Utah Permit Test Study Guide 3: Controlling Your Vehicle & Basic Driving Skills

53 question-and-answer flashcards covering steering, braking, following distance, parking rules, roundabouts, and emergency procedures for the Utah Permit Test.

What is the proper hand position on the steering wheel?

At 9 and 3 o'clock or 8 and 4 o'clock.

What does hand-over-hand steering mean?

Crossing one hand over the other to turn the wheel sharply.

When should you use hand-over-hand steering?

For sharp turns or quick corrections.

What is push-pull steering?

Pushing the wheel with one hand and pulling it with the other.

When should you use push-pull steering?

For normal driving and slight turns.

What is the most effective way to brake in an emergency?

Press the brake firmly and steadily (do not pump ABS brakes).

What is threshold braking?

Braking just before the wheels lock up to maintain control.

When backing up, where should you look?

Turn and look through the rear window.

Should you use mirrors only when backing up?

No, always turn and look behind you.

How fast should you back up a vehicle?

Slowly and carefully.

Should you use a signal when backing out of a parking space?

Yes, use turn signals when backing into traffic.

What does it mean to "cover the brake"?

Hold your foot above the brake to be ready to stop.

What is the 3-second rule?

Stay 3 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.

How do you use the 3-second rule?

Pick a point the car ahead passes, then count 3 seconds before you reach it.

When should you increase following distance?

In bad weather, at night, or behind large vehicles.

What is a safe following distance in poor conditions?

4 or more seconds.

What should you do if being tailgated?

Slow down gradually and let the tailgater pass.

When should you signal before turning or changing lanes?

At least 2 seconds before the move.

What does a left arm straight out indicate?

Left turn signal.

What does a left arm bent up at the elbow indicate?

Right turn signal.

What does a left arm bent downward indicate?

Slow or stop.

How far ahead should you look while driving?

At least 12 seconds down the road.

When should you check your mirrors?

Frequently, and before slowing, stopping, or changing lanes.

What is a blind spot?

An area not visible in mirrors.

When should you check your blind spot?

Before changing lanes or merging.

How do you check your blind spot?

Quickly look over your shoulder.

What is scanning?

Constantly looking ahead, behind, and around your vehicle.

How do you park on a hill with a curb facing uphill?

Turn the wheels away from the curb.

How do you park on a hill with a curb facing downhill?

Turn the wheels toward the curb.

What should you do when parking uphill or downhill without a curb?

Turn wheels toward the edge of the road.

Should you set the parking brake when parking on a hill?

Yes, always.

When parallel parked, how close should your car be to the curb?

No more than 12 inches.

Can you park in front of a driveway?

No.

Can you park within an intersection?

No.

Can you park on a crosswalk or sidewalk?

No.

Can you park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant?

No.

Can you park within 20 feet of a crosswalk?

No.

Can you park within 30 feet of a stop sign or traffic signal?

No.

Can you park within 50 feet of a railroad crossing?

No.

Can you double park (park next to another parked car)?

No.

What should you always do before opening your car door on the roadside?

Check for traffic, especially bicycles.

When parking, what should you do before getting out of the car?

Turn off the engine, set the brake, and check for traffic.

Is it legal to coast downhill in neutral?

No, it's illegal and dangerous.

When driving in a roundabout, who has the right of way?

Vehicles already in the roundabout.

In what direction do you drive in a roundabout?

Counterclockwise.

Should you signal when exiting a roundabout?

Yes, use your right turn signal.

What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

Take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go.

Should you slam the brakes during a skid?

No, steer gently and avoid hard braking.

What should you do if your tire blows out?

Grip the wheel, ease off the gas, and steer straight.

Should you brake immediately if a tire blows out?

No, let the car slow down gradually.

What should you do if your brakes fail?

Pump the brake, downshift, and use the parking brake.

What should you do if your headlights fail?

Try the headlight switch, then use emergency flashers.

What should you do if your accelerator sticks?

Shift to neutral and steer off the road.