Top 100 Common US DMV Questions – Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key DMV concepts, signs, and driving rules from the lecture transcript.

Tailgating

Following too closely behind another vehicle, leaving insufficient stopping distance.

Acceleration Lane

Lane at the end of a freeway on-ramp that lets you increase speed to match highway traffic.

Exit Ramp

Roadway segment designed for vehicles to slow down and leave an expressway.

Hydroplaning

When tires ride on water at about 35 mph or higher, causing loss of traction.

Braking Distance (Speed ×2)

If you double your speed, stopping distance becomes roughly four times longer.

Construction-Zone Speed Limit

Reduced speed posted in work zones; obey normal limit if no reduction is posted.

Passing Lane (Highway)

The left lane, reserved primarily for overtaking slower traffic.

Move-Over Law

When passing a stopped emergency vehicle, slow down and, if possible, change to a non-adjacent lane.

Rightmost Lane Rule

Lane that slower-moving vehicles should use on multi-lane roads.

Lower Gear on Downgrades

Gear selection used to control speed and prevent brake fade on steep hills.

Yield Sign

Red-and-white triangle requiring drivers to slow and yield right-of-way.

School-Zone Sign

Yellow pentagon warning of a nearby school and crossing children.

Flashing Red Light

Traffic signal treated the same as a stop sign—come to a complete stop.

Stop Line

White line where vehicles must halt at a stop-sign-controlled intersection.

Steady Yellow Signal

Light warning that the signal will soon turn red; stop if safe.

Flashing Arrow Panel

Portable, illuminated arrow/message board giving advance work-zone warnings.

Hand Signal – Left Turn

Left arm extended straight out of window.

Hand Signal – Stop

Left arm extended downward, palm to rear.

Hand Signal – Right Turn

Left arm bent upward at 90°.

Regulatory Sign

Vertical rectangle, black letters on white, conveying traffic laws (e.g., speed limit).

Slow-Moving Vehicle Emblem

Orange triangle on the rear of farm equipment or other vehicles under 25 mph.

No-Passing Zone Line

Solid yellow line on your side of the centerline.

Three-Point Turn

Method for turning around on a narrow two-way street when U-turns are prohibited.

All-Way Stop Procedure

Every direction stops; proceed in order of arrival or yield to the right.

Day/Night Mirror

Rearview mirror setting that reduces headlight glare from vehicles behind.

‘RR’ Pavement Marking

Painted indication that a railroad crossing is ahead.

Blowout Response

Grip wheel, ease off gas, steer straight; brake only after control is regained.

Lane Change Rule

On multi-lane roads, change lanes one at a time after mirror and shoulder checks.

Defensive Driving (Scanning)

Proactively checking ahead, sides, and rear to anticipate hazards.

Loss-of-Control Response

Ease off accelerator, activate flashers, steer smoothly, brake gently.

Blind Spots – Large Vehicles

Front, rear, and side areas where truck or bus drivers cannot see you.

High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane

Lane marked with a diamond, reserved for carpools, buses, or motorcycles.

Solid White Edge Line

Marks the outer boundary of the roadway; do not cross except in emergency.

Solid & Broken Yellow Combination

Passing allowed only on the side with the broken yellow line.

Car–Motorcycle Collision Zone

Intersections—most common site of crashes between cars and motorcycles.

Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Rule

When ABS engages, keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal.

Left-Edge Line (One-Way)

Solid yellow line indicating the left boundary of a one-way road.

Glare Avoidance at Night

Look toward the right edge line when oncoming headlights are bright.

Low-Beam Use

Headlight setting for rain, fog, or snow to reduce reflection and improve visibility.

Center Left-Turn Lane

Shared lane in the middle of a two-way road for left turns from either direction.

Following Distance (Frequent Stops)

Increase space behind vehicles like buses or delivery vans that stop often.

Motorcycle Lane Usage

Motorcycles require a full lane; never share a lane beside them.

Solid Yellow Centerline

Indicates no passing for traffic adjacent to the solid line.

Pedestrian Stop Rule

Do not pass a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian; the pedestrian may be hidden.

Yield to Elderly Pedestrians

Stop and allow older pedestrians to cross intersections safely.

Shoulder Recovery

If wheels drift onto shoulder, slow, regain control, then re-enter roadway gently.

Left Turn at Controlled Intersection

Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before completing the turn.

Hill Stop Spacing

Stay at least one vehicle length behind another vehicle on an incline.

Space Cushion

Safe gap maintained around your vehicle on all sides to avoid collisions.

Drowsy-Driving Remedy

Pull over safely and take a nap if you feel sleepy.

Emergency Vehicle Rule

Pull over to the right edge and stop when lights and siren approach.

Passing – Return Rule

After overtaking, do not return to your lane until you can see the passed vehicle in your mirror.

Rear-Wheel Path

In a turn, a vehicle's rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels.

Bicycle Passing Strategy

If oncoming traffic approaches, slow and let it pass before overtaking the bicycle.

Four-Way Stop Priority

First vehicle to stop is first to go; ties yield to the vehicle on the right.

U-Turn Start Position

Begin in lane closest to the centerline to minimize crossing lanes.

Left Turn Lane Choice

Use the leftmost lane when turning left unless signs allow otherwise.

Flashing Yellow X

Lane-use signal indicating the lane may be used only for left turns.

Yellow Pavement Edge

Marks the left edge of divided or one-way roadways.

Steady Yellow Arrow

Left-turn signal is ending; prepare to stop as it will soon turn red.

Reaction Distance

Distance traveled from hazard recognition to brake application.

Double Solid Yellow Lines

No passing allowed in either direction on a two-lane road.

Uncontrolled Intersection Rule

Yield to vehicles on your right when arriving at the same time.

Mountain Road Right-of-Way

Vehicle traveling uphill has the right-of-way when meeting downhill traffic on a narrow grade.

Highway Entrance Yield

Vehicles entering via ramp must yield to traffic already on the highway.

Police Officer Override

An officer’s directions overrule traffic signs, signals, and road markings.

Alcohol Sobering Fact

Only time allows the liver to metabolize alcohol—about one drink per hour.