Segment 1 Driver Education Study Guide

What kind of driver is a novice driver considered to be?

A high-risk driver.

What are the two things to review before Day 2 of class?

Review assigned reading/online lessons and Day 1 notes.

What age must a licensed driving coach be for a Level 1 license?

21 years old or older.

How many drives must you complete before taking the written test?

3 drives.

What happens if you schedule more than 3 drives before the exam?

Drives 4, 5, and 6 may be put on hold or cancelled until passing the written test.

When can you start scheduling in-car driving lessons?

After attending your first class (Day 1).

How many hours are students allowed to drive each day?

1 hour of driving per day.

How many hours of classroom work are allowed each day?

2 hours per day.

How many total hours of classroom time are needed to finish Segment 1?

24 hours.

Are students allowed to be in a vehicle during classroom times?

No.

How far in advance must you cancel a drive to avoid a fee?

24 hours (1 day) ahead.

How do you request your Certificate of Completion?

Fill out the request form on the school's website.

How long does it take to receive the Completion Certificate after requesting it?

A few business days.

How do you schedule make-up days for missed classes?

Contact the school to schedule; a fee may apply.

What shoes are not allowed while driving?

Flip-flops, sandals, open-toe shoes, high heels/platforms, slides, bare feet.

Where can you obtain information about all vehicle systems?

The owner's manual.

What is the most important part of your vehicle?

The tires (your only contact with the road).

What is the only way to be 100% certain of tire pressure and how often check?

Use a tire pressure gauge; check at least once a month when cold.

What must you do first when starting a vehicle with push-button or key start?

Press and hold the brake pedal.

Which mirror is best to know what is behind you?

The rearview mirror.

What is the main goal when adjusting outside mirrors?

To eliminate or minimize blind spots.

When driving, how often should you look in your mirrors?

Often (every 5 to 8 seconds, and before slowing, turning, changing lanes, or backing).

Why do you do a blind spot check before changing lanes?

Mirrors cannot show everything; blind spot checks show cars in missed zones.

How should seat belts be worn for maximum effectiveness?

Sit upright; lap belt low on hips, shoulder belt across chest/collarbone, snug.

What age must a supervisor be if a child under 6 is left in a vehicle?

12 years old.

What is the area on the left side of the driver's floor for resting the left foot?

The dead pedal.

What are emergency flashers used for?

To warn other drivers of a hazard or a disabled/stopped vehicle.

What does the red parking brake light on the dashboard mean?

The parking brake is on or there is a brake system problem.

What does an engine temperature warning light usually indicate?

The engine is overheating.

Do road shoulders typically have more or less traction than the main road?

Less traction.

What kind of acceleration should be used when making small adjustments while parking?

Light, gentle acceleration.

When braking, what part of your foot should be on the pedal?

The ball of your right foot (heel on the floor).

What are the two ways you can slow your car?

Ease off the gas (coast) and use the brakes.

What is perception distance?

The distance traveled when you see something in the road and your brain recognizes it.

What is the main problem if your front wheels lock up when slamming on brakes?

You lose steering control (the car skids straight).

How should you stop quickly in a vehicle without ABS?

Squeeze/pump brakes firmly; if wheels lock, release and re-apply (threshold braking).

Do all cars accelerate the same?

No, it depends on the vehicle's weight and engine.

When going in reverse and turning left, what does the front of the vehicle do?

The front swings to the right.

What should you do first when you park your car and are ready to leave?

Walk around the vehicle and check for people, objects, and hazards.

Describe the 'Dutch Reach'.

Open the door with your far hand to force a look back for cyclists and traffic.

Where should you look when trying to drive straight?

Far down the road where you want the car to go.

What is the main factor in choosing proper speed when it is raining?

Traction (and visibility).

Why do we use safety belts?

Because of inertia (belts keep you in place during a crash).

What happens if you go too fast in a turn and inertia overcomes traction?

The vehicle slides straight off the road (skid).

When do you reduce your speed to go through a curve?

Before entering the curve.

What is usually the reason a collision occurs in a curve?

Driving too fast for the curve (excessive speed).

When you brake, where does the weight of the vehicle shift?

Forward (front tires pressed down most).

What is a safe driving speed in clear and dry conditions?

The posted speed limit or slower, adjusted to conditions.

Give examples of regulatory signs.

Stop, yield, speed limit, do not enter, one way, no parking.

What is the speed limit in a business district when not posted?

25 mph.

What does a 5-sided yellow house-shaped sign with two pedestrians mean?

A school zone or school crossing sign.

What is a guide sign used for?

Giving directions, distances, destinations, and services.

Where do you see broken white lines on the road?

Separating lanes going the same direction where passing is allowed.

What does a broken yellow line in the middle of the road mean?

Traffic goes in opposite directions; passing is allowed when safe.

When are you not allowed to pass on the right?

When driving off the pavement/shoulder or when unsafe.

What 3 main things provide information on laws and road hazards?

Signs, signals, and pavement markings.

When should you use your horn?

Only to warn others of danger or avoid a crash.

What is proof of financial responsibility after a crash?

Proof of insurance (no-fault insurance).

How are right-of-way laws written?

They tell who must yield, not who has the right of way.

At a 4-way stop arriving at the same time as the driver on your left, who goes first?

You do (driver on the right goes first).

What should you do if an emergency vehicle approaches with flashers on a 2-lane road?

Pull over to the right and stop until it passes.

If a traffic control officer directs you differently than a signal, what do you obey?

Obey the officer.

Explain the Michigan Move Over law.

Slow down and move over a lane for stopped emergency/tow vehicles.

When turning left onto a 2-way street, what lane should you enter?

The lane closest to the center line.

When turning left from a one-way street, what lane do you turn from?

The far left lane.

What should you do if a green light is on, but traffic is backed up across the intersection?

Do not enter; wait until you can fully clear the intersection.

What should you do if another driver exhibits road rage?

Stay calm, avoid eye contact, give space, and do not engage.

What is Michigan's 'Zero Tolerance' law?

Under 21: any measurable alcohol (0.02+) is illegal.

What does implied consent mean?

By driving, you agree to chemical tests if suspected of drunk driving.

Where should your hands be when a police officer approaches your stopped car?

On the steering wheel, visible.

What 3 documents must you provide during a traffic stop?

Driver's license, registration, proof of insurance.

What does 'yielding the right of way' mean?

Letting another vehicle or pedestrian go first.

How can you avoid emergency driving situations?

Search ahead, spot hazards early, stay alert, keep a space cushion.

What is 'line of sight'?

The imaginary line from your eye to what you are focused on.

What does peripheral vision help you with?

Seeing things to the sides without turning your head.

What does the acronym PDA stand for?

Perceive, Decide, Act.

What impacts your line of sight?

Curves, large trucks ahead, or vehicles right next to you.

What should you do when you see a hazard ahead?

Perceive, decide, act (slow down, cover brake, adjust speed/position).

Where is a good place to look for hazards in a parking lot?

Between/behind parked cars, backup lights, pedestrians, cars pulling out.

How do you reduce sun glare when driving?

Use sunglasses, sun visor, clean windshield, and slow down.

What should you do if oncoming traffic enters your lane?

Brake, steer right toward the shoulder, honk/flash lights; don't swerve left.

Where should you position your car when passing a parked car on the right?

Toward the left side of your lane to leave room.

What is restricted when following too closely?

Your space cushion (time and room to react).

When you increase your speed, what else should you increase?

Your following distance.

What should you do if someone is tailgating you?

Stay calm, slow gradually, increase space ahead, let them pass if safe.

Why do most car crashes happen?

Driver error.

What is required when making a lane change?

Signal, check mirrors, and do a blind spot check.

What is the maximum speed allowed when passing another vehicle?

The posted speed limit.

When is it safe to return to your lane after passing?

When you see both headlights/whole front of the passed car in your rearview mirror.

What must you check before passing on a 2-lane road?

Make sure it is legal, safe, and clear of oncoming traffic.

Can you turn right from a lane besides the far right lane?

Only if signs/markings allow it.

Where is your last visual check before turning in traffic?

Over your shoulder in the direction of the turn (blind spot).

What action do you take for a flashing yellow arrow in a left turn lane?

Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians; proceed with caution.

What should you do before turning left?

Signal, get in the left lane position, check for oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

What should you do first when preparing for a 3-point turnaround?

Check traffic both ways, signal, and make sure the road is clear.

What is the first consideration before making a U-turn?

Whether a U-turn is legal and safe.

How close should you be when parallel parking next to a curb?

Within 12 inches of the curb.

Where do you stop at an intersection with a crosswalk and stop sign?

Before the stop line or crosswalk.

How is steering in reverse described compared to going forward?

Opposite of forward (turn wheel the way you want the rear to go).

When parking facing uphill along a curb, which way do you turn your wheels?

Left (away from the curb).