WV driving test

WV & U.S. Route Markers -

- Are generally black on white

police officer

- Directions of a police officer overrule the message of any sign, signal, or road marking.

broken white lines

- On roadways which have more than one (1) lane moving in one direction, traffic lanes are separated by broken white lines. Broken black lines are sometimes added to make the white easier to see. Drive within these lines and never straddle them, except when changing lanes

reversible lane

-Where traffic volumes are heavy at certain times of the day, it may be necessary to reverse the traffic flow direction. Lanes which reverse are marked on both sides by a double yellow broken line. This is the only case where a driver may drive for any distance to the left of a yellow line.

Green Arrow / LEFT TURN

A green arrow may be shown alone or with other indications. Drivers facing the signal may enter the intersection to make the movement shown by the arrow. When the green arrow is shown in a left-turn signal, it usually means that opposing traffic is stopped.

triangle sign right side up

A right side up triangular sign with a reflective red border and fluorescent orange center identifies a slow moving vehicle or a vehicle which has made an emergency stop

• Funeral Procession -

Although not required by law, it is a courtesy to yield to vehicles in a funeral procession. Once the lead vehicle has cleared an intersection, the rest of the procession has the rightof-way. Allow the procession to pass and do not cut in or out of the procession. You may pass a procession on an expressway.

interstate markers

Are red, white, and blue..

Intersection Flashers

At certain intersections, flashers are installed to supplement or replace STOP signs. These flashers may have circular flashing red indications in all directions or may have circular flashing yellow indications for through traffic. Drivers facing a circular flashing yellow light may proceed through the intersection with caution. A circular flashing red is the same as a stop sign; that is, drivers must come to a complete stop and yield to all other traffic and pedestrians. When traffic control signals are not needed or are out of order, they may be placed in flashing operations. When this happens, they are the same as intersection flashers.

Channeling Devices

Barricades, vertical panels, drums, cones, and tubes are the most commonly used devices to alert drivers of unusual or potentially dangerous conditions in highway and street work areas and to guide drivers safely through the work zone. At night they are often equipped with flashing or steady-burn lights.

backing up

Before backing, check completely around your vehicle for people and/or other obstacles. You should look to the front, sides and rear and continue to look to the rear while backing. Do not depend on your mirror. Back slowly into the proper traffic lane. It is not advisable to back up while in a traffic lane, except for backing into a parallel parking space. Never back across other traffic lanes or through an intersection.

Broken yellow pavement marking

Broken yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions. If this marking is on your side of the road, you may pass when it is safe.

25 mph

Business & Residential O

Construction and Maintenance Signs

Construction and maintenance signs are used to notify drivers of unusual or potentially dangerous conditions in or near work areas. Most signs in work areas are diamondshaped. A few signs are rectangular.

Right-of-Way

Courtesy is a key to safe driving and safety comes before right-of-way. At times you must yield the right-of-way to others. There are certain rules to help determine the right-of-way, but if the other driver does not follow these rules, give the right-of-way. Remember, in every situation, right-of-way is something to be given, not taken.

Crosswalk Signals

Crosswalk signals are traffic signals for pedestrians. If these signals are in place, pedestrians are to obey them. These lighted signs are often shown two (2) ways:

Headlights and Their Use

Despite the fact that there are fewer miles driven at night, the fatal crash rate for night driving is three (3) times greater than that for day driving. When driving at night, obey the following rules: • Dim your headlights within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle. • Dim your headlights within 200 feet of the vehicle in front of you. • Dim your headlights when driving on well-lit streets. • Use low beam lights when driving in fog. High beams cause the light to be reflected back into your eyes. • Avoid looking directly into the lights of oncoming vehicles by looking toward the right edge of the road. • Slow down when facing the glare from headlights of approaching vehicles. • Make sure you can stop within the area lighted by your headlights. • Use your parking lights only when you are parked. • Turn on your headlights from sunset to sunrise, during fog, smoke, rain, or at any other time when persons and vehicles cannot be seen clearly at a distance of 500 feet. The best rule is to remember to turn on your headlights whenever you have trouble seeing other vehicles. If you have trouble seeing them, chances are, the other vehicles are having trouble seeing you. • Keep your headlights and taillights properly adjusted and cleaned.

Parking on Hills

Down hill • Turn wheels to curb | Up hill - (With Curb) • Turn wheels from curb | Up hill - (No Curb) • Turn wheels right | If you park or stop on a grade, turn the front wheels to the curb side of the highway so the vehicle will not roll. Be sure to set the emergency or parking brake. To reinforce the parking brake in an automatic shift vehicle, put the selector shift in park; in a manual shift use reverse on a downgrade or 1st gear on an up grade

Following Distance

Following too closely causes most rear-end collisions. The space ahead of your vehicle is the space easiest to control. This space cushion is called the following distance. You must consider the speed of the traffic and condition of the road to allow yourself enough following distance to stop when necessary. Always make sure to allow yourself enough stopping distance in an emergency situation. The best way to assure proper following distance is to use the three-to-four second rule. To use the three-to-four second rule, choose a fixed object on the road ahead (such as a signpost, tree, overpass, or bridge abutment). When the vehicle ahead passes that object, begin to count "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three." If you reach the same object before you finish saying "..one thousand three," you are driving too closely. If it is dark or raining, the distance should be at least four seconds. If there is ice or snow, stay at least six seconds behind the vehicle in front. Refer to Chapter VI - Defensive Driving: Snow and Sleet for more information concerning appropriate following distances. You should also refer to Chapter VI - Defensive Driving: Light Conditions and Rain concerning headlight usage and the term "over driving your headlights.

Tailgating

If a check of your rear view mirror shows another vehicle following too closely, you should take the following steps to deal with the tailgater: • Tap your brakes gently to flash the brake lights and warn the tailgater. • Slow down to encourage the vehicle to pass. • If all else fails, pull over, stop and let the vehicle pass.

• Uncontrolled intersections and four-way stop intersections

If you reach the intersection at the same time as another vehicle, yield to the driver on the right.

70 mph

Interstate

metered parking

It is best to always keep change in your vehicle in case you need to park your vehicle in a metered parking spot. Make sure your change is easily accessible not only for convenience but for safety. If you need to remain in your vehicle for any reason while you are parked in a busy area be sure to keep your doors locked until you are ready to exit your vehicle and always be alert to your surroundings.

Flashing Arrow Panels

Large flashing or sequencing arrow panels may be used in work zones both day and night to guide drivers into certain traffic lanes and to inform them that part of the road or street ahead of them is closed.

Steps to follow for passing on a two-lane highway:

Make sure you are in a passing zone and observing the three-to-four second rule for following distance. • Decide if passing is necessary. If you have to speed to pass, you probably do not need to pass. • Check ahead, to the rear, and to the side before you start to pass. Check for other dangers in the passing area, such as a narrow bridge, side road, or curve. • Signal properly to show you intend to change lanes. Signal early enough to allow other drivers to know your intentions. • Move left when clear and sound your horn to alert the driver ahead that you are passing. At night you can also blink your headlights to signal that you are about to pass. • Signal and return to the proper lane when you see the front of the vehicle (both headlights) you have passed in your rear view mirror. Passing on the right is not permissible unless there is a lane designated for passing.

parking manuvers

Many crashes happen because vehicles have not been properly or carefully parked. By following these few simple rules, you can reduce the chances of your vehicle being hit by another vehicle: • Vehicles must always be parked in the same direction as the movement of traffic on that side of the street. • Avoid double parking. It is illegal and discourteous. Make certain your vehicle is completely off the traveled portion of the road. • Whenever you park and leave your vehicle, you must turn off the engine and set the parking (emergency) brake. Lock your vehicle and take your keys. Getting out of your vehicle on the street side can be dangerous. Always look carefully for bicycles, motorcycles, or larger vehicles that might be passing. The drivers may not see you in time to keep from hitting your open door, or you.

crosswalk lines

Many pedestrian crosswalks are marked by solid white lines. Some crosswalks, especially in residential areas, are not marked. When these lines are used, they will run all the way across the pavement. You will notice them at intersections and sometimes between intersections. DO NOT block a crosswalk with your car

Sharing the Road with Motorcycles

Motorcycles are difficult to see, can often stop more quickly than vehicles, and can dart in front of you with no warning. For these reasons, drivers who do not pay attention cause many automobile-motorcycle crashes. Under all circumstances, motorists should expect to see motorcycles and be prepared to give them both the space and time to maneuver. Space is the key to sharing the road with motorcycles. Motorists should expect to see motorcyclists move around in their lane. Motorcyclists are entitled to and will need the entire lane to maneuver around possible hazards and traffic situations. It is wise to keep a safe minimum three -to-four second following distance. Increase the distance time at night and under adverse weather conditions. Remember that motorcyclists will almost certainly be badly hurt or killed if they are in a crash

Passing is PROHIBITED in the following places:

On a curve or hill or at any place where you cannot see oncoming traffic. • Within 100 feet of an intersection. 49 • Within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, tunnel, or underpass. • Within 100 feet of any railroad crossing. • When an approaching vehicle is within your passing area. • When a sign or highway marking tells you to drive on the right or not to overtake vehicles. • When a vehicle in front of you has stopped at an intersection to allow a pedestrian to cross. • When the solid yellow line is in your lane.

55 mph

Open County Highway

In parallel parking

Provide ample space to the driver in front of you who is parallel parking.

15 mph

School Zones

School Bus Rules

School buses are responsible for safely transporting children to and from school. When approaching a bus, please observe the following rules: • On all highways, streets, parking lots, private roads or driveways, traffic in both directions must stop before reaching a school bus that has its red lights flashing which is receiving or discharging students. You may not proceed until the bus resumes motion, or signaled by the school bus driver to proceed or the visual signals are no longer actuated. Only on Interstate Highways does traffic coming toward a school bus stopped on the other side of the median not have to stop. • You must also stop for a stopped school bus which is receiving or discharging students on school property or private property.

The "No-Zone"

Sharing the road safely includes knowing where not to linger when passing or driving next to a heavy truck. Typically, the larger the vehicle, the larger the blind spots. A truck's blind spots, the "No-Zone," are dangerous because truck drivers cannot see vehicles in these areas. It is impossible to completely avoid a truck's blind spots; however, vehicle drivers should not remain in the "No-Zone" any longer than needed to safely pass a heavy truck. The easiest way to avoid lingering in the "No-Zone" is to look for the truck driver's reflection in the side mirror. If you cannot see the driver's reflection, you are in the truck driver's blind spot. The "No-Zone" includes the following denoted areas shown in the diagram on the right.

Following and Passing Motorcycles -

Since motorcycles do not operate and perform the same way as vehicles, you should be careful when following or passing a motorcycle. Stay farther back than if you were behind a vehicle. The motorcycle can usually slow or stop much faster than you can. When passing, go all the way into the other lane. Besides having the legal right to an entire lane, the motorcyclist may need to swerve to avoid something on the road. Once you have passed, wait until you are well down the road before moving back into the other lane.

Intersections with yield signs -

Slow down before reaching the intersection, then yield the right-ofway to any vehicle in the intersection, and to approaching traffic.

Sharing the Road with Slow Vehicles

Slow-moving vehicles, such as farm vehicles or construction equipment, are often driven on or along the highways. Regular traffic must be aware of the slow speed of these vehicles as they approach and make sure they can pass safely before making the attempt. Slow-moving vehicles are required to display a special triangular emblem sign which means "SlowMoving Vehicle" to warn approaching drivers.

Changing Direction

Sometimes it is necessary to turn your vehicle around to proceed in the opposite direction. However, it is against the law to turn your vehicle around near a curve, near the crest of a hill where you cannot be seen by another vehicle approaching within 500 feet in either direction, or where signs prohibit turning

Lane Use Control Signals

Special signals are used to control traffic when the direction of a street or certain lane changes during the day. These signals indicate how the specific lanes may be used.

Prohibited Parking (§17C-13-3, W. Va. State Code)

Stopping, standing or parking is not allowed (except to avoid a conflict with other traffic or to obey a law, police officer or a traffic signal) in the following locations: • On a sidewalk • In front of a public or private driveway • Within an intersection • Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant • On a crosswalk • Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection • Within 30 feet of any stop sign or traffic control signal • In front of a wheelchair ramp or curb cut • Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing

Curve or sharp turn in the road ahead sign

The curve is too sharp to take at the regular highway speed. An advisory speed sign may be attached.

red X

The lane is closed or being used by opposing traffic. Do not use this lane

signs, barricades, drums, cones, tubes, flashing arrow panels, and flaggers. Orange is the basic color for these devices.

The most commonly used traffic control devices are

center left turn lane

These lanes are reserved for left turns from either direction and are not to be used as through or passing lanes. You can recognize these lanes by the solid yellow lines nearest the through lanes and broken lines to the left of them

lane directions

These signs are posted between highway lanes that are divided and placed at openings in the dividers where streets intersect with the highway. They are to remind you which side of the divider you belong on.

Square & Rectangular Signs

These signs show traffic regulations and guide your speed and direction. These signs tell you about speed limits and other traffic laws. Most signs are white with black letters. When the message is very important, the sign is red with white letters. A red outline with a diagonal bar through it always means "NO

guide signs

These signs tell you WHERE you are, WHAT road you are on, and HOW to get where you want to go. There are many different types of guide signs, such as service signs, location signs, route marker information, and distance signs. Most guide signs are white on green. Motorist services signs are white on blue. Signs for parks and public recreation areas are white on brown.

Wrong Way or Do Not Enter sign

These signs warn you that traffic in that direction is prohibited. If you choose a traffic lane marked with either of these signs you will likely run into another vehicle.

Remember, pedestrians have the right of way when:

They are in a crosswalk. • They are crossing a sidewalk that crosses an alley entrance or driveway. • They are blind and are crossing the street with a white or metal cane, with or without a red tip, or led by a guide dog

Yellow Arrow / LEFT TURN

This means that the green arrow is ending and will change to red.

Triangle Sign upside down

This shape requires that you yield the right-of-way to cross traffic or to merging traffic

No Right Turn & No Left Turn

This sign indicates which direction you cannot turn at an intersection. These signs are used when meeting a one way street or in situations where it is unsafe to turn.

dual turn lane sign

This sign is posted over a highway lane that is used only for making left turns from either direction. Traffic from either direction will be using this lane. Never use a turning lane to overtake and pass other vehicles

one way street sign

This sign is used to tell you when a cross street has traffic running in one direction only. Usually every consecutive block runs in the opposite direction when there are one-way streets.

pennant sign

This sign marks the beginning of a no-passing zone.

No U-Turn Sign

This sign means do not turn around in the middle of a street or an intersection.

Pentagon sign

This sign warns of a school zone (school grounds and any street/highway abutting the school grounds and extending 125 feet along the street or highway from the school grounds) ahead or marks a school zone crossing. The maximum speed limit in a school zone is 15 m.p.h. when children are present or when specified.

circle sign

This yellow-and-black sign gives advance warning of a railroad crossing ahead.

Green Downward Arrow:

Traffic may use the lane under the arrow

Pedestrians must:

Use crosswalks at intersections. • Look in both directions before crossing the street. • When walking along a road where there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side facing oncoming traffic. Walk on the shoulder of the road, if possible. • Observe and obey "Walk" and "Don't Walk" signals. • At night, always wear white or light-colored clothing or carry a light. Pedestrians must not walk on interstate highways or other areas where signs to that effect are posted.

Construction and Maintenance Signs and Devices

Various traffic control devices are used in construction and maintenance work areas to direct drivers or pedestrians safely through the work zone, and to provide for the safety of the highway workers.

Sharing the Road with Pedestrians

Vehicle-pedestrian collisions account for nearly 20% of traffic fatalities. Drivers must use extreme care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian, especially in areas where special hazards exist, such as school zones, bus stops, playgrounds, and parks. Drivers may use their horns to warn pedestrians, if necessary.

Crossroads or side roads ahead sign

Watch for other vehicles entering or leaving the highway

Sharing the Road with Heavy Trucks

We depend on trucks, day and night, to bring us the things we need to live. Trucks are driven by trained, specially-licensed drivers. Sharing the road with heavy trucks is a necessary part of road travel. Heavy trucks, typically weighing 80,000 pounds, should be respected by automobile drivers. Everyone should be aware of the differences between trucks and vehicles. These include: • A fully loaded tractor-trailer, traveling 55 mph, needs three (3) times the distance a vehicle needs to stop. • Trucks are more difficult to maneuver, are longer, heavier, and require much more room to turn. • Trucks have larger blind spots than vehicles.

Angle Parking (§17C-13-4, W. Va. State Code)

When entering a parking space on your right, signal your intention to park and slow down. • Remain parallel to the curb, at least five (5) feet out from the parked vehicles. • Steer sharply to the right when your vehicle's front end is even with the rear of the parking space. Slowly pull into the space midway and center. • Straighten the steering wheel and continue forward until the front wheel barely touches the curb.

Entering traffic -

When entering a public street or highway from an alley, private road, or driveway, you must yield to traffic already on the roadway

left turns

When making a left turn, you must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic

Intersections

When you are waiting at a corner, it can be very hard to see a motorcycle coming. Motorcycles can be hidden by many things such as parked vehicles and trees. In addition, you are normally looking for vehicles and trucks, not something small like a motorcycle. For these reasons, check carefully as you leave the corner and keep looking all the way across the intersection.

Parallel Parking (§17C-13-4, W. Va. State Code)

When you parallel park on a two-way street, park so the righthand wheels are parallel to and within 18 inches of the right curb. When parallel parking on the left side of the road, wheels should be within 18 inches of the left curb. Park in the direction of the traffic. Make sure your vehicle is centered in the parking space. • Choose a space large enough for your vehicle. Signal and stop even with the front vehicle, about two (2) feet out from it. • Make sure you will not interfere with traffic, then turn your front wheels all the way to the right and back slowly toward the curb. Look behind you. Do not rely on your rear view mirror. • When your front bumper is opposite the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead, quickly turn your steering wheel all the way to the left. Back slowly toward the vehicle behind you without touching it. You should be about 6" from the curb. Do not park more than 18" from the curb. • Straighten your front wheels and pull into final parking position. Center the vehicle in the space. When exiting the parallel parking space, always signal to let others know your intentions and make sure traffic is clear before pulling back onto the roadway.

Special Purpose or "Diamond" Lanes

White diamond shapes painted in the roadway to inform drivers the lane is designated for car pools, bicycles, or buses.

stop lines

Wide white lines, painted across traffic lanes, mark where you must stop your vehicle at intersections. This keeps you out of the way of pedestrians and cross traffic. If there are no stop lines or crosswalks, you must stop your vehicle before you enter the intersections. You should be able to see traffic coming from all directions.

Solid yellow lines

also separate traffic moving in opposite directions. If a solid yellow line is on your side of the road, you MUST NOT PASS. On interstates, one-way streets, or divided four-lane roads, a solid yellow line will mark the left edge of the pavement. S

Flaggers

are often provided in highway and street work zones to stop, slow, or guide traffic safely through the area. Flaggers wear orange vests, shirts, or jackets and use red-orange flags or stop/slow paddles to direct traffic through work zones.

Pavement Markings

are used like highway signs to warn, regulate, and inform traffic.

Stripes sloping downward to the right mean the

driver should bear to the right. Conversely, stripes sloping downward to the left mean bear to the left.

YELLOW PAVEMENT MARKING

lines separate traffic lanes moving in the OPPOSITE direction.

WHITE PAVEMENT MARKING

lines separate traffic lanes moving in the SAME direction.

solid white lines

mark the edge of the pavement. At night or in bad weather, they help you stay on the road. When solid white lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, DO NOT CHANGE LANES.

Octagon sign

reserved for stop signs

Railroad Crossing Signs and Signals

signs can be round or diamond shaped, yellow with black symbols, or black letters on white bars in the shape of an X called a crossbuck. A sign below the crossbuck indicates the number of tracks when there are two (2) or more. Some railroad crossings are equipped with electrical devices to signal the approach of a train. These devices consist of various types of signals such as bells, flashers, and automatic gates. You must yield to all trains. Failure to stop when lights are flashing, or a barrier is down, will result in a citation. When there are two (2) or more tracks, you must be alert for a second train on the other set of tracks. It is important to note that you should not enter a railroad crossing until the vehicle ahead has moved far enough ahead that you can clear the tracks. Otherwise, you may be trapped on the tracks and hit by another vehicle or by a train

diamond-shaped &warning signs

signs that usually appear without explanatory words beneath them. These signs are yellow with black letters. They warn of possible danger ahead and may have symbols or written warnings. Pedestrian and school warning signs may be yellow-green with black letters.

Yellow X:

the lane is about to be closed or its direction is about to reverse. Move out of it as soon as you can.

The diagonal stripes on the barricade or vertical panel guide the driver

towards the direction to which traffic is to pass. S

Hand Symbol or DON'T WALK-

when these appear pedestrians are not to cross the crosswalk.

Walking Man or WALK -

when these appear pedestrians are safe to cross the street inside the crosswalk lines.

Emergency vehicles

you must yield to any emergency vehicle (ambulance, fire, or police vehicle) that is sounding a siren and flashing warning lights. Pull over to the right edge of the road, clear of the intersection, and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. Keep your foot on the brake so the emergency driver knows you are stopped. Watch for other emergency vehicles before proceeding.

Proper lane changing rules are:

• Check in your rear view and side mirrors. • Check over your left or right shoulder (head check) to make sure no one is in your blind spot. • Check for other drivers who may also be moving into the same lane. • Signal and change lanes. • DO NOT change lanes in an intersection or at a railroad crossing. • Stay within the speed limit.

Rules for turns:

• Prepare for the turn. Do not make decisions to turn at the last moment. • Before entering the turning lane, signal, look in the mirrors, and check the blind spot by glancing over the proper shoulder. • Signal at least 100 feet before turning. • Slow down before making turns. Do not brake while turning. • Make sure it is safe to turn. Check traffic to the front and rear of your vehicle and watch for pedestrians. • Always finish turning in the proper lane. • When turning left, watch for approaching traffic in the opposite lane. If traffic is about to reach the intersection at approximately the same time, stop until it is safe for you to turn. • When waiting to turn left, do not turn the wheels to the left. Otherwise, a bump from behind could push your vehicle into oncoming traffic. • If an intersection has no signs prohibiting a turn on red, traffic facing a red signal may, after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic, make a right turn. The same rule applies to left turns from a one-way street to a one-way street.

You cannot pass safely unless:

• You can see far enough ahead. • You can return to your lane before meeting oncoming traffic. • Your vehicle is capable of the speed necessary to pass.