Maryland Driver Education Review

A comprehensive set of 95 question-and-answer flashcards covering key Maryland driver-education concepts, regulations, risks, and safe-driving practices drawn from the provided lecture notes.

What is the difference between real risk and possible risk?

Real risk is likely to happen; possible risk could happen but might not.

Name three examples of regulatory signs.

Stop, yield, and speed-limit signs (also No Turn on Red).

What do white pavement markings indicate?

They separate traffic moving the same direction and mark lanes, crosswalks, and stop lines.

What do yellow pavement markings indicate?

They separate traffic moving in opposite directions and mark center lines and no-passing zones.

What is the proper process for stopping a vehicle?

Check mirrors, ease off the accelerator, and press the brake pedal smoothly until the vehicle stops.

How does a yellow speed sign differ from a white–black speed sign?

Yellow gives a suggested speed; white-and-black shows the legal speed limit.

List three common myths about speed limits that are untrue.

“Everyone speeds,” “5 mph over is okay,” and “Speeding saves time.”

Define a pre-entry check.

A quick inspection of the car and the area around it before getting in.

What problems can a pre-entry check reveal?

Leaks, flat tires, broken lights, or obstacles around the vehicle.

Give three reasons seatbelts are essential.

They keep you in place, reduce injury, and save lives in crashes.

How should a seatbelt be worn for maximum protection?

Snug across chest and hips, not twisted, and never under the arm.

List four pieces of vehicle control equipment.

Steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and mirrors (also lights).

What is vehicle communication equipment?

Devices that let you alert other road users to your actions.

Give three examples of vehicle communication equipment.

Turn signals, brake lights, and the horn.

What is a parking brake and when do you apply it?

A brake that prevents the parked car from rolling; set it after you stop and park.

Name four gauges found on the instrument panel.

Speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and odometer.

What information does a speedometer provide?

The vehicle’s current speed.

Where should the head restraint be positioned?

The top even with, and close to, the back of your head.

What does a red dashboard indicator light usually mean?

A serious problem that requires you to stop the vehicle immediately.

What does a yellow or orange indicator light mean?

A warning; have the system checked soon.

What does a blue or green indicator light signify?

A system is on, such as headlights or high beams.

List the basic steps to start a vehicle.

Place foot on brake, insert key or press start, and shift into drive.

What is engine idling and is it necessary before driving modern cars?

Idling is running the engine while stationary; modern cars do not need to idle first.

In driving, what is risk?

The chance that something bad could happen.

What are the three steps of the SEE system?

Search, Evaluate, and Execute.

Why is the SEE system important?

It helps drivers spot hazards early and avoid them.

Name three common steering methods.

Hand-over-hand, push-pull, and one-hand steering.

What hand placement on the wheel is considered safest?

9 and 3 (or 8 and 4) positions.

Do you always need to press the accelerator to get the car moving?

No; many cars creep forward slowly once shifted into gear.

Why is driving with two feet considered unsafe?

It can cause confusion and accidental acceleration or braking.

List five significant risk groups found in neighborhoods.

Children, pets, cyclists, parked cars, and distracted drivers.

When must a driver stop for a school bus?

Whenever the bus’s red lights flash and its stop arm is out, unless on the opposite side of a divided highway.

How much space should you give a cyclist when passing?

At least three feet.

In a school zone, when might you need to stop?

If children are crossing or a crossing guard signals you.

Give two risks of making a right turn.

Hitting pedestrians or cyclists and turning too wide.

Give two risks of making a left turn.

Crossing oncoming traffic and having a blocked view.

At a stop sign with no stop line, where must you stop?

Before the crosswalk or, if none, before entering the intersection.

What should you do when approaching a speed bump?

Slow down and drive over it gently.

What should you do if you must drive over a pothole?

Slow down, avoid it if safe, and avoid hard braking while on it.

What is the rule for entering a roundabout?

Yield to traffic already circulating in the roundabout.

What is the rule for exiting a roundabout?

Signal and move to the exit lane before leaving the circle.

What is often the riskiest aspect of neighborhood driving?

Unexpected actions from pedestrians, children, or animals.

Name three neighborhood driving risks and one way to address them.

Kids, parked cars, blind spots; drive slowly and stay alert.

Name three suburban driving risks and one countermeasure.

Busy intersections, merging traffic, pedestrians; watch signs and mirrors and stay focused.

Name three rural driving risks and one countermeasure.

Sharp turns, animals, narrow roads; slow down and watch carefully.

Why are intersections dangerous?

They bring together many vehicles, pedestrians, and choices, increasing the chance of error.

What is a shared left-turn lane?

A center lane used by traffic from both directions solely to make left turns.

How should a driver use a shared left-turn lane?

Enter only when preparing to turn left and leave it quickly after turning.

List the steps for making a right turn on red.

Stop fully, check for prohibitive signs, look for traffic and pedestrians, and proceed when clear.

Give three common mistakes made when parallel parking.

Stopping too far from the curb, striking the curb, or ending up crooked.

What is an expressway?

A high-speed road with limited access points and no traffic signals.

Name three vehicle types you may encounter on an expressway and a risk each poses.

Trucks (large blind spots), motorcycles (harder to see), RVs (slower acceleration).

List two risks associated with work zones.

Workers close to traffic and sudden lane shifts or stops.

How are work-zone speed limits enforced?

Through posted signs and often by cameras or increased fines.

List two risks drivers face at toll plazas.

Sudden lane changes and rapidly slowing traffic.

Describe how to merge onto an expressway.

Use the ramp to match traffic speed, check mirrors and blind spots, and merge smoothly.

What is an Exit Only lane?

A lane marked to require drivers in it to leave the expressway at the next exit.

What is a weave lane?

A shared lane for both entering and exiting traffic on an expressway.

How should you drive in a weave lane?

Watch for other cars, adjust speed, and yield as needed to avoid conflicts.

Give three examples of mechanical failures.

Brake failure, a dead battery, and a tire blowout.

What is the best way to avoid mechanical failures?

Perform regular vehicle maintenance.

In any bad weather, what should a driver do first?

Slow down and turn on headlights.

What should a driver do when stopped by law enforcement?

Stay calm, pull over safely, keep hands visible, and follow instructions.

What happens if a permit or provisional driver gets multiple citations?

They may lose driving privileges or experience delays in obtaining a full license.

If you cannot avoid a crash, what actions can reduce its severity?

Brake firmly, steer to lessen impact, and aim for softer objects if possible.

What information must you leave after hitting an unattended vehicle?

Your name, contact info, license plate number, and a note if the owner is absent.

When must law enforcement be notified of a crash?

Whenever there are injuries, a death, or major property damage.

What is a hit-and-run crash?

Leaving the scene of a crash without stopping and exchanging information.

What penalties can follow a hit-and-run?

Fines, jail time, and loss of license.

What three items are required to drive legally in Maryland?

A valid driver’s license, current registration, and proof of insurance.

What does VEIP stand for?

Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program.

What does VEIP test?

A vehicle’s pollution and emission levels.

What are the two parts of vehicle registration?

License plates and the registration card.

List three ways to renew your Maryland registration.

Online, by mail, or in person at the MVA.

How often must you renew vehicle registration in Maryland?

Every two years.

What is the difference between a title and a registration?

The title proves ownership; the registration permits legal operation on roads.

How often is a full vehicle safety inspection generally required in Maryland?

Usually only when buying or selling a vehicle or when ordered by the MVA.

What color are stop signs?

Red with white lettering.

What shape is a yield sign?

An inverted triangle.

Where are crosswalks typically indicated?

By white pavement lines at intersections or mid-block crossings.

What color pavement lines usually mark no-passing zones?

Solid yellow lines.

In push-pull steering, where do your hands slide on the wheel?

They stay mostly on the sides, pushing up and pulling down without crossing over.

When is one-hand steering considered acceptable?

Primarily when backing up straight.

How can speeding waste fuel?

Higher speeds increase wind resistance and engine load, reducing fuel efficiency.

How does the horn function as communication equipment?

It alerts other road users to your presence or warnings.

Why should a seatbelt never be worn under the arm?

It can cause severe internal and shoulder injuries in a crash.

What does an odometer measure?

The total distance the vehicle has traveled.

What should you do if a red oil-pressure light comes on while driving?

Safely pull over and stop the engine immediately.

Why is 9 and 3 hand placement safer with airbags?

It keeps arms clear of the airbag’s deployment path, reducing injury.

Why should you check mirrors before beginning to brake?

To be aware of traffic behind you and avoid being rear-ended.

Why is the idea that 'everyone speeds' a dangerous myth?

It normalizes illegal behavior and increases crash risk.

Why should you look for obstacles around the car during a pre-entry check?

To avoid hitting objects or running over children, pets, or items.

How does a properly adjusted head restraint reduce injury?

It limits rearward head movement and helps prevent whiplash.

Why are fines often higher in work zones?

To encourage drivers to slow down and protect workers.

How does the VEIP program benefit the environment?

By ensuring vehicles emit fewer pollutants, improving air quality.