Drivers Ed. Study Guide

IPDE Process

1. Identify, 2. Predict, 3. Decide, 4. Execute

Total Stopping Distance (TSD) Components

1. Perception distance, 2. Reaction distance, 3. Braking distance

Highway Transportation System (HTS) Parts

1. People, 2. Vehicles, 3. Roadways

Lane Change Sequence

1. Check mirrors, 2. Signal, 3. Check blind spot, 4. Change lanes smoothly, 5. Cancel signal

Expressway Entrance Sequence

1. Accelerate on ramp, 2. Check traffic zones, 3. Signal, 4. Adjust speed, 5. Merge, 6. Cancel signal

Tire Blowout Sequence

1. Steering control (grip firmly), 2. Speed reduction (ease off gas), 3. Traffic checks, 4. Moving off roadway, 5. Gentle braking, 6. Hazard flashers

Double Solid Yellow Lines

Passing is prohibited from both directions of travel.

Broken Yellow Lines

Passing is allowed when safe; separates two-way traffic.

Broken White Lines

Separates lanes of traffic moving in the same direction; changing lanes is permitted.

Flashing Red Light

Treat it exactly like a stop sign: come to a complete stop and yield right-of-way.

Uncontrolled Intersection Right-of-Way

The vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right when arriving at the same time.

Bridge Icing

Bridges freeze first because cold air circulates both above and below the deck, losing ground heat quickly.

Hydroplaning

Tires lose traction and slide on a cushion of water due to excessive speed and standing water.

Defensive Driving

Anticipating hazards and managing your time and space to avoid collisions.

Traction

The gripping action of the tires on the road surface.

Friction

The physical force that resists the motion of one surface against another.

Gravity

The physical force that pulls objects toward the center of the earth (affects speed on hills).

Inertia

The tendency of an object to resist a change in motion (keeps a car moving straight in a curve).

Kinetic Energy

The energy of motion; doubles your speed and your stopping distance quadruples.

Banked Curve

A curve that is sloped higher on the outside to help counteract inertia and keep cars on the road.

BAC Limit (Under 21)

Zero Tolerance (usually 0.00% to 0.02% depending on state law).

BAC Limit (Over 21)

Legal limit is 0.08%.

Implied Consent Law

By signing for a license, you automatically agree to take a chemical/breathalyzer test if suspected of a DUI. Refusal results in automatic license suspension.

Field of Vision

Everything you can see ahead and to the sides while looking straight ahead.

Blind Spot

Areas around the vehicle that a driver cannot see using only the rearview and side mirrors.

Following Distance

The space cushion between your vehicle and the vehicle directly ahead of you.

Reaction Distance

The distance your vehicle travels from the moment you spot a hazard to the moment you physically hit the brakes.

Commentary Driving

Thinking out loud and verbalizing what hazards you identify and what driving choices you are making.

Smith System

A system for safe driving habits: 1. Aim high in steering, 2. Get the big picture, 3. Keep your eyes moving, 4. Leave yourself an out, 5. Make sure they see you.