Virginia Driver Education

A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards covering key concepts from Session 12 of the Virginia driver-education program, including vehicle operation, safety, insurance, impaired driving, and emergency procedures.

Why is it important to learn basic map-reading skills even if you have a GPS?

A GPS may lose signal or malfunction; knowing highways and routes from a map reduces stress and keeps you from getting lost.

List two eco-driving habits that help conserve Virginia’s natural resources.

Accelerate and brake smoothly, and use cruise control (others: avoid idling, service vehicle, maintain tire pressure, recycle parts/fluids).

What is the correct way to dispose of used vehicle fluids and parts?

Always recycle or dispose of them properly according to local regulations—never dump them in trash or drains.

Before using toxic automotive substances, what should you always do?

Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for use, storage, and disposal on the label.

Name three items inspected during an interior vehicle inspection.

Examples: seat belts, dashboard, power locks (others: key fobs, upholstery, windows, accessories).

What document should you always obtain when buying a used vehicle online?

The title to the vehicle.

Why should you never sign a blank form when purchasing a vehicle?

Blank forms can be altered later; signing one could obligate you to unexpected terms.

Define ‘crashworthiness’ when shopping for a safer car.

It is the vehicle’s structural design, size, and weight that determine how well it protects occupants in a crash.

Give two examples of emergency equipment to carry on an extended trip.

Flares and a first-aid kit (others: basic tools, jumper cables, flashlight).

What is the goal when loading a vehicle for a trip?

Avoid making it top-heavy and do not pile items so high that the rear-view window is blocked.

How does the Virginia Automobile Insurance Plan Association (VAIP) help drivers?

It assigns drivers who cannot find insurance to a company that must insure them for three years, though at higher premiums.

What are insurance companies required to offer regarding payment?

Installment plans that allow monthly, quarterly, or bi-annual payments with low-cost financing.

If an insurer decides not to renew your policy, how much notice must you receive?

At least 30 days’ written notice.

After a collision, where should you place flares or warning devices?

Behind and, if possible, in front of the crash scene to alert oncoming traffic.

List four pieces of information drivers must exchange after a crash.

Name, address, vehicle registration number, driver’s license number (also insurance company and policy number).

When is rental-car coverage owed if you are in a crash?

If the other driver is at fault, you are entitled to reasonable rental compensation while your car is repaired.

How long does an insurance company have to respond after receiving a written claim?

10 working days to acknowledge, then 45 days after documentation to approve or deny.

What is contributory negligence?

A legal rule where a party’s own negligence contributed to their injury, potentially limiting recovery.

Name three common factors used to set auto insurance premiums.

Driver classification (standard/preferred/high-risk), number of accidents/violations, and vehicle type (others: age, sex, mileage, location, credit, good-student).

What is Virginia’s minimum bodily-injury liability coverage per crash for two or more persons?

$100,000.

Give two acceptable proofs of insurance in Virginia.

Insurance card or the declarations page (others: electronic view, signed binder, self-insurance certificate, surety bond).

What happens to your driver’s license if you operate a vehicle without insurance in Virginia?

Your license will be suspended.

Explain how a higher deductible affects an insurance premium.

A higher deductible lowers the premium because you agree to pay more out-of-pocket before the insurer pays.

What symbol warns of a slow-moving vehicle such as farm machinery?

An orange triangle with red borders and clipped corners.

When approaching a horse-drawn buggy, what should a driver do?

Leave a safety cushion and be prepared to slow or stop—it is hard to see and may spook the horse.

Why must drivers give extra space when passing recreational vehicles towing trailers?

They need more distance to pass, stop, accelerate, and turn, and have larger blind spots.

Name two state agencies involved in Virginia’s Highway Transportation System.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) (others: courts, General Assembly).

What does a railroad crossbuck sign indicate?

It marks the crossing and has the same legal authority as a yield sign—drivers must slow and yield to trains.

Why are SUVs more prone to rollovers?

They have a higher center of gravity than passenger cars.

Where may bicyclists ride within a lane, and when?

They may take the center of the lane when turning left or when the lane is too narrow to share side-by-side with a car.

State Virginia’s ‘Move Over’ law requirement.

Drivers must change lanes or slow to a reasonable and safe speed when passing stopped emergency vehicles with warning lights activated.

What is a truck’s ‘No-Zone’?

Large blind-spot areas on the sides, rear, and front where cars disappear from the truck driver’s view.

How can you tell it is safe to return to your lane after passing a truck?

When you see both of the truck’s headlights in your rear-view mirror.

Why should you avoid crossing behind a backing truck?

60 % of commercial-vehicle accidents occur while backing; the driver may not see you and could hit your vehicle.

Identify two basic components of a vehicle’s fuel system.

Fuel tank and carburetor (others: fuel lines, filter, pump, air filter, choke).

What is the purpose of the charging system’s alternator?

To generate electrical current that recharges the battery and powers electrical accessories while the engine runs.

List two components found in a disc brake system.

Disc brake rotor and caliper (others: pads, brake lines).

What does ABS prevent during emergency braking?

Wheel lock-up and uncontrolled skids, allowing steering control.

Describe the usual pedal feel when ABS activates.

A pulsation or vibration in the brake pedal accompanied by a mechanical noise.

What steering-wheel hand position is recommended for air-bag safety?

Approximately 8 and 4 o’clock to reduce injury risk if the air bag deploys.

Give one sign of a suspension problem.

Vehicle bounces excessively (others: vehicle not level, uneven tire wear).

How often should you check tire pressure?

At least once a month.

How do you use a penny to judge tire tread depth?

Insert a penny head-down into the tread; if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, replace the tire.

What is the first action if you experience a tire blowout?

Take your foot off the accelerator and allow the vehicle to slow gradually while steering straight.

If the accelerator sticks, what gear should you select?

Shift to neutral to disengage engine power.

When brakes fail, what is the first corrective action?

Pump the brake pedal rapidly to build pressure.

Define ‘understeer’ and give one correction.

Front-wheel traction loss; correct by looking to the target path and easing off brake or accelerator to restore traction.

What is the key steering technique when recovering from rear-wheel traction loss (oversteer)?

Steer toward your intended travel lane and apply light, progressive acceleration to stabilize the rear.

After inadvertently driving off the pavement, what should you avoid?

Avoid over-steering or slamming on the brakes; instead, coast and re-enter gently at a shallow angle.

Name three environmental conditions that reduce traction.

Ice, standing water, and wet leaves (others: mud, sand, gravel, uneven pavement).

What is forward pitch and when does it occur?

Weight transfer to the front tires when the brakes are applied.

Why is smooth, gradual input important for vehicle balance?

It maintains traction and prevents sudden weight shifts that can lead to skids or loss of control.

What is the second collision in a crash?

The impact of the occupant with the interior of the vehicle.

How does wearing a seat belt help in the ‘human collision’?

It restrains occupants, preventing them from hitting the interior and reducing injury.

List two highway safety design features that reduce crash severity.

Median barriers and breakaway signposts (others: rumble strips, wide shoulders).

Give one example of a traffic-calming device.

Speed hump (others: chicanes, curb extensions, road diets).

What should you never do if your vehicle is overheating?

Open the radiator cap—steam and hot coolant can cause severe burns.

How should you prepare for strong crosswinds on open roadways?

Reduce speed, increase following distance, stay alert, and be ready to counter-steer.

State Virginia’s legal requirement for headlight use at night.

Headlights must be on from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise or whenever visibility is below 1,000 ft.

Why is driving at night more dangerous than daytime driving?

Reduced visibility, more impaired or tired drivers, and glare from headlights.

How much water can cause loss of vehicle control in a flood?

As little as six inches of moving water.

What is the safest advice for icy road travel?

Avoid driving; if you must drive, test traction gently and proceed slowly.

Define ‘drowsy driving’ and give one high-risk group.

Driving while fatigued to the point of impaired alertness; high-risk group: adults aged 18-29.

What is the number-one tip to avoid road rage?

Be courteous behind the wheel.

Explain Virginia’s implied-consent law.

By driving on public roads, you agree to submit to chemical testing for alcohol/drugs if requested by police.

What are the three standardized field sobriety tests?

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk-and-Turn, and One-Leg Stand.

How does an ignition-interlock device prevent drunk driving?

The driver must pass a breath test before the engine will start; a failed test locks the ignition.

Name two administrative (DMV) sanctions for a DUI.

License suspension and mandatory driver-improvement/alcohol class (others: fees, ignition interlock, vehicle impound).

What percentage BAC is illegal to drive at in Virginia?

.08 BAC or higher.

What is an open-container violation under VA Code §4.1-308?

Possessing an open alcoholic beverage in the passenger area can result in citations for all occupants.

Which two tests can police use to measure BAC?

Breathalyzer test and blood test.

Why can mixing alcohol with prescription drugs be especially dangerous?

Many medications interact with alcohol, amplifying impairment and risking severe driving errors.

What term describes driving while impaired by drugs?

Drugged driving.

Name two illegal controlled dangerous substances (CDS) that impair driving.

Marijuana and cocaine (others: heroin, LSD, PCP, methamphetamines).

How can low-dose marijuana affect driving?

It minimally affects motor coordination but can still slow reaction time; higher doses greatly increase risk.

Differentiate opioids and opiates.

Opiates are naturally derived from the opium poppy, while opioids include natural or synthetic drugs that bind to opioid receptors; both impair driving.

Why is driving after using hallucinogens like LSD hazardous?

They distort sensory perception, impairing judgment and reaction to roadway conditions.

What energy-drink combination poses driving risks?

Energy drinks mixed with alcohol and caffeine can mask intoxication yet still impair driving.

Which three driver abilities are most quickly impaired by alcohol?

Reaction time, vision, and judgment.

What factors influence BAC besides the number of drinks?

Body weight, food in the stomach, gender, metabolism, and time since drinking.

At what BAC have studies shown measurable decline in driving skills?

.02 BAC—declines in visual tracking and divided-attention tasks occur.

Explain ‘per se’ DUI law.

Having a BAC at or above .08 is illegal by itself, regardless of driving behavior.

Name one administrative document an officer may issue immediately after a DUI arrest.

Notice of Administrative Suspension (ALS form).

Give one consequence of DUI beyond legal penalties.

Higher insurance rates or loss of employment.

What is the best way to avoid drowsy-driving crashes?

Stop driving and get adequate rest before continuing.

During a traffic stop, where should you keep your hands?

Visible on the steering wheel.

What is the correct response if asked to exit your vehicle by police?

Comply calmly and only exit when instructed.

What driving behaviors define aggressive driving?

Speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, running red lights, and other pushy actions.

What percentage of U.S. drivers admit aggressive behavior?

Approximately 68 %.

Why are booster seats necessary for children up to about 60 lb?

They position the seat belt correctly across the child’s chest and hips for effective restraint.

At what age must Virginia children be secured in a child safety or booster seat?

All children under 8 years old.

List two proper ways adults should wear a seat belt.

Shoulder belt across chest without slack; lap belt low and snug across hips.

Describe the safest seating position for a child safety seat.

Installed in the back seat, preferably in the center position.

Why should you never drive through standing roadway water?

It may hide deep holes, cause loss of traction, or sweep the vehicle away in moving water.

What happens to eye pupils after glare exposure, and how does this affect driving?

Pupils contract then need time to readjust, temporarily reducing night vision and reaction time.

What is the first action when smoke, fog, rain, or snow limits visibility?

Reduce speed and turn on headlights and windshield wipers.

What is the purpose of rumble strips on highways?

They alert inattentive or drowsy drivers who drift out of their lane by producing noise and vibration.

How does electronic stability control (ESC) help drivers?

It detects and reduces skids by applying brakes to individual wheels and adjusting engine power.

What small electronic components allow vehicle systems to ‘talk’ to each other?

Microprocessors and sensors.

State one benefit of adaptive cruise control.

Automatically maintains a safe following distance by adjusting speed to traffic flow.