Drivers test

stop sign

"Come to a full stop at an intersection controlled by this sign. Stop at the marked stop line or before entering the crosswalk or before your vehicle enters the intersection. Let other vehicles or pedestrians pass if they are in your path." Color red with white letters

Work Area Signs

(Orange, with black letters or symbols.) People are working on or near the roadway, and traffic may be controlled by a flag person. A work area speed limit as low as 25 MPH (40 km/h) may be posted. Even if no speed limit is posted, you must drive at a reduced speed through the work zone, and you must always obey flag persons.

Other Regulation Signs

These signs give information about rules for traffic direction, lane use, turns, speed, parking and other special requirements. Color: white with black and/ or red letters or symbols

Flashing yellow "x"

This lane can only be used for a left turn

warning signs meaning

You are approaching a hazardous location or a location where there is a special rule, as shown in the sample signs. Sometimes a warning sign is joined with a yellow and black "recommended speed" sign. This indicates reduced speed is advised in that area. Colors:yellow with black letters or symbols

Green Arrow

You can go in the direction of the arrow, but you must yield the right-of-way to other traffic at the intersection as required by law

How to pass on the right

You can normally pass other vehicles on the left, some situations allow you to pass on the right. You can pass a vehicle on the right only in the conditions listed below and only if you can pass safely. You cannot drive on or across the shoulder or edge line of the road unless a sign allows it or when indicated by a traffic officer (see Chapter 4). You may pass on the right: When a vehicle ahead makes a left turn. When you are on a two-way road that is marked for two or more lanes or is wide enough for two or more lanes, and passing is not prohibited by signs or restricted by parked cars or other obstructions. When you drive on a one-way road that is marked for two or more lanes or is wide enough for two or more lanes, and passing is not prohibited by signs or restricted by parked cars or other obstructions. If you prepare to pass on the right at an intersection, check the traffic ahead carefully. Make sure a vehicle that is approaching is not prepared to turn left into your path, and watch at the right side of the road for pedestrians, bicyclists, in-line skaters and moped riders. Before you pass on the right on multi-lane roads like expressways, make sure you check your mirrors, use the correct signals for the lane change and look over your right shoulder for other vehicles. After you pass, make sure to quickly look over your left shoulder and signal before you return to the left lane.

Double solid lines

You can not pass or change lanes. You cannot go across the lines except to turn left to enter or leave the highway

One broken line

You can pass other vehicles or change lanes if you can safely and not interfere with traffic.

One solid line

You can pass other vehicles or change lanes, but you can only do so when obstructions in the road or traffic conditions make it necessary.

Green arrow

You can use this lane

Service signs are ____ with ____ letters and symbols.

blue and white Meaning: show them location of services, like rest areas, Gad stations, camping or medical facilities

Service Signs

are blue with white letters and symbols.

Destination Signs

are green with white letters and symbols.

HOW TO DRIVE THROUGH A ROUNDABOUT

A "roundabout" is a round intersection with a small diameter that makes drivers decrease speed, normally to 30 mph or less. Studies show a roundabout can reduce the number and severity of accidents at an intersection, compared to intersections controlled by stop signs or traffic signals. Roundabouts, or rotaries, are now more common in New York State and other states.

Driver distractions

A distraction is anything that takes your attention away from driving. Distracted driving can cause crashes, resulting in injury, death, or property damage. Taking your eyes off the road or hands off the steering wheel presents obvious driving risks. Mental activities that take your mind away from driving are just as dangerous. When driving: Do not use cell phones or text. Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers. Avoid eating while driving. Be sure children are properly and safely restrained. Properly secure pets in a pet carrier or portable kennel. You must pay attention to the driving task. You are responsible for operating your vehicle in a safe manner.

warning signs

normally are yellow and diamond-shaped, with black letters or symbols.

How to park on a hill

After you park on a hill, make sure to set your parking brake. Turn the wheels so they will keep your vehicle from heading into traffic. If there is a curb, turn your steering wheel completely away from it if your vehicle faces up the hill, or completely toward the curb if your vehicle faces down the hill. If your vehicle begins to move, the wheels should stop the vehicle at the curb and prevent a move down the hill. This method works best where the curb is high. If there is no curb or a low one, turn your wheels completely toward the nearest side of the road no matter what direction your vehicle faces. If your vehicle does start to move, it will move away from the street and traffic.

Aggressive drivers

Aggressive driving includes speeding, which often leads to following too closely, frequent or quick lane changes without a signal, passing on the shoulder or parts of the roadway that are not paved or being a nuisance to motorists, bicyclists or pedestrians, who don't get out of the way. Aggressive drivers sometimes run stop signs and red lights, pass stopped school buses, fail to keep right, drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs and drive in a reckless manner. Some aggressive drivers try to cause damage to another driver, and that is how aggressive driving becomes road rage. To prevent road rage, it is sometimes better not to make eye contact with another driver. The other driver can take this as being challenged. When an aggressive driver confronts you: Do not make eye contact. Remain calm and relaxed. Try to move away safely. Do not challenge an aggressive driver with increased speed or try to hold your position in your travel lane. Wear a seat belt and encourage your passengers to do the same. Ignore gestures and shouts and do not return them. Report aggressive drivers to law enforcement authorities and give a vehicle description, location, vehicle plate number and direction of travel. If an aggressive driver is following you, do not stop or leave your vehicle. Drive to the nearest police station. If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash, stop a safe distance from the crash scene. When the police arrive, report the driving behavior you saw. To avoid becoming an aggressive driver: Allow enough travel time to reach your destination on schedule. Adjust your schedule to prevent driving during times with the most highway traffic. If you are late, call ahead so you can relax. Do not drive when you are angry, upset or very tired. Make your vehicle comfortable. Listen to relaxing music and prevent conditions that make you anxious. When you drive, relax and be aware of how you sit. Sit back in your seat, loosen your hold on the steering wheel and do not grind your teeth. Be polite, courteous and forgiving to other drivers. You can control how you react. If another person drives aggressively, do not do the same. If you have the right-of-way, do not think of it as a complete right. Be prepared to yield the right-of-way to other highway users. To wait a few seconds for another driver is far better than to risk a crash.

Left turn from one-way road into two-way road

Approach the turn in the left lane. As you proceed through the intersection, enter the two-way road to the right of its center line, but as close as possible to the center line. Be alert for traffic that approaches from the road to the left. Motorcycles are hard to see, and it is hard to judge their speed and distance away.

arrows

Arrows show which lanes you must use. In this illustration, for example, you can turn right only from the right lane. To go straight, you must use the left lane. You must be in the correct lane before you reach the solid line that separates the lanes.

yield sign

Decrease speed as you reach an intersection. Prepare to stop. The right of way is given to pedestrians and vehicles. You may have to stop so be prepared color: red and white with red letters

Steady Red "x"

Do not drive in this lane

Red arrow

Do not go in the direction of the arrow until red arrow light is off and a green light goes on

flashing yellow

Drive with caution

Drowsy and fatigued driving

Driving and sleep do not mix. When you are behind the wheel of a car or truck, fatigue is dangerous. If you are tired when driving you are slower to react, and are not as aware as you should be and your judgment will be impaired. As with drugs and alcohol, drowsiness can contribute to a traffic crash. Symptoms of Fatigue — Researchers have found the following symptoms to be associated with drowsy driving: Your eyes close or go out of focus by themselves. You find it difficult to keep your head up. You continue to yawn. Your thoughts wander and are disconnected. You do not remember driving the last few miles. You drift between lanes, tailgate or miss traffic signs. You must jerk the car back into the lane. You have drifted off the road and hit the rumble strips which produce a loud noise and vibrations. Who is Most At Risk? All Drivers who are: Deprived of sleep or fatigued. Driving long distances without rest breaks. Driving through the night or at times when you are normally asleep. Taking medication that increases sleepiness or drinking alcohol. Driving alone. Driving on long, rural, or boring roads. Frequent travelers, e.g., business travelers and long-distance commuters. Young People — Drowsy driving crashes are most common for young people, who tend to stay up late, sleep too little and drive at night. Shift Workers — Drivers who have non-traditional work schedules have a greater risk of being involved in a fatigue-related traffic crash. People With Undiagnosed Sleep Disorders — The presence of a sleep disorder increases the risk of crashes. If you find you are regularly tired in the daytime or experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis, you may have a sleep disorder and should seek medical help. Effective Countermeasures Prevention — Before you embark on a trip, you should: Get enough sleep. Plan to drive long trips with a companion. Schedule regular stops for every 100 miles or two hours. Avoid alcohol and medications (over-the-counter and prescribed) that may impair performance. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about any medication you are taking. Alcohol interacts with fatigue increasing its effects. You are not at your best if you are ill or very tired. Do not drive for at least 15 minutes after waking from sleep. Actions for the Drowsy Driver — Once driving, you must: Recognize that you are close to sleep and cannot calculate when sleep may occur. Not depend on the radio, open window or other "tricks" to keep you awake. Find a safe place to stop for a break in response to symptoms of fatigue. Pull off into a safe area away from traffic and take a brief nap (15 to 45 minutes). Drink coffee or another source of caffeine to promote short-term alertness if needed. (It takes about 30 minutes for caffeine to enter the bloodstream.)

Solid line with broken line

If you are on the side with the solid line, you cannot pass other vehicles or go across the line except to make a left turn into a driveway. If you are on the side with the broken line, you can pass if it is safe to and you will not interfere with traffic.

steady yellow

Be prepared to stop. A steady yellow light means the traffic signal is about to turn red.

How to park

1. Select a space that is large enough for your vehicle on your side of the road. Check your mirrors before you stop, and signal to warn other drivers. Stop next to the vehicle in front of the space and leave about two feet between the other vehicle and your vehicle. 2. Look behind you over both shoulders to make sure you will not interfere with pedestrians or oncoming traffic. Back the vehicle slowly and begin to turn your steering wheel completely toward the near curb. Look through the rear window, not the mirrors, when you back up. Look to the side and front occasionally to make sure you will not touch the vehicle ahead. 3. When your front wheels are opposite the back bumper of the vehicle ahead, turn the steering wheel the other way while you continue to back up. Make sure you clear the vehicle ahead. Look back, and stop to ensure you do not bump the vehicle behind you. 4. Bring your wheels straight and pull forward. Allow room for the vehicles ahead and behind you. In your final parking position, your wheels must be no more than one foot (30 cm) from the curb.

Destination Signs

COLOR: Green, with white letters. MEANING: Show the direction and distance to locations.

steady yellow "x"

Move from this lane

Left Turn from One-Way Road to One-Way Road

Move into the left lane when you prepare to turn. If the road you enter has two lanes, you must turn into its left lane.

Edge and Lane Lines

Solid lines along the side of the road tell you where its edge is - where the travel lane ends and the shoulder begins. It is illegal to drive across the edge line, except when told to by a police officer or other authorized official or when allowed by an official sign. An edge line that angles toward the center of the road shows that the road is narrower ahead. Lines that separate lanes of traffic that moves in the same direction are white. Lines that separate traffic that moves in opposite directions are yellow. There may be two lines between lanes and lines can be solid or broken.

Steady Red

Stop and do not go until the light is green

How to pass on the left

The left lane is normally used to pass other vehicles. You cannot pass a vehicle on the left if: Your lane has a solid yellow center line. You cannot safely return to the right lane before you reach a solid yellow center line for the right lane. You cannot safely return to the right lane before any oncoming vehicle comes within 200 feet (60 m) of you. You approach a curve or the top of a hill on a two-way road and cannot see around or over it. You are within 100 feet (30 m) of a railroad crossing on a two-way roadway. You are within 100 feet (30 m) of a bridge, tunnel or viaduct on a two-way road and your view is obstructed. If you try to pass, you will interfere with oncoming traffic. If conditions are correct to pass, check in your mirrors and signal your lane change. Before you pull into the left lane, look quickly over your left shoulder, through the back side window, to make sure there is no vehicle close behind you in the left lane. Never depend on your mirrors when you prepare to change lanes. Even correctly adjusted mirrors will leave "blind spots" behind both sides of your vehicle. If a vehicle is in the blind spot, you may not see it in your mirrors. Always quickly look over your shoulder before you change lanes or pass. When you pass, move completely into the left lane. Before you return to the right lane, signal and look at your interior rear-view mirror and make sure you can see the front bumper of the vehicle you passed. Look quickly over your right shoulder to make sure that you can see at least several feet of pavement between your vehicle and the one you passed. Then return to the right lane.

yellow arrow

The protection of a green arrow will end. If you intend to turn in the direction of the arrow, be prepared to stop.

Steady Green

Go, but yield the right-of-way to other traffic at the intersection as required by law

Being passed

If another vehicle passes you on the left, decrease speed slightly and keep to the right. When the vehicle has safely passed and is ahead of you, continue your normal speed. If you find that you are being passed on the right by many vehicles, you should move into the right lane and allow them to pass you on the left.

Using a cellular or mobile telephone

A driver can become distracted from safe driving by use of a mobile telephone (like a cellular telephone). In New York State, it is a traffic infraction to speak into or listen to a hand-held mobile telephone while driving. For a first offense you could pay a fine up to $200 and receive five license points. The phone may be hand-held to activate, begin, or end a call. Exemptions are provided for calls for emergency situations, for police and other law enforcement officers and for fire department personnel and operators of authorized emergency vehicles in the performance of official duties. In New York State, a hands-free mobile telephone allows the user to communicate without the use of either hand. A driver can use a hands-free telephone at any time. Penalties for texting, electronic device use In New York State, it is illegal to use portable electronic devices, such as cell phones and smart phones, to send or receive text messages or e-mails while driving. The penalty for a first offense is a fine of up to $200. A second offense (both committed within 18 months) is a fine up to $250. A third or subsequent offense (all committed within 18 months) is a fine up to $450. Also, drivers with probationary and junior licenses who use a hand-held phone or text while driving will receive a 120-day suspension for a first conviction and a revocation of at least one year for subsequent convictions within six months of the time a license is restored after suspension.

Blood Alcohol Content

A measure of the amount of alcohol present in a person's blood.

right turn

As you prepare to turn, get as far to the right as possible. Do not make wide, sweeping turns. Unless signs direct you to do otherwise, turn into the right lane of the road you enter.

Stop and Crosswalk Lines

At an intersection controlled by a STOP sign, YIELD sign or traffic light, there can be a white stop line painted across the lane, and/ or two parallel lines or light, you must reach the stop line, if there is one, or the crosswalk. You need a stop line or crosswalk if required to by a light, sign or traffic officer, or to yield to a pedestrian, in-line skater or scooter at a marked or unmarked crosswalk.

Route Signs

Indicate interstate, U.S., state or county routes. The shape tells you the type of route you are on. The sample signs, left to right, are for state, U.S., and interstate routes. When you plan a trip, use a highway map to decide which routes to take. During the trip, watch for destination signs so you will not get lost, or have to turn or stop suddenly. Color: varied

Reserved parking for people with disabilities

Parking reserved for persons with disabilities is a legal requirement. These special parking spaces for motorists with disabilities ensure safe and equal access to goods and services, access which is taken for granted by many persons. You can park in reserved spaces only if you have a permit or vehicle plates for persons with disabilities and only when the person who received the permit or vehicle plates is in the vehicle. It is illegal for any vehicle to park, stop or stand in a space reserved for people with disabilities unless it has vehicle plates for people with disabilities issued by the DMV, a New York State Parking Permit for People with Disabilities (MV-664) issued by a city, town county or village, or a similar plate or permit issued by another state. The vehicle must be in operation to transport the person with disabilities described in the registration or permit. This law applies to spaces reserved and provided by local ordinance on streets and highways and those held for special use by state law in shopping centers that have five or more stores and 20 or more off-street public parking spaces. It is a misdemeanor to make a false statement or give false information on an application for vehicle plates. If you make a false statement or provide false information to get a parking permit for a person with a disability, you face a fine from $250 to $1,000, plus a mandatory surcharge of $30 and possible civil penalties from $250 to $1,000. These penalties apply to the applicant and to a doctor provides certification. For more information about parking for people with disabilities, and how to qualify and apply for a vehicle plate or parking permit, see Parking for People With Disabilities (C-34). This publication is available from the DMV web site. Reserved spaces must be marked with signs like the one shown, and also can be designated with pavement markings. Do not park in the spaces with diagonal stripes next to reserved parking areas. These spaces are needed to give access to those with wheelchairs and vehicles with special equipment. The fines for parking violations on a street are set by municipalities. Unless a municipality sets higher penalties, the fine for a shopping center violation is $50 to $75 for a first offense and $75 to $150 for a second offense within two years in the same municipality. A mandatory surcharge of $30 will be added to each penalty.

How to pull out from parallel parking

To pull away from a parallel parking space, make sure your wheels are straight, back up to the vehicle behind you and turn your wheels away from the curb. Six steps to enter safely into traffic: 1) Turn your head to look over your right shoulder and check through the rear-window for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and other vehicles that can become a hazard; 2) use your interior rear-view mirror to help keep an eye on hazards behind your vehicle; 3) signal your intentions to move from your parking space into traffic; 4) check your side mirrors for oncoming vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, in-line skaters, motorcyclists and other highway users; 5) turn your head to look over your left shoulder out through the rear-window and begin to slowly drive forward. Make sure you can avoid the vehicle parked ahead when you enter traffic; 6) turn your head and look over your left shoulder to look through the rear-window, drive into the traffic lane when it is safe to do so.

traffic light

Traffic lights are normally red,yellow, and green from the top to bottom or left to right

parking regulations

What people understand as "parking" is legally divided into three categories: parking, standing and stopping. Parking is when a vehicle is stopped, occupied or not, other than temporarily for the purpose of loading or unloading merchandise or passengers. Standing is similar to Parking, except that it only relates to receiving or discharging passengers. Stopping is literally that, bringing the vehicle to a stop (even temporarily). A NO PARKING sign means you can make a temporary stop to load or discharge merchandise or passengers. A NO STANDING sign means you can make a temporary stop to load or discharge passengers. The driver cannot exit the vehicle. A NO STOPPING sign means you can stop only to obey a traffic sign, signal or officer or to prevent conflicts with other vehicles. Besides parking, standing and stopping rules, there are statewide rules not always indicated by signs: You cannot park, stop or stand: Within 15 feet (5 m) of a fire hydrant, unless a licensed driver remains in the vehicle to move it in an emergency. On the road side of a parked vehicle ("double parking"). On a sidewalk or in a crosswalk. In an intersection, unless permitted by signs or parking meters. On railroad tracks. Next to or opposite road work, construction or other obstructions if your vehicle blocks traffic. Within 30 feet (10 m) of a pedestrian safety area, unless another distance is marked. On a bridge or in a tunnel. Parking or standing is not allowed: In front of a driveway. Within 20 feet (6 m) of a crosswalk at an intersection. Within 30 feet (10 m) of a traffic light, STOP sign or YIELD sign. Within 20 feet (6 m) of a fire station driveway, or within 75 feet (23 m) on the opposite side of the road. Along a curb that is cut, lowered or made for access to the sidewalk. You cannot park your vehicle within 50 feet (15 m) of a railroad crossing.

School busses

When a stopped school bus flashes its red light(s), traffic that approaches from either direction, even in front of the school and in school parking lots, must stop before it reaches the bus. You should stop at least 20 feet (6 m) away from the bus. You can identify this bus by a "SCHOOL BUS" sign, the red lights on the top, and its unique yellow orange color. Before a school bus stops to load or discharge passengers, the driver will usually flash yellow warning lights. When you see them, decrease speed and be prepared to stop. When you stop for a school bus, you cannot drive again until the red lights stop flashing or when the bus driver or a traffic officer signals the you can proceed. This law applies on all roadways in New York State. You must stop for a school bus even if it is on the opposite side of a divided highway. After you stop for a school bus, look for children along the side of the road. Drive slowly until you have passed them. Safety Tip: Most school bus-related deaths and injuries occur while children cross the street after being discharged from the bus, not in collisions that involve school buses. Remember that vehicles that transport people with disabilities can be equipped as school buses and you must stop for them as you would for other school buses. The fine when you pass a stopped school bus ranges from a minimum of $250 for a first violation to a maximum of $1,000 for three violations in three years. If you are convicted of three of these violations in three years, your driver license will be revoked for a minimum of six months.

Be prepared and look ahead

You should sit in a comfortable, but vertical position, and keep both hands on the steering wheel. Slouching in the driver's seat or using only one hand on the wheel makes it more difficult or even dangerous to control your vehicle. Traffic conditions change continuously. Always scan the road ahead. Do not use the road or even the vehicle ahead as your only points of focus. Look ahead so you can prevent, or decrease, possible problems. Keep your eyes moving, notice what is happening at the sides of the road, and check behind you through your mirrors every few seconds. Anticipate errors by other drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians and think about what you will do if an error occurs. Do not assume that a driver who approaches a STOP or YIELD sign on a side road is actually going to stop or yield. It is better to assume the other driver will not stop.

Flashing red light

the same as a stop sign