Common US DMV Questions

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards related to the most common US DMV questions and driving regulations.

Tailgating

Following too closely behind another vehicle.

Cheat Sheet

A quick reference of the most important or frequently used items, often used to study.

Aggressive Driving

Driving behavior characterized by excessive speeding, tailgating, and other forms of hostility.

Right Lane

The lane you should move into if being tailgated.

Curb

The edge of the roadway where it meets the sidewalk or shoulder.

Left Turn Signal

A signal indicating the intention to turn left.

Merge

To combine traffic from different roadways into a single road.

Acceleration Lane

A lane that allows drivers to increase speed to match highway traffic.

Hydroplaning

Loss of traction when a vehicle rides on water and loses contact with the road.

Braking Distance

The distance a vehicle travels from the time brakes are applied until it comes to a stop.

Yield

To give right-of-way to other drivers or pedestrians.

Warning Sign

A sign that warns drivers of potential hazards ahead.

Traffic Light

A signal controlling traffic at intersections with red, yellow, and green lights.

Hand Signal for Left Turn

Left arm extended outward to indicate a left turn.

Stop Sign

A regulatory sign indicating a driver must come to a halt.

School Zone Sign

A pentagon-shaped sign indicating a school zone is ahead.

Flashing Red Light

A light indicating that vehicles must stop.

Complete Stop

The act of halting a vehicle fully before proceeding.

Intersection

A point where two or more roads cross.

Solid Yellow Line

A line indicating no passing zone.

Passenger Vehicle

A typical car designed for transporting individuals.

Road Conditions

The state of the roadway including weather, traffic, and surface.

Emergency Vehicle

Vehicles that respond to emergencies and have flashing lights.

Right-of-Way

The legal right to pass or proceed before others.

Safety Zone

An area designated for the safety of pedestrians or cyclists.

HOV Lanes

High-occupancy vehicle lanes meant for multiple passengers.

Blind Spot

The area around a vehicle not visible to the driver.

Lane Use Control Signals

Signals indicating if a lane is open or closed for use.

Flashing Yellow X

Indicates a lane may only be used for left turns.

Solid White Line

Used to mark the edge of the road.

Controlled Intersection

An intersection with traffic control devices (signals or signs).

Uncontrolled Intersection

An intersection without any signals or signs.

Pedestrian Crosswalk

Designated area for pedestrians to cross the road safely.

Scooter

A two-wheeled vehicle that a rider sits or stands on.

Traffic Signal Maintenance

The process of ensuring traffic lights function properly.

Green Arrow Signal

A signal allowing a vehicle to proceed in the direction of the arrow.

Right Turn

A turn made to the right from the original direction of travel.

Lane Change

The act of moving from one lane of traffic to another.

Bicycle Lane

An area designated for the use of bicycles.

Speed Limit

The maximum allowed speed on a specific road.

Roundabout

A circular intersection where traffic moves counterclockwise around a center island.

Road Blockage

When a road is obstructed, making it impassable.

School Bus Regulations

Laws governing the stopping of vehicles for school buses.

Emergency Flashers

Warning lights on a vehicle indicating it is stopped or moving slowly.

Heavy Traffic

A condition of the road where vehicles are numerous and slow-moving.

Crash Avoidance

Actions taken to prevent accidents.

Signaling Intentions

Communicating your driving intentions to others.

Anticipating Hazards

Watching for potential dangers on the roadway.

Debris on Roadway

Objects placed on the road that can obstruct traffic.

Crosswalk Laws

Regulations on pedestrian crossing zones.

Roundabout Yielding

The requirement to yield to traffic already in the roundabout.

Traffic Report

Information about current road conditions and incidents.

Driving Restrictions

Laws limiting specific actions while operating a vehicle.

Traffic Enforcement

The act of ensuring compliance with traffic laws.

Alcohol Intoxication

The state of being impaired due to alcohol consumption.

Emergency Vehicle Procedures

Processes to follow when encountering emergency vehicles.

Speed Trap

An area where law enforcement monitors speed violations.

Vehicle Inspection

A check of a vehicle's safety and operational standards.

Intersection Visibility

The clarity of sighting other vehicles and pedestrians at intersections.

Highway Entering

The act of entering onto a highway from an entrance ramp.

Two-Lane Road

A road that consists of one lane for each direction of traffic.

Roadway Maintenance

The upkeep of road surfaces and signs.

Motorcycle Safety

Practices to ensure rider safety on motorcycles.

Tailgater Warning

Indication to communicate with a driver following too closely.

Two-Way Traffic

Traffic flowing in both directions on a roadway.

Intersection Rules

Guidelines governing how to navigate intersections.

Accident Report

A documentation procedure following a vehicle incident.

Stop Line

The line where vehicles must stop at a traffic signal.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

The act of operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Field Sobriety Test

A test conducted to determine if a driver is intoxicated.

Distance Measurement

Using distance to gauge reaction time and stopping distance.

Road Etiquette

Proper conduct expected on the road.

Traffic Psychology

The study of drivers' behavior and decision-making.

Vehicle Registration

The process of registering a vehicle with the DMV.

Driving School

A program designed to teach individuals how to drive.

Teaching Students

The process of educating new drivers about rules and safety.

Aggressive behavior

Hostile actions exhibited by drivers towards others.

Drowsy Driving Laws

Regulations to prevent driving while tired.

Distracted Driving Laws

Rules to minimize distractions while driving.

Preventative Measures

Actions taken to avoid accidents before they happen.

Vehicle Control Techniques

Methods used to operate a vehicle effectively.

Pavement Markings

Painted lines and symbols on the road to guide traffic.

Parking Regulations

Laws that govern parking practices in various areas.

Traffic Signal Cycle

The sequence of traffic lights changing at an intersection.

New Driver Laws

Regulations specific to learners or novice drivers.

Visibility Conditions

Factors affecting the ability to see clearly while driving.

Driving Curricula

Education programs that structure road safety and driving practices.

Fines and Penalties

Consequences for violating traffic laws.

Road Construction

Ongoing work on roadways that may impact traffic.

Car Maintenance

Regular checks to ensure a vehicle is safe and operational.