Could You Pass An American Driving School Exam, Again?
by CarolynBF
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Whether you’ve been driving for a few weeks or many decades, you have to know the rules of the road, for everyone’s sake. For example, what do orange signs along the road mean, as opposed to brown, blue, red, or yellow? What if you reach a four-way stop at the same time as another vehicle? What if you’re approaching a roundabout—also known as a rotary or a traffic circle? Do you know how to proceed? Let’s find out!
1: How many sides does a stop sign have?
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A stop sign is an octagon—it has eight sides. Come to a complete stop at a stop sign, either at the marked stop line or before entering the intersection. Proceed when it is safe to do so.
2: What shape is a yield sign?
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A yield sign is a downward-pointing triangle. Such signs are usually red and white. Slow down and proceed with caution, yielding the right of way to traffic in the intersection or roadway.
3: What should you do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane?
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In standing water, your tires may lose contact with the road and you may lose control of the vehicle—that's hydroplaning. Do not brake in this situation. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator so that the vehicle will slow down and your tires will regain traction.
4: Which lights are best for driving in fog at night?
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Low-beam headlights work best in fog, allowing you to see the road ahead without too much glare. However, if visibility is really low, pull over and wait for the fog to ease, rather than risk having an accident.
5: Under normal road conditions, what is the minimum speed on interstate highways?
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Under normal road conditions, the minimum safe and legal speed on an interstate highway is 40 mph. However, if road construction signs indicate that a lower speed is required, obey those signs. Also drive slower if roads are snowy or icy.
6: What color lines separate lanes moving in opposite directions?
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Yellow lines separate traffic lanes moving in opposite directions; white lines separate traffic lanes moving in the same direction. Remember—if you drift across yellow lines, you’re in a lane with oncoming traffic!
7: What should you do when you see or hear sirens or lights from an emergency vehicle, approaching from any direction?
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When an emergency vehicle is approaching from any direction, pull over as far right as possible to clear the roadway. This applies to any emergency vehicle, whether police, fire, ambulance, or other vehicle.
8: If you see two solid yellow lines next to your lane, which of the following is TRUE?
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Yellow lines next to your lane indicate that the next lane over has oncoming traffic. Solid yellow lines mean passing is not allowed. Broken yellow lines mean passing is allowed when it is safe to do so. A solid and a broken yellow line side by side mean that only the cars closest to the broken line are allowed to pass.
9: What is the meaning of a blue sign with a large white H?
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Blue signs with white letters or symbols always indicate services for drivers. An H indicates a hospital; a question mark indicates that information is available; a plate with utensils indicates food. Many other blue signs exist as well, and they are all designed to be understood at a glance.
10: In most states, how close to the curb must you park?
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In most states, the law states that you must park 12 inches or less away from the curb. Some states, however, allow up to 18 inches, so check local laws as needed.
11: When you are driving slower than some drivers on a multi-lane road, which lane should you use?
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On a multi-lane road, slower traffic must stay to the right. The only exception to this rule is when you are getting ready to make a left turn.
12: When is the only time you may legally disregard a traffic signal or road sign?
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Normally, you must obey all traffic signals and road signs. However, if a police officer or construction worker is controlling the flow of traffic, follow their instructions.
13: If you see a sign with a truck in silhouette and a red circle with a diagonal line through it, what does that sign mean?
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Any sign that has a red circle with a diagonal line through it means that something is prohibited. In this case, do not drive your truck on this road.
14: Which sign color indicates road work or temporary traffic control?
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Orange signs indicate road work or some other temporary traffic issue. Pay attention to these signs, not only to obey the law and keep yourself safe, but also to protect workers who are maintaining the roads for you. Red signs generally mean stop or yield; brown signs point out recreation and points of interest; white signs provide information about local traffic laws.
15: Traffic in a roundabout moves in which direction?
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When approaching a roundabout, you must yield to traffic in the roundabout. You must also yield to any pedestrians, of course. Enter from the right and travel counterclockwise to your exit, and use the right turn lane to exit on the right.
16: What is the proper order for traffic lights, from top to bottom?
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Red, the color that means “stop,” has the longest wavelength, so it is visible from a greater distance. If the red light is flashing, stop, then proceed when it is safe to do so.
17: Which of the following is NOT necessary to obtain a driver's license?
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To get a driver’s license, you must pass a vision test, a written test, a road sign test, and a driving test. All of these help to prove that you are capable of driving safely. Your specific vehicle has nothing to do with your ability to get a license.
18: If you are parking next to a curb, facing downhill, which way should you turn your front tires before you exit the vehicle?
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In this situation, turn your front tires toward the curb, so that the curb will stop the car if it starts to roll. On the other hand, if you’re parking uphill near a curb, aim your front wheels away from the curb.
19: Which highways are marked with black and white shields?
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State highways are identified by white shields with black highway numbers. Interstate highways are identified by blue and red shields with white numbers. Sometimes these shields are paired with directional signs and arrows to help you navigate at intersections, entrance ramps, and exit ramps.
20: What is the meaning of a yellow sign with a picture of a vehicle and some squiggly tire tracks?
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The squiggly tire tracks indicate that the roadway is slippery when wet. Despite the posted speed limit, proceed at a slower speed if there is water on the road.
