Driving

_________ are the most frequent type of crashes on interstates.

Rear-end collisions Rear-end collisions are the most frequent type of crashes on interstates, and following too closely (tailgating) is the main cause. Always keep at least a three-second space cushion between you and the vehicle ahead. Count to at least four seconds in poorer conditions, when driving on the highway, and when following a motorcycle.

What does this sign indicate?

You may go straight or turn right.

Passing is not allowed on either side of a road when

both sides have solid yellow lines. A double yellow line means that vehicles in both directions are prohibited from passing.

You are tailgating a truck if you

cannot see the truck's side mirrors.

If a tire suddenly goes flat while you are driving, you must

hold the steering wheel tightly and keep the vehicle going straight. Slow down gradually. Take your foot off the gas pedal and apply the brakes lightly.

On one-way roads, solid yellow lines are used as

left-edge lines. On a divided roadway, the "inner edges" (i.e., between the left lane and the divider on each side of the roadway) are marked with a solid yellow line.

Headrests should be adjusted so that the head restraint contacts the back of the head. This prevents

neck injuries if you are hit from behind.

The driver of a car being passed must _________ until the pass is complete.

not increase speed

While driving, when you see a triangular road sign, you must

reduce your speed and yield.

When you see a yield sign as you enter a road, you must _________ at the sign.

slow down and be prepared to stop

If you are being passed by another vehicle, you must _________ and allow the other driver to pass you safely.

slow down, keep right,

A single solid white line across a road at an intersection means that you must _________ for a traffic signal or sign.

stop behind the line

This sign indicates

the beginning of a two-way street.

A white diamond symbol on the pavement of the lane indicates that

the lane is reserved for buses or high-occupancy vehicles only.

You may pass

when there is a broken yellow line next to your lane.

What is true about No Standing zones?

You can only stop temporarily to load or unload passengers.

What is the total stopping distance at a speed of 60 mph?

292 feet. EXPLANATION: If you are traveling at 60 mph, it will take an average of 292 feet (almost the length of a football field) to react to a hazard, step on the brake, and come safely to a stop. This is why you should use your high-beam headlights at night when possible. Your low-beam headlights let you see only about 100 feet ahead.

If you are judged a habitual offender, your license will be suspended for

4 years. [Driving Records; Motor Vehicle Violations and Penalties; Chapter 2: Keeping Your License; Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual]

Which of the following statements should NOT do on a freeway?

DO NOT cross the solid line immediately after entering or before exiting.

What does this sign indicate?

Go straight only

What should you NOT do with headlights?

High beams SHOULD NOT BE used when traveling behind other vehicles. You should use high beams when you are driving in open country and there is no traffic in sight. High beams help you see farther ahead, but they can blind the driver of a nearby vehicle. They can also reflect off precipitation, causing glare. You should use low beams when you are traveling behind another vehicle or when another vehicle is approaching. Also use low beams in fog, rain, or snow.

_________ may be used in work zones in both day and night to guide drivers into certain traffic lanes.

Large flashing or sequencing arrow panels

What is true about marijuana?

Marijuana causes a bad loss of night vision. Smoking or eating marijuana makes it more difficult to respond to sights and sounds. This makes you dangerous as a driver. It lowers your ability to handle a quick series of tasks. The most serious problem is facing an unexpected event, such as a car coming from a side street or a child running out from between parked cars. These problems get worse after dark, because marijuana also causes a bad loss of night vision. [Illegal Drugs, Medicine, and Other Controlled Substances; Chapter 2: Keeping Your License; Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual]

What is true about making turns?

Start from the lane closest to where you want to go.

What must you do at a steady yellow traffic signal?

Stop if it is safe to do so. A steady yellow traffic light is a warning that the traffic light will soon turn red. You should try to stop if it is safe to do so. But do not stop suddenly; always consider the vehicles behind you before you brake. If you cannot stop safely, proceed with caution through the intersection. [Traffic Signals, Chapter 4: Rules of the Road, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Driver's Manual]

This warning sign means

The road ahead curves to the right, then left. (If there were a triple curve ahead, a winding road sign would be posted instead.) Slow down, keep right, and do not pass.

What should you not do about railroad crossings?

You should NOT shift gears when crossing railroad tracks. Never block a railroad crossing. Wait until there is room for your vehicle on the far side before you cross. Yield to crossing trains. Do not shift gears when crossing railroad tracks because your vehicle might stall.

A rotary is an intersection with

a central island.

Never drive alongside a motorcycle in the same lane because

a motorcycle needs the full width of the lane, just like other vehicles.

A flashing red traffic light should be treated as

a stop sign.

What does this sign mean?

all traffic must move in the direction of the arrow.

If the traffic signals at an intersection are not operating, treat the intersection as

an all-way stop. Come to a complete stop and yield. Then proceed with extreme caution.

This sign is

an object marker on a roadway, which is used to notify drivers of objects in the roadway or very close to the edge of the roadway. The stripes point downward toward the safe side of the roadway. This sign indicates that you should keep right to pass the object.

Work zone or construction zone signs usually have

black letters on an orange background.

If an animal suddenly runs in front of your vehicle, you must

concentrate on retaining control of your vehicle.

If you are in an intersection and hear the siren of an emergency vehicle, you should

continue through the intersection, then pull over to the right and stop.

Studies by the National Safety Council and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show that a fully loaded tractor trailer may take _________ compared with a passenger vehicle.

double the distance to stop

When slowing down or stopping, you must

either 1) use a hand signal to alert the driver behind you if your vehicle's brake lights don't work 2) use the brake lights to alert the driver behind you

Rear-end crashes are common on highways because many drivers

follow too closely.

If your vehicle skids on an icy road, turn your steering wheel

in the direction of the skid.

On interstate highways, slower vehicles must travel _________, except when passing.

in the right-hand lane

A center lane between opposing lanes of traffic may be designated for

left turns only.

What does this sign indicate?

Vehicles must stop at the intersection ahead.

You are traveling on a two-lane road. If a vehicle ahead of you stops for a pedestrian, you should

not pass the stopped vehicle.

When you see a solid yellow center line on your side of the road, you must

not pass.

If two vehicles enter an uncontrolled intersection from different roadways at about the same time, the vehicle _________ has the right-of-way.

on the right

If you are approaching a school bus or a school pupil transport vehicle with its lights flashing and a stop sign extended, you must

stop until the warning lights stop flashing. EXPLANATION: When you approach a school bus or a school pupil transport vehicle with its lights flashing and a stop sign extended, you are required to stop your vehicle until the warning lights stop flashing. This is true no matter which side of the road the school bus or school pupil transport vehicle is on.

When you are turning from a one-way street onto a two-way or divided roadway, always turn from

the lane nearest to the curb.

If a broken yellow line is on your side of the solid yellow center line, then

you may cross the line to pass other vehicles.

What do these double arrows mean?

Traffic may flow on both sides

On roadways with two or more lanes in your direction, you must use the right lane unless

- you are passing another vehicle - you are making a left turn - the right lane is blocked

On Massachusetts highways, what is the posted speed limit under ideal driving conditions?

Between 50-65 mph.

What does this sign indicate?

Divided highway begins

What does this flashing arrow panel mean?

The lane ahead is closed.

What does this sign mean?

There is a circular intersection ahead.

What is this sign?

a freeway interchange sign

This regulatory sign indicates that

bicycles are prohibited on this route. Selective exclusion signs are rectangular with either a red circle on a white background or a red circle with a diagonal red slash on a black-and-white background. These signs restrict or prohibit vehicles or vehicle movements or prohibit some other activity. This exclusion sign indicates that bicycles are not allowed on this route.

On a two-lane, two-way road, a _________ allows you to cross over into the opposing lane temporarily to pass a vehicle if it is safe to do so.

broken yellow line. EXPLANATION: A broken yellow line separates lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions. You may cross a broken yellow line temporarily to pass if it is safe to do so.

If your vehicle has stalled on railroad tracks and you know that a train is approaching, you must

get yourself and all passengers out of your vehicle and get as far away from the tracks as possible.

While driving, if you get a flat tire or a tire blows out, you should

keep a tight grip on the steering wheel. EXPLANATION: While driving, if you get a flat tire or a tire blows out, do not brake. Keep a tight grip on the steering wheel and ease your foot off the gas pedal so your vehicle will slow itself down.

To reduce the effects of glare from oncoming headlights, do not stare directly at the headlights. Instead,

look to the lower right side of your traffic lane.

If you wish to enter an expressway or freeway, you must _________ before merging with the traffic.

move into the acceleration lane

While driving, if you need to read a map or directions, you should

pull over to the side of the road in a safe place and then read the map.

When you see a flashing yellow signal at an intersection, you should

slow down and cross the intersection carefully.

When driving behind another vehicle, you should use _________ to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

the three-second rule EXPLANATION: When driving behind another vehicle under ideal conditions, you should use the three-second rule to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you. Pick an object in front of you, like a sign post or a tree. When the vehicle in front of you reaches that object, count "one one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand...". If you reach the object before you count three, you are too close. Slow down until you've put enough distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. In bad weather or heavy traffic, increase your following distance even more.

The first rule of a safe and legal turn is

to move into the proper lane well before the turn. The first rule for a safe and legal turn is to move into the proper lane well before the turn. To turn left, move into the leftmost lane unless signs, signals, or road markings indicate otherwise. To turn right, move into the rightmost lane unless signs, signals, or road markings indicate otherwise.

Unless it's prohibited, you must use the three-point turn to

turn around on a narrow street.

If you are on a single- or two-lane road and come to an intersection with a divided highway or a roadway with three or more lanes, you must

yield the right-of-way to other traffic.

The vision test for the driver's license evaluates

- acurity (how clearly you see) - color vision - peripheral vision

A yield sign indicates that you must slow down when approaching an intersection, and be prepared to _________ if a vehicle or pedestrian is approaching from another direction.

stop

Traffic warning signs in work zones are usually

orange. Red indicates dangerous traffic situations.

A _________ indicates the outer edge of the traffic lane, and it may be crossed only by traffic moving to or from the shoulder.

solid white line On a divided roadway, the "inner edges" (i.e., between the left lane and the divider on each side of the roadway) are marked with a solid yellow line.

To avoid a head-on collision when you see an oncoming vehicle in your lane, you must

steer right towards the shoulder or curbline. If necessary, drive off the road entirely to avoid a head-on collision.

If you approach a pedestrian walking with a white cane or a white cane tipped with red who is about to cross the road, you must

stop. They're must likely visually impaired or blind. You must remain stopped until they have safely crossed the road.

On a multilane roadway with several lanes in one direction, you must use _________ for passing.

the middle or left lanes

When passing another vehicle, get through the other driver's blind spot as quickly as you can

without exceeding the speed limit. The longer you stay in the blind spot, the longer you are in danger of a collision.

When you see a pedestrian crossing an unmarked crosswalk where there is no traffic signal, you should

yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian.

If a driver behind you repeatedly flashes his or her headlights, you should

get out of the way.

When entering or exiting a roundabout, you must always

keep right. When entering a roundabout, you must stay to the right of the center island. Do not stop if the way is clear. Never pass or overtake another vehicle after entering a single-lane roundabout. Travel counterclockwise around the circle until you reach your desired street. Then give a right-turn signal and exit the roundabout.

If you arrive at an accident scene at which there are no police or emergency vehicles,

park your car off the road and turn on your emergency flashers. Next, check to see if anyone is injured. Do not move injured persons unless there is a danger of fire or explosion. Notify emergency officials and do not stand in traffic lanes. If flares, emergency triangles, or reflectors are available, place them 200 feet or more in front of and behind the accident scene to warn approaching traffic.

On the highway, if you miss your exit, do not stop or back up. Instead,

proceed to the next exit.

According to Massachusetts' Move Over Law, if you are approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on a multilane road, you must

slow down and leave a vacant lane between your vehicle and the emergency vehicle and proceed with caution.

What does this sign mean?

A traffic island or divider is ahead.

When entering an uncontrolled intersection, you must _________ and proceed if the way is clear.

slow down, look left and right for oncoming traffic,

If you are convicted of failing to stop for a stopped school bus with flashing red lights on an undivided roadway, you will be fined up to _____ for a first offense.

$250 Under Massachusetts law, you must stop for a stopped school bus with flashing red lights on an undivided roadway, no matter which side of the road it is stopped on. If you are convicted of violating this law, you will be fined up to $250 for a first offense, between $500 and $1,000 for a second offense, and between $1,000 and $2,000 for a third or subsequent offense. In addition, for a first conviction, your license may be suspended. For a second, third, or subsequent conviction, your license will be revoked. [MA Gen Laws ch. 90 § 14]

The maximum fine for your first offense of driving under the influence of marijuana is

$5,000. [Penalties for Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs; Chapter 2: Keeping Your License; Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual]

You must NOT pass

- if there is an upcoming hill or curve where there is no clear visibility - a school bus ahead with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm - if there is a solid yellow line next to your lane

When preparing to leave a parallel parking spot, you should:

- look over your shoulder - look in your mirrors - indicate your intention by signaling

When making a left turn at an intersection, you must yield the right-of-way to

- other vehicles already in the intersection. - pedestrians. - oncoming traffic.

High-beam headlights should be used at night

- whenever there are no oncoming vehicles - on unfamiliar roads and in construction areas - where there may be people alongside the roadway

If an MA driver who is 18 years of age or older accumulates three or more speeding offenses in a single year, his or her license will be suspended for

30 days. After the 30-day period is over, he or she will have to pay a $100 fee to have the license reinstated. [Driving Records; Motor Vehicle Violations and Penalties; Chapter 2: Keeping Your License; Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual]

In normal conditions, how far ahead do high-beam headlights and low-beam headlights let you see?

350 feet and 100 feet respectively. EXPLANATION: In normal conditions, high-beam headlights allow you to see about 350 feet ahead and low-beam headlights allow you to see only about 100 feet ahead. This is why it is important to use high beams at night when possible. At 65 mph, your vehicle will travel 100 feet in just one second.

What is the minimum speed on the Massachusetts Turnpike?

40 mph.

You should dim your high-beam headlights when you are within _____ feet of oncoming traffic.

500 To avoid blinding other drivers, you should dim your high-beam headlights when you are within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or within 200 feet of a vehicle you are following.

If a driver is charged with selling false licenses but not convicted, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles may suspend his or her license for

6 months. The RMV can suspend that person's license for six months, even if the person is not actually convicted. If the driver is convicted, the Registrar can suspend his or her license for one year. [Reasons for License Suspension; License Suspension or Revocation; Chapter 2: Keeping Your License; Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual]

A Junior Operator (i.e., younger than 18) who holds a learner's permit must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age at all times when driving. If he or she is convicted of driving without adult supervision, his or her permit will be suspended for _____ days for the first offense.

60 [Mandatory Permit Suspensions; License Suspension or Revocation; Chapter 2: Keeping Your License; Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual]

A Junior Operator (i.e., younger than 18) who holds a learner's permit is not allowed to drive unsupervised between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. If he or she is convicted of driving unsupervised between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., his or her permit will be suspended for

60 days. [Mandatory Permit Suspensions; License Suspension or Revocation; Chapter 2: Keeping Your License; Massachusetts RMV Driver's Manual]

What does this sign mean?

A road crew at work.

Which license class do you need to be able to drive a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds?

Class B Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR, requires the driver to have a Class B license.

While driving in a roundabout, you are approached by an emergency vehicle using a siren, air horn, or flashing red or blue light. What should you do?

Continue to your exit, then pull over to the right.

What does this sign mean?

Hospital.

What happens if a driver under 21 years of age goes to court after being charged with operating under the influence?

They will be required to take the alcohol education course even if they win the case. The additional 180-day or one-year suspension for drivers under age 21 is designed to get youths charged with operating under the influence, or with having a BAC of 0.02 or higher, to undergo alcohol education. It does not matter what happens with your court case. Even if you win the case, it will not change the requirement for you to take the alcohol education course.

What is true about No Parking zones?

You can only stop temporarily to load or unload passengers or merchandise. [Parking, Chapter 4: Rules of the Road, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Driver's Manual]

What does this sign indicate?

a school zone. The speed limit around a school that's in session is 20 mph--slow down and proceed with caution.

When there is not enough room for a U-turn, you should make

a three-point turn

This sign warns of

a winding road ahead.

What is this sign?

an advance warning sign for a railroad crossing.

You must make a complete stop in all of the following situations: - at flashing red traffic signal - at stop sign - at steady red traffic signal. EXCEPT...

at a flashing yellow traffic signal. This means you must slow down, check for cross traffic, and proceed with caution.

When you are preparing to exit a highway, you must signal _________ before you reach the exit ramp.

at least 500 feet.

If a sign or signal requires you to stop, you must stop

behind stop lines and crosswalk lines.

When changing lanes, to make sure there are no other vehicles in _________, look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move.

blind spots

When driving near a large vehicle, be aware of the driver's _________ on the right, left, front, and rear.

blind spots and No-Zones EXPLANATION: Large commercial vehicles such as trucks have huge blind spots called No-Zones, in which a car may completely disappear from the driver's view. No-Zones exist to the front, rear, and sides of a large vehicle. It is impossible to completely avoid a large vehicle's blind spots. Therefore, do not follow closely behind a bus or truck, and do not remain in a No-Zone any longer than necessary to safely pass a heavy truck.

The danger areas around your vehicle where crashes are more likely to occur are called

blind spots. Blind spots are areas near the left and right rear corners of your vehicle that you cannot see in your mirrors. Before you change lanes or pass, turn your head and look to make sure these areas are clear.

Locked wheel skids are usually caused by

braking too hard at a high speed. If you brake hard at a high speed, the force of the brakes may exceed the force of friction of the tires on the road surface. The wheels will lock and the vehicle will skid, no matter which way the steering wheel is turned. Take your foot off the brake to unlock the wheels. Then straighten the front wheels as the vehicle begins to straighten out. Slow the vehicle gradually until you are at a safe speed to continue driving.

High-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes are reserved for

car pools and vehicles with more than one occupant.

It is illegal to follow _________ behind an emergency vehicle responding to an alarm.

closer than 300 feet

When entering a paved thoroughfare from a private road, a driveway, or an unpaved road, you must

come to a complete stop and then give the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicles on the road you are entering.

On a divided highway, __________ unless directed to do otherwise by a sign, traffic control device, or police officer.

drive to the right of the median

This sign represents the availability of

food.

In Massachusetts, it is against the law to make a left turn on a red light EXCEPT when turning

from a one-way street onto another one-way street. (Note: The laws about left turns on red are different in some other states. Some states also allow left turns on red from a two-way street onto a one-way street. Some other states prohibit left turns on red altogether. When traveling out of state, always check the local traffic laws.)

When driving at night, you must use your headlights

from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise.

When you find both a solid and a broken yellow line between opposing lanes of traffic, you must NOT pass

if the solid yellow line is on your side.

When you come to an intersection, follow the _________ before you proceed.

left-right-left rule 1. Look to your left first because vehicles coming from the left are closer to you. 2. Then look to your right. 3. Finally, take one more look to your left before you proceed. You might see a vehicle on your left that you did not see the first time you looked.

Each year, there are _______ motor vehicle crashes in Massachusetts.

more than 130,000

If there are no reduced speed limits posted at work zones, you should

obey the normal posted speed limit.

When you exit a high-speed, two-lane roadway, _________ if you have traffic following you.

try not to slow down suddenly Use your turn signals to let other drivers know your intentions. Tap your brakes and reduce your speed quickly but safely.

If a bicycle on your right reaches an intersection at the same time as you do, you must

yield to the bicycle. When passing a bicycle near an intersection or driveway where you want to turn right, you cannot turn unless you are at a safe distance from the bicyclist and you can make the turn at a reasonable and proper speed. If you collide with the bicycle, the fact that the bicycle was to the right of traffic won't be considered a sufficient excuse. (See MA Gen L ch 90 § 14.)