Florida Driver Manual Study Guide for Knowledge Exam

In your vehicle, what should you adjust before you start your engine?

1) Be sure vehicle is in park or neutral 2) Adjust the seat so you can reach all controls. 3) Adjust all rear-view mirrors so that you can use them without having to lean forward or backward. 4) Move anything that blocks your view of mirrors or roadway. 5) Lock all car doors. 6) Put on your seat belt and make sure all passengers do the same.

What are the steps for making a smooth stop?

1) Check mirrors and blind spots for traffic to the rear. 2) Release accelerator to allow vehicle to slow. Press brake pedal to activate brake lights and use a steady pressure for a smooth stop.

What does a red traffic light mean?

1) Come to a complete stop at the stop line. Remain stopped until light turns green. 2) Don't stop too far away from the stop line. Some signals change only when their sensors detect vehicles at the stop line. 3) You may turn left from a one-way street onto a one-way street that has traffic moving to the left. 4) Before turning, you must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in the crosswalk and oncoming traffic. 5) Running(driving through) the red light is against the law and is extremely dangerous!

Where is parking prohibited?

1) Crosswalks 2) Sidewalks 3) Bicycle lanes 4) Intersections 5) Bridges 6) Overpasses 7) Tunnels 8) In front of driveways 9) By yellow painted curbs 10)NO PARKING or DISABLED PERMIT ONLY zones 11)On the roadway side of another parked vehicle (double parking) 12)On highway pavement not marked for parking 13)Anywhere that blocks or creates a hazard for other vehicles 14) Or within: ◆ 15 feet of a fire hydrant. ◆ 20 feet of an intersection. ◆ 20 feet of the entrance to a fire, ambulance, or rescue station. ◆ 30 feet of a rural mail box on a state highway (8 am-6 pm). ◆ 30 feet of any flashing signal, stop sign, or traffic signal. ◆ 50 feet of a railroad crossing

What are the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death?

1) If a person leaves the scene resulting in death, they will be charged with 1st degree felony with a minimum of 4 years of prison term. This includes losing driver license for 3 years minimum. 2) If a person leaves the scene resulting in a serious bodily injury, they will be charged with 2nd degree felony. This includes losing driver license for 3 years minimum. 3) If a person leaves the scene resulting in an injury, they will be charged with 3rd degree felony. This includes losing driver license for 3 years minimum.

When must you yield right-of-way?

1) If a vehicle is already in the intersection 2) You enter or cross a state highway from a secondary road 3) You enter a paved road from an unpaved road 4) You plan to make a left turn and a vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction

What should you do when you see red reflectors on the lane lines facing you?

1) If driver sees red reflectors facing you on the lane lines, you are on the wrong side of the road. Turn around or get into the proper lane immediately! 2) If driver sees red reflectors on the edge lines of the road, you are going the wrong way on an entrance or exit ramp. Pull over immediately! Turn around when it is safe to do so.

If you have a learner's license, how many hours of driving experience are required to earn the Class E driver license?

1) If under age 18: A) A parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult 21 years old or older, must certify that the driver has had at least 50 hours of driving experience, of which 10 hours were at night.

What should you do if another driver is threatening you or intentionally driving dangerously around you?

1) Remain calm and try to put as much distance between you and them as possible. 2) Slow down and let them pass. 3) Do not make obscene gestures.

What should you do if your tires begin to skid while driving?

1) Take your foot off the gas pedal. 2) Do not use your brakes, if possible. 3) Turn the vehicle's front tires in the direction you want to go(steer in the direction of the skid).

What should you do if your right wheels go off the pavement while driving?

1) Take your foot off the gas pedal. 2) Hold the wheel firmly and steer in a straight line 3) Brake lightly 4) Wait until the road is clear. Turn back on the pavement at a slow speed(signal your intention).

What maneuvers are required on a driving exam?

1) Three point turn 2) Approach of crossing 3) Observe Right-of-way 4) Straight-in parking 5) Parking on a grade 6) Stop quickly 7) Backing 8) Obey stop signs 9) Obey traffic signals 10) Signal and turn 11) Passing 12)Stay in proper lane 13) Follow at a safe distance 14) Use proper posture

When a projected load extends more than 4 feet from the vehicle, what must you use to clearly mark it at night?

1) Two red lamps on the back of the load that can be seen from at least 500 feet to the rear. 2) Two red reflectors on the rear that can be seen from 100 to 600 feet when directly in front of low beam headlights, and located to show the load's full width. 3) One red lamp on each side of the load, visible from at least 500 feet to show maximum overhang of load.

What are the three main categories of distracted driving?

1) Visual: taking your eyes off the road 2) Manual: taking your hands off the steering wheel. 3) Cognitive: thinking about anything other than driving.

Where is it unlawful to overtake and pass?

1) Where there is a single solid line, or double-sided solid line dividing lanes; 2) When the double-sided yellow line is solid in your lane; 3) In Do Not Pass and No Passing zones; 4) On hills or curves where you can't see at least 500 feet ahead; 5) Within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, tunnel, railroad crossing, or intersection; 6)When a school bus is stopped and has its warning flashers on and stop sign extended; 7) At crosswalks where a vehicle has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross.

Why would one opt to take a Basic Driver Improvement Course?

1) You must complete a basic driver improvement course(Traffic Collision Avoidance Course) if you want to retain your driver license in the following circumstances: A) You were a driver in a crash and are found at fault and someone was transported to the hospital. B) You had two crashes in a two-year period, which resulted in property damage greater than $500. C) You were convicted of running a red light, passing a school bus when it displayed a stopped signal, racing on highway, reckless driving. 2)If you receive a ticket for a non-criminal moving violation, and you do not hold a CDL (Commercial Driver's License), you may elect to attend a basic driver improvement course in lieu of points on your driving record. 3)If, as a result of a moving violation, you elect to attend and complete a basic driver improvement course, you will receive the following benefits: A) Insurance companies cannot impose an additional premium or refuse to renew a policy for motor vehicle insurance solely because the insured committed a non-criminal traffic infraction, with the following exceptions: a second infraction within 36 months; or exceeding the speed limit by more than 15 miles per hour(mph). B) Points may not be added to your driver license record if adjudication of guilt is withheld.

What should you do during a tire blow-out?

1. Take your foot off the gas. Do not use brakes. 2. Concentrate on steering. 3. Slow down gradually. 4. Brake softly when the car is under control. 5. Pull completely off the pavement/roadway.

What is the farthest away you can park from a curb?

12 inches

Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit for cars in a residential area?

30 miles per hour(MPH)

What is the maximum speed limit on an interstate highway?

70 miles per hour(MPH)

What are the time restrictions for a licensed driver under age 17?

A 16-year-old licensed driver may not drive between 11PM and 6AM unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a licensed driver who is age 21 or older.

What are the time restrictions for a licensed driver under age 18?

A 17-year-old licensed driver may not drive between 11PM and 5AM unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a licensed driver who is age 21 or older.

Both your judgment and vision are affected after drinking alcohol. Which is affected first?

A person's judgment is the first thing affected after drinking an alcoholic beverage.

After a full stop at a red traffic light when may a driver turn right?

After stopping, you may turn right if there is not a NO TURN ON RED sign and the way is clear.

Observe Right-of-way maneuver

Allow pedestrians to cross, pull over and stop for emergency vehicles, and don't enter an intersection where you will interfere with other traffic.

Passing maneuver

Always look ahead and behind to make sure you can pass safely.

Obey stop signs maneuver

Approach in the proper lane, come to a complete stop before reaching the stop line or crosswalk, and remain stopped until you can move safely.

What does a brown sign indicate?

Areas of public recreation, cultural, and historical significance.

Backing maneuver

Back for a distance of 50 feet at a slow speed while looking to the rear. Do not use the rear-view mirror or rear-view camera monitor.

What are the requirements of the No-Fault Law?

Before you register your car in Florida, you must show proof of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage. 2) Every owner or person in charge of operating a motor vehicle on Florida roadways must: A) provide proof of valid PIP and PDL insurance at the time of vehicle registration. B) have a minimum of $10,000 in PIP and a minimum of $10,000 in PDL coverage. C) purchase the policy from an insurance agency licensed to do business in Florida D) maintain the insurance continuously throughout the registration period E) always have proof of valid Florida insurance readily available when the vehicle is being driven on Florida roadways.

At what times must you use your headlights?

Between the hours of sunset and sunrise.

What age are children required to be in a car seat? In a car seat or booster seat?

Children under age 4 must be in a safety seat. Children ages 4 and 5 must be in either a safety seat or a booster seat.

What must you do when you see a pedestrian with a white cane in the street ahead of you?

Come to a complete stop, yield the right-of-way, and use extra caution

What does an orange traffic sign indicate?

Construction and maintenance warning

When emergency braking, what is the difference between conventional brakes and anti-lock brakes (ABS)?

Conventional brakes: Many drivers learn that to stop in an emergency situation where traction is lost is by pumping the brakes. Anti-lock brakes(ABS): Drivers with these brakes must press down hard on the brake pedal, and steer out of danger. If the driver removes steady pressure from the break pedal or pumps the brakes, the ABS will disengage or turn off.

What does a double solid white line in the center of the highway mean?

Crossing a double solid line/changing lanes is not allowed.

Follow at a safe distance maneuver

Do not follow too closely behind other cars. Keep a minimum following distance of three to four seconds.

At night, within how many feet of approaching a vehicle from the rear must you dim your high beam headlights?

Do not use high beam headlights within 300 feet of the vehicle ahead of you; use low beam headlights.

Within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle should you dim your high beam headlights?

Do not use high beam headlights within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle; use low beam headlights.

Stay in proper lane maneuver

Drive in the right lane except on a one-way street. Do not change lanes until you may do so safely.

What does it mean if you see red reflectors on the lane lines facing you?

Driver is facing traffic the wrong way and could have a head-on collision.

What does a single broken white line on the highway mean?

Driver may cross this line to change lanes when it is safe to do so.

How long(distance) should you signal before making a left or right turn?

Driver must give a turn signal at least 100 feet before you make your turn.

What must you do when children or school crossing guards are present in a crosswalk?

Driver must yield and stop at the stop line and not in the crosswalk

If a law enforcement officer stops a vehicle and the front seat passenger under 18 years old is not wearing a safety belt, who will be charged with the seat belt violation?

Drivers will be charged with a seat belt/child restraint violation if any passenger under the age of 18 is not restrained with the proper seat belt or child restraint device.

When should you increase your following distance?

During unusual weather or traffic conditions Rain or when roads are wet Low visibility(dusk, dawn, nighttime, fog, etc) When being passed(more space in front of your vehicle so the pass can be completed safely) Carrying a heavy load or pulling a trailer. The extra weight makes it more difficult to stop quickly/steer correctly. When stopped behind another vehicle on an incline; it may roll back before moving forward. When following motorcycles. The chances of a motorcyclist falling are greater on wet or gravel roads, or metal surfaces such as bridges. You will need extra stopping/steering distance to avoid hitting the bike/rider. When following emergency vehicles. It is against the law to follow a fire truck responding to a fire alarm closer than 500 feet. When following vehicles required to come to a stop at railroad crossings, such as city buses, school buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials. When following vehicles with a blocked rear view. Drivers of trucks, buses, vans, or vehicles pulling trailers may not be able to see your vehicle when you are directly behind them.

What are the penalties if you are at fault in a crash and you are not insured in compliance with the Financial Responsibility Law?

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles(DHSMV)can require you to pay for the damages before your driving privilege is reinstated. Your driver license and/or license plates will be suspended for up to three years.

What is the minimum distance a motorist must give when traveling next to a cyclist?

Florida law requires that motorists give bicyclists a minimum of three feet of clearance.

Bumper height requirements for cars that weigh less than 2500 pounds.

Front bumper height of 22 inches Rear bumper height of 22 inches

Bumper height requirements for cars that weigh between 2500 and 3499 pounds.

Front bumper height of 24 inches Rear bumper height of 26 inches

Bumper height requirements for trucks that weigh less than 2000 pounds

Front bumper height of 24 inches Rear bumper height of 26 inches

Bumper height requirements for cars that weigh 3500 pounds or more

Front bumper height of 27 inches Rear bumper height of 29 inches

Bumper height requirements for trucks that weigh between 2000 and 3000 pounds

Front bumper height of 27 inches Rear bumper height of 29 inches

Bumper height requirements for trucks that weigh between 3000 and 5000 pounds

Front bumper height of 28 inches Rear bumper height of 30 inches

What does a yellow traffic sign indicate?

General warning. Advisory of unexpected roadway conditions.

Approach of crossing maneuver

Get in the proper lane and look in each direction.

Obey traffic signals maneuver

Get into the proper lane and approach the light at a speed that will allow you to stop if the light should change. When the light turns green, do not move forward until the other traffic has cleared the intersection.

Signal and turn maneuver

Get into the proper lane and signal your turn for the last 100 feet. You may use either hand signals or mechanical signals.

What should you do if you drive past your exit on an interstate highway?

Go to the next exit

What does a green sign indicate?

Guide, or directional information

What does a fluorescent yellow green sign indicate?

High emphasis warning of school, pedestrian, and bicycling activity

When can you be charged with driving under the influence (DUI)?

If you are found to be driving or in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, prescriptions, or over-the-counter medications.

Why is drowsy driving dangerous?

It can . . . • Slow down your thought processes and reaction time; • Affect your judgement and vision; • Impair your senses and abilities; • Cause micro-sleeping ("nodding off") or fall completely asleep.

What is the recommended safe following distance?

Keep a minimum following distance of four seconds during normal weather and traffic conditions.

Use proper posture maneuver

Keep both hands on the steering wheel and do not rest your elbow in the window.

Stop quickly maneuver

Make a quick, safe stop when the examiner/agent instructs you.

What are the time restrictions for a driver with a learner's license?

Minors holding a learner's license must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is age 21 or older, and must only drive during daylight hours. After holding a learner's license for 3 months, you may drive until 10PM.

What does a blue sign indicate?

Motorist services guidance. It is also used to identify parking spaces for disabled drivers.

Where should you move your vehicle if you break down while driving on the highway?

Move vehicle completely off the pavement for no more than six hours.

Are the bumper heights the same for every vehicle?

No

Can anyone drink and drive safely?

No one can drink alcohol and drive safely, even if you have been driving for many years.

When a school bus is stopped to unload children on a highway divided with a raised barrier, are vehicles traveling in the opposite direction required to stop?

No. Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction must proceed with caution.

Where should you never make a three-point turn?

On a curve, a hill, the highway, or where there is a sign that prohibits U-turns.

When can you use a three-point turn?

Only if the road is too narrow for a U-turn and you can't go around the block.

What does a solid yellow line to the right of the center line of the highway mean?

Passing is not allowed in this lane May turn left when safe to do so

What does a flashing yellow light mean?

Proceed with caution Used at, or just before, dangerous intersections. Used to alert you to a warning sign such as a school crossing or sharp curve.

Parking on a grade maneuver

Proper parking for uphill and downhill, with and without a curb.

What must you do if an emergency vehicle with activated lights and/or sirens is approaching you from behind?

Pull over to the closest edge of the roadway immediately and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.

When a projected load extends more than 4 feet from the vehicle, what must you use to clearly mark it in the daytime?

Red flags at least 18 inches square must mark the extremities of the load.

What does a white/black sign indicate?

Regulatory Control traffic; Set limits, or Give commands

What if you have an automatic transmission?

Set the parking brake and shift to Park Put gear shift in park

If you have a manual transmission, what gear should you put the car in when parking uphill?

Shift to first

If you have a manual transmission, what gear should you put the car in when parking downhill?

Shift to reverse

What does a red traffic sign indicate?

Stop Do not enter Wrong way Yield

If you are approaching a railroad crossing that does not have gates or lights and you see a train coming, what should you do?

Stop within 50 feet of the nearest rail of the railroad, but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad

What is the arm signal for a left turn?

Straight arm horizontally out the window.

Why is texting one of the most dangerous of distracted driving behaviors?

Texting involves visual, manual, and cognitive types of distracted driving.

What is a "No Zone"?

The blind spots on the right, left, front, and behind a truck or large vehicle where drivers can't see you.

If you are driving a motor vehicle, are you allowed to share a lane with a motorcyclist?

The driver of a motor vehicle should never attempt to share the lane with a motorcycle

When more than one vehicle approaches a four-way stop sign, which one moves first?

The first vehicle to reach the intersection should move forward first.

What are the equipment requirements for side windows?

They may not be composed of, covered by, or treated with any material which has a highly reflective or mirrored appearance and reflects more than 25% of the light(side windows) or more than 35% of the light(rear window).

What are the equipment requirements for windshields?

They must be safety glass and may not be covered or treated with any material that makes the windshield reflective or non-transparent. They must be free of any stickers not required by law.

Three point turn maneuver

Turn car around in a 20-40 foot space.

When driving in the rain, fog, or smoke in the daytime, what lights should you use?

Turn on your headlights

Which way should you turn your wheels when parking facing uphill where there is a curb?

Turn wheels from curb

Which way should you turn your wheels when parking downhill?

Turn wheels to curb

Which way should you turn your wheels when parking facing uphill where there is not a curb?

Turn wheels to right

How do you check your blind spots when you are preparing to change lanes or turn?

Turn your head to make sure these areas are clear. Move forward or drop back so that the other driver can see you.

What does a flashing red traffic light mean?

Used at dangerous intersections. Treat it like a stop sign; stop and proceed when safe.

What does a double solid yellow line in the center of the highway mean?

Vehicles moving in either direction must not pass/cross these lines(unless turning left when it is safe to do so).

When a school bus stops to unload children, are vehicles traveling in the same direction required to stop?

Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the school bus must always stop and must remain stopped until the stop signal is withdrawn.

When may you drive in the left lane of a road with four lanes?

When driver is overtaking and passing

When may you drive in the left lane of a road with two lanes?

When driver is overtaking and passing(where permitted)

Straight-in parking maneuver

When properly parked, the vehicle should be centered inside the space with no part of the vehicle extending out in the traffic lane.

Under what circumstances can you stop in the acceleration lane on an expressway?

When traffic is too heavy and there is no space for driver to enter safely

What should you do when driving on wet roads in the rain? Why?

When you turn on your windshield wipers, turn on your headlights. Do not turn on emergency flashers. Slow down! Roads become slick during rainstorms and especially if it has not rained in a while(oil build-up on the highway). Wet road conditions will increase your braking/stopping distance, so be sure to increase following distance. Hydroplaning happens when your vehicle slides on top of a thin layer of water between your tires and the road. When your tires are not touching the road, you can easily lose control and skid. Tires with low air pressure or bad tread increase the risk of hydroplaning, and so does speeding. Brakes often become wet after driving in heavy rain. They may pull to one side or the other, or they may not hold at all. If this happens, slow down and gently push on then brake pedal until your brakes are working again. If you come to a roadway that is flooded, turn around and find another way to go. Do not attempt to drive through the water! It is impossible to determine the depth or current and your vehicle could become submerged or swept away.

Are motorists required to stop or yield for pedestrians crossing the street?

Yes

Can you be issued a ticket for driving too slowly?

Yes

When on the roadway, do motorcyclists and moped riders have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers?

Yes

Are you required to notify DHSMV of any health problems that may affect your driving?

Yes. If you have epilepsy, fainting spells, dizziness, blackouts, or any other medical condition that could impair your driving, you may be asked to have your doctor complete a medical report form.

As a motorist, what should you do when preparing to turn right on a roadway with a bike lane?

Yield to any bicyclist in the bike lane and make your turn behind the bicyclist

What can happen to you if you are in a crash and not wearing a seat belt?

You are far more likely to be killed in a crash if you are not wearing a seat belt.

What does a green arrow showing at the same time as a red traffic light mean you can do?

You can turn if you are in the proper lane for such a turn.

What happens to the force of impact when you double your speed?

You increase its force of impact four times

What happens to the force of impact when you triple your speed?

You increase its force of impact nine times

What education course are you required to take if you are applying for a learner's license(or have never held a driver license)?

You must complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course(TLSAE).

If you hit a parked car and are unable to find the owner, what should you do?

You must leave a note including your name, contact information, and license plate(registration) number.

What must you do if you are involved in a minor accident and your vehicle is blocking the flow of traffic?

You must move the vehicle or have it moved.

What must you do if hauling a load of material which could fall or blow onto the roadway?

You must use a close-fitting cover.

What does the Move Over law require you to do on a multi-lane roadway?

You must vacate the lane closest to the stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck, sanitation, or utility vehicle. (Signal your intention to change lanes.)If you cannot move over safely, you must slow down to a speed of 20 miles per hour (mph) below the posted speed limit. Drivers who are not in the lane closest to the stationary vehicle should be prepared to allow those who are about to move over into their lane.

If your license and registration are suspended for being in violation of the No-Fault Law, what must you do to get them reinstated?

You will have to get insurance and pay a reinstatement fee($150 to $500)

What is the arm signal for slow or stop?

Your hand and arm downward

What is the arm signal for a right turn?

Your hand and arm upward

What can happen if you are found guilty of racing on the highway?

Your license must be revoked(termination of driving privilege)

What are the penalties for refusing to take a blood test, a urine test, or a breath test when suspected of driving under the influence?

Your license will automatically be suspended for one year

What is an open intersection?

one without traffic control signs or signals

What are blind spots?

the areas near the left and right rear corners of the vehicle that the driver cannot see in their rear-view mirrors or with their peripheral vision.

What does the Move Over law require you to do on a two-lane roadway?

you must slow down to a speed of 20 miles per hour(mph) below the posted speed limit. If the speed limit is 20 miles per hour(mph) or less, you must travel at 5 miles per hour(mph).