Permit Test

FLOURESCENT PINK

(sometimes called "coral") is used for incident management traffic control signage when needed for incidents such as traffic accidents, wildland fires, floods, and hazardous material spills, that take place on or adjacent to a road, interrupting the normal flow of traffic.

Electronic Message or Arrow Signs:

These are mobile devices that are often used on some roads to give advance warning of construction zones, special traffic directions, road closures or in some cases weather hazards. Flashing arrow panels alert approaching drivers of lane closures. You must begin to merge into the remaining open lane(s) well in advance of this sign

Work Area Signs

These construction, maintenance or emergency operations signs are generally diamond or rectangular shaped, orange with black letters or symbols and warn you that people are working on or near the roadway. These warnings include reduced speed, detours, slow moving construction equipment and lane closures. In work areas, a person with a sign or flag may control traffic. You must obey the directions of these persons.

Object Markers

These markers warn you of objects, not actually in the roadway, but so close to the edge of the road that need marking. Typical applications include bridge ends, underpass abutments and other obstructions closely adjacent to the edges of roadways.

This sign means

Warning hazard ahead

Hand-over-Hand

When turning the vehicle with this method, be careful to keep speed down. Steering this way crosses the hands at the top of the wheel. This method allows for quicker wheel movement, but there will be times when only one hand is on the wheel. Also, loose clothing or jewelry can get in the way, and the body can become unbalanced. For these reasons, the Push-Pull method is recommended for normal everyday driving

One solid yellow line and one broken yellow:

Where there is both a solid and a broken yellow line between opposing lanes of traffic, you may not pass if the solid yellow line is on your side. If the broken yellow line is on your side, you are in the "passing zone" and may pass if it is safe to do so. You must safely return to your side of the roadway before the passing zone ends.

Crosswalks

White crosswalk lines are painted across a road to indicate pedestrian crossing areas. Crosswalks define the area where pedestrians may cross the roadway and may be located at intersections or in the middle of a block. However, not all crosswalks are marked. You must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are in or are about to enter the crosswalk or street.

This sign means

Yield

The center of the roadway is marked with one solid yellow line and one broken yellow line. If the broken yellow line is on the right of the solid yellow line (your side) it means:

You are in a "passing zone" and it is safe to pass other vehicles if no oncoming traffic is present.

When using the turn signal indicators, headlight dimmer and windshield wiper controls, hand placement will change.

You should have a slight bend in the elbow when the palm of your hand reaches the top of the steering wheel. Never sit in a position where your elbows are locked in a "stiff arm" type position.

A child in a child passenger restraint system (car seat) should:

be facing the rear of the car if weighing less than 20 pounds and under 1 year old or be facing forward if the child is one through three years old, and weighs more than 20 pounds

Broken white lines

between lanes of traffic mean you may cross the lines to pass or change lanes if it is safe to do so.

One solid white line

between lanes of traffic means that you should stay in your lane and should not cross the line to pass (unless an emergency situation requires you to change lanes). Also, you should not cross a double solid white line.

The lap belt should be worn:

by pregnant women below the abdomen and the shoulder belt above the belly

Guide Signs On Highways

above or to the right of the roadway, arrows points to the lane you should be in if you intend to leave or enter the road

Temporary traffic control zones

allow traffic to flow safely through incidents while reasonably protecting motorists, incident responders, vehicles, and equipment. Zones also are established when necessary to restrict use of road systems to incident management personnel. Availability of message signs, warning lights, flags, barricades, and cones may be used to enhance the visibility of traffic control zones.

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes

are designated on highways by a diamond-shaped marking in the center of the lane. HOV lanes may also be special lanes separated by a barrier. During heavy traffic periods, HOV lanes are reserved for buses, vanpools, motorcycles, carpools and other high occupancy vehicles. Road signs indicate the minimum number of passengers a vehicle must carry to use the HOV lanes and the times that HOV restrictions are in effect. Also effective January 1, 2009, registered low emission and energy efficient vehicles with the proper decal may use the HOV lane regardless of the number of passengers.

Looking at the steering wheel as a clock face,

drivers should place the left hand at the 9 o'clock position and the right hand at 3 o'clock position on the steering wheel. This position helps avoid injury from air bag deployment during an accident.

Safety belts are required

for ALL drivers and all passengers in the FRONT seat, any time the vehicle is in motion.

Construction Signs

generally diamond or rectangular shaped and orange with black letters symbols. Their purpose is to warn drivers that people are working on or near the roadway. The warnings include reduced speed, detours, slow moving construction equipment and lane closures.

This sign means:

interstate

FLUORESCENT YELLOW-GREEN

is now in use for signage in school zones and other pedestrian traffic areas such as crosswalks. These signs are much easier to see in low light and foggy/rainy weather. Where these signs are posted, motorists are encouraged to carefully watch for all forms of school traffic, including pedestrians, school children, bicyclists, as well as motor vehicles

Orange

is used as a background color for construction and maintenance signs and shall not be used for any other purpose.

Brown

is used as a background color for guide information signs related to points of recreational cultural interest.

Green

is used as a background color for guide signs (other than those using brown or white), mileposts and as a legend color with a white background for permissive parking regulations.

Blue

is used as a background color for information signs related to motorist services (including police services and rest areas) and the Emergency Route Marker.

Yellow

is used as a background color for warning signs, except where orange is specified, and for school signs.

White

is used as the background for route makers, guide signs, regulatory signs, except STOP signs and for the legend on brown, green, blue, black and red signs. Whenever white is specified as a sign color, this is referencing the silver-colored reflective coating and other materials that reflect white light.

Black-white

is used for regulatory signs. Regulatory signs are used to inform road users of selected traffic laws or regulations. Black is used for a message on white, yellow and orange signs. Whenever white is specified as a sign color, it includes silver-colored reflecting coating or elements that reflect white light.

RED

is used only as a background color for STOP signs, multiple supplemental plates (FOUR-WAY or ALL WAY), DO-NOT-ENTER messages, WRONG WAY signs and on Interstate route markers. also used as a legend color for YIELD signs, parking prohibition signs, the circular outline and diagonal bar prohibitory symbol.

Whenever white is specified as a sign color

it includes silver-colored reflecting coating or elements that reflect white light.

Push-Pull method

it slows down turning movements making for a smoother, safer turn. It also keeps both hands on the steering wheel through the entire maneuver. Both hands move in an up and down motion on the sides of the steering wheel—the right hand on the right-hand side and the other on the lefthand side.

Broken yellow lines

mean that you MAY cross the line to pass if there is no oncoming traffic and it is safe to do so.

Proper distance from foot pedals

must be easily reached Have good clear visionm through the winsheild, each side window and all mirrors Foot should move smoothly from the accelerator to the break while the heel is kept on the floor.

The basic rule a driver must follow when operating a vehicle with a steering wheel interlock system is:

never turn the ignition to the lock position when the vehicle is in motion. The steering wheel will lock when trying to turn and the control of the vehicle will be lost.

This sign means

no passing

This sign means

school zone or crossing

Flashing yellow

slow down and proceed with caution

Child Safety Restraint Rules

A. A child under one year old, or any child weighing less than 20 pounds, must be in a child passenger restraint system (car seat) that is facing the rear of the car. B. Children who are one through three years old, and who weigh more than 20 pounds, must be in a child passenger restraint system that is facing forward. C. Children who are four through eight years old and whose height is under four feet, nine inches, must be in a belt positioning booster seat system (child booster car seat) and wearing a seatbelt. D. Children are further protected by the law, which makes the driver responsible for their protection up to the age of sixteen (16). If children under age 16 are not properly restrained, the driver may be charged and fined $50.00 for violation of the law. E. Provisions are made for the transportation of children in medically prescribed modified child restraints. A copy of a doctor's prescription should be carried in the vehicle utilizing the modified child restraint device (CRD) at all times.

head restraint

Adjust to a level even with the back of the head. Designed to prevent whiplash if hit from behind.

Inside Rearview Mirror

Adjust to frame the rear window. To get the smallest blind spot at the right side of the car, turn the inside mirror so that only the edge of the right rear window post is seen.

Outside mirrors

Adjusted to reduce blind spots and prove maximum visibility.

Seat Adjustment

Align your body to the seat Adjust the seat to a comfortable upright position Do not drive with the seat in a reclined or semi-reclined position. Reduces both your vision and your ability to react to emergency situations

Mirror Adjustments

All three of the rear view mirrors must be adjusted so that the widest possible view is given. Keep blind spots to a minimum. Adjust AFTER the seat is adjusted and before driving.

Properly adjusted seat head restraints:

Are designed to prevent whiplash if hit from behind and should always be at a level even with the back of the head.

Operating a hand held phone in a school zone

Effective January 1, 2018, it is an offense for persons 18 years or older to use a hand-held mobile phone while a motor vehicle is in motion in any marked school zone in this state, when a warning flasher or flashers are in operation. There is an exception if the phone is being used in hands free mode. This exception also does not apply to persons under eighteen (18) years of age and creates a delinquent act for these individuals.

Turn Lane Arrow

If you are traveling in a lane marked with a curved arrow and the word ONLY, you must turn in the direction of the arrow. If your lane is marked with both a curved and a straight arrow, you may turn in the direction of the arrow or you may go straight. • Double or triple arrows indicate more than one movement is permitted. • Single arrows indicate only one mandatory direction is allowed.

After mirror adjustments

If you lean slightly backward and see more than glimpse of the rear corners of the vehicle in your outside mirrors, adjust them outward.

Channeling Devices

Barricades, vertical panels, concrete barriers, drums and cones are the most common devices used to guide drivers safely through work zones. When driving near these devices, keep your vehicle in the middle of the lane and obey the posted speed limit. As you leave the work zone, stay in your lane and maintain your speed. Don't change lanes until you are completely clear of the work zone.

interstate route marker

Blue and red signs, like the one on the right, indicate that the route is part of the national system of interstate and defense highways. These highways join centers of population and defense establishments. They also join with the major international highways at the Mexican and Canadian borders. They are part of a nationwide network of the most important highways.

Proper distance from steering wheel

Body should be 10-12 inches back with or without air bag. Air bag should hit driver at the chest. Sitting closer can harm head or neck if airbag hits chin or face. Do not move the seat so far forward or extend the steering column to a point where you cannot easily steer. The top of the steering wheel should not be higher than the top of the shoulders.

Starting the vehicle engine

1. Place foot on brake pedal and ensure gearshift selector is in the PARK position for automatic transmissions or in NEUTRAL for manual/standard transmissions. 2. Place the car key into the ignition switch and turn the key forward to "on." Check dash lights and instruments (antilock brake systems [ABS], air bags, fuel level, etc.) for any warnings or alerts. 3.Turn on low-beam headlights, particularly at night or in bad weather. NOTE: In normal daylight, vehicles are visible at twice the distance when headlights are on. 4. Using an automatic transmission: With automatic transmissions, the driver usually does not need to change gears. The vehicle is put in "R" for reverse when to back-up and in "D" for drive to drive forward. (Some newer cars have an "O" gear selection for overdrive, which is for use when driving on interstates or other expressways where there is very little stop and go traffic.) 5. Using a standard transmission: With a standard or manual transmission, the driver can control the gear-speed ratio and use gears, rather than brakes, to help slow down the vehicle. The following techniques for smooth shifting will help you handle driving vehicles with standard transmissions.

Do not cross your arms when steering or turning.

It is OK to cross wrists while turning. But crossing arms may cause clothing and jewelry to interfere with safe turning. Also, you would suffer more serious injuries should the air bag deploy.

Safety Belts Fastened

Lap belts should be positioned firmly across the hips while the shoulder belt is firmly across the shoulder.

When adjusting the driver's seat for best driving posture, set the seat in an upright position where your body is about how far from the steering wheel?

10 to 12 inches

To make sure mirrors are in the correct position

Let a car pass you on your left. As it passes out of view in the inside mirror you shoul see its front bumper in the outside left (driver side) mirror

Yellow Lane Markings:

Lines separating traffic moving in opposite directions are yellow. Yellow lines are also used to mark a boundary or barrier of the travel path at the location of a particular hazard, such as bridge supports, etc.

Two solid yellow lines between lanes of traffic mean you

MAY NOT cross the lines from either direction, even if no oncoming traffic is in view. You may cross a solid yellow line to turn into a driveway or side road if it is safe to do so

White Lane Markings

Multiple lanes of traffic that flow in the same direction are separated by white lane markings. You will find white lane markings on freeways, limited access highways, bypasses and oneway streets.

This sign means

STOP

Safety belts prevent spreading crash forces over a wide area of the body.

Safety belts reduce the possibility of injury from "hostile" surfaces inside the car (steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, controls, etc.). Even if the belted driver collides with some of these surfaces, it happens with much less force and often results in less serious injury

Left side mirror

Seated in an upright position, lean your head to the left about 5 inches and adjust. The fender should be just visible on the edge of the mirror about a half inch up from the bottom.

Right side mirror

Seated in an upright position, lean your head to the right about 5 inches and adjust the left edge of the mirror about a half inch from the bottom. The right rear fender should be just visible on the left edge of the mirror about a half inch up from the bottom.

The sign means

Slow down and yield to traffic on main road when merging.

push-pull method right turn

Start with hands at the proper placement of the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. Pull down with your right immediately 5 o'clock. Then, push up with your left hand until it reaches approximately 11 o'clock. Repeat this pattern until the turn is completed. Countersteer to straighten out the vehicle

Push-pull method left turn

Start with your hands at the proper placement of 9 and 3 o'clock positions. Pull down with your left hand to approximately 7 o'clock, and then push up with your right hand until it reaches approximately 1 o'clock. As your left hand pulls the wheel down, during the same movement you will move the right hand down to the three o'clock position so it is ready to take over. The right hand then pushes the wheel up as you reposition the left hand up to repeat this pattern until you complete your turn. Counter-steer to straighten out the vehicle.

Traffic signals red

Stop behind crosswalk or stop line. Unless otherwise posted, you may turn right on red after coming to a complete stop and when no pedestrians or cross traffic are present.

What to do when the light is out!

Tennessee state law requires that if a signal is not working, the intersection is to be treated as if it were a four-way stop intersection. Stop as you would if there were stop signs in all directions (This is covered in the Rules of the Road chapter). Do not proceed until it is safe. The right-of-way law says that if there are two or more vehicles at the intersection stopping at the same time, the driver on the left would yield to the driver on the right. The driver on the right who arrives first gets to go first. However, stay cautious and be sure it is safe to proceed even when you are in the first car to reach the intersection.

The safest place for children 12 and under to ride in a vehicle equipped with air bags is:

The back seat

Safety belts help keeping the body more closely in the "proper driving posture."

The belt keeps the driver "in the driver's seat." The belted driver is better able to deal with emergencies and often avoids more serious trouble.

Safety belts help protecting the head and spinal cord.

The belted driver is less likely to be stunned or made unconscious by the crash and is better able to cope with the situation. Research has found that proper use of lap/shoulder belts reduces the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent and the risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50 percent (for occupants of light trucks, 60 percent and 65 percent respectively).

The driver should drive with both hands on the steering wheel approximately in the:

9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions

Primary route

The sign in lower left is a state primary route. Drivers should become thoroughly familiar with route numbers and signs they must follow when beginning a trip from one area to another.

Traffic signals green

Go IF the intersection is clear. You must yield to pedestrians and vehicles still in the intersection at light change. The green signal gives permission to proceed, BUT you must still observe the laws of the right-of-way. Yield to oncoming vehicles if you are turning left. Never attempt to "jump the gun" by starting through the intersection early or by making a quick left turn in front of oncoming traffic. This is extremely dangerous!

This sign means

Guide

If you see a flashing yellow arrow,

you are allowed to turn left after yielding to all oncoming traffic and to any bicyclists and pedestrians in the crosswalk. You must wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic before turning in the direction of the arrow. Busy intersections can sometime leave vehicles stranded inside the intersection. Don't let this happen to you, do not pull into an intersection to make a turn until your path is clear.

You not only steer with your hands, but also with

your eyes! Always look where you want to go. This tells your brain what to do with your hands. Your peripheral vision (i.e., your vision to each side) helps you to keep your road position.

How to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Have the exhaust system checked regularly. • Be alert for unusual roars from under the car. • Never let the engine run in a closed garage • Do not use a heater/air conditioner in a parked car with the windows closed. • Close the fresh-air vent in congested traffic

. Safety belts are also required for BACKSEAT passengers in the following situations:

• If the passengers are under 17 years old. • This provision no longer applies when back seat passengers are 18 years or older. • If the driver has either a learner permit or an intermediate license, and when the passengers are between four and 17 years old. • If the passenger is four through eight years old and is shorter than four feet, nine inches in height. These passengers must be in a child booster seat at all times. Children in booster seats must be in the back seat of a vehicle, if the vehicle has a back seat. (This booster seat must meet federal motor vehicle safety standards as indicated on its label.)

Safety belts prevent shifting crash forces to the strongest parts of the body's structure. To get the most benefit from a seat belt, be aware of the following points:

• The lap belt should be worn low over the pelvis with the bottom edge touching the tops of the thighs snugly. • The shoulder belt should be worn over the shoulder and across the chest, not under the arm and over the abdomen. Make certain that the shoulder belt is not worn so loosely that it slides off the shoulder. • Pregnant women should wear the lap belt below the abdomen and the shoulder belt above the belly

Stop Lines

- White stop lines are painted on the pavement across traffic lanes, usually at intersections, to indicate the vehicle stopping position, before traffic signs or signals. (A) If the motorist is required to stop at the intersection, the vehicle must be stopped behind this stop line. If no stop line is painted on the pavement, all vehicles required to stop must: (B) Stop the vehicle before crossing the first line of the crosswalk (if the crosswalk is marked), and (C) Stop the vehicle before the front bumper crosses the white edge line of the cross street, in order to keep the vehicle from protruding out into the cross street traffic.

Moving forward

-Learning to avoid sudden or quick jolts forward will take some practice as follows: • With foot on brake, move gear selector lever to "D" for drive. • Check forward for safe, clear path. • Check for traffic to the sides and behind. • Signal if pulling away from a curb. • If safe, pivot foot to accelerator and press down gently. Look at least one block ahead and steer toward a reference point.

Lines along the side of the road show you where the edge of the road is located.

A solid white line indicates the right edge of the traffic lane on a road. A solid or broken yellow line indicates the left edge of traffic lanes going in your direction.

White Crossbuck with RR:

A white crossbuck and the letters RR are painted on the pavement as a warning marker for many railroad/highway grade crossings.

Video devices in vehicles

Careful planning and consideration should be given for the placement of video devices in vehicles. State law prohibits the installation of a video monitor or video screen capable of displaying a television broadcast or video signal that is intended to display an image visible to the driver of a vehicle while in motion. A navigation or global positioning device, a vehicle information system display, visual displays for the driver's view forward, behind and the sides of the vehicle are not prohibited. Careful consideration should be given to the placement of this equipment to insure no visual obstructions.

Traffic signals yellow

Caution—prepare to stop. The red stop signal will be exhibited immediately after the yellow light appears. Adjust speed immediately to come to a smooth stop. You must stop if it is safe to do so. Do not speed up to beat the light. If you are already IN the intersection when the yellow light comes on, do not stop, but continue cautiously through the intersection. Tennessee law only requires the yellow light to be exhibited for a minimum of three seconds before the red light. Collisions often happen at intersections on yellow lights. Not only is it dangerous to ignore the yellow light, you may hold up oncoming traffic that receives the green light. Please be aware that some drivers often "jump the green" and start through an intersection, because they have seen the yellow light come on from the crossing directions. If you try to "beat the yellow" and another driver decides to "jump the green" the results could be deadly!

Backing

Common mistakes committed by new drivers when backing are (a) moving too fast, (b) providing too much steering input and (c) turning the steering wheel in the wrong direction. • With foot on the brake, move gear selector lever to "R" for reverse. • Grasp steering wheel at 12 o'clock position with left hand. • Turn to the right and place right arm over the back of the seat. • Look over your shoulder through the rear window for a safe, clear path. • Use idle speed or accelerate gently and smoothly, keeping a slow speed. • Turn the wheel to the right to back to the right; turn to the left to back to the left. • Continue looking to the rear until coming to a complete stop.

Flashing red

Complete stop. Same as stop sign. Look both ways, yield to traffic and pedestrians and proceed when it is safe to do so.

Texting While Driving

Effective July 1, 2009 drivers are prohibited from using a hand-held telephone or hand-held personal digital assistant to transmit or read a written message while the driver's motor vehicle is in motion. Violations can result in a fine not to exceed Fifty Dollars, and court costs not to exceed Ten Dollars. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical persons and emergency management agency officers when in the actual discharge of their official duties, are exempt from the provisions of the law.

Safety belt prevent ejection

Ejection greatly increases the chance of death or serious injury. The chance of being killed in a crash by being ejected from a vehicle is one in eight. Safety belts virtually eliminate ejection. The belted driver stays inside the car and is better protected from injury.

Stopping

Planning ahead for smooth stops will help you avoid brake wear and potential rear-end collisions. Like most states, Tennessee reports that rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident recorded annually. • Check mirrors to the side and rear for traffic. • If moving to the curb or other lane, check over the right (or left) shoulder and signal intention. • Release accelerator and pivot foot to brake pedal slowly. • Press down on the brake pedal with a steady pressure for a smooth stop. Do not "stomp" on the brake pedal. • If stopping at stop sign or traffic signal light, stop before the crosswalk, a marked stop line, and if there is no stop line, at the point of the nearest intersecting roadway, where you can view the approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway, before entering the intersection. • If stopping at a curb, move to within 18 inches of the curb for proper parking.

What does a traffic signal with a yellow left arrow indicate to the driver?

Prepare to yield to oncoming traffic and a protected left turn is about to end.

This sign means

Railroad

This sign means

Regulatory

Do not let the steering wheel slip through your fingers when turning/steering.

Reverse the hand and arm movements made during the turn when coming out of a turn. This "counter-steering" makes for smooth turns and will also help in skids and when driving on snow and ice

law enforcement

You will see Law Enforcement Officers in the Fluorescent Yellow Green Vests and rain coats during traffic related emergencies to make sure they can be seen under normal conditions and under low light and poor weather conditions.

Hand-over hand left turn

start with hands at the proper 9 and 3 o'clock positions. Lean forward and grasp the outside of the rim at the 1 o'clock position with the left hand palm down. Lean back and pull with the left hand to the 5 o'clock position. Lean forward and grasp the outside of the rim with the right hand, palm down at the 1 o'clock position, Lean back and pull to the 5 o'clock position with the right hand. Repeat the process until the front wheels of the vehicle are at the desired angle. Before you straighten out, return hands to the original 9 and 3 o'clock positions. Counter-steer to straighten out the vehicle.

Hand-over-hand right turn

start with hands at the proper 9 and 3 o'clock positions. Lean forward and grasp the outside of the rim at the 1 o'clock position with the right hand palm down. Lean back and pull with the right hand to the 5 o'clock position. Lean forward and grasp the outside of the rim with the left hand, palm down at the 1 o'clock position. Lean back and pull to the 5 o'clock position with the left hand. Repeat the process until the front wheels of the vehicle are at the desired angle. Before you straighten out, return hands to the original 9 and 3 o'clock positions. Counter-steer to straighten out the vehicle.

To begin driving the vehicle,

use a relaxed grip on the steering wheel and always drive with BOTH hands on the wheel. A firm (but not tight) grip allows you to "feel" the road (vibrations, etc.) better. Don't develop the habit of driving with your elbow or arm propped on the door or out the window. You won't have full control of the steering wheel and a sideswipe could take off your arm.