Driver Education Exam Study Guide

Driver Education NJ State Exam Study Guide GDL = NJ Graduated Driver Licensing Program Getting a Special Learner’s Permit • • • Must be at least 16 years old Pass the MVC knowledge test with at least an 80% Pass a vision test Special Learner Permit Restrictions • • • • • • • • • • Adult supervising driver in the front seat. (NJ licensed driver over age 21 that has been driving for at least 3 years) May have driver’s dependents (children) plus 1 additional passenger No driving between the hours of 11:01 pm and 5:00 am. The holder of a validated GDL permit (21 years of age or older) no restriction applies 1 red, reflective decal displayed on the front and rear license plate (2 total). Not permitted to use hand-held electronic devices, video games or cell phones The fine for violation of any conditions of the GDL Permit is $100 Seat belts Getting a Probationary Driver’s License • • • Attain 17 years of age Pass a road test (vehicle must not have any obstructions so examiner can reach brake) 6 months minimum of supervised driving, excluding any suspensions or postponements Probationary Driver License Restrictions • • • • • • • • • • No driving between the hours of 11:01 pm – 5:00 am Dependents plus 1 additional passenger unless accompanied by parent/guardian Not permitted to use a hand held electric devices, video games or cell phones The fine for violation of any conditions of the Probationary driver’s license is $100 If your driver’s license is lost or stolen, you should immediately notify your local police station Decals on license plates Seat belts You are a probationary driver for one year and may receive your unrestricted license at age 18 A GDL permit/licensed driver under the age of 21 may be exempt of the hour rules for the following reasons and must show proof: Employment and/or Religion A LOST OR STOLEN PERMIT OR LICENSE SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE POLICE Digital Driver License • • • Valid 4 years Altering your license may result in loss of driving privileges, fine up to $1000, and/or imprisonment Obtaining a driver license illegally may result in a fine up to $500 and/or imprisonment Seatbelts (Driver Safety and Rules) • • • • • The New Jersey seat belt law requires all front-seat occupants of passenger vehicles operated in New Jersey to wear a seat belt system Whenever possible, child care safety seats should be placed in the rear seat. Everyone belted in the car with GDL drivers The driver is responsible for all passengers under the age of 18 Seat belts keep you from sliding off the seat, from hitting the windshield and from being thrown from the car What to do when you suspect someone is suffering a CO poisoning? • • • Can happen when a tailpipe is blocked or a car has been left running in an enclosed space like a garage. Symptoms-nausea, vomiting, confusion, headache, dizziness If you suspect this, get the person out of there and call 911 immediately. Driver Hand Signals • • • Stop or Slow Right Turn Left Turn Signals should be used when turning, changing lanes, stopping and slowing down. Rules and Regulations for Safe Driving Passing only when safe • • • Pass on the right only on roads with more than one lane going in the same direction Pass on the right only if the driver ahead is turning left and there is a proper lane on the right If a motorist is passing you, slow down to make the pass easier for the other motorist Yielding the Right-of-Way to: • • • • • • Emergency Vehicles Pedestrians Other vehicles already in the intersection Buses or cars re-entering traffic At a multi way stop when two cars arrive at the same time, yield to driver on the right Skaters, skate boarders, bicyclists as they have the same rights and responsibilities as moving motor vehicles. Controlled Intersection An intersection where traffic is regulated by a traffic signal or regulatory sign Uncontrolled Intersection • • • Two or more roads join and there is no traffic signal or regulatory device When approaching or nearing an uncontrolled intersection you should reduce speed and be ready to stop. Be aware in farm country or in open land because of unexpected crossing of livestock or deer. Acceleration Lanes • An extra lane at a highway entrance used by motorists to speed up to join the flow of traffic Deceleration Lanes • An extra lane on the highway used my motorists to exit the roadway Curves • • The best way to enter a curve is to slow down before entering the curve Your car will tend to go straight Stopping for School Buses • • • On a two lane road, not near a school, when a school bus is stopped and it's right lights are flashing you must stop at least 25 feet from the bus When a school bus has stopped at a school to pick up or let off children, you may pass from either direction at a speed of no more than 10 mph On a dual lane highway, cars on the same side of the bus must stop, and cars on the opposite side of the bus slow down to 10 mph Stopping for Train • Stop at least 15 feet from railroad crossing when there are flashing lights. Using lights • • • • Bright beam lights are used for “open country driving” Headlights must be used between one half hour after sunset to one half hour before sunrise Anytime in bad weather when visibility is less than 500 feet When driving at night, be sure that you can stop within the distance you can see ahead! Parking Regulations • • • • • • • Do not park within 50 feet of a stop sign Do not park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant Do not park within 50 feet of a railroad crossing. Do not park within 25 feet of a crosswalk Downhill – wheels towards the curb Uphill – wheels turned away from curb Driving in Reverse? Turn your head and body to the right until you can see clearly through the back window without the use of mirrors. Speed Zones • • • • • 25 mph-business and residential 25 mph-school zone 35 mph-suburban business and residential 10 mph-when a school bus is letting off children in school lot 15 mph-proceeding past an ice cream truck after stopping Cellular Telephones • Effective July 1, 2004, motorist in New Jersey may not use a hand-held wireless telephone while driving except to report o Fire o Traffic Accident o Medical Emergency o Serious Road Hazard o Hazardous Material Emergency Driving on public or private property to avoid a traffic sign or signal • • • Only when directed to do so by a police officer 2 point moving violation Anytime “when directed by a police officer” is mentioned, it is most likely the answer. Carbon Monoxide poisoning: • • • Can happen when a tailpipe is blocked or a car has been left running in an enclosed space like a garage. Symptoms-nausea, vomiting, confusion, headache, dizziness If you suspect this, get the person out of there and call 911 immediately. Defensive Driving Communicating and Driving “Talk to other Drivers” • • Use your horn/lights Quick flick of the headlights Highway Hypnosis: To avoid this trance-like state by not looking at any one thing for more than a few seconds. City Driving • • • Drive more slowly Watch for pedestrians Look at least 12 seconds ahead Following Distance • • • • “3 second plus rule” as a way to gauge safe following distance 1 car length for every 10 mph Increase in bad weather, for example in rain 4 or more seconds and in snow- increase to 6 or more seconds It’s good practice to keep a safe distance to give you time to react. Snow and Ice • • • In New Jersey drivers may use studded snow tires between November 15 and April 1 Wipers on, lights on! When conditions are poor to prevent skids or slides, you should pay attention to road surfaces and slow down. Know what to do when: • Brakes give out- pump them and downshift to a lower gear • • • • • • Enter a curve – slow down, keep hands on the wheel, car will tend to go straight Skid – take foot your off the gas pedal turn in the direction of the rear Car passes you – slow down then speed up to flow of traffic Running off pavement - ease up on the gas pedal, regain control, turn back onto road when safe Tire blowout - hold steering wheel firmly, remove foot from gas pedal, slow down gradually and coast to stop. Gas pedal problem - Shift to neutral, steer off to a safe area, turn off engine Driver Privileges and Penalties • • Failure to Stop for a Pedestrian in a crosswalk (know the penalty) o Fine $500, up to 25 days in jail, community service, driving privileges suspended up to 6 months, 2 point violation o Pedestrians must use crosswalks. There is a $54 fine for failure to observe the law. Pedestrians under 17 who violate pedestrian laws is a $22 fine. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident that causes injury to another person, while your driving privileges are suspended, you are subject to: A fine, continued suspension and a potential jail sentence • Motorists who accumulate six or more points within three years are subject to a surcharge of $150 for six points and $25 for each additional point. Losing the Driving Privilege • If you lose your license for a drunken driving conviction or any other violation, you cannot drive for any reason until the period of suspension ends and your license is restored. Mandatory Sanctions • Motorists are subject to an Insurance Surcharge for o Operating under the influence of Liquor/Drugs o Refusal to take a Breathalyzer Test o Driving unlicensed or suspended o No liability insurance Driver License Restoration • • When your license is returned to you after suspension for points or after completion of a DMV Driver Improvement Program you will be on probation for one year. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in injuries while your driving privileges are suspended you are subject to: o Fine o Suspension of your driving privileges o Potential jail sentence Driving Programs Habitual Offender - any motorist who license has been suspended 3x in 3 years Under GDL Law, a person is required to attend a Probationary Driving Program class for o o 2 moving violations with accumulation of 4 or more points Conviction of a DUI Failure to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk, carries a penalty of up to: $500, up to 25 days in jail, 6 months suspension, 2 points and community service The penalty for pedestrians under 17 who violate the pedestrian laws is a $22 fine. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident that causes injury to another person, while your driving privileges are suspended, you are subject to: A fine, continued suspension and a potential jail sentence Motorists who accumulate six or more points within three years are subject to a surcharge of $150 for six points and $25 for each additional point. Getting a Driver License illegally may result in a fine of $200-$500 and/ or imprisonment of 30-90 days. Drinking, Drugs and Driving • • Driving while under the influence of intoxicating beverages means your senses or judgment are impaired by alcohol. The best way to reduce the risk of a crash caused by drinking and driving is to not drive at all after drinking. If you are unconscious and unable to use the breathalyzer, a blood sample may be taken. Blood alcohol concentration depends on: • • • • The amount you drink Your weight The time you take to drink Amount of food eaten Drugs that may affect basic driving skills: • • • Cold pills Tranquilizers Some prescription pills If you drink and have reached a BAC of slightly above: • • • .05% the risk of your causing a motor vehicle accident is doubled. .10 risk is 6x as great .15 risk is 25x as great Know the Implied Consent Law. After 2-4 drinks, alcohol impairs your vision, balance, judgment, reaction time, etc. Time is the only thing that can sober a driver up! If you are unconscious and unable to use the breathalyzer, a blood sample may be taken. Other Road Users When sharing the road with large trucks or buses, you should: • • • Give more roadway to a truck making a wide turn Leave more space when stopping behind a truck or bus Maintain a consistent speed when passing If the driver of a large truck or bus cannot see you in his rearview mirror, you are in the truck’s no-zone or blind spot. The motorist should move so that the truck can see you in their rearview mirror. (Either term may be used on your test so pick both if they offer both terms) To safely share the road with large trucks and buses, you must know the limitations of these vehicles regarding: • • • • Visibility Stopping distance Maneuverability In adverse weather conditions, a truck takes longer to stop. This can be as much as 25% more. Under NJ law, inline skaters, skateboarders and bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as a moving motor vehicle. Know the signs and the 3 basic categories • • Warning sign color to alert motorists that they must share the road with bicyclists and pedestrians and to yield to them: yellow-green Yellow pennant shaped sign: No passing zone Once you pass the exam you must print out your document. When you are getting close to turning 16, you can call a driving school to set up your lessons. The following are a few reputable driving schools in our area: