Driver's permit test study guide

1. What does a red octagon sign mean?

Stop completely.

2. What does a triangular sign mean?

Yield to other traffic.

3. What does a diamond-shaped sign mean?

Warning or possible danger ahead.

4. What does a pentagon-shaped sign mean?

School zone or school crossing.

5. What does a round sign warn about?

Railroad crossing ahead.

6. What does a pennant-shaped sign mean?

No passing zone.

7. What do yellow traffic signs mean?

Warning or caution.

8. What do green traffic signs mean?

Directions or route guidance.

9. What do blue traffic signs mean?

Information or services.

10. What do brown traffic signs mean?

Recreation areas.

11. What does a flashing red light mean?

Stop completely, then proceed when safe.

12. What does a flashing yellow light mean?

Slow down and proceed cautiously.

13. What does a steady yellow light mean?

Prepare to stop because the light is changing to red.

14. What does a green light mean?

Proceed when safe, after checking for traffic and pedestrians.

15. Can you turn right on red?

Yes, unless prohibited, after a complete stop and yielding to traffic and pedestrians.

16. What do yellow road lines separate?

Traffic moving in opposite directions.

17. What do white road lines separate?

Traffic moving in the same direction.

18. What does a broken white line mean?

You may change lanes when safe.

19. What do double solid yellow lines mean?

No passing across the lines.

20. Where should you stop at a stop line?

Before the line, not on or past it.

21. What does a posted speed limit mean?

The maximum legal speed under ideal conditions.

22. When should you drive below the speed limit?

During bad weather, poor visibility, heavy traffic, or dangerous road conditions.

23. What is the three-second rule?

Keep at least three seconds of following distance behind the vehicle ahead.

24. What following distance does the guide recommend behind large trucks and buses?

At least four seconds.

25. What happens to stopping distance when speed increases?

Stopping distance increases.

26. Who goes first at a four-way stop?

The vehicle that arrived and stopped first.

27. Who goes first if two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop together?

The driver on the right.

28. Who yields at an uncontrolled intersection when two vehicles arrive together?

The driver on the left.

29. Who has the right-of-way if a vehicle is already in an intersection?

The vehicle already in the intersection.

30. Who must yield when turning left?

The driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

31. Who must yield at a T-intersection?

The driver on the road that ends.

32. Who must yield when entering a paved road from an unpaved road?

The driver entering from the unpaved road.

33. Who must yield when pulling out of a parking space?

The driver entering traffic.

34. What should you do when a traffic signal is malfunctioning?

Treat the intersection like a four-way stop, according to the guide.

35. What should you do when pedestrians are crossing at a crosswalk?

Yield and let them cross safely.

36. What should you do when someone with a white cane or guide dog is crossing?

Yield and allow them to cross.

37. Should you ever force another driver to give you the right-of-way?

No. Avoid a crash even when another driver should yield.

38. What should you do when a school bus flashes its red lights?

Stop and remain stopped as required by law.

39. When can you proceed after stopping for a school bus?

When its red lights stop flashing or an authorized person directs you to proceed.

40. Why should you be careful around school buses?

Children may suddenly cross the road.

41. What should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren?

Yield, pull toward the road's edge, and stop clear of intersections.

42. When can you continue driving after an emergency vehicle passes?

When it has passed and the road is safe.

43. How far should you stay behind a fire rescue vehicle with lights and siren?

At least 500 feet, according to the guide.

44. What does a railroad crossbuck look like?

A large white X-shaped sign.

45. What should you do when railroad crossing lights flash?

Stop and wait until the crossing is safe and the signals permit you to proceed.

46. What is defensive driving?

Staying alert and preparing for unexpected dangers.

47. What should you do before changing lanes?

Check mirrors and blind spots, signal, and move when safe.

48. What is a blind spot?

An area around your car that mirrors cannot show clearly.

49. How do you check your blind spot?

Look over your shoulder.

50. What should you do if another driver is passing you?

Maintain your speed or slow slightly. Never speed up.

51. When should you avoid passing another vehicle?

On blind curves, near hilltops, or when passing is prohibited or unsafe.

52. What should you do before passing another vehicle?

Check traffic, mirrors, blind spots, and signal.

53. What should you do if you miss your highway exit?

Continue to the next exit. Never back up.

54. Which lane should you generally use when not passing on an expressway?

The right lane.

55. What should you do in a construction zone?

Slow down, obey signs and flaggers, and watch for workers.

56. What is highway hypnosis?

Losing awareness during long, repetitive driving.

57. How can you help prevent highway hypnosis?

Take breaks about every two hours or 100 miles.

58. When are roads often most slippery during rain?

When rain first begins and mixes with oil and dirt.

59. What should you do when driving in heavy rain?

Slow down, increase following distance, and use headlights.

60. What is hydroplaning?

When tires ride on water instead of gripping the road.

61. What should you do if your car begins to skid?

Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction the rear of the car is sliding.

62. Which headlights should you use in fog?

Low beams.

63. What should you do if the road is flooded?

Never drive through floodwater. Find another route.

64. What should you do if you drive onto a soft shoulder?

Ease off the gas, slow gradually, and steer gently back when safe.

65. What should you do if a tire blows out?

Hold the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and slow down gradually.

66. What should you do if your brakes fail?

Ease off the gas, try pumping the brakes, and carefully use the parking brake.

67. What should you do if your vehicle breaks down?

Pull off the road safely and turn on hazard lights.

68. What does BAC stand for?

Blood Alcohol Concentration.

69. What BAC level is commonly used for adult DUI offenses?

0.08%, though impairment and penalties can occur below it.

70. What is one of the first things alcohol affects?

Judgment.

71. How does alcohol affect driving?

It slows reactions and reduces judgment, vision, and coordination.

72. Can prescription or over-the-counter medicine impair driving?

Yes. Some medicines cause drowsiness and slower reactions.

73. What are the three types of driver distractions?

Visual, manual, and cognitive.

74. What is aggressive driving?

Driving dangerously without regard for others' safety.

75. What can happen if you receive too many traffic violation points?

Your license may be suspended or revoked.