DMV Questions Explained

1. You are driving in the lane where this sign is posted. What must you do?

• Turn right; the lane is for right turns only
• BContinue straight only
• CMerge left immediately
• DStop and wait for a green arrow

Why: A lane-use control sign with a curved arrow and the word ONLY means every vehicle in that lane must make the indicated turn. Change lanes before the intersection if you want to go straight.

2. A white rectangular sign reading a number such as 55 indicates:

• AThe minimum following distance
• BThe road's name
• CThe number of lanes ahead
• The maximum legal speed under ideal conditions

Why: A white regulatory speed limit sign shows the maximum speed allowed under ideal conditions. You must drive slower when weather, traffic, or road conditions require it.

3. A solid yellow line on your side of the center plus a 'Do Not Pass' sign means:

• AYou may pass if traffic is light
• BPassing is permitted at night only
• You may not pass in this zone
• DYou may pass only large trucks

Why: A no-passing zone, marked by a solid yellow line on your side and often a DO NOT PASS sign, prohibits passing because sight distance is limited and passing is unsafe.

4. What does this sign tell drivers?

• The left lane ends ahead; merge right
• BThe road curves left
• CA new lane is added ahead
• DTrucks must use the left lane

Why: The lane-ends symbol warns that a lane is about to end. Traffic in the ending lane must merge into the continuing lane; drivers in the through lane should allow room.

5. This orange sign means:

• Road work is ahead; slow down and watch for workers and equipment
• BA detour is required
• CThe road is permanently closed
• DA school zone is ahead

Why: Orange diamond-shaped signs mark temporary work zones. This one warns of road work ahead, in this case 1,000 feet away. Reduce speed and obey workers and flaggers.

6. What does this sign tell you?

• The road makes a sharp change of direction; follow the arrow
• BOne-way traffic only
• CMerge into the next lane
• DEnd of the roadway

Why: Chevron alignment signs mark a sharp curve or change of direction. They are placed on the outside of the curve; slow down and follow the direction of the chevron.

7. What does this sign warn drivers of tall vehicles about?

• A low overhead clearance of 12 feet 6 inches ahead
• BA 12.6 percent downgrade
• CA weight limit of 12.6 tons
• DA bridge 12 miles ahead

Why: The low clearance sign shows the maximum height that can safely pass under the structure ahead. Vehicles taller than the posted clearance must use another route.

8. A white X-shaped sign with 'RAILROAD CROSSING' (a crossbuck) means:

• AThe crossing is closed
• BTrains never use this track
• Yield to any approaching train
• DStop only at night

Why: The crossbuck marks the railroad crossing itself and functions like a yield sign: you must yield to any approaching train and not cross until the way is clear.

1. A steady (solid) red traffic light means:

• Stop and remain stopped until the light turns green
• BSlow down and proceed with caution
• CStop, then continue without waiting
• DYield only to pedestrians, then go

Why: A steady red light requires a full stop behind the stop line or crosswalk. You must wait until the light turns green; a right turn on red is allowed after stopping only when the way is clear and no sign prohibits it.

2. A flashing yellow X over a traffic lane indicates:

• AThe lane is permanently closed
• BThe lane is open only to buses
• CStop before the lane
• Use the lane only to make a left turn, with caution

Why: A steady or flashing yellow X over a lane signals that the lane is for turning or that you should clear it because its status is changing; use it only as directed and with caution.

3. Flashing yellow beacons posted at a school zone sign mean:

• Reduced school-zone speed limits are now in effect
• BIgnore them outside of summer
• CThe school is permanently closed
• DYou may pass stopped school buses freely

Why: Flashing beacons at a school zone indicate that the lower school-zone speed limit is in force, usually at arrival and dismissal times. Slow down and watch closely for children.

4. A red X displayed over a freeway lane means:

• AThe lane is open for carpools only
• BYou may use the lane with caution
• Do not drive in that lane
• DThe lane is reserved for trucks

Why: Overhead lane-control signals manage reversible or incident lanes. A red X means the lane is closed to you and you must not drive in it; a green arrow means the lane is open.

5. A green arrow pointing left at a traffic signal means:

• You may turn left and oncoming traffic is stopped for you
• BYou must yield to oncoming traffic before turning
• CLeft turns are prohibited
• DStop and wait for a green ball

Why: A green arrow gives you a protected turn in the direction of the arrow; oncoming and conflicting traffic is held by a red signal, but you must still watch for pedestrians.

6. When a traffic signal is completely dark due to a power outage, you should:

• ADrive through without slowing
• BAssume you have the right-of-way
• Treat the intersection as an all-way stop
• DWait for police before moving

Why: A dark or non-functioning signal must be treated as a four-way (all-way) stop. Each driver stops and proceeds in turn based on order of arrival and right-of-way rules.

7. A steady red arrow at a signal means:

• AYou may turn in the arrow's direction after yielding
• You must stop and may not turn in the arrow's direction
• CProceed straight only
• DTurn is permitted after honking

Why: A red arrow means stop; you cannot make the movement shown by the arrow until it turns green. In most states you may not turn on a red arrow even after stopping.

8. A steady red arrow signal means:

• You may not turn in the direction of the arrow until the signal changes
• BTurn in the direction of the arrow after yielding
• CProceed straight through only
• DStop, then turn in the arrow's direction if the way is clear

Why: A steady red arrow means stop: you may not make the movement shown by the arrow. Wait until it turns into a green arrow or the signal otherwise permits the turn.

1. At a four-way stop where two vehicles arrive at the same time, the right-of-way goes to:

• AThe faster vehicle
• The vehicle on the right
• CThe vehicle on the left
• DThe larger vehicle

Why: When two vehicles reach an all-way stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. If unsure, proceed cautiously and communicate.

2. If you and an oncoming car both intend to turn left at an intersection, you should:

• Turn left of each other, passing on the left side
• BTurn in front of each other
• CWait for the other to go first always
• DMake a U-turn instead

Why: When two opposing vehicles both turn left, they normally pass to the left of one another (front-to-front), keeping the intersection clear and visibility open.

3. Vehicles already in a roundabout have the right-of-way over:

• ANo one
• BPedestrians on the sidewalk
• CEmergency vehicles
• Vehicles waiting to enter

Why: Traffic circulating in a roundabout has the right-of-way. Entering drivers must yield and wait for a safe gap before merging in, traveling counterclockwise.

4. When entering a road from a driveway or alley, you must:

• Yield to traffic and pedestrians on the road
• BProceed without stopping
• CAssume traffic will stop
• DHonk and pull out

Why: Traffic already on the roadway and pedestrians on the sidewalk have the right-of-way. Stop and yield before entering from a driveway, alley, or parking lot.

5. When turning left at an intersection, you must yield to:

• AOnly vehicles behind you
• BNo one if you have a green light
• Oncoming traffic and pedestrians
• DVehicles turning right

Why: A driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic that is close enough to be a hazard and to pedestrians in the crosswalk before completing the turn.

6. At an uncontrolled intersection (no signs or signals), you should:

• AAlways go first
• Yield to the vehicle on your right
• CSpeed through
• DStop for 30 seconds

Why: With no signs or signals, slow down and yield to any vehicle that arrived first; if you arrive together, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way.

7. Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right-of-way:

• AOnly at red lights
• BNever
• Over turning and through vehicles
• DOnly when waving

Why: Pedestrians lawfully in a crosswalk have the right-of-way, and drivers turning or going straight must yield and allow them to cross safely.

8. Emergency vehicles with lights and sirens active:

• AMust yield to regular traffic
• Have the right-of-way over all other vehicles
• CShould be ignored
• DOnly have priority at night

Why: Active emergency vehicles have the right-of-way. All other drivers must yield, pull to the right when safe, and stop until they pass.

1. When you see a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm out on an undivided road, you must:

• Stop in both directions until the lights stop flashing
• BPass quickly on the left
• CSlow to 10 mph and pass
• DHonk to alert children

Why: On an undivided road, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus loading or unloading children. Remain stopped until the red lights turn off and the stop arm folds in.

2. When approaching a stop sign, you must stop:

• AAnywhere within 50 feet
• Before the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the intersection
• COnly if other cars are present
• DAfter entering the intersection

Why: You must stop behind the stop line; if there is none, stop before the crosswalk; if there is no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection where you can see cross traffic.

3. It is illegal to pass another vehicle when:

• You are within a marked no-passing zone or approaching a hill or curve
• BThe road is straight and clear
• CTraffic is light
• DThe other car is slow

Why: Passing is prohibited where sight distance is limited, such as on hills, curves, near intersections, and in posted no-passing zones marked by a solid yellow line.

4. Using a hand-held cell phone while driving is:

• AAlways allowed on highways
• BRequired for navigation
• Restricted or banned in many states, especially for texting
• DAllowed only above 40 mph

Why: Most states ban texting while driving and many prohibit holding a phone at all. Use hands-free devices and avoid distractions that take your eyes off the road.

5. An open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle is:

• AAllowed for passengers only
• Generally prohibited under open-container laws
• CLegal if the driver is sober
• DPermitted on private roads

Why: Open-container laws generally prohibit open alcoholic beverages in the passenger compartment, regardless of who is drinking, to discourage impaired driving.

6. The 'Move Over' law generally requires drivers to:

• ASpeed past emergency vehicles
• Slow down and, if possible, change lanes away from stopped emergency or service vehicles
• CStop completely on the freeway
• DTurn on hazard lights and continue at speed

Why: Move Over laws protect police, tow operators, and other roadside workers. When safe, move over a lane; if you cannot, slow down significantly as you pass.

7. When making a right turn, you should generally turn from:

• AThe far left lane
• BThe center lane
• CAny lane that is open
• The lane closest to the right curb

Why: Right turns are normally made from the lane nearest the right curb or edge of the road into the corresponding lane, keeping turns tight and predictable.

8. Turning on your turn signal before changing lanes is:

• Required to communicate your intent to others
• BOptional in light traffic
• COnly needed on highways
• DOnly for left turns

Why: Always signal before turning or changing lanes so other drivers and pedestrians know your intentions. Signal early enough to give others time to react.

1. The recommended minimum following distance under good conditions is often measured using the:

• AOne-second rule
• BTen-second rule
• Three-second rule
• DHalf-second rule

Why: The three-second rule gives a safe following gap: pick a fixed point, and if you reach it less than three seconds after the car ahead, you are too close. Increase the gap in poor conditions.

2. If you become drowsy while driving, the safest action is to:

• Pull over in a safe place to rest
• BOpen the window and keep going
• CDrink coffee and speed up
• DTurn up the radio and continue

Why: Drowsiness sharply slows your reactions. The only reliable fix is to stop in a safe location and rest; tricks like loud music do not prevent falling asleep.

3. On a slippery or icy road, you should:

• ADrive at the normal speed limit
• Brake and accelerate gently and increase following distance
• CBrake hard at each turn
• DFollow closely to draft other cars

Why: On ice or snow, smooth, gentle inputs keep traction. Reduce speed, leave extra following distance, and avoid sudden braking, steering, or acceleration.

4. To reduce the danger of hydroplaning on wet roads, you should:

• ADrive faster to push water away
• Slow down and avoid hard braking
• CUse cruise control
• DBrake hard in puddles

Why: Hydroplaning happens when tires ride on a film of water. Reduce speed in rain, keep tires properly inflated, and avoid sudden braking or steering.

5. If your vehicle begins to skid, you should:

• Steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go and ease off the accelerator
• BBrake hard immediately
• CTurn the wheel sharply opposite
• DAccelerate to regain control

Why: In a skid, ease off the gas and steer gently in the direction you want to go. Avoid slamming the brakes, which can worsen the loss of control.

6. Before driving, adjusting your mirrors and seat helps you to:

• ASave fuel
• BDrive faster
• See clearly and reach the controls comfortably
• DAvoid using signals

Why: Setting up mirrors, seat, and head restraint before you drive improves visibility and control and lets you react quickly without distraction.

7. When driving at night, you should dim your high beams when:

• ADriving on any road
• BOnly in cities
• CNever
• Within about 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or following another car

Why: Switch to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is roughly 500 feet away and when following another vehicle, so you do not blind other drivers.

8. When approaching a curve, you should:

• ABrake hard in the middle of the curve
• BAccelerate into the curve
• CCoast in neutral
• Slow down before entering the curve

Why: Reduce speed before you enter a curve, then maintain or gently increase speed through it. Braking hard mid-curve can cause a skid.

1. The 'basic speed law' requires that you:

• Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions
• BAlways drive the posted maximum
• CDrive at least the minimum at all times
• DMatch the fastest car

Why: The basic speed law says you must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, even if that speed is below the posted limit, such as in rain or heavy traffic.

2. What does this sign indicate?

• The maximum legal speed is 50 mph in ideal conditions
• BThe minimum required speed is 50 mph
• CA suggested advisory speed for the curve ahead
• DThe distance to the next exit is 50 miles

Why: A white rectangular SPEED LIMIT sign shows the maximum legal speed under ideal conditions, here 50 mph. Drive slower when weather, traffic, or visibility require it.

3. In a school zone when children are present, you should:

• AMaintain highway speed
• Reduce speed to the posted school-zone limit and watch for children
• CSpeed up to clear the zone
• DIgnore the limit if you are late

Why: School-zone speed limits are lower to protect children. Slow to the posted school-zone speed and be ready to stop when children are present or beacons flash.

1. A solid yellow line on your side of the center line means:

• AYou may pass when clear
• BPassing is allowed at night
• CThe road is one-way
• You may not pass across that line

Why: Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic. A solid yellow line on your side means passing is prohibited there; do not cross it to pass.

2. A broken (dashed) yellow center line means:

• You may pass when it is safe and the way is clear
• BNo passing in either direction
• CThe road is closed
• DTwo-way traffic is prohibited

Why: A broken yellow center line indicates that passing is allowed in your direction when it is safe to do so and there is no oncoming traffic.

3. A broken (dashed) white line between lanes means:

• ALane changes are prohibited
• You may change lanes when safe
• CThe lane is for buses only
• DStop ahead

Why: Broken white lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction and indicate that you may change lanes when it is safe.

4. Parallel white lines painted across the road at an intersection indicate:

• AA bike lane
• BA no-parking zone
• CA railroad crossing
• A crosswalk for pedestrians

Why: Crosswalk markings show where pedestrians cross. Drivers must stop behind them and yield to people in the crosswalk.