Driving Exam Notes

Proper vehicle and tire maintenance is crucial for road safety.
Tire-related crashes are preventable with simple maintenance.
Check tire pressure monthly using a pressure gauge; compare the gauge reading with the PSI on the sticker inside the car door.
Use a penny to check tread depth; if Lincoln's entire head is visible when inserted into the groove, replace the tire.

Sit upright with your back against the seat and feet on the floor.
Adjust the seat so your foot can pivot smoothly from brake to accelerator.
The steering wheel should be no higher than the top of your shoulders and below chin level, maintaining a 10-inch distance between your chest and the wheel.
Adjust head restraints to prevent whiplash, ensuring they contact the back of your head at ear level.
Adjust the rearview mirror to frame the rear window for traffic visibility.
Enhanced mirror settings:
- Left side: Head against the window, barely showing the rear edge of the vehicle.
- Right side: Lean right, head below the rearview mirror, adjust similarly to the left side.
Clean windows and mirrors are essential for clear visibility.
- Keep windshield washer fluid full, especially in winter.

Kentucky law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts.
Seat belts reduce injury or death in a crash by keeping you inside the vehicle and preventing impact with the steering wheel or dashboard.
Kentucky's Seat Belt Law is primary, allowing law enforcement to stop drivers solely for not wearing seat belts.

Air bags are supplemental restraints designed to deploy in moderate to severe crashes.
They work best with safety belts to properly position and restrain your body.
Deployment takes about 1/20th of a second.
Move the seat back from the steering wheel as far as safely possible; passengers should do the same and avoid placing objects on the dashboard.
Children 12 and under should ride in the back seat in a safety belt or child restraint system.
Never place a rear-facing child safety seat in front of an active passenger air bag.

Kentucky law requires children 40 inches or less to be secured in a child restraint system.
Children under 8 between 40 and 57 inches must be in a child booster seat.
Child Safety Seat should ideally be placed in the middle of the rear seat.

Unsecured loads are illegal and dangerous.
Secure loads with ropes, netting, or straps, ensuring nothing can slide, fall, or become airborne.
Cover the load with a tarp or netting.
Do not overload the vehicle or trailer.

Newer vehicles have safety features like blind spot warning, backup camera, and automatic emergency braking.
These features are meant to assist, not replace, driver engagement.
Be aware of the limitations of these features in conditions like rain, snow, or fog.
Keep sensors clean and software up to date.

Starting the Engine: Place foot on the brake pedal and check the gear selector lever for park, then turn the ignition switch to the on position.
Moving the Vehicle: Move gear selector lever to "D" (drive), check for a safe path and traffic, then gently press the accelerator.
Stopping the Vehicle: Check your mirrors, move your foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal, and press with steady pressure until your vehicle comes to a stop.
Steering: Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the vehicle to move.
Hand Position: Place hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions.
Backing Up: Check behind the vehicle before getting in, shift to reverse, grasp the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position with your left hand and look directly through the rear window.

Yielding Right of Way: Yield to drivers already on a limited access or interstate highway if you are on the entrance or acceleration ramp; and pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers who are still in the intersection.
Traffic Control Devices: Traffic control devices include traffic signals, signs, pavement markings, and directions provided by law enforcement, highway personnel, and school crossing guards.