Nevada Driver’s Handbook – Key Vocabulary

A collection of key vocabulary terms and definitions drawn from the Nevada Driver’s Handbook to reinforce essential concepts, laws, and safety practices for drivers preparing for the knowledge exam.

Nevada DMV

Department of Motor Vehicles responsible for driver licensing, vehicle registration, and traffic safety programs in Nevada.

Real ID

A federally compliant Nevada driver license or ID card marked with a gold Nevada outline and star, accepted for boarding aircraft and entering federal facilities.

Standard License

A Nevada driver license marked “NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES” that is not valid for federal identification after May 7, 2025.

Driver Authorization Card (DAC)

A four-year Nevada driving credential for residents who cannot meet proof-of-identity requirements for a standard or Real ID license; not valid for federal ID.

Instruction Permit

A one-year permit that allows supervised driving while learning; holders must be at least 15 ½ and meet testing and signature requirements.

Class C License

Nevada license class for cars, vans, pickups and combinations under 26,000 lbs towing 10,000 lbs or less.

Class A License

License class for combination vehicles with GCWR over 26,000 lbs and trailer over 10,000 lbs.

Class B License

License class for single vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR that may tow a vehicle under 10,000 lbs.

Class M License

Nevada license or endorsement allowing operation of motorcycles and mopeds.

Restriction B

License restriction that the driver must wear glasses or contact lenses while driving.

Endorsement J

Non-commercial endorsement allowing a Class C driver to tow vehicle(s) over 10,000 lbs GVWR within 70 ft total length and under 26,000 lbs combined weight.

Commercial Driver License (CDL)

Specialized license required to operate commercial motor vehicles such as large trucks, buses, or hazmat carriers.

Motorcycle Instruction Permit

Permit that allows daylight, supervised motorcycle practice with no passengers or freeway riding; valid six months if applicant is 18 or older.

Medical Indicator

Voluntary symbol on a Nevada license/ID alerting law enforcement and medical personnel that the holder has a medical condition.

Veteran Designation

Optional label on a Nevada license/ID indicating honorable U.S. military service when discharge papers are provided.

Organ Donor

License/ID notation showing the holder’s consent to donate organs, eyes and tissue upon death.

Implied Consent Law

Nevada law requiring drivers to submit to blood, breath, or urine tests when suspected of DUI; refusal results in license revocation.

.08 BAC

Per-se blood-alcohol concentration at or above which an adult driver is legally considered under the influence in Nevada.

.02 BAC

Blood-alcohol concentration that triggers license sanctions for drivers under 21 in Nevada.

SR-22

Certificate of financial responsibility that high-risk drivers must file with DMV to reinstate driving privileges.

Demerit Point System

Nevada DMV program assigning points for moving violations; 12 points in 12 months results in license suspension.

No-Zone

Large blind-spot areas around commercial trucks and buses where cars disappear from the professional driver’s view.

High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane

Freeway lane reserved for vehicles carrying two or more persons during posted hours; marked with a white diamond.

Ramp Meter

Traffic signal on a freeway on-ramp that releases vehicles at regulated intervals to smooth merging flow.

Active Traffic Management Sign

Overhead electronic panel displaying variable speed limits, lane-use arrows, or warnings to manage freeway conditions.

Roundabout

Circular intersection where traffic moves counter-clockwise and entering vehicles yield to circulating traffic.

Basic Rule

Nevada law requiring drivers to travel at a reasonable and proper speed for conditions, even below the posted limit.

Center Turn Lane

Shared lane marked by solid and broken yellow lines used only for left turns, limited to 200 ft travel before the turn.

ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)

Brake system that prevents wheel lock-up, allowing steering control during hard braking; drivers should press firmly and steer.

Lane Departure Warning

ADAS feature that alerts when a vehicle drifts out of its lane without signaling.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

Driver-assistance system that applies brakes to avoid or lessen an impending frontal crash.

Blind-Spot Monitor

Sensor system that warns the driver of vehicles present in adjacent lane areas not visible in mirrors.

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

System that warns of vehicles approaching from the sides while reversing.

Curve Speed Warning

Feature that alerts drivers when approaching curves too fast for safe negotiation.

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

Nevada program imposing passenger limits and curfew on drivers under 18 during first six months of licensure.

Curfew (Young Drivers)

Restriction prohibiting minors from driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. except to or from scheduled events until age 18.

No Parking Blue Curb

Curb marking designating parking spaces reserved exclusively for vehicles displaying disabled plates or placards.

Two-Second Rule

Minimum safe following distance on roads 40 mph or below; count two seconds between vehicle ahead and your front bumper.

Perception-Reaction Distance

Length a vehicle travels from the time a driver sees a hazard until braking begins.

Hydroplaning

Loss of tire traction on wet pavement causing vehicle to ride on water; can begin around 35–55 mph.

Skid Recovery

Technique of easing off accelerator, steering in the desired direction, and avoiding brakes to regain control on ice or snow.

Impaired Driving Clues

Driving actions such as weaving, erratic braking, or wide turns that suggest possible DUI.

Illegal Per Se Law

Statute that revokes license when chemical test shows prohibited alcohol/drug levels regardless of driving behavior.

Open Container Law

Nevada law prohibiting open alcoholic beverages in driver or passenger areas of a moving vehicle.

SR-1 Report of Crash

Form that drivers must file with DMV within 10 days for crashes with $750+ damage or any injury if police did not investigate.

NV LIVE

Nevada Liability Insurance Validation Electronically program that continuously verifies active vehicle insurance to detect lapses.

Smog Check

Emission inspection required in Clark and Washoe counties for most 1968-and-newer gasoline vehicles and light diesels.

Evidence of Insurance Card

Document or electronic proof issued by an insurer that must be carried in the vehicle to verify liability coverage.

Tow-Away Zone (Work Zone)

Highway construction area where fines double and traffic laws are strictly enforced for safety.

Hitch Ball and Coupler

Common towing connection consisting of a ball on the tow vehicle and a latch-type coupler on the trailer tongue.

Fifth-Wheel Hitch

In-bed coupling system using a kingpin and plate to connect heavy trailers to pickup trucks.

No Passing Zone Pennant

Yellow triangular sign pointing left that marks the start of a zone where passing is prohibited.

Flashing Yellow Arrow

Signal allowing permissive left turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians; not a protected turn.

Pedestrian Countdown Timer

Signal display showing seconds remaining for pedestrians to finish crossing during flashing Don’t Walk phase.

HOV Bypass Lane

Unmetered on-ramp lane allowing carpools to enter the freeway without stopping at a ramp meter.

Rear No-Zone

Large blind area directly behind a commercial truck where the driver cannot see following vehicles.

Crack-the-Whip Effect

Amplified trailer sway in multi-trailer combinations that can lead to rollover during sudden maneuvers.

SR-22 Cancellation

Failure to maintain required SR-22 insurance resulting in immediate suspension of driving privileges.

Ignition Interlock Device

Breath-test unit wired to a vehicle’s ignition that prevents starting if alcohol is detected; required for certain DUI reinstatements.

Graduated Fine (Work Zone)

Nevada penalty that doubles traffic fines for violations committed in designated construction zones.

White Cane Law

Statute granting pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired absolute right-of-way when using a white cane or guide dog.

Bicycle Three-Foot Rule

Nevada requirement that motorists give at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist if an adjacent lane is unavailable.