this time
D
You must make a U-turn immediately
A flashing yellow arrow allows unprotected left turns; you may turn only after yielding to oncoming vehicles and crossing pedestrians.
Question 18:
What is the universal hand signal for a right turn?
A
Left arm extended straight horizontally
B
Left arm bent upward at a 90-degree angle out the window
C
Left arm bent downward toward the road
D
Pointing right from inside the vehicle
To signal a right turn with hand signals, extend your left arm out the window and bend it upward at a 90-degree angle.