Maryland's Drivers Manual Test

The first thing you should do when driving is...

Adjust your seat and mirrors and ensure that all passengers are wearing a seat belt.

The basic rule for driving defensively is that...

at all times the driver must take the responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner.

The two parts to driving defensively

1. Visual Search/Driver Awareness
2. Risk Management

Visual Search/Driver Awareness

You must know what is happening around your vehicle. This includes constantly observing your surroundings, to the front, side and rear of the vehicle, to see problems. Searching ahead and being ready to change speed or change lanes.

Risk Management

-Adjust speed, position, and direction to respond to roadway conditions, enhance vehicle control, and increase response time
-let other drivers know your intentions by using turn signals
-Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and others
-Do not assume that other drivers will always do what they are supposed to do.
-Use caution at all times

You are responsible for controlling your vehicle as necessary...

to avoid a crash

When it comes to the right-of-way, no one should assume that...

they have the right of way

You should yield to

-the driver that arrives at an intersection before you
-the drivers in the opposing traffic lane, making a left turn
-the driver on your right if both of you arrive at the same intersection
-drivers on public highway if they enter from a private road
-if drivers are on the entrance or acceleration ramp on the highway
-the driver on your right at a four way intersection controlled by stop signs
-pedestrians, bicyclists and other drivers still in the intersection
-drivers on the highway if you are entering at a T intersection
-other drivers when approaching a yield sign

? > is one of the most common contributing factors of vehicle crashes

excessive speeding

Excessive speed does not....... and often leads to.....

save time and high-risk decision making

Excessive speed can lead to negative effects such as

-the ability to negotiate curves or maneuver around obstacles
-extends the distance necessary for a vehicle to stop
-decrease's drivers ability to comprehend a dangerous situation
-increases risk of crashes
-increases the force and impact in a crash

Maryland Vehicle Law requires that motorists

drive at a reasonable and prudent speed and with a regard for existing and potential hazards.

Conditions that require reduced speed

-sharp curves or hills
-slippery roads
-roads with pedestrian or animals present
-shopping centers, parking lots, etc.
-traffic congestion
-narrow bridges and tunnels
-toll booths
-schools, playgrounds, residential areas
-railroad grade crossings

A minimum distance of ? to ? seconds is recommended under ideal driving conditions

3, 4

Your stopping distance depends on factors that include

-the length of time it takes the driver to see and recognize a dangerous situation
-the type of condition of roadway
-the condition of the tire treads
-the condition of the breaks

When turning you should:

-look for signs and signals that giver direction on when you can turn.
-plan your turn before reaching the turning point
-activate your turn signal in advance to alert other drivers
-look behind and to both sides to ensure that it is safe to proceed
-adjust your speed for the turn

When making a U-Turn,

first check to see if U-turns are allowed, and then turn on our left turn signal, stop and yield for approaching traffic.

When passing is permitted you must estimate the ? and ? necessary to pass and be sure to pass without

time and space, interfering with any other vehicle

See both ? of the passed vehicle in your ? ? ? before returning to the original lane

headlights, rear view mirror

It is acceptable to make a right turn pass if

-the other vehicle is about to make a left turn.
-you are on an unobstructed highway with two or more lanes moving in the same direction
-you are on an unobstructed roadway wide enough for two lanes or more.

you may not pass when there is a...

-no-passing zone
-solid line is on your side of the roadway
-double solid yellow lines
-when passing will interfere with the safe operation of oncoming vehicles
-no clear view ahead
-within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing
-when the view is obstructed upon approaching 100 feet of any bridge, elevated roadway or tunnel
-on the shoulder of the highway

you are responsible for making sure that your vehicle is not a ? when it is parked

hazard

Park as far way from ? as possible, set your ? ? on, check ? and ? before opening the door, and always...

traffic, parking brake, mirrors and traffic, lock the doors

1. Stop at...
2. If it does not have that, stop...

clearly marked stop line
before entering the crosswalk

Traffic signals

1. Steady red signal
2. Steady yellow signal
3. Steady green signal
4. Steady red arrow signal
5. Steady yellow arrow signal
6. Steady green arrow signal
7. flashing red signal
8. flashing yellow signal
9. flashing red arrow signal

Steady red signal

come to a complete stop

Steady yellow signal

Stop if you are able to do so, otherwise, continue with caution

Steady green signal

Proceed with caution

Steady red arrow signal

If you intend to move in the direction of the arrow, come to a complete stop first.

Steady yellow arrow signal

Movement indicated by arrow, slow down and proceed with caution

Steady green arrow signal

Proceed with caution in the direction that the arrow points

Flashing red signal

come to a complete stop

Flashing yellow signal

Slow down and proceed with caution.

Flashing red arrow signal

Come to a complete stop before reaching stop line and yield to all other traffic and pedestrians

What is meant by a red X?

You must never drive in that lane

What is meant by a green arrow pointing down?

permitted to drive in such a lane

What is meant by a yellow X signal?

a driver should move out of that lane as soon as possible

flashing yellow X signal

driver is permitted to use the lane for a left turn

Red

Stop, yield, do not enter

Yellow

warning of what to expect ahead

White

Regulatory things (ex. speed limit)

Orange

Construction and maintenance

Green

Guidance information

Blue

Road user services

Brown

recreation and cultural intersts

Fluoresecent Yellow-Green

School, pedestrian and bicycle signs.

Fluorsecent Pink

Emergency traffic incidents

Black-

Certain regulatory signs

Octagon shape

stop

Triangle shape

yield

diamond

warning

rectangle

regulatory or guide

pentagon

school zone and public crossing

Pennant

no passing

Round

railroad warning

Crossbuck

Highway- rail grade crossing

Trapezoid

Recreation and cultural interests

the stop sign is the only

8 sided sign you will see on the highway.

stop lines

white, solid lines that indicate where a vehicle is to stop for a stop sign or red traffic signal

yield lines

rows of small triangles extending across the lane that indicate where a vehicle is to yield to other vehicles or pedestrians

yellow pavement markings should never be on you ? side, but always on your ? side.

right, left

You must turn your headlights on when

there is not enough light to clearly see at least 1000 feet ahead of your vehicle

use headlights during

nighttime, foggy conditions, and stormy weather

Maryland law requires that you turn on your headlights when you are using your

windshield wipers in inclement weather

Use low beams when

-operating your vehicle in normal driving situations
-driving in fog, rain or snow
-entering a tunnel or construction area

Using high beams, you must

-change to low beam at least 500 feet before meeting oncoming vehicles
-change to low beam when following a vehicle at a distance of 300 feet or less

Suggestions for driving at night

-use headlights
-do not stare into vehicles headlights as it will impair your vision and instead keep your eyes focused on the lane you are traveling
-increase your following distance

When driving in foggy conditions

-reduce your normal speed
-be prepared to stop quickly
-if the fog is so thick that you cannot safely operate the car, pull over to a safe area
-use low beam headlights only or special fog lights

When driving in inclement weather

-keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you
-reduce speed to allow more time to react
-make sure your tires have sufficient tread
-avoid slamming on the brakes
-make sure your windshield wipers work
-use your headlights

What is the safest speed to use on the road when there is ice and snow?

There is no such thing as a "completely safe" speed

When driving in snow/ice

-slow down (you technically should not even really be driving as it is not safe)
-keep windows and lights clear
-start out very slowly
-keep your gas tank and windshield fluid reservoir full
-keep an emergency kit

Remember that ? and ? freeze before highways and roads

ramps and bridges

Four-wheel drive improves ?, but driving on snow or ice is

maneuverability, always dangerous

What is traction or adhesion on the tires and road surface?

They allow a vehicle to start, stop and/or change direction. Traction between the tires and the road does not remain constant.

If your vehicle begins to skid, it is important to follow these basic rules:

-release the accelerator or brake pedal to regain balance
-steer in the direction of the skid
-look where you want the vehicle to go
-apply brake pressure only after rolling traction has been reestablished
-slowly accelerating may aid in recovery of rear wheel traction

To prevent hydroplaning,

maintain your tires in good condition and lower your speed in response to wet roads.

Remember, trains cannot....Extra caution should be used when traveling over railroad crossings.

stop quickly,

When approaching railroad tracks be alert...

-for other vehicles that may be stopping at the RR Xing
-for a train at any time
-if the gates are down or warning lights are flashing, the road is closed.
-after a train passes, look both ways before proceeding
-never start to cross the track unless you can clear the tracks completely

Work zones=

unexpected conditions

When passing through work zones

-stay alert
-watch your speed
-expect the unexpected
-minimize distractions
-pay close attention
-drive courteously
-respect the flagger

As you approach a roundabout...

-reduce speed
-keep to the right of the island
-watch for and yield to pedestrians
-cautiously approach the yield line and wait for an acceptable gap in traffic

Interstate highways are usually reached by

entrance ramp and an acceleration lane. This allows you to get up to the speed of traffic while already on the highway.

Exiting the interstate:

Move to the appropriate lane, begin slowing down, and if you miss your exit or make the wrong turn, never stop and back up on the interstate

? on the traveled portion of the highway is prohibited. ? on the shoulder is only permitted when.... and if this is to happen....

stopping, there is an emergency, turn on your emergency flashers to warn other drivers

When it comes to slow moving vehicles,

-be constantly aware of vehicles that are traveling at a slower speed
-adjust the speed and position of your vehicle accordingly
-only pass the moving vehicle when it is safe to do so

Drivers are considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol if their blood concentration is

0.8 or higher

If you plan on drinking,

plan to not drive

The number of drinks consumed is a poor measure of BAC because

of the many factors affecting your body's ability to digest alcohol, such as weight, body fat, and how long ago and how much you ate.

If you are under 21 years of age,

it is not legal for you to be drinking at all (over 0.02)

CDS stands for and examples

controlled and dangerous substances. examples: illegal drugs, prescription drugs and chemical inhalants

Drugs have an effect on the drivers:

alertness, concentration, coordination and reaction time.

If you are convicted of a drunk or drugged driving offense with a child/children in your vehicle,

your fine and jail time can be doubled

Factors that produce aggressive driving include

crowded roads, unexpected delays, rushing, road construction and stress

? driving is the most common contributing factor in police-reported traffic crashes

distracted

An individual under the age of 18 may not use

a wireless communications device unless it is an emergency

Authorized emergency vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, and fire engines, have the right-of-way when

they are using audible or visual signals

Trucks make ? turns at intersection and require....

wide, additional space

No zones

-side
-rear
-front
-backing up

If you cannot see a truck's mirrors

the truck driver cannot see you

If a school vehicle is stopped on a roadway and is operating the alternately flashing red lights, the driver of any vehicle shall

-stop at least 20 feet from the rear of the school vehicle if behind the vehicle
or
-stop at least 20 feet from the front of the school vehicle is approaching its front