District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles -- Driver Manual Quiz
Driving Privilege
- Driving a motor vehicle in the District of Columbia is a privilege and not a right. Your driver license grants you the privilege to operate a motor vehicle on roadways safely and responsibly.
If convicted of certain criminal traffic violations in DC
- If you are convicted of certain criminal traffic violations in DC, including driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence, your minimum revocation period is six (6) months for the first offense, two (2) years for the second offense, and three (3) years for the third or subsequent offense. Your driving privileges are revoked until they have officially been reinstated and the reinstatement fee is paid.
Cellular Phones
- In the District of Columbia, you must be hands-free while driving with a cellular phone. Remember, texting while driving is never allowed!
Full license with conditions between the ages of 17-18 years old [GRAD Permissible Driving Hours]
- September-June - Monday-Thursday, 6:01am - 10:59pm - Friday-Sunday, 6:01am - 11:59pm - July & August - Everyday, 6:01am - 11:59pm
Provisional License [GRAD Permissible Driving Hours]
- September-June - Monday-Thursday, 6:01am - 10:59pm - Friday-Sunday, 6:01am - 11:59pm - July & August - Everyday, 6:01am - 11:59pm
Aggressive Driving
- a form of reckless driving
Negligent Driving
- a person is guilty of negligent driving if he or she drivers a motor vehicle in a careless or imprudent manner that endangers any property or the life of any individual
Thinking and Deciding
- after you see what is important, you must think about it and decide what to do. If you are interested in your own safety and the safety of others, you will decide what to do on the basis of least risk. Notice that we said the least risk. All driving involves some risk. The smart driver quickly sizes up the situation, realizes that there are several different things he/she might do and decides to do thing that involves the least risk.
Simple Rules to Reduce Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
- always allow extra travel time - do not remain behind the wheel for more than three hours at a time - maintain adequate distance from the vehicle in front of you so you will be able to stop in time to avoid a collision - always signal your intention when turning or changing lanes - always come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs. Do not run yellow lights. - let other drivers merge into traffic in an orderly fashion - do not block the passing lane - obey posted speed limits - concentrate on your driving -- not your cell phone, stereo, passengers, or other distractions - use your horn, only in an emergency situation to alert other drivers or pedestrians - never engage in inappropriate behavior such as making faces or rude, obscene gestures - avoid eye contact - extend common courtesy to other drivers at all times. All drivers must do their part in making driving a safer, less stressful and more pleasant experience.
Vehicle Safety for Pedestrians when sharing the road
- always yield and grant the right-of-way - yield to pedestrians when turning - use caution when approaching intersections and crosswalks - never pass a stopped vehicle at a crosswalk
Distracted Driving
- any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving ex. : - eating & drinking - using a cellphone or smartphone - texting - grooming - reading - using the navigation system - adjusting the radio, CD player, or MP3 player - talking to passengers
Pedestrians
- any person who may travel by foot, wheelchair, stroller, walking, running or jogging
You may obtain a DC driver license if you
- are at least 17 years old (learner permit at age 16) - are able to submit proof of full legal name, date of birth, social security number and two (2) proofs of DC Residency; - have successfully completed the knowledge test, skills road test, and vision screening; - have parental/guardian consent if under age 18; - surrender any driver license suspended, revoked, or denied; - comply with medical requirements; - have no outstanding debt to the District of Columbia or unpaid fines for moving traffic violations in other jurisdictions.
Hydroplaning and Flooding
- at speeds up to 35 miles per hour, most tires with tread will "wipe" the road surface the way a windshield wiper clean the windshield. As speed increases, the wiping action of the tires becomes less effective and tires start to ride on a layer of water just as with a water ski. This is called hydroplaning.
Pedestrian Safety tips to remember
- cross the street at crosswalks and intersections - increase your visibility and make sure drivers see you - it's safest to walk on a sidewalk
What causes aggressive driving?
- crowded roads - being in a hurry - road work - stress from other areas of life - dangerous driving attitudes - selfishness
Skiding
- don't panic and do not brake - immediately steer in the direction of the skid
Points for moving violations
- drivers receive point for certain moving violations, whether the violations occur in the District of Columbia or in other states. DMV will assess points if you are found liable at a hearing, failure to pay a ticket within the time required, are convicted in court of a traffic violation, or you pay the ticket (payment is an admission of liability). The number of points you will receive depends on the the of violation.
Distracted Driver Syndrome
- eating, drinking beverages, or smoking - changing the radio, CD, or tape - shaving, putting on make-up, or engaging in other personal grooming tasks - engaging in intense, complicated, emotional, or lengthy conversations on cell phones or other with other passengers - reading a road map, newspaper or taking notes - focusing attention on children or pets, especially those who are being rowdy - retrieving unsecured cargo or objects 0 driving an unfamiliar vehicle without first adjusting the mirrors and seat, selecting entertainment options and locating the lights, turn signals and windshield wipers - using cellular phones
Concentration
- essential for safe driving
Flooding
- flooding can occur during heavy rainfall. Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. If you see a flooded roadway, turn around and find another route to get to your destination. be cautious, especially at night when visibility is limited. If six inches of water reaches the bottom of a vehicle, it may cause loss of control or possible stalling. Two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles including sports utility vehicles and pickup trucks. Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to cross a flooded road. Water can hide dips, or worse, floodwaters can damage roadways by washing away the underlying road surface. If there is no other route, proceed to higher ground and wait for the water to subside
Rules for Bicyclists to abide
- follow the rules of the road - stop at red lights and stop signs - always wear a helmet - watch for opening doors when passing cars - do not ride on sidewalks in downtown areas
How to protect yourself from aggressive drivers
- get out of the way and let an aggressive driver pass - don't challenge them - avoid eye contact - always be a courteous driver
Vehicle Safety for Bicyclists when sharing the road
- give bicycles at least 3 feet of space - look for bicyclists before opening doors - yield to bicyclists when turning
Having an object attached to or hanging from the rear view mirror
- having something attached to or hanging from the rear view mirror while driving is against the regulations of the District of Columbia
If stopped by law enforcement
- if stopped y law enforcement while driving a motor vehicle in the District of Columbia, you will be responsible for providing your valid driver license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Failure to comply may result in a fine and / or arrest.
10 to 11 points for moving violations
- if you accumulate 10 or 11 points, your DC driver license will be suspended and you will lose your riving privileges for a period of ninety (90) days. Your driving privileges are revoked until they have been officially reinstated.
12 or more points for moving violations
- if you accumulate 12 or more points, your DC driver license will be revoked and you will not be eligible for reinstatement for six (6) months. Your driving privileges are revoked until they have been officially reinstated
Emotions Affect your driving
- if you are upset or angry, take some time to calm down before driving, or let someone else drive
Striking a Domestic Animal with a Motor Vehicle
- immediately notify the police departing having jurisdiction in the area where the accident occured
Insurance maintenance on vehicle
- insurance must be maintained as long as the vehicle is registered. Lapse in coverage is subject to fines. Do not cancel insurance until your vehicle tags are surrendered to DMV.
Pets
- keep pets away from you as you drive. Do not let them sit on our lap or get fresh air from the driver's side window. Never leave a pet unattended in your vehicle
Safe Driving Practices
- keep your mind on driving, obey the laws and be courteous to other highway users. Although you may obey the traffic laws, you can still be involved in a traffic accident. Other drivers may not obey traffic laws, or they may not be alert, or their vehicles may be in poor mechanical condition. To be a safe driver, you must be alert, foresee danger and make allowances for the mistakes of others. This section suggests safety practices that will help you avoid accidents or, when unavoidable, to reduce their severity.
Night Driving
- keeping your speed low enough to be able to stop within the distance you can se ahead - when approaching other vehicles, do not stare at their headlights. Use quick glances to: >> learn the lane position of oncoming vehicles >> learn your own position >> be certain of the right edge of road >> look ahead for objects in your path >> keep your windshield clean. With a clean windshield, the headlights on oncoming cars won't bother you as much >> do not wear sunglasses at night >> stay awake and alert. Fresh, cool air will help >> use the road edge line for a guide. If there is no road edge line, use the center line for a guide >> watch carefully for highway signs. They are more difficult to see at night >> be especially watchful for pedestrians and stopped vehicles at night >> do not stop on the roadway for any reason >> carry a red warning light or flares for use when stops alongside the roadway are unavoidable >> cut down on smoking when you are driving a vehicle with the windows closed
Following Distance
- leave as much space between your vehicle and one ahead as you possibly can allow for a sudden stop. - watch the car ahead of you when it passes a reference point, such as a sign or overpass. Then count "One thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three, one thousand four". - remember don't cut trucks off. It takes much more time and distance for a truck to stop.
To insure your safety, basic safety rules are very important:
- look over the condition of the outside of the vehicle--inspect tires, look for loose objects, leaks, etc.; - adjust the seat; - adjust mirrors; - properly fasten seat belts; - insert key and start engine; - before starting off, think how adverse conditions, such as light, weather, road and traffic conditions will affect your trip; and - check vehicle brake lights and signals before you drive
Turning
- make up your mind well in advance of reaching the turning point. Last minute decisions often cause accidents. - move into the proper lane well before you need to make the turn. The faster the traffic flow, the sooner you should get in to the proper lane - look behind you and to both sides. Signal your intention as required by law before changing lanes - slow down to a reasonable turning speed but do so gradually. The only exception is when you are leaving the interstate other limited-access highway - make the turn according to the law
Learner's Permit [GRAD Permissible Driving Hours]
- must be accompanied by a driver 21 years or older - Everyday, 6:00am - 9:00pm
Crowding inside the Vehicle
- never let passengers or parcels crowd you while you are driving. Never let anything in the vehicle obstruct your vision in all directions. having something attached to or hanging from the rear view mirror while driving is against the regulations in the District of Columbia
Drowsy Driving
- operating a motor vehicle while being impaired due to lack of sleep
Impaired Driving
- operating a motor vehicle while you are affected by alcohol, legal or illicit drugs, and sleepiness
Letting Other Know What You Are Going To Do
- other drivers and pedestrians on the road must know what you are going to do if they are to keep out of your way. You let them know through hand signals, turn signals, headlights, brake lights, and by the position of your vehicle.
A person may be guilty of aggressive driving if they do any of the following
- pass traffic lights with steady RED indication - pass on right - change lanes swiftly - follow too closely - fail to yield right-of-way - exceed maximum speed limit
How to avoid becoming an aggressive driver
- plan ahead - obey the speed limit - identify alternative routes - just be late - be a courteous and patient driver
Activity of points on driving record
- points will stay active on your driving record for two years - if you maintain a valid DC driver license for a full calendar year without obtaining pointable moving violations, you may be eligible to receive a Good Point on your driving record
Winter Driving
- ramps and bridges freeze first before highways and roads. Also, plowed roads may refreeze at night or have icy patches from the daylight thawing of snow. Four-wheel drive vehicles slide on ice and snow too. If you are driving a four-wheel vehicle, do not assume that you can drive in ice and snow the way you wold on dry pavement
Driving in Fog
- reduce speed - reduce speed even more when you see headlights or taillights ahead
Help prevent aggressive driving
- report incidents of aggressive driving to the police - set an example for younger passengers
Change of Address
- residents are required to update change of address with the Department of Motor Vehicles within sixty (60) days
Use of the Horn
- sound your horn only to warn a pedestrian, cyclist or the driver of another vehicle in the event of an emergency. The horn is not intended to take the place of brakes. Never use the horn in a posted "Quiet Zone" unless in an emergency. Do not use your horn to alert a motorist, cyclist or pedestrian of your approach in a non-emergency situation. A loud horn can cause a cyclist to lose control
Seat belt
- the driver and all passengers in a vehicle must wear a seat belt
Obtaining a False or Forged Identification Card, Driver License or Permit
- the law states that if you attempt to secure a false or fraudulent identification card, driver license or permit, or knowingly possess a false or fraudulent identification card, driver license, or permit, you may be subject to a fine or imprisonment.
Three to Four Second Following and Stopping Distance Rule
- the length of time it takes a driver to see and recognize that there is a dangerous situation - the length of time it takes from the perception of danger to the start of braking - 3-4 seconds - type and condition of the pavement - percentage of grade of roadway - kind of condition of tire treads - vehicle design and condition of shock absorbers - type and condition of breaks - direction and speed of the wind
Traffic Laws
- traffic laws are intended to prevent accidents and keep traffic moving. If you violate the law, you can cause accidents, slow traffic or be ticketed and / or fined.
Hand signals under Special Conditions
- use hand signals in addition to your turn signals when the sun is shining brightly and when vehicles immediately behind you obscure your turn signal
Backing
- watch for children walking, running, or playing on toy cars or tricycles - it is safe to back up provided you turn your head and look back out the rear window and check both side view mirrors - don't depend on the rearview mirror alone - never back up fast or far; instead, find a way to turn around - never back out or into an intersection; instead, turn into a side street and turn around there or drive around the block - if you use a driveway, it is safer to back into it and drive out than vice versa - back out of angled parking spaces carefully
Starting from a Garage or Diveway
- watch for nearby vehicle or pedestrians - move carefully to join traffic at the proper speed - when you must back out, be sure to look behind your car first. = watch carefully behind the vehicle through the mirrors and by turning your head to look out the window while you are backing up - stop before entering the street and look again before proceeding
Wet Pavements
- when the road is wet, it is much more difficult to hold the road on curves and it takes longer distance to stop.
When Hydroplaning occurs
- when this happens, you cannot brake, accelerate, or properly turn. As soon as you feel any loss of control, take your foot off the gas pedal and hold the steering wheel firmly in the direction you intend to go. Allow your vehicle speed to decrease until you regain complete control of the vehicle.
Making a Decision
- when you have decided what you are going to do, you must do it using all your driving experience and skills.
Looking and Seeing
- you look with your eyes but see with your mind. Keeping an alert mind to what is going on around you will prepare you for the important decisions you must make when you drive
Road Signs
- you must be able to read and explain all highway signs. The knowledge test consists of several local and highway signs and the DMV examiner will check to see if attention to the signs is paid during the driving test.
Cellular phones in DC
- you must be hands-free while driving with a cellular phone in the District of Columbia
General Laws
- you must know the general laws - you commit a misdemeanor or felony when you disregard any traffic law or fail to do something required by the law - you must obey the instructions of a police officer even though they may be contrary to laws, signs, signals, and markings. Such instructions may be necessary to keep traffic moving safely. - you must not try to evade a traffic signal or road sign by leaving the road and traveling across private property
Drag Racing
- you must not engage in any vehicle race, speed exhibition, or peed contest including those commonly known as drag aces on any public street, road, or highway
Failure to pay child support
- your drive license and vehicle can be suspended for failure to pay child support
Convicted of a non-driving related drug offense
- your driver license can be revoked if you are convicted of a non-driving related drug offense
Danger signs of Drowsy Drivers
- your eyes close or go out of focus by themselves - you have trouble keeping your head up - you can't stop yawning - you have wandering, disconnected thoughts - you don't remember driving he last few miles - you missed your exit - you keep driving out of your lane - your speed becomes variable
The main duties of any driver involved in an accident are to:
1) Stop 2) Remain: As close to the scene as possible until you have aided any injured person and identified yourself. If possible, move your car away from the line of traffic 3) Aid any injured persons: You must render assistance to any person injured in the accident. Depending on the extent of the injury, assistance in most instances is accomplished by calling for an ambulance. Normally, you should not attempt to move a person who is unconscious or seriously hurt 4) Identify yourself: Drivers involved in accidents must give their name, address and the registration information of the vehicle they are driving. Upon request, show your driver license to the other person(s) involved in the accident. If no one is in condition to receive the information and no police officer is present, you must, as soon as possible, report this information to the nearest police department 5) Provide Insurance Information: You must give the name and address of your insurance company, the name and address of the local agent or local office, and your policy number or other identifying number 6) Leave Written Notice: If an unattended vehicle or other property is damaged, an attempt must be made to locate the owner. If the owner cannot be located, a written notice giving the identifying information listen above must be left in or on the damaged vehicle or property in a conspicuous and secure place 7) Make Required Report: Any motor vehicle accident in which you are involved should be reported to your insurance company
4 Major Components of Driving
1.) Looking and Seeing 2.) Thinking and Deciding 3.) Letting Others Know What You Are Going To Do 4.) Making a Decision
Reckless Driving
A person is guilty of reckless driving if he/she drives a motor vehicle: - with a willful disregard for the safety of people or property or - in a manner that indicates a willful disregard for the safety of people or property
DDOT
District Department of Trasportation
In a case of Drowsy Driving
Drivers should: - make it a daily priority to get sufficient sleep - refuse to drive when sleep-deprived - pull off the road to a safe location when sleepy
Accidents
In accordance with the law, there are certain duties to be performed when you are involved in an accident.
Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
The biggest culprits include: - tailgating - unsafe lane changing - speeding - running red lights and stop signs
Driving Conditions. When to Reduce Speed.
You must slow down when: - coming to an intersection, railroad grade crossing, curve, or the crest of a hill; - near playgrounds and schools, or where children are playing; - traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway; - there is danger to pedestrians; and - weather or highway conditions, or your own condition, require slower speeds for safety. Never drive so slowly as to interfere with other vehicles moving at normal speeds. Drivers who block or hinder other traffic by driving too slowly can cause accidents
Impacts of alcohol
factors affecting blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels: - how quickly you drink - body weight - food in the stomach - alcohol concentration - medications -fatigue, stress and mood
Who counts as a driver
individuals operating: - automobiles - bicycles - buses - motorcycles - light trucks - commercial vehicles - any vehicle that does not operate on rails
