KY driving permit
How to take in the whole scene
"scanning" helps to see - Things that will be in the road by the time you get there - Warning signs ahead - Information/direction signs ahead
Vehicles in the left lane MUST turn left
*Reverse is true also
Vehicles in the left lane may turn left or go straight sign
*Reverse is true also
How should you adjust your seat, safety belts, and mirrors
- Adjust everything before you drive Seat - Adjust so you can see 12-15 ft from vehicle - Chest should be 10-12 in from steering column
Wearing corrective lenses
- Always wear them while driving - Don't use tinted lenses at night
Looking ahead
- Avoids last second moves - Focus eyes 10-15 seconds ahead when driving
Signaling when you slow down/stop unexpectedly
- Brake lights tell people you are slowing down - Tap your brake pedal before actually stopping/slowing as a warning
Tools to evade collisions
- Braking - - Push the brake hard. If skidding begins, let go and brake again. Evasive steering - When you cannot brake in time - Steer around the vehicle/object Accelerating - When a vehicle is coming from behind/from the side
Having clean windows and mirrors
- Bright sun/headlights decreases vision on a dirty windshield - Clean the insides of windows if you smoke - Remove snow, ice, or frost before driving - Don't hang anything from rearview mirror - Don't clutter up windshield/rear window with decals - Don't use excessive window tinting
First aid to accident victims
- Call emergency people and summon skilled/trained help - Only remove people from collisions in an emergency - Wait for EMT to remove people from a collision - Keep victim warm with a blanket
The Kentucky point system
- Can accrue 6 points - Need to go to a court thing if you get 6 points - Points expire after 2 years
What to do when an oncoming vehicle has high beams on?
- Dim your lights and look to the right side of the road - Don't try to "get back" by keeping your brights on
Keep your car where it can be seen
- Don't drive slightly to the rear of another vehicle (blind spot) - Pass through blind spots of vehicles quickly when passing.
Mandatory jail time will be waiting for anyone convicted of DUI while...
- Driving 30mph above speed limit - Driving wrong direction - Getting into a wreck - Having a BAC of .15+ - Refusing to take a blood, breath, or urine test from an officer - Having a passenger younger than 12 years
Rules about signaling direction changes
- If planning on turning at an intersection, signal 100 ft before the turn - If planning on turning after exiting an intersection, signal after exiting the intersection - Turn signal off after it is done -If someone in front of you is signaling, do not signal unless you are also going to turn there - Hand signals cannot be used
Using a safety belt
- It's the law - Keep you inside the car during a rollover - Hold you in a seated position during sudden stops/turns
Tips for backing your vehicle
- Its hard to see behind you car - Check behind your vehicle before you get in - (When backing straight or to the right)Look over your right shoulder directly into the rear window - (When backing to the left) Look over your left shoulder -Back slowly - Don't back while in traffic
Steps for a turnabout
- Legal way to turn your car around 1. Make sure the car is visible for 500 ft 2. Drive to just beyond a side street and stop 3. Check the rearview mirror for approaching cars 4. Signal before backing into the street 5. Pull back out into the right lane. Signal before doing so.
Rules for approaching intersections
- Look both ways - - Look to the left first. Oncoming traffic comes from the left - - Still check even if the other people have a light/sign - Check the left again before pulling out - Make sure you have a good view - If your view of a cross street is blocked, edge forward until you can see - If traffic is blocking your view of another lane, wait until it is clear
Wrong way sign
- Minor intersection - Says you are going the wrong direction
Using your headlights
- On cloudy days, cars blend into surroundings - Low beams make seeing easier - Turn on headlights before sunset - Never use parking lights
When to yield to pedestrians
- Pedestrians are at an intersection or crosswalk - When turning a corner and pedestrians are crossing with the light
Using airbags
- Prevent the person's head/torso from striking the cars interior - Make sure your seat is as far back as possible while still using the car safely - Place hand on the outside of the steering wheel - Children age <12 should be in the backseat
How to use a roundabout
- Reduce speed/keep to right of the splitter island - Yield to traffic coming from the left. Enter when clear. - Never stop inside of a roundabout - Use turn signals to indicate exiting
Yield sign
- Slow Down - Yield to traffic on the road you are entering/crossing
When can you make a left turn with a red light?
- Stop - Only allowed on 1-way streets -> 1-way streets - Make sure traffic is clear
Right turns on red lights
- Stop - Turn right when the way is clear - Prohibited when sign says so
If you are involved in a collision
- Stop vehicle at the scene - Move damaged vehicles to the shoulder - get names/addresses of involved/witnesses
Sharing the road with large tractor-trailer trucks
- Trucks have blind spots called "No-zones" behind or on the side - Trucks need a long stopping distance - - Do not pull in front of a large vehicle until you can see it's headlights in your rearview mirror - Never pull into the open space beside a truck if it has signaled a turn - When stopped behind a truck on an upgrade, stay to the left of the lane
Seeing well at night (when to use high beams)
- Use high beams when no oncoming vehicles - Properly adjusted high beams let you see 2x low beams - Dim lights within 500 ft of oncoming vehicle or 200 ft of a vehicle in front of you - Use low beams in the fog/rain/snow - - High beams reflect back and cause glare
Changing lanes
- Use mirrors to make sure no one is trying to pass you - Use turn signals - Move your head a bit to check blind spots - - Cannot see "blind spots" through your mirrors - Glance at left hand mirrors when changing lanes/pulling into a road - - Lets you keep an eye on traffic behind and ahead of you - Don't slow down quickly
Slow moving vehicle symbol
- Vehicle moving 25 mph or less - usually farm equipment/horse drawn carriages - - Use extreme caution tor horse drawn carriages - - - Horses are easily startled
How to interact with law enforcement
- turn off ignition - roll down driver side window - Keep hands on steering wheel - Only start searching for things once the officer tells you to. - Only get out when the officer tells you to. - Turn on interior dome light - Be polite and never argue
BAC
.08 CDL: .04 DUI is given to those <21 yrs at .02
Stopping distance of the average freight train at 55 mph
1 mile+
Power Steering failure: If the engine dies
1) Put the vehicle in neutral and try to start it quickly. If this is not practical, or if the vehicle does not start, then — 2) Stop the vehicle. You may have to push hard if your vehicle has power brakes. 3) Restart the engine.
Animal runs in front of your car
1. Brake 2. Steer to avoid the animal only if it can be done safely.
Tire failure (blowout)
1. Grip the steering wheel 2. Brake lightly 3. Pull off the roadway (preferably to the right)
Accelerator sticks: If your vehicle keeps going faster and faster
1. Keep eyes on the road 2. Quickly shift to neutral 3. Pull off the road (preferably to the right) and coast to a stop 4. Turn off the engine
Rules for leaving after a parallel park
1. Make sure the car cannot move - Shift to "park" and enable parking brake 2. (On a hill) Turn wheels so that the car will touch the curb if moving begins 3. Try to get out on the curb side
How to handle brake failure
1. Pump the brake rapidly and hard several times 2. If #1 doesn't work, use the parking brake 3. If #2 doesn't work, Shift to a lower gear and look for a place to slow to a stop 4. Make sure the car is off of the road 5. Wait for help
Driving onto a low shoulder
1. Reduce your speed 2. Return to the pavement at no more than 5 mph 3. Don't over-correct steering 4. Grip steering wheel and gradually steer onto pavement
Handling skids
1. Release the brake/accelerator - If you have to brake, pump the brakes gently/(apply steady pressure with anti-lock brakes) 2. If skidding sideways, turn steering wheel in the direction that the BACK of the car is skidding 3. Just keep correcting the steering until you have recovered
Hood Latch Failure: If your hood suddenly flies up
1. Slow down 2. Look under your hood to see 3. If #2 is impossible, Put your head out the window and look around the hood 4. Brake and pull off to the side of the road (preferably to the right) and stop
How to handle an oncoming vehicle coming towards you in your lane
1. Sound your horn 2. Brake sharply 3. Steer for the shoulder/ditch if necessary
Parallel parking steps
1. Stop next to the car you will be parking behind. 2. Turn on signal for the direction you will back into 3. Turn steering wheel sharply to the right and back toward the center of the car behind you 4. Turn the wheel sharply left and back towards the car behind you 5. Turn the wheel sharply right and pull towards the curb
Wet brakes: If you have to go through a lot of water
1. Test brakes lightly 2. Dry brakes by driving slowly in a low gear and applying brakes lightly
Breakdown on Interstate Highways
1. Turn on emergency flashers 2. Park your vehicle on the shoulder (to the right) 3. Don't work too near the edge of the driving lane 4. Keep an eye on traffic 5. Avoid standing behind the car/between 2 cars
Headlight Failure: If your headlights go out
1. Turn the dimmer switch off then put them on again 2. Try the headlight switch again 3. If #1/2 doesn't help, put on the parking lights, emergency flashers, or turn signals 4. Pull off of the road (preferably to the right) and keep the emergency flashers on
Keeping a space cushion ahead
A 3-second following distance is the minimum. - Following distance should increase at higher speeds
Reverse turn sign
A reverse turn sign is used to warn of two turns in opposite directions. The second turn may be sharper than the first. Recommended maximum speed is 30 mph or less.
Crossing roads sign
A road crosses the main highway ahead. Look to the left and right for other traffic.
Side road sign
A road joins from the right. Be alert for vehicles entering the roadway you are traveling on.
roundabout
A traffic circle that includes yield signs at all approaches to the intersection - Entering parties yield to those within the circle
What happens if you get boxed in/stalled on a railroad crossing?
Abandon the car and run away. Call the 800 number posted near the crossbuck or 911. DO NOT try to restart the vehicle until a dispatcher says that it is safe to do so.
Yellow lights
Abt to turn red - Stop if safe If entering an intersection on yellow light, you may clear it on a red light. If entering an intersection on a red light, you must wait.
Pentagon sign
Advance warning and warning for school warning signs
Difference between aggressive driving and road rage
Aggressive driving - Tailgating, abrupt lane changes, speeding - Not criminal behavior (still bad) Road rage - Uncontrolled anger resulting in violence or threats on the road - Is criminal offence
Why is drinking and driving dangerous?
Alcohol goes into your bloodstream and reaches your brain is 20 mins. - Affects parts of the brain that control judgement, vision, and skill.
Emergency vehicles (ROF)
Always have the right of way when they sound a siren or have flashing yellow/blue/red lights - If on a 4 lane high way, move to the left lane or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles - Do not block an intersection when stopping for an emergency vehicle
Looking to the side
Any time you come to a place where others may cross or enter your path, you should look to the sides to make sure it is safe to proceed.
Crosswalks
Areas set aside for people to cross the street - Usually accompanied by a sign - Usually at intersections; but can be in the middle of a street - Watch for people crossing the street you are turning in to.
No U-turn sign
Cannot make a U-turn here
How often to observe to the rear
Check traffic behind you multiple times per minute - Helps to assess the traffic situation
Keeping a space cushion to the rear
Check your mirror to make sure no one is too close or coming too fast. React accordingly
Stop sign
Come to a complete stop - Proceed when traffic is clear - Stop at the pedestrian crossing area or STOP line
Flashing red lights
Come to a full stop - Proceed when the way is clear - Functions like a STOP sign
Allowing a space cushion for defensive driving (confused)
Confused people are likely to make a move without looking - tourists
What to do when stopped by law enforcement?
DUI: - "implied consent" says that anyone who operates a motor vehicle consents to chemical test How to stop: - pull over - activate flashers - stop on a wide shoulder in a well lit area - Do not take too long to pull over
Allowing a space cushion for defensive driving (distraction)
Distracted people may not see you when others can. Give distracted people extra room.
Moving through an intersection as the light changes
Don't stop. Follow through. - Last second changes can cause collisions
Red arrow
Don't turn in the arrow's direction until it turns into a green arrow
Railroad crossings with auto flasher units/crossing gates
Driver must stop/wait while the lights are flashing or the gates are lowered.
Drivers entering a roundabout or traffic circle yield to
Drivers already within the circle
Drivers on miner road yield to
Drivers on a main road
Handling slippery surfaces
Driving at an excessive speed/going downhill can cause "hydroplaning" - When tires skim across the water When driving on slippy surfaces/start hydroplaning: 1. Gradually remove foot from accelerator 2. Do not turn/stop rapidly 3. Pump brakes gently/repeatedly. (Apply steady pressure if you have anti-lock brakes)
How to enter/exit traffic
Enter: - Enter at the speed of traffic already in the lane. Use the acceleration lane/merging area Exit: - Don't low down until you move to the deceleration lane/ramp
what qualifies as a minor intersection?
Exit ramps/beginning of 1-way-streets
The driver that reaches the intersection first goes...
First
Using your horn
Give a gentle horn tap when: - Passing another driver that you think might pull in front of you - When approaching a driver who ay have trouble seeing you - When coming to a place where you cannot see what is ahead - - Steep hill or a sharp curve Only give it a SHARP BLAST when there is imminent danger
Green light
Go - Must yield to right-of-way vehicles as well as pedestrians - May turn left/right at intersection - - Unless those turns are prohibited Must yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
Green arrow pointed upwards
Go "Straight ahead"
Green arrow
Go in the direction of the arrow - If in the proper lane
Horizontal rectangle sign
Guide signs
Funeral processions
Has the right of way at an intersection - Must carry flashing yellow, red, or blue lights - Does not have right of way when there is an emergency vehicle
Motorcycles
Have the same right of way as other vehicles - Give it an entire lane when passing (same as a car)
Protecting yourself from collisions
Hit from the rear: - Hit the brake so you wont be pushed into another car - Brace yourself - Place head firmly against the head restraint Hit from the side - Brace yourself with the steering wheel - Be ready to steer quickly so you can prevent the car from spinning Hit from front: - Use arms/hands to protect face
Red lights in 1-way streets
If at red light in a 1-way street, you may turn into another 1-way street
two way traffic sign
Keep to the right because you are leaving a one-way road and entering a two-way road.
Turning from a street with 2+ lanes
Left - Get into the lane closest to the center line of the road Right - Get into the lane closest to the curb
Use of lanes with 2 lanes in 1 direction
Left lane - Passing vehicles in the right lane Right lane - Existing
How to steer quickly to avoid an obstacle
Left: - Turn steering wheel as far left as necessary - Once obstacle is cleared, Turn as far right as possible to get back into your lane - Return the wheel to the neutral position Right: - Do the opposite
Use of lanes with 3+ lanes in 1 direction
Leftmost lane - Drivers who want to pass/turn left Middle lane(s) - Through traffic Rightmost lane - Drivers who want to turn right/drive slower
Adjust speed in what traffic conditions
Less room to react when traffic is heavy. Adjust speed in: - Shopping centers/parking lots - Roads with heavy traffic - Narrow bridges and tunnels - Schools/playgrounds and residential areas - Other drivers are going faster/slower than you
KY speed limits
Limit on off street parking facilities: - 15 mph Business/residential district - 35 mph State highways - 55 mph Interstate highway/parkways - 65 mph
Using emergency signals
Make sure others know when your vehicle breaks down - Do this if you need to stop: 1. Pull off of road, to the right if possible 2. try to stop where the vehicle can be seen from a distance 3. Lift hood to show others you need assistance 4. Give drivers warning. Put flares 200-300 ft behind vehicle (if possible) 5. (If no flares) get off of the road and wave traffic around the car with a white cloth 6. Call for assistance
How to merge
Merge in a spot that is 6 seconds wide - Gives a 3 second distance to the vehicles in front and behind you
Red slash inside of a circle
Minor intersection - Means you cannot do something
Do not enter sign
Minor intersection - Says you cannot enter a street or roadway
Keeping a space cushion to the side
Multi-lane streets - Don't drive alongside other vehicles Oncoming vehicles - Keep space from oncoming vehicles that could swerve into you Entering vehicles - Let vehicles entering highways have room Parked vehicles - Keep space between you and parked vehicles
How to pass a vehicle on a 2 lane road
Must enter lane that belongs to oncoming vehicles - - At 50-55 mph, you need 10-12 seconds to pass a car and thus a 10-12 second gap in oncoming traffic
Drivers turning left must yield to
Oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right
equilateral triangle sign
Only used for yield signs
Lanes for passing
Pass on the left - Drivers expect passing on the left - Passers on the right are more difficult to see Pass on the right - Only if it can be done safely
Control of traffic at intersections
Place where 2 roads meet - May be controlled by: - - Traffic signals - - Signs - - Right of way rules
Adjusting speed
Posted speed limits only matter under prefect conditions. - Adjustments are made based on conditions
Flashing yellow arrow
Proceed with caution in the arrow's direction
Round sign
Railroad advance warning signs
2 flashing red lights
Railroad crossing - Stop - - Proceed when lights stop flashing/no train coming
Crossbuck sign
Regulatory sign Same as a yield sign
Directional signs
Signs indicating entrances, exits, fire evacuation plans, and other safety information. - Usually green/white
Slippery roads
Slippy roads don't provide proper grip Wet roads: - Reduce speed by 5-10 mph Snow roads: - Reduce speed by half Ice roads: - Only go 5-10 mph
Curves sign
Slow down when entering a curve
Flashing yellow lights
Slow down/watch for others Found at: - Intersections - Construction areas - Some vehicles - - Tow trucks
Allowing a space cushion for defensive driving (seeing)
Some drivers might enter your path without knowing you are there
Allowing a space cushion for defensive driving (someone else following you)
Sometimes you are followed too closely - Move to the right lane if there is one - If no right lane, wait until traffic is clear and flash brake lights/slow down so that they will drive around you
How to help out other drivers:
Speed up, slow down, change lanes, or stop School/church buses: - Contain children that may do something unexpected - - If they are stopped and (un)loading passengers, you must stop and wait - - - If approaching a stopped bus from the opposite direction does NOT require a stop if the highway has 4+ lanes
Red lights
Stop - behind a crosswalk - until the green light appears - You may turn right if no approaching traffic - - Not if a sign prohibits this
Color of Highway construction area signs
The color ORANGE - Means construction is happening
Railroad crossings
The crossbuck sign is painted onto the pavement - Means you must yield to trains
Adjusting to road conditions
The grip of tires on the road is reduced when the road is wet/curvy
Reverse curve sign
The road ahead curves in one direction and then in the other. Drivers should reduce their speed.
Winding road
The road ahead winds with a series of turns or curves. On all curves, slow down for better control.
T intersection
The roadway you are traveling on ends ahead. Signal before turning right or left.
Right of way laws are used when:
There are no signs, symbols, or police to tell you what to do
Visibility
Things the negatively affect visibility: - Darkness. (need to be closer to objects to see them in the dark.) - Rain/fog/snow (Cannot see >100 ft ahead. Not safe to drive more than 25 mph) - Trees, bushes, cars, buildings block vision at intersections - Hills/curves
Signaling when you change directions
Use turn signals before you: - Parallel park - Make a turnabout - Change lanes/pass a vehicle - Turn at an intersection Enter/leave a freeway or Interstate - Pull away from the curb - Pull over to the side of the road - Just signal every time you change direction
Vertical rectangle sign
Used for regulatory signs
Blind pedestrian right-of-way
Vehicles must give the right-of-way to any blind person with a white cane or assistance dog
Diamond sign
Warning of possible hazards
How road lines relate to passing
You may pass if there is a broken yellow line on your side of the road - (Blue car can pass) - (Green car cannot pass)
Railroad crossings with a regular STOP sign
You must stop and only proceed when you can determine that no train is coming
When to increase the space cushion ahead
You should have a 4-5 second following distance in these situations - Slippery roads - Following motorcycles - Other drivers try to pass you (slow down for this one) - Following a car with a Blocked view - Following a car with a Heavy load - Following large vehicles (they block your view and you need to be further behind them to see)
Traffic circle sign
a circular 1-way road where two or more roads meet - Drive to the right of the circle through the intersection
What lane to turn into when turning into another street
turn into the lane nearest to you
