Driver’s License Exam Study Guide

🧊 Challenging Conditions & Vehicle Safety

• In snow: Use chains or snow tires for traction.

• In heavy snow/fog: Use low-beam headlights for visibility.

• Suspension check: If the car sways or bounces, have the suspension system inspected.

• Following distance: Apply the two-second rule to avoid tailgating.

• Brake drying: Gently press the brakes after driving through water.

• Skidding: Steer in the direction the rear of the car is sliding.

• Brake failure: Shift to a lower gear, release clutch (if manual), and use the emergency brake.

⚠️ Hazard Awareness & Emergency Protocols

• Wet roads: Most slippery when it first begins to rain or drizzle.

• Railroad crossings: Always slow down and prepare to stop.

• Truck blind spots: Avoid lingering in “No Zones” (sides and rear of trucks).

• Crash protocol: If safe, move your vehicle off the road and call the police.

🛣️ Traffic Rules & Regulations

• School buses: Must stop at all railroad crossings.

• Passing a stopped school bus: Adds 5 points to your driving record.

• At 4-way stops: Yield to the car on your right.

• Pedestrians: Have the right of way at uncontrolled intersections.

• Curves: Slow down before entering, not during.

• Turning right on red: Permitted after a full stop, unless posted otherwise.

🚦 Speeds & Signals

• Default speed limits:

  • Cities/towns: 35 mph

  • Outside cities (unless posted): 55 mph

• Signal turns at least 200 feet in advance when driving at 45 mph.

• Speeding at 70+ mph in a 55 zone may lead to license revocation.

🚛 Large Vehicles & Rural Roads

• Farm equipment: Travels at 15–25 mph—pass only when safe.

• Tractor-trailers: Have large blind spots; avoid sudden lane changes around them.

🧠 Defensive Driving Tips

• Check mirrors every 10 seconds.

• Stay alert in city traffic for sudden stops.

• Plan rest stops every 100 miles on long trips.

• Avoid high beams when following or approaching other vehicles.

• Shoulder check before turning or changing lanes—quick glance over the shoulder

🔧 Vehicle Maintenance & Safety

• Tire pressure: Important for safety and fuel economy.

• Exhaust leaks: Can allow toxic fumes—repair immediately.

• Annual inspections: Required every 12 months.

🍷 Alcohol & Legal Offenses

• Alcohol-related deaths: Account for 38% of highway fatalities.

• BAC of 0.08% or more: Immediate license revocation.

• Refusing a chemical test: May result in a 12-month suspension.

• Underage alcohol violations: 1-year license revocation.

• Driver Improvement Clinics: Can deduct 3 points after accumulating 7 or more points.

🗑️ Other Legal Considerations

• Littering fines: Range from $250 to $1,000.

• Interstate merging: Use the acceleration lane to match traffic speed before merging.

• Accidents occur most often: At intersections.

• Leaking exhaust pipe: May let dangerous fumes into the vehicle.