Permit test

space to leave

Keep up with the speed of traffic as long as you are on the main road. If the road you are traveling has exit ramps, do not slow down until you move onto the exit ramp. When you turn from a high-speed, two-lane roadway, try not to slow down too early if you have traffic following you. Tap your brakes and reduce your speed quickly but safely.

tire blowout

. If a tire suddenly goes flat: • Hold the steering wheel tightly and keep the vehicle going straight. • Slow down gradually. Take your foot off the gas pedal and use the brakes lightly. • Do not stop on the road if at all possible. Pull off the road in a safe place

use emergency signals

. If your vehicle breaks down on a highway, make sure that other drivers can see it. All too often, crashes occur because a driver did not see a stalled vehicle until it was too late to stop. Notify authorities that your vehicle (or someone else's) has broken down. If you are having vehicle trouble: • Get your vehicle off the road and away from traffic if at all possible. • Turn on your emergency flashers to show that you are having trouble. • If you cannot get your vehicle off the roadway, try to stop where other drivers have a clear view of your vehicle (do not stop just over a hill or just around a curve). • Try to warn other road users that your vehicle is there. Place emergency flares behind the vehicle. This allows other drivers to change lanes if necessary. • If you do not have emergency flares or other warning devices, stand by the side of the road where you are safe from traffic and wave traffic around your vehicle. Use a white cloth if you have one. • Never stand in the roadway. Do not try to change a tire if it means you have to be in a traffic lane. • Lift the hood or tie a white cloth to the antenna, side mirror or door handle to signal an emergency.

Wide Turns

: Trucks, buses and RVs sometimes need to swing wide to the left or right in order to safely make a turn. They can't see the cars directly behind or beside them. In fact, their blind spots may stretch up to 20 feet in front of the cab and approximately 200 feet behind the truck. Trying to squeeze between a truck, bus or RV and the curb, or another vehicle is an invitation to disaster.

Front No-Zone

: You could get rear-ended by a truck, bus or RV if you cut in front too soon after passing the vehicle. If you cut in front and then suddenly slow down, truck, bus and RV drivers are forced to slam on their brakes. These vehicles need nearly twice the time and room to stop as cars. A truck and its tow vehicle may be as long as 65 feet and it may take you more than half a mile of clear road to pass. When passing, look for the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before pulling in front. And then, don't slow down!

signal ahead

: traffic lights are ahead, slow down and be ready to stop

circle: Railroad crossing

A circular sign indicates that you are approaching a railroad crossing. Slow down, look and listen for trains.

do not enter

A square sign with a white horizontal line inside a red ball means you cannot enter. You will see this sign at road way openings that you should not enter, such as exit ramps where you would be going in the wrong direction, crossovers on divided roadways, and at numerous locations on one-way streets

stop sign

A stop sign has eight sides and is red with white letters. You must come to a full and complete stop at a stop sign or stop line, if one is present. You must wait until crossing vehicles and pedestrians have cleared. You may pull forward only when it is safe to do so.

stop ahead

A stop sign is ahead. Slow down and be ready to stop soon.

yield sign

A yield sign is a downward pointing triangle. It is red and white with red letters. It means you must slow down and yield the right-of-way to traffic in the intersection you are crossing or roadway you are entering.

Space to Merge

Any time you want to merge with other traffic, you need an opening of about four seconds. If you move into the middle of a foursecond opening, both you and the vehicle that is behind you have a two-second following distance. You need a foursecond opening whenever you change lanes or enter a roadway and when your lane merges with another travel lane. Do not try to merge into a opening that is too small. A small opening can quickly become even smaller. Enter an opening that gives you a big enough space cushion to be safe.

blind spots

Drive your vehicle where others can see you. Do not drive in another vehicle's blind spot. • Try to avoid driving on either side and slightly to the rear of another vehicle. You will be in their blind spot. Either speed up or drop back so the other driver can see your vehicle more easily. • When passing another vehicle, get through the other driver's blind spot as quickly as you can. The longer you stay there, the longer you are in danger of them turning towards you. • Never stay alongside a large vehicle such as a truck or bus. These vehicles have large blind spots — it is hard for drivers of large vehicles to see you. Please see page 18 on sharing the road with trucks.

pedestrians

Drivers must slow or stop your vehicle and grant the right-of-way for a pedestrian crossing at a crosswalk (marked or unmarked) when the pedestrian: • Steps to the curb at the entrance to the crosswalk • Is within any portion of the crosswalk.

if there is a power failure

If the engine dies while you are driving: • Keep a strong grip on the steering wheel. Be aware that it may be difficult to turn, but it is possible. • Pull off the roadway. The brakes will still work, but you may have to push very hard on the brake pedal.

if your headlights go out

If your headlights suddenly go out: • Slow down gradually and pull off the road as soon as possible. • Try the headlight switch a few times. • If that does not work, put on the emergency flashers; turn on signals or fog lights if you have them. • Do not operate your vehicle.

no-zone

No-Zones on the side,front and rear also include blind spots where your car disappears from the driver's view.

disabled parking

Parking spaces marked with these signs are reserved for individuals with disabled parking privileges

space ahead

Rear-end crashes are very common. They are caused by drivers who follow too closely to be able to stop before hitting the vehicle ahead when it suddenly stops. There is an easy way to tell if you are following too closely. It is called the "three-second rule" and it works at any speed

roundabouts

Roundabouts or rotaries are intersections that are controlled by a circular island in the center. They may have one lane or two lanes. Entering traffic must yield the right-of-way to circulating traffic. Each road approaching them is marked with a yield sign and may also have yield line markings on the pavement. They are easy to use. Simply position your vehicle correctly and use your turn signals to indicate where you want to go. When approaching a roundabout or rotary, slow down. You must yield to traffic already in the roundabout and to any pedestrians in the crosswalk. If there is more than one lane as you approach the roundabout, follow the posted signs and lane-use controls to choose the proper lane for your intended movement. Enter the roundabout when there is a sufficient gap in traffic, use your right turn signal when you are about to reach your intended exit point, and yield to any pedestrians in the crosswalk on the exiting leg. Do not stop within the roundabout to allow traffic to enter the roundabout from another leg.

school zone cross walk

Signs may display horizontal lines indicating the point where a crosswalk exists. Signs may have a separate downward-pointing arrow plaque, which indicates the actual location of the crosswalk.

school zone

Slow down - the speed limit is usually 25 MPH. Watch out for children crossing the street or playing. Be ready to stop. Obey signals from any crossing guards.

triangle:Yield

Slow down to a speed reasonable for the conditions and yield the right-of-way. Stop if necessary

divided highway begins

The highway ahead is split into two separate roadways by a median or divider and each roadway is one-way. Keep right.

octagon:stop

The octagon (eight-sided) shape always means stop. You must come to a complete stop at the sign, stop line, pedestrian crosswalk or curb. Then, yield the right-of-way to any vehicle or pedestrian approaching from either direction.

pentagon:School zone and school crossing

The pentagon (five-sided) shape marks school zones and warns you about school crossings. Signs may display horizontal lines indicating the point at which a crosswalk exists. Signs may have a separate downward-pointing arrow plaque, which indicates the actual location of the crosswalk.

one way

These signs are used on one-way streets or driveways. You must always go only in the direction of the arrow.

warning signs

These signs are usually yellow with black lettering or symbols; most are diamond-shaped. These signs warn you to slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. They warn you that a special situation or a hazard is ahead. Some common warning signs are shown.

no passing signs

These signs tell you where passing is not permitted. Passing areas are based on how far you can see ahead. They consider unseen hazards such as hills and curves, intersections, driveways, and other places where a vehicle may enter the roadway. These signs, along with pavement markings, indicate where you can pass another vehicle, the beginning and ending of a passing zone, or where you may not pass. Where it is permitted to pass, you may do so only if it is safe. Be aware of road conditions and other vehicles.

lane use control signs

These signs tell you where you can go and where you can turn, often using an arrow symbol. These signs can be located on the side of the road or hanging over the lane of travel. Sometimes arrows are painted on the road as a supplement to the sign.

diamond: Warning

These signs warn you of special conditions or hazards ahead. Drive with caution and be ready to slow down.

reduction in lanes

This sign is used on multi-lane highways to warn you of a reduction in the number of traffic lanes in the direction you are traveling. Be prepared to change lanes or to allow other vehicles to merge into your lane

Wrong way

This sign is used to identify a one-way street, expressway ramp or the wrong direction or wrong side of a divided highway. Do not drive past this sign — turn around.

left or through sign

This sign lets you know that your lane is splitting off into two separate directions.

no passing

This sign marks the beginning of a no passing zone. You may not pass cars ahead of you in your lane

two way road way

This sign tells you that you are leaving a divided roadway and will be driving on a two-way highway

keep right

This sign tells you where to drive when you approach traffic islands, medians or other obstructions in the middle of the roadway. You must drive to the side indicated by the arro

change in direction

This sign warns you of a change in direction or narrowing of the road. You may find several of these signs on the outside of a sharp curve or on approaches to a narrow bridge.

Pennant: No Passing Zone

This three-sided sign is shaped like a pennant. When used, the sign is on the left side of a two-lane, twoway roadway. It is posted at the beginning of a NO-PASSING ZONE where "no-passing" pavement markings are also used.

side no-zone

Trucks, tractor-trailers, buses and RVs have big No-Zones on both sides, which are dangerous because these vehicles must make wide turns. These No-Zones or blind spots are much larger than your car's blind spots. If you can't see the driver's face in his side view mirror, then he can't see you.

Rear No-Zone

Trucks, tractor-trailers, buses and RVs have huge No-Zones directly behind them. The driver can't see your car behind his vehicle and you can't see what's happening in traffic ahead of his vehicle. If the truck, bus or RV brakes or stops suddenly, you have no place to go and could crash into the vehicle's rear-end. Always maintain a safe following distance

merge

Two lanes of traffic are about to become one. Drivers in both lanes are responsible for merging smoothly.

no u-turn

U-turns prohibited. Special mention should be made of "NO U-TURN" signs that are posted on divided highways or expressways. You may see one where there is an opening in the divided highway that leads to the other side.

How to see better at night

Use your high beams whenever there are no oncoming vehicles. High beams let you see twice as far as low beams. It is important to use high beams on unfamiliar roads, in construction areas, or where there may be people along the side of the road. • Dim your high beams whenever you come within about a one-block distance of an oncoming vehicle. • Use your low beams when following another vehicle or when in heavy traffic. • Use the low beams in fog or when it is snowing or raining hard. Light from high beams will reflect back, causing glare and making it more difficult to see ahead. Some vehicles also have fog lights that you should use under these conditions. • Do not drive at any time with only your parking lights on. Parking lights are for parking only.

Keep Pace with Traffic

Vehicles moving in the same direction at the same speed cannot hit one another. Crashes, involving two or more vehicles, often happen when drivers go faster or slower than other vehicles on the road. If you are going faster than traffic, you will have to keep passing others. Each time you pass someone, there is a chance for a collision. The vehicle you are passing may change lanes unexpectedly. An oncoming vehicle may also appear suddenly on a two-lane road. Slow down and keep pace with other traffic. Speeding does not save more than a few minutes an hour.

rectangle:Regulatory or guide

Vertical signs generally give instructions or tell you the law. Horizontal signs may give directions or information.

pedestrian crossing

Watch for people crossing your path. Be prepared to slow down and stop. Signs may display horizontal lines indicating the point where a crosswalk exists. Signs may have a separate downward-pointing arrow plaque, which indicates the actual location of the crosswalk.

when to use a horn

When a person on foot or on a bike appears to be moving into your lane of travel. • When you are passing a driver who starts to turn into your lane. • When a driver is not paying attention or may have trouble seeing you.

move over law

When any vehicle is pulled over on any part of a highway or road, drivers must: • SLOW DOWN (below the posted speed limit) and... • Move their vehicle over one lane whenever it is safe to do so.

slippery when wet

When pavement is wet, reduce your speed. Do not brake hard or change direction suddenly. Increase the distance between your car and the one ahead. These actions are needed on all wet roads and especially on roads where this sign is posted.

Space to Enter

When you enter into traffic, try to enter at the same speed that traffic is moving. High-speed roadways generally have ramps to give you time to build up your speed. Use the ramp to reach the speed of other vehicles before you pull onto the road. Do not drive to the end of the ramp and stop or you will not have enough room to get up to the speed of traffic. Also, drivers behind you will not expect you to stop. If they are watching the traffic on the main road, you may be hit from the rear. If you have to wait for space to enter a roadway, slow down on the ramp so you have some room to speed up before you have to merge onto the main road.

passing

Whenever signs or road markings permit you to pass, you will have to judge whether you have enough room to pass safely. Remember that you must allow 3 feet between your vehicle and a bicycle when passing a bicycle. Do not count on having enough time to pass several vehicles at once. Be safe. As a general rule, only pass one vehicle at a time

maintaining space cushion

You must always share the road with others. The more distance you keep between yourself and everyone else, the more time you have to react. This space is like a safety cushion. The more you have, the safer it can be. This section describes how to make sure you have enough space around you when you drive

signal when you slow down

Your brake lights let people know that you are slowing down. Always slow down as early as it is safe to do so. If you are going to stop or slow down at a place where another driver does not expect it, tap your brake pedal quickly three or four times to let those behind you know you are about to slow down. Such as: • Turning off a roadway that does not have separate turn or exit lanes. • Parking or turning just before an intersection. • Approaching an intersection where you expect to turn. • Avoiding something in the road that a driver behind you cannot see, including stopped or slowing traffic.

blue signs

also used for guide signs. They tell you about services along the roadway

orange signs

also used for warning signs. They alert you to possible dangers ahead due to construction and maintenance projects.

dashed white lines

are between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction that indicate you may cross to change lanes if it is safe to do so.

solid white lines

are between lanes of traffic that indicate you should stay in your lane unless a special situation requires you to change lanes.

solid double yellow lines

are used where there are four or more lanes with traffic moving in opposite directions. Two solid lines mark the center of the roadway. Solid yellow lines may be crossed to make a left turn to or from an alley, private road, driveway, or street

stopping

at 50 mph it can take 400 feet to react to something to stop

intersections ahead

crossroad: Cross

some black and white signs

egulatory signs and must be obeyed. Other black and white signs are used as route markers and are illustrated in the "Guide Signs" section.

if an approaching vechicle fails to dim their headlights you should

flash your headlights qucikly a couple of times

green road signs are

guide signs

Gas pedal sticks

if the motor keeps going faster and faster: • Keep your eyes on the road. • Quickly shift to neutral. • Pull off the road when it is safe to do so. • Turn off the engine

dashed yellow line alongside a solid yellow line

indicates that passing is permitted on the side of the broken line, but not on the side of the solid line.

when you change lanes you should

look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move

solid yellow lines

on roads where traffic moves in opposite directions indicate zones where passing is not allowed.

solid yellow lines between lanes indicates

passing is not allowed

when an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction

pull to the right side of the road and stop

red signs

regulatory signs and must be obeyed. They include STOP, YIELD, DO NOT ENTER or WRONG WAY.

center lines (yellow)

separate single lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions. Passing is allowed.

slow moving vehicles

state law permits the passing of a slow moving vehicles- you may cross over a double yellow line, but you must make sure that there is enough vision

the no-zone area is

the danger areas around a truck where there are blind spots for the driver

at a four way stop

the person on the left go first

a pentagon shaped sign means

there is a school zone

green signs

used for guide signs. They tell you where you are, which way to go and the distance.

brown signs

used for parks and recreation signs.

yellow signs

used for warning signs. These signs tell you of road conditions and dangers ahead

motorcycles

you cannot pass a motorcycle, and two can be in the same lane. allow to 3-4 more seconds between motorcycles in bad weather conditions dim headlights when approaching a motorcycle

space to the side

• Avoid driving next to other vehicles on multi-lane roads. Someone may crowd your lane or try to change lanes and pull into you. Move ahead of or drop behind the other vehicle. • Keep as much space as you can between yourself and oncoming vehicles. This means not crowding the centerline on a two-lane road. In general, it is safest to drive in the center of your lane. • Make room for entering vehicles on a roadway that has two or more lanes. If there is no one next to you, move over a lane. • Keep extra space between your vehicle and parked cars. Someone could step out from a parked vehicle or from between vehicles or a parked vehicle could also pull out. • Give extra space to pedestrians, bicycles and especially children. They can move into your path quickly and without warning. Do not share a lane with a pedestrian or bicyclist. Wait until it is safe to pass in the adjoining lane. • "Split the difference" between two hazards. For example, steer a middle course between oncoming and parked vehicles. However, if one is more dangerous than the other, leave a little more space on the dangerous side. If the oncoming vehicle is a tractor-trailer, leave a little more room on the side that the truck will pass. • When possible, take potential hazards one at a time. For example, if you are overtaking a bicycle and an oncoming vehicle is approaching, slow down and let the vehicle pass first so that you can give extra room to the bicycle. You must allow at least three feet of space between your vehicle and the bicycle when passing a bicycle.

turn signals

• Get into the habit of signaling every time you change direction. Signal even when you do not see anyone else around. It is easy to miss someone who needs to know what you are doing. • Try and signal at least three seconds before you make your move. • Be careful that you do not signal too early. If there are streets, driveways, intersections, or entrances between you and where you want to turn, wait until you have reached that point before signaling. For example: If you intend to turn into a driveway just after an intersection, wait until you reach the intersection before signaling. • If another vehicle is about to enter the street between you and where you plan to turn, wait until you have passed it to signal your turn. If you signal earlier, the other driver may think you plan to turn where they are and they might pull into your path. • After you have made a turn or lane change, make sure your turn signal is off. After small turns, the signals may not turn off by themselves. Turn the signal off if it has not clicked off by itself. If you don't, others might think you plan to turn again.

no-parking zones

• In an intersection. • On a crosswalk or sidewalk. • In a construction area if your vehicle will block traffic. • Within 25 feet of a stop sign. • Within 25 feet of a pedestrian safety zone. • Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant. • More than one foot from the curb. • Blocking a driveway, alley, private road or area of the curb removed or lowered for access to the sidewalk. • On a bridge or overpass or in a tunnel or underpass. • On the wrong side of the street. • In a space marked for the handicapped, unless you have a handicap license plate or placard. • On the roadside of a parked vehicle (double parking). • On railroad tracks. 37 • Where a sign says you cannot park. • In a bike lane

use headlights

• On rainy, snowy or foggy days, it is sometimes hard for other drivers to see your vehicle. In these conditions, headlights make your vehicle easier to see. Remember, if you turn on your wipers, turn on your headlights. It's the law. • When it begins to get dark. Even if you turn them on a little early, you will help other drivers see you. • Whenever you are driving and lights are necessary, use your headlights. Parking lights are for parked vehicles only. • When driving away from a rising or setting sun, turn on your headlights. Drivers coming towards you may have trouble seeing your vehicle. Your headlights will help them see you

if the brake fails

• Pump the brake pedal several times. This will often build up enough brake pressure to allow you to stop. • If that does not work, use the parking brake. Pull on the parking brake handle slowly so you will not lock the rear wheels and cause a skid. Be ready to release the brake if the vehicle does start to skid. • If that does not work, start shifting to lower gears and look for a safe place to slow to a stop. Make sure the vehicle is off the roadway. Do not drive the vehicle without brakes.

when to use the four second rule

• Slippery Roads. Because you need more distance to stop your vehicle on slippery roads, you must leave more space in front of you. If the vehicle ahead suddenly stops, you will need the extra distance to stop safely. • The Driver Behind You Wants to Pass. Slow down to allow room in front of your vehicle. Slowing will also allow the pass to be completed sooner. • Following Motorcycles. If the motorcycle should fall, you need extra distance to avoid the rider. The chances of a fall are greatest on wet and icy roads, gravel roads, and metal surfaces such as bridges, gratings and streetcar or railroad tracks. • Following Drivers Who Cannot See You. The drivers of trucks, buses, vans, or vehicles pulling campers or trailers may not be able to see you when you are directly behind them. They could stop suddenly without knowing you are there. Large vehicles also block your view of the road ahead. Falling back allows you more room to see ahead. • You are Being Followed Closely. If you are being followed closely, pull to the right and allow the vehicle behind you to pass. • Pulling a Trailer. The extra weight increases your stopping distance. • Low Visibility. When it is hard for you to see ahead because of darkness or bad weather, you need to increase your following distance. • Following Emergency Vehicles. Police vehicles, ambulances, and fire trucks need more room to operate. • Railroad Crossings. Leave extra room for vehicles required to stop at railroad crossings, including transit buses, school buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials. • Stopped on a Hill or Incline. Leave extra space when stopped on a hill or incline. The vehicle ahead may roll back when it starts up

space to cross

• Stopping halfway across traffic is only safe when there is a median divider large enough for your vehicle. Do not stop in a divider where part of your vehicle is sticking into traffic. • If you are turning left, make sure there are no vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians blocking your path. You do not want to be caught waiting for a path to clear while stuck across a lane with vehicles coming toward you. • Even if you have the green light, do not start across the intersection if there are vehicles blocking your way. If you are caught in the intersection when the light changes to red, you will block other traffic. You can get a ticket for blocking an intersection. • Never assume another driver will share space with you or give you space. For example, do not assume that you can turn just because an approaching vehicle also has a turn signal on. The driver may plan to turn after they pass your vehicle or may have forgotten to turn the signal off from a prior turn. This is particularly true of motorcycles, as their signals often do not cancel by themselves. Wait until the other driver actually starts to turn, then go if it is safe to do so. • When you cross railroad tracks, make sure you can cross without having to stop on the tracks

three second rule

• Watch for when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a sign, pole, or any other stationary point. • Count the seconds it takes you to reach the same spot - "one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand." • You are following too closely if you pass the mark before you finish counting. • If so, drop back and then count again at another spot to check the new following distance. • Repeat until you are following no closer than "three seconds."

right of way

• You must obey signals given by a law enforcement officer, even if the officer's signals contradict the traffic signal. • Drivers must yield the right-of-way at all times to pedestrians who are in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Additionally, drivers must yield the right-of-way to bicyclists and pedestrians where a bicycle path crosses the roadway. • Pedestrians using a guide dog or carrying a white cane have absolute right-of-way. Do not use your horn because it could confuse or frighten the pedestrian. • Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight. • Drivers entering a traffic circle or rotary must yield to drivers already in the circle. • At an intersection where there is no stop sign, yield sign or oncoming traffic signal, drivers must yield to vehicles coming from the right. • At a four-way stop, the driver reaching the intersection first goes first (after coming to a complete stop). If more than one vehicle arrives at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first. 36 Road Safety Rules of the Road • Drivers entering a road from a driveway, alley or roadside must yield to vehicles already on the main road. • Drivers may not enter an intersection unless they can get through it without having to stop. You should wait until traffic ahead clears so that you are not blocking the intersection. • Drivers overtaking a vehicle traveling in the same direction must yield to that vehicle, even if the vehicle is slowing or coming to a stop. • You must yield the right-of-way to a police vehicle, fire engine, ambulance or other emergency vehicle using a siren, air horn or a red or blue flashing light. When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction you must pull over to the right edge of the road, or as near to the right as possible, and stop your vehicle. You must remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a State or local police officer or a fire fighter. If you are in an intersection, drive through the intersection before you pull over. • You must stop for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road, or at an intersection you are approaching. You are not required to stop if the bus is traveling towards you and a median or other physical barrier separates the roadway. After the school bus red lights have stopped flashing, watch for children along the side of the road and do not proceed until they have completely left the roadway and it is safe to proceed. • You must yield the right-of-way to trains crossing the roadway.