Driving Exam Notes

Signaling While Driving

  • Always signal when:
    • Turning.
    • Changing lanes (signal 5 seconds before lane change).
    • Slowing down or stopping (signal 100 ft before turn).

Use of Horn

  • Use the horn to:
    • Avoid collisions.
    • Alert incoming traffic on narrow mountain roads.

Use of Headlights

  • Use headlights when:
    • It's too dark to see in front of you.
    • 30 minutes after sunset.
    • 30 minutes before sunrise.
    • In adverse weather (use low beam headlights if using windshield wipers).

Hazard Situations

  • Hazards:
    • Turn on emergency flashers.
    • Lightly tap the brake pedal three times.
    • Use hand signals when slowing or stopping.
  • If you need to stop because of a vehicle issue:
    • Turn on flashers.
    • Don't go off-road; stop where the vehicle can be seen.
    • Do NOT stop over a hill or around a curve.
    • Call for emergency services.
  • Single solid yellow line:
    • Marks the center of two-way traffic.
    • Do NOT pass a vehicle in front of you if there is only one lane of traffic.
  • Double solid yellow line:
    • Do NOT pass; stay to the right UNLESS:
      • In a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) carpool lane.
      • Instructed by signs to drive on the other side due to a lane block.
      • Crossing a single set of double yellow lines to enter or exit a driveway, private road, or make a U-turn.
  • Broken yellow lines:
    • Indicates you may pass if the broken lane is next to your driving lane (only pass when safe).
  • Single solid white line:
    • Marks traffic lanes going in the same direction (one-way streets).
  • Double solid white lines:
    • Indicates a lane barrier between regular use and preferential use (carpool).
    • NEVER change lanes over double solid white lines; wait until broken white lines.
  • Broken white lines:
    • Separates traffic lanes on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction.
  • Yield line:
    • A solid white line of triangles showing vehicles where to stop.

Lanes

  • Left lane = Lane 1.
  • Right lane = Lane 2.
    • Use the left lane to pass or turn left.
    • Use the right lane for entering or exiting traffic, or when entering the road from a curb.
  • Before changing lanes:
    • Signal.
    • Check mirrors.
    • Check traffic beside and behind.
    • Check over your shoulder to the lane.
    • Check blind spots (don't let the vehicle drift into a different lane).
    • Be sure there's enough space between your vehicle and the next lane.
    • It's NOT necessary to slow down when changing lanes.

Types of Lanes

  • Passing lanes:
    • On a multi-lane road, the passing lane (far left one) is the lane closest to the center drive and is used to pass other vehicles.
  • Carpool/High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes:
    • Special reserved lanes for carpools, buses, motorcycles, and low-emission vehicles.
    • Do NOT cross over double solid lines to enter/exit the HOV lane; use assigned entrances/exits.
  • Center left turn lanes:
    • Located in the middle of a two-way street.
    • One side has a broken line (inner line), and the other has a solid line (outer line).
    • Use the center left turn lane to turn left or make a U-turn (NOT for regular traffic or passing).
    • Only drive 200 ft in the lane.
    • In order to turn in a center left turn lane:
      • Look for vehicles coming toward you in the center turn lane.
      • Look over your shoulder for blind spots.
      • Merge completely into the center left turn lane so you don't block traffic.
      • Turn when safe.

Turning Rules

  • Right turn against a red light:
    • You can turn at a red light after a complete stop (UNLESS there's a "no turn on red" sign).
  • Right turn against a red arrow:
    • You may NOT turn if you are stopped at a red arrow light.
  • Left turn against a red light:
    • You may turn left against a red light when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
  • U-turns are allowed on:
    • Double yellow lines.
    • Residential districts (no vehicles within 20ft).
    • Intersections on a green traffic light or green arrow (unless a sign says otherwise).
    • Divided highways (if a center divide opening is provided).
  • NEVER make a U-turn when:
    • There's a "No U-turn" sign.
    • At a railroad crossing.
    • On a divided highway by a crossing section, curb, lane, or two double yellow lines.
    • On a one-way street.
    • Near a fire station.
    • In business districts.

Merging and Exiting

  • Merging (when entering a highway):
    • Be in the proper lane on the on-ramp.
    • Be at or near the speed of traffic.
    • Merge into highway traffic when it's safe to do so; don't stop unless necessary.
    • Merge into a space large enough for your vehicle to safely join the lane.
    • Use mirrors and turn lane signals.
    • Look over your shoulder before turning or switching lanes.
    • Leave three seconds of space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
    • Do NOT cross any solid lines when merging.
    • If you need to cross several lanes, signal and cross them one at a time.
    • ALWAYS check your blind spot.
  • Exiting:
    • Know your exit and be aware when it's approaching.
    • If you plan to change lanes, do so one at a time, signal, and look over your shoulder to check for blind spots.
    • Do NOT cross any solid lines when exiting.

Crossing or Entering Traffic

  • When entering traffic from a full stop, signal and leave a large enough space to get up to the speed of traffic.
  • Need a space that's:
    • Half a block on city streets, which is about 150 feet.
    • A full block on the highway, which is about 300 feet.
  • Even if you have a green light, do not start across the intersection if there are pedestrians or vehicles blocking your pathway.
  • When turning left, do not assume that an oncoming vehicle with its right turn signal on is turning before it reaches you.

Passing

  • You must judge whether you have enough space to pass whenever you approach:
    • An oncoming vehicle or bicyclist.
    • A hill, curve, intersection, or road obstruction.
  • To safely pass, the hill or curve should be at least one-third of a mile ahead.
  • Do NOT pass when:
    • If you are approaching a hill or curve and cannot see if other traffic is approaching. This is very dangerous on one and two-lane roads.
    • Within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, railroad crossing, or other hazardous area.
    • At crossroads and driveways.
    • Unless you have enough space to return to your lane.
  • How to pass:
    • Signal that you plan on passing.
    • Look over your shoulder to check your blind spots.
    • Speed up to pass the vehicle.
    • Signal and return to your original lane.
  • You may pass on the right only when:
    • An open highway has two or more lanes going in your direction.
    • The driver ahead of you is turning left and you can safely pass on the right.
    • NEVER pass on the left if the driver is signaling a left turn.
    • NEVER drive off the paved or main-traveled part of the road to pass.
    • You are on a one-way street.

Being Passed

  • If a vehicle is passing you or signals that they plan on passing, allow the vehicle to pass. Maintain your lane position and your speed.

Parallel Parking

  • Step one: FIND SPACE, Look for a space at least three feet longer than your vehicle. When you find a space, turn on your signal to show that you plan on parking.
  • Step two: PULL UP ALONGSIDE THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF SPACE, Leave about two feet between your vehicle and the vehicle next to you. Stop once your rear bumper is aligned with the front of your parking space. Keep your signal on.
  • Step three: CHECK BLIND SPOTS, Look in your rearview mirror and over your shoulder for approaching vehicles and pedestrians.
  • Step four: BEGIN BACKING UP, Turn your steering wheel back into the space at about a 45-degree angle.
  • Step five: STRAIGHTEN OUT, Turn your steering wheel back into the space at about a 45-degree angle.
  • Step six: PARKING, Turn off your vehicle and set the parking brake. Before you exit your vehicle, look carefully for passing vehicles, bicycles, and motorcycles. Exit when it is safe.

Straight Line Backing

  • Traffic check. Observe traffic and check appropriate blind spots.
  • Signal. Activate the turn signal before pulling up to the curb. Cancel the turn signal once completed.
  • Check your blind spots. Look in your rearview mirror and over your shoulder for approaching vehicles and pedestrians.
  • Begin backing up. Back in a straight line for three vehicle lengths while remaining within three feet of the curb. Stay aware of what is behind you when backing up.
  • Control. To maintain control of the vehicle, back at a smooth, safe speed and adjust the steering wheel when needed. Practice until you can keep the vehicle straight. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to pull away from the curb.

Parking on a Hill

  • When you park on a hill, your vehicle could roll due to equipment failure. Remember to set the parking brake and leave the vehicle in park, or in gear for manual transmission.
  • To park:
    • On a sloping driveway: Turn the wheels so the vehicle will not roll into the street, leave the vehicle in park, and set the parking brake.
    • Headed downhill: Turn your front wheels into the curb or right toward the side of the road.
    • Headed uphill: Turn your front wheels away from the curb (left-towards the center of the road) and let your vehicle roll back a few inches. The wheel should gently touch the curb.
    • Headed either uphill or downhill when there is no curb: Turn the wheels so the vehicle will roll away from the center of the road if the brakes fail.

Parking at Colored Curbs

  • White: Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers.
  • Green: Park for a limited time. The time limit may be posted on signs or painted on the curb.
  • Yellow: Load and unload passengers and freight. Do not stop longer than the time posted. If you drive a noncommercial vehicle, you are usually required to stay with your vehicle.
  • Red: No stopping, standing, or parking. Buses may stop at a red zone marked for buses only.
  • Blue: Parking for a disabled person or someone driving a disabled person with a special placard or special license plate.

Right of Way Rules

  • Solid Red Light:
    • A red traffic signal light means STOP.
    • You can turn right at a red light if:
      • There is not a NO TURN ON RED sign posted.
      • You stop at the stop or limit line, yield for pedestrians, and turn when it is safe.
  • Red Arrow:
    • A red arrow means STOP. Do not turn at a red arrow. Remain stopped until a green traffic signal light or green arrow appears.
  • Flashing Red Light:
    • A flashing red signal light means STOP. After stopping, you may go when it is safe.
  • Solid Yellow Light:
    • A yellow traffic signal light means CAUTION. The light is about to turn red. When you see a yellow traffic signal light, stop, if you can do so safely. If you cannot stop safely, cautiously cross the intersection.
  • Yellow Arrow:
    • A yellow arrow means the protected turning time is ending. The signal will change soon. If you cannot stop safely or you are already in the intersection, cautiously complete your turn. Pay attention to the next signal.
      • It could be a: Green or red traffic signal light. Red Arrow.
  • Flashing Yellow Light:
    • A flashing yellow traffic signal light is a warning to PROCEED WITH CAUTION. Slow down and be alert. You do not need to stop.
  • Flashing Yellow Arrow:
    • You can turn, but your turn is not protected from other traffic. Proceed to turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and proceed with caution.
  • Solid Green Light:
    • A green traffic signal light means GO. You should still stop for any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian in the intersection. Only proceed if you have enough space without creating a danger to any oncoming vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian. Do not enter the intersection if you cannot get completely across before the traffic signal light turns red.
  • Green Arrow:
    • A green arrow means GO in the direction the arrow is pointing. The green arrow allows you to make a protected turn. Oncoming vehicles are stopped by a red traffic signal light.
  • Traffic Light Not Working:
    • When a traffic light is not working, stop as if the intersection is controlled by STOP signs in all directions. Then proceed cautiously when it is safe to do so.