driving permit test

speed limit in urban or residential district

30 mph

speed kinit on a on an unpaved county road

35 mph

speed limit on all other area's

55 mph

speed limit on an urban interstate or on a multi-lane divided highway

65 mph

speed limit on a rural interstate

70 mph

Super Speeder

Any driver convicted of speeding 75 mph on any two-lane road, or 85 mph and over anywhere in Georgia, will be assessed a $200 state fee. The state fee will be in addition to any local fines imposed in the jurisdiction where the speeding offense occurs. Failure to pay the state fee on time will result in a license suspension and additional $50 reinstatement fee.

Watching for Pedestrians when Making Turns

At most intersections where there is a pedestrian signal, the "Walk" signal of the crossing street corresponds to the green light of the roadway you are traveling on. This means that when you are authorized to turn, pedestrians are authorized to cross the street onto which you are turning at the same time. Therefore, before making your turn, you must stop and remain stopped for any pedestrians in the crosswalk of the road onto which you wish to turn until they have cleared the lanes of traffic upon which you are traveling

Night Driving

Because of decreased vision at night and the glare of oncoming headlights, night driving presents its own unique challenges. Unfamiliar roads and unexpected situations are more likely to cause hazardous driving conditions. You can help ensure safe driving in several ways.

Backing Up

Before backing, check all sides of your vehicle to make sure it is safe to do so. You should turn your head and look over your right shoulder while backing; do not depend on your mirrors;

Driving Too Slowly

Drivers are prohibited from driving a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when a reduced speed is necessary for safe operation. On roads with two or more lanes, drivers cannot continue to operate a motor vehicle in the passing lane if that driver is being overtaken by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed from behind. Penalties include fines up to $1000 and/or 3 points on the driving record.

the move over law

Drivers are required to move over one lane when possible if an emergency vehicle with flashing lights is parked on the shoulder of the highway. If traffic is to heavy to move over safely, the law requires drivers to slow down below the posted speed limit and to be prepared to STOP.

Safety Restraints for Children

Every driver transporting a child who is under eight years of age, except in a taxicab or public transit vehicle, must properly restrain the child in a child passenger restraining system appropriate for the child's height and weight. The restraint system must comply with the United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. Under limited circumstances, a child under eight may be exempt from this requirement.

Obey Flaggers in work zones

Flaggers are people used to direct traffic through and around work zones. In a work zone, a flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign. Do not disobey a flagger's traffic control directions.

Reduce Your Speed on Highway Work Zones

For safety reasons, the speed limit in most work zones is reduced. If the speed limit is not reduced in a work zone, drivers should obey the normal posted speed limit for the road on which they are traveling, but be more cautious of road conditions, lane position, and the presence of workers.

Safety Belts

Georgia law states that each occupant in the front seat of a passenger vehicle traveling on Georgia roads and highways must be secured by a seat safety belt (lap and shoulder). All occupants of any passenger vehicle must utilize a seat safety belt if they are under the age of 18.

Highway Work Zones

Identified with orange signs, cones and barrels. Speeding is double in these signs • Whenever you see orange signs, slow down and watch for eqipment and wokers. • Be aware of flaggers working to direct traffic and follow their instructions for everyone's safety • Merge carefully and cooperatively

Obstructing the Driver's View

If a vehicle is overloaded with passengers or freight so as to obstruct the view of the driver or interfere with the mechanical operation, it cannot be legally driven. Passengers must not ride in a position that interferes with the driver's view or his or her control of the vehicle.

Adjust Your Lane Position in Work Zones

Travel lanes are likely to be closed in work zones, and lane patterns may change as the work progresses. Sometimes, workers must operate within inches or feet of an open lane of traffic.When lanes are closed or narrowed, or workers are operating on the roadway near traffic, change lanes away from them if possible or shift slightly within the boundaries of your lane to give added distance between your vehicle and the workers. This will provide extra protection for you, your passengers and the workers along the roadway.

Turn Signals and Making Turns Safely

Turn movements by motor vehicles are regulated by law, and failure to observe or comply is a violation. Drivers must know and understand the law in order to turn safely and avoid crashes.

One Way Streets

Unless directed to by a traffic control device, authorized emergency personnel or construction workers, it is unlawful for a vehicle to be driven contrary to the direction posted on a one-way street or highway, except in situations where police vehicles or authorized emergency vehicles find it necessary to do so.

How To Make A Right Turn

Use appropriate signals. Approach the intersection in the right lane, staying as close as practicable to the curb or edge of the roadway.

How To Make A Left Turn

Use appropriate signals. Mave into the far left lane of the direction in which you are traveling or into the turning lane if one is provided. Yield the right- of- way to all vehicles.

Use Headlights Properly

Use high-beam headlights only when driving in rural areas and when other cars are not nearby. You must use your headlights between one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise; at any time when it is raining; or when visibility is limited.

passing is permitted when

Lawfully overtaking and passing another vehicle going in the same direction; An obstruction makes it necessary to drive to the left of the center line, but only after yielding to oncoming traffic; A roadway includes two or more marked lanes in the same direction; A roadway with more than one lane is restricted to one-way traffic. Upon a multi-lane, two way highway, you must never drive to the left of the center line except when authorized to do so by traffic control signals or signs or when making a left turn into an alley, private road or driveway.

Passing Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists legally occupy the full width of a single lane. When passing them, rules are the same, you must pass in an adjacent lane - not the same lane.

Stopping, Standing or Parking is permitted only momentarily to pick up or drop off passengers under the following conditions:

In front of a public or private driveway;Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant;Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection;Within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign, or traffic control signal;Within 20 feet of a fire station driveway;Within 75 feet of the spot across the street from a fire station driveway;Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing;At any place where official signs prohibit standing.

Stopping, Standing, and Parking is not permitted when

On the street side of any parked vehicle;On a sidewalk;Within an intersection;On a crosswalk; Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb;Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing, or parking would obstruct traffic;Upon a bridge or overpass, or within a highway tunnel; On any railroad tracks;On a controlled access roadway; In the area between roadways on a divided highway, including crossovers; At any place marked by a no-parking sign.

Opening Vehicle Doors

Opening the doors of a vehicle on the side on which traffic is moving is prohibited unless it is safe to do so and unless it can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, including bicyclists that may be operating close to the lane of parked cars.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is defined as driving any vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property. Examples of reckless driving include but are not limited to speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, improperly passing, etc. Penalties for reckless driving can include a fine of up to $1000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, and, if the driver is under 21 years of age, conviction will result in a suspension of all driving privileges.

Riding in Trailers

Riding in a house trailer, or any other vehicular drawn trailer, is not allowed while it is being moved upon a street or highway. There is a high likelihood of injury or death if passengers are unrestrained in the trailer and the vehicle is involved in a crash or the trailer becomes disconnected from the vehicle.

When Someone Passes You

When a driver behind you is overtaking your vehicle, be alert for any unsafe actions by the other driver. It is considered courteous to reduce your speed slightly, making it easier for the other vehicle to pass you. It is unlawful to increase your speed before you have been passed completely by the overtaking vehicle.

Stopping

When stopping or slowing down suddenly, the proper hand, arm, or brake operated stop signal must be given.

Laws Governing Right-of-Way

When traveling on a roadway that intersects with another roadway, if you are faced with a stop sign, but other traffic is not, you may proceed only after stopping and yielding the right-of-way to any other vehicle or pedestrian either in the intersection, or so close to the intersection as to make it dangerous to travel through the intersection;

Trucks and Vehicles Pulling Trailers

When traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residential district, drivers of trucks and vehicles pulling trailers must leave sufficient space between themselves and other vehicles of the same kind, so that the driver of an overtaking vehicle can enter and occupy the space without danger. This law prohibits the act commonly known as "caravanning."

Racing

When two or more people compete or race on any street or highway; • When one motor vehicle is beside or to the rear of another driver, and one driver tries to prevent the passing or overtaking of the competing driver by acceleration or maneuver; or • When one or more persons compete in a race against time.

Passing Stopped Cars

Whenever any vehicle is stopped to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle. When stopping to allow a pedestrian to cross in front of you, leave sufficient room between your vehicle and the crosswalk so that approaching traffic can see the entirety of the crosswalk

Passing On The Right

You may pass on the right of another vehicle which is making or about to make a left turn if there is sufficient pavement width for both your vehicle and the vehicle making the left turn. You may also pass on the right when traveling on a multi-lane highway carrying two or more lanes of traffic in the same direction.

Railroad Crossings

You must always stop within 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet, from the nearest rail of a railroad crossing when any of the following apply The signal is flashing; The crossing gates are lowered; A flagman is giving a signal; A train is approaching so closely as to create an immediate hazard; A train gives a warning signal and is an immediate hazard due to its speed or nearness to the crossing; A stop sign is posted

Hands Free Georgia Law

all drivers operating a motor vehicle on any highway of this state are prohibited from: • Holding or supporting, with any part of the body, a wireless telecommunications device or stand-alone electronic device. • Writing, sending or reading any text-based communication, including a text message, instant message, e-mail or internet data. • Watching, recording, or broadcasting a video or movie.

The "Slow Poke" Law

slower drivers must stay in right most lane

Making Turns on multi-Lane Highways

you must never drive to the left of the center line except when making a left turn. If traffic control signals or signs are present, you may only complete the turn when authorized to do so by the traffic control signals or signs. When making left turns, you must always yield to oncoming traffic, and wait for pedestrians to clear the lanes of traffic, driveway, sidewalk, or alley you are turning into.

Yield to Amber Lights in Work Zones

Work vehicles and heavy equipment will typically have flashing or revolving amber lights. You must yield the right-of-way to these vehicles. Reduce your speed as you approach any work zone where vehicles have amber lights displayed.

Controlled-Access Roadways

You are prohibited from entering or leaving any controlled-access roadway at unauthorized entrances or exits;

when you should dim (lower) your headlights

You are within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle so as not to blind the driver; • You are following closely behind another vehicle • You are driving on lighted roads; • You are driving in rain, fog, snow, or smoke; • Your vision is reduced to less than 200 feet.

Steps to Parallel Parking

1.) Give proper turn signal to let other drivers know you plan to park. 2.) Drive past parking space stopping whey you are even with car ahead of space and about 2 feet away (door to door) 3.) turn wheels sharply right and back slowly toward the car behind 4.) as your front door passes the back bumper of car ahead, quickly straighten wheels and continue to back diagonally into space in straight line 5.) when front bumper is completely clear of car ahead, turn wheels sharply to left and back slowly toward car behind 6.) Stop before making contact with car behind. Place car in drive, turn wheels sharply to right and pull toward center of parking space

7 Steps for Safety at HighwayRail Grade Crossings:

1.Approach with care. 2. Prepare to stop. 3. Look both ways and listen carefully. 4. If it won't fit, don't commit. Do not enter a crossing unless you can drive completely through without stopping! 5. Look again. 6. Cross tracks with care. 7. Keep going once you start.

Penalties for Hands Free Georgia Law

1st conviction - 1 point and fine not more than $50.00 • 2nd conviction - 2 points and fine not more than $100.00 • 3rd or more convictions - 3 points and fine no more than $150.00

Passing Bicyclists

A motorist must move into the lane to the left if more than one lane for traffic in the same direction exists and doing so is reasonably safe. • If an adjacent lane doesn't exist, pass to the left of bicycle at a safe distant. which must be atleast three feet. • Motorist may not move back to the right until the vehicle is safely clear of the bicycle. • Traveling in a marked bicycle lane is prohibited.

Aggressive Driving

A person commits the offense of aggressive driving when he or she operates any motor vehicle with the intent to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person;

U-Turns

Do not make this type of turn on a curve or near the top of a hill if you cannot be seen by other drivers approaching from either direction. Do not make a U-turn where signs prohibit doing so

Illegal Signals

It is against the law to flash turn signals as a courtesy or "do pass" signal to other drivers in the rear.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol

It is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a drug (prescription or illegal), or any other substance which impairs his/her ability to safely do so;

Median Strip

It is unlawful to drive across a dividing section, barrier, or unpaved strip which separates two roadways at any point other than at an authorized opening or crossover.

Impaired Hearing and Vision

It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while wearing a headphone, headset, or any other device which would impair the driver's ability to hear. Also, the driver must not wear anything which would obstruct his or her vision while driving a motor vehicle. Not only is wearing these devices illegal, it is also unsafe.

Weaving

It is unlawful to weave from one lane of traffic to another in order to move faster than the flow of traffic. A motorist may change lanes on a multi-lane highway and pass slower moving vehicles only when it is safe to do so. A driver's signaling to change lanes should be clearly indicated so as to warn vehicles of the movement.

Yield to Mobile Work Vehicles

Some road work can be performed without actually closing lanes of travel. Pavement maintenance, debris removal, paint striping, utility work, and snow removal are examples of work accomplished while moving in traffic. Vehicles used in performing this type of work will have flashing amber lights and may have flashing arrows directing traffic to merge left or right. The vehicles may also display signs for the purpose of directing traffic or indicating hazardous conditions. These vehicles usually work at very slow speeds, such as 5 miles per hour, and may occasionally be stationary in the roadway. For your safety, and the safety of others, slow down, yield the right-of-way to these work vehicles, and follow any directions displayed by the work vehicles.

Coasting

The driver of any motor vehicle, when traveling down a hill, must not coast with the gears or transmission of the vehicle in neutral

Following Emergency Vehicles

The driver of any vehicle, other than one on official business, must not follow any fire fighting apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm, or other emergency vehicles, closer than 200 feet, or park any vehicle within 500 feet of any fire apparatus stopped in answer to a fire alarm.

How To Pass On A Two-Lane Road

Wait for a passing zone to begin. A passing zone is indicated by striped lines to the right of the center line of the roadway. If the line nearest your vehicle is solid, you are not in a passing zone. Look ahead along the roadway to determine the length of the passing zone and if there is traffic approaching from the opposite direction. You must have sufficient time and space to execute your passing maneuver and return your vehicle completely to the right lane before the passing zone ends, before entering an intersection, and before oncoming traffic is within 200 feet of your vehicle.Before leaving your lane to begin passing, check your rear view and side mirrors, and turn your head and look back to check your "blind spot." Be certain that no one is passing you;

Obey the highway working zone Sign

Warning signs in work zones have an orange background and black letters or symbols. They are used with other traffic control devices or flaggers to help direct traffic safely through work areas and to protect drivers, their passengers, and highway workers.

Passing is prohibited on two-lane roads

• In areas marked by a solid yellow line on the right of the center line, or a "Do Not Pass" sign, or double yellow lines; • Within 100 feet of a railroad crossing; • Within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel. • When a car approaching from the opposite direction makes passing unsafe or will be within 200 feet of your vehicle prior to the completion of a passing maneuver; • On a hill or curve where it is not possible to see oncoming vehicles which might be close enough to be a hazard; • On the shoulder of the road; • When a school bus is stopped to load or unload passengers.

Passing is Permitted When

• Lawfully overtaking and passing another vehicle going in the same direction; • An obstruction makes it necessary to drive to the left of the center line, but only after yielding to oncoming traffic; • A roadway includes two or more marked lanes in the same direction; • A roadway with more than one lane is restricted to one-way traffic. Upon a multi-lane, two way highway, you must never drive to the left of the center line except when authorized to do so by traffic control signals or signs or when making a left turn into an alley, private road or driveway.