Nevada Driver Handbook – Key Vocabulary Terms

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering core terms, rules, and concepts from the Nevada Driver Handbook ( DMV 700, March 2024).

Driver Authorization Card (DAC)

A four-year card that allows driving; must be carried when operating a vehicle; not valid for federal/state identification; in-person renewals for renewals and address changes; shares license rules except as noted.

Real ID (Nevada)

A Real ID-compliant driver license or ID card marked with a gold Nevada outline and a star; required for boarding federally regulated aircraft and entering federal buildings; requires proof of identity, date of birth, Social Security number, lawful status, and two Nevada residency documents.

Real ID NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES

A standard Nevada license or ID that does not meet federal Real ID standards.

NV LIVE (Liability Insurance Validation)

A DMV program using licensed insurers to verify auto insurance coverage; helps identify uninsured motorists and enforce insurance requirements.

Evidence of Insurance Card

Proof that a vehicle is insured; must be carried in the vehicle or available electronically under Nevada law.

Implied Consent Law

Under suspicion of DUI, an officer may require blood, breath, or urine tests; refusal can result in license revocation.

Administrative DUI Penalties

DMV actions for DUI (e.g., license revocation, SR-22, or other penalties) regardless of criminal court findings.

Criminal DUI Penalties

Court-imposed penalties for DUI, including fines, jail time, and potential license revocation; can be more severe for repeat offenses.

SR-22 (Proof of Financial Responsibility)

A special liability insurance filing required after certain DUI or insurance-related reinstatements; its cost and duration vary.

Open Container Law (Nevada)

Illegal to have opened alcoholic beverages in the driver or passenger areas while driving; exemptions apply to some vehicle types.”

Demerit Points

A point system used by the DMV for traffic violations; 12+ points in 12 months can trigger suspension; 3–11 points may be reduced by attending a DMV-approved traffic safety course (up to removing 3 points). Major offenses can lead to revocation.

Demerit Point Suspension Threshold

12 or more points within a 12‑month period leads to license suspension.

Traffic Safety School (Points)

DMV-approved course that can remove up to three demerit points from a driving record after qualifying violations.

New Nevada Residents – Residency Proof

To obtain a Nevada license, applicants must prove Nevada residency with two documents reflecting a Nevada address.

Two-Document Residency Proof List

Possible documents include utility bills, leases, bank statements, student IDs, voter registration, and more, dated within required windows.

License Classifications (A, B, C, M)

A: GCWR > 26,000 lb with trailers; B: GVWR > 26,000 lb; C: Cars/vans/pickups; M: Motorcycle/moped.

Endorsements (J, F)

J: allows certain heavy-tow or special operations on Class C; F: exemptions for firefighters, farmers, military under specific conditions.

Commercial Driver License (CDL)

License for drivers of commercial vehicles; requires additional knowledge and skills tests; defined by GVWR/GCWR thresholds, passenger capacity, or hazmat carriage.

GCWR/GVWR

GCWR: total weight of vehicle and attached trailers; GVWR: maximum safe weight of a single vehicle; used to classify CDL endorsements.

New Resident Vehicle Registration (30 days)

Nevada requires new residents to register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency; documents include registration, titles, insurance, and emissions where required.

Minimum Liability Insurance (Nevada)

Required coverage: 25k/50k for bodily injury; 20k for property damage; NV LIVE monitors compliance.

Evidence of Insurance Card (Nevada)

Proof of insurance that must accompany the vehicle, valid at all times per Nevada law.

Rearward Amplification (Towing)

The “crack-the-whip” effect in multi-trailer towing; governs keeping safe following distances to prevent trailer swing and jackknifing.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

Maximum allowed weight of a vehicle including its cargo, as specified by the manufacturer.

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)

Combined weight of a power unit and its trailer(s) plus load as specified by the manufacturer.

Center Left Turn Lane Rules

A center lane is for left turns only; drivers may not use it as a travel lane; specific distance limits apply.

HOV Lanes (High-Occupancy Vehicle)

Lanes for vehicles with 2+ occupants; hours vary; motorcycles and emergency vehicles may be eligible; stay on designated entry/exit points; diamonds mark entry.

ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)

Prevents wheel lock during hard braking, aiding steering; brake and steer technique differs for ABS-equipped vehicles.

Roundabout

A circular intersection where entering traffic yields to circulating traffic; traffic flows counterclockwise.

Right-of-Way

Rules of yielding at intersections; pedestrians have right-of-way in crosswalks; emergency vehicles have priority with sirens/lights.

Stop Sign

Octagonal sign requiring a full stop; proceed only when safe, giving right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic.

Yield Sign

Regulatory sign that requires slowing and yielding to pedestrians and traffic; may proceed without stopping when safe.

School Zone Speed Limits

Typically 15 or 25 mph; in effect on school days during designated hours; flashing signals may designate hours.

Two-Seat Penny Test

A tire wear check: place Lincoln’s head in a tire tread; if visible, tread is safe; if covered by tread, replace tire.

Seat Belt Requirements (Nevada)

Front-seat occupants and children have specific restraints; kids under 6 or under 57 inches must use approved child restraints; adults must wear seat belts where installed.

Children’s Car Seat Rules

Infants rear-facing in back seat until age 2; older kids use appropriate restraints; ensure proper fit and installation.

Pedestrians Who Are Blind/Visually Impaired

Have right-of-way; vehicles must yield and stop when necessary; extra precautions needed near crosswalks and signals.

Bicycles – Motorist Responsibility

Cyclists have rights and must obey signals; pass at least three feet clearance; yield to cyclists on bike paths/lanes.

Parking Within 18 Inches of Curb

Legal parking position generally within 18 inches of the curb; vehicles must be visible to other road users.