Driver's License Written Test Guide

MI Driver's License Written Test Study Guide Most cars have at least two blind spots or areas around them that you cannot see in your mirror located where? To the left rear and right rear of the vehicle. Michigan's Basic Speed Law means what? You must drive at a "careful and prudent" speed in all driving conditions. You must drive at a speed that always allows you to stop within the clear distance ahead. 15 mph In mobile home parks and some municipal parks. 25 mph In platted subdivisions (showing boundaries,streets, easements and other features of surveyed lots) and condominium complexes. Watch for signs when driving through business districts, county, state and federal parks, on roads adjacent to parks and playgrounds, and in school zones as posted speed limits vary. 45 mph In a work zone if posted. If a work zone is not posted for 45 mph, then the speed limit is the normal speed limit for that area. 55 mph Unless otherwise posted, on all streets that are not designated freeways and on all highways. 70 mph maximum/55 mph minimum On all freeways unless posted otherwise. School buses and trucks are restricted to 60 mph. On freeways with speed limits less than 70 mph, school buses and trucks are restricted to 55 mph. What following distance is required? Three- to four-second. Look down the road how long? 12 Seconds. Right turn signaling Left arm and hand bent up. Left turn signaling Left arm and hand straight out. Slow down / stop signaling Left arm and hand bent down. What to do as you approach an intersection? Check for oncoming and cross traffic, other highway users, signals, signs and pavement markings, the condition of the roadway and areas of limited visibility. What are "hidden vehicles"? Traffic may be hidden by larger vehicles that are traveling in the same direction. Be alert for these when crossing multiple lanes. When turning, check the road you are turning onto and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles present. When to yield the right-of-way at all intersections? Yield the right-of-way to vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians in the intersection Yield to the driver on the right if you reach the intersection at the same time as another vehicle. Yield to any vehicle that reaches an intersection before you. At intersections without any signals or signs, or at intersections with all stop signs: At a "T" intersection without any signals or signs, yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians on the through road. You must stop and yield the right-of-way when entering a highway from an alley, private road or driveway. Right-of-way at traffic signals: When turning left at a traffic signal, you must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. Yield the right-of-way to any vehicle or pedestrian in the intersection and cross traffic that is not required to stop. Right-of-way at stop or yield signs: When turning left at a stop or yield sign, yield the right-of-way to cross traffic and pedestrians. Yield to the first vehicle from the opposite side that is going straight or turning right. Then, you may turn left so long as cross traffic and pedestrians are still clear. 1/9 You must yield when directed by a uniformed law enforcement officer and when directed by flag people at construction sites. You must yield for vehicles in a funeral procession. You must yield to emergency vehicles, approaching from any direction or, if stopped, when their lights are flashing. Time is critical in an emergency situation. Pulling over and allowing emergency vehicles to reach their destinations as quickly and safely as possible may save a life. Other reasons to yield: You also must yield whenever you are approaching or passing a stopped waste collection, utility service or road maintenance vehicle with its lights flashing. Unless a sign tells you "no turn on red," you may turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop. Right turn on red: You must yield to pedestrians and approaching traffic. Make sure to look to your left, front and right before starting your turn. Then turn carefully. Unless a sign tells you "no turn on red," you may turn left on a red light when entering a one-way street from another one-way street, but you must first stop and yield to cross traffic. Left turn on red: You also may make a left turn from a two-way street onto a one-way street with traffic going in the same direction as the turn, but first yield to pedestrians, cross traffic and approaching traffic. When turning right onto a multiple lane road, you are required to turn into the lane closest to the right-hand curb or road side. When turning left onto a multiple lane road, you are required to turn into the lane that is just to the right of the center line of the roadway. If there is nothing posted, keep the following points in mind: When turning left onto a multiple lane one-way road, turn into the lane closest to the left-hand curb or road side. When multiple turn lanes are present, complete your turn by entering the lane that corresponds to the lane you are leaving. Be alert for drivers next to you who may cross into other lanes as they turn. Roundabouts A circular intersection where entering traffic yields to vehicles traveling counterclockwise around a central island. Vehicles entering from each leg of the intersection must yield to the traffic already in the roundabout, which is coming from the left. Vehicles exit the roundabout by making a right turn onto the desired road. Slow down as you approach the roundabout. Look for roadside signs and pavement markings to direct you into the correct lane before entering the roundabout. Approaching the roundabout: As you approach the yield line, look to your left before proceeding into the roundabout. When an appropriate gap in traffic appears, enter the roundabout and merge with the flow of the other vehicles. Never make a left turn to enter a roundabout - this will place you in front of oncoming traffic. 2/9 Always stay to the right of the center island. Vehicles within the roundabout have the right of way. Do not stop within a roundabout unless it is the only way to safely avoid a collision or other danger. If an emergency vehicle is heard or seen approaching, do not stop. Exit the roundabout, pull over to the right and stop, allowing the emergency vehicle to pass. Traveling in a roundabout: Avoid changing lanes in a multiple-lane roundabout. Move into the lane you need before entering the roundabout. Give special consideration to trucks, trailers, and other large vehicles. Avoid passing or driving next to large vehicles, as they may need more than one lane to navigate through the roundabout. Refrain from passing other vehicles, bicycles and mopeds. When entering or exiting a roundabout, watch for pedestrians crossing the street. Maintain a slow speed. Indicate your exit by using your turn signal. Exiting the roundabout: Do not accelerate until you are beyond the pedestrian crossing at the exit. When passing other vehicles, always check your rearview and side-view mirrors for any overtaking traffic. Use your turn signal to indicate your intentions. Passing Check blind spots by turning your head to see if you can safely move from your lane without interfering with traffic. It is illegal to exceed the speed limit or use the shoulder of the road to pass. When about to pass a vehicle on a divided highway, move into the passing lane well before passing. Passing on the left: On a two- or three-lane road with traffic moving in both directions, you may pass on the left when overtaking another vehicle if there are no signs or other markings prohibiting passing and it can be done safely. You must cross a solid yellow line. There is a "no passing" sign. Approaching a hill or curve where your view is obstructed. Passing another vehicle on the left is prohibited when: Your view is obstructed within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel. Oncoming traffic is close enough so you would interfere with the safe operation of the approaching vehicle or the vehicle being passed. You cannot see clearly ahead. 3/9 When the center lane of a three-lane road is marked for left turns only. Passing on the left: When passing or preparing to pass another vehicle by using the center lane of a three-lane road, always use extreme caution. Approaching vehicles may also be preparing to pass. If you and an approaching vehicle move into the center lane at the same time, a serious crash could occur. If the center lane is marked for left turns only, using this lane for passing or merging is prohibited. After passing another vehicle, return to the right lane when there is enough room to return safely. One rule of thumb is to return to your lane when it is possible to see both headlights of the vehicle you passed in the rearview mirror. When two or more lanes of traffic are moving in the same direction, passing other vehicles in either lane is allowed. However, slower moving vehicles should always stay in the lane farthest to the right except when preparing to make a left turn. Passing on the right: When driving in the right lane, passing another vehicle should be done cautiously as the driver of the other vehicle may not see you and may turn into your path. Passing on the right of another vehicle by crossing the solid white line that marks the edge of the roadway is prohibited even if the shoulder is paved or a bike lane is present. It is also illegal to use a right-turn lane for passing. Passing parked vehicles: When driving past parked vehicles, watch for vehicles that may pull out in front of you. Look for clues, such as a person in the driver's seat, exhaust coming from a tailpipe, illuminated brake lights, a flashing turn signal, illuminated backup lights, or at parallel parking areas, a vehicle's front wheels turning out. Watch for a vehicle door being opened in front of you. Also, watch for pedestrians or bicyclists trying to cross the road between parked vehicles. Passing vehicles in slow-moving traffic lanes: In some areas with a long or steep grade, a slow-moving traffic lane may be provided to allow vehicles that are unable to maintain the speed limit to travel without blocking traffic. These slower-moving vehicles should move into the designated traffic lane, allowing other vehicles to pass them in the second lane. Entrance ramp Merges into an acceleration lane allowing you to increase your speed to match freeway traffic speed. Signal and check for freeway traffic by using the vehicle's rearview and side-view mirrors and quick glances over your shoulder. Choose a safe space to enter and then merge into traffic, yielding the right-of-way to vehicles on the freeway. Do not count on other drivers to let you in. Freeway Driving On a two-lane freeway, drive in the right lane except when passing, exiting to the left, allowing another vehicle to merge onto the freeway, when the lanes are fully occupied with heavily congested traffic or when emergency vehicles or construction workers are on the shoulder. On a freeway with three or more lanes of travel in the same direction, you may drive in any lane, however, if driving at or near the minimum speed limit, drivers should stay in the lane with the slower moving traffic. Merge signs are placed near freeway entrances to alert you to traffic entering the freeway. Always watch for vehicles merging onto the freeway. Adjusting your speed or moving safely into another lane will allow drivers to enter the freeway smoothly and safely. 4/9 Always watch for drivers who suddenly slow down when approaching an exit or swerve into the exit lane unexpectedly. Most freeway exits have a special deceleration lane to slow down in when exiting the freeway. Look ahead for exit ramp signs you want and the lane you must use. Check in front, behind and to the side for traffic. Signal your intention early and then move into the proper lane. Leaving a freeway: Avoid slowing down on the freeway when exiting. Wait until you are fully in the deceleration lane before reducing your speed and then slow down gradually. Many ramps have sharp curves, so it is important to obey the posted exit ramp speed limit. If you miss your exit ramp, never back up, turn around or use a median crossover. Instead, drive to the next exit. Get back on the freeway and return to the exit you want. Never use the crossover lane in the median. It is only for emergency and Michigan Department of Transportation vehicles. Fatigue: One of the greatest dangers in freeway driving is fatigue. On long trips you can become sleepy or hypnotized by the constant hum of the wind, tires and engine. If necessary, let someone else drive. Do not rely on coffee or "stay awake" drugs. If you feel tired, stop and rest for a 10-minute break at least every two hours. Pull off the highway at the next exit. Find a motel or rest area and relax. Keep checking the mirrors. Look at objects near and far, left and right. Cruise control is best suited for use in rural areas where there is not much traffic. Set the cruise control at or below the posted speed limit. Cruise control: This steady pace saves gasoline and allows for acceleration to pass slower moving vehicles without blocking the left lane for extended periods. Acceleration does not cancel the cruise control setting - depressing the brake pedal will. Using cruise control in heavy traffic, near large numbers of exit and entrance ramps or when roads are slippery from rain, snow or ice is not recommended. Parking on a hill: To park on a hill, turn the tires so that if the unattended vehicle starts to roll, it moves into the curb. Always use the parking brake. You cannot expect the transmission to hold your vehicle on a hill. Parking violations: Communities may pass parking ordinances for local streets that are stricter than state law. Signs will be posted at the city limits. The owner of a vehicle parked illegally is responsible for any parking tickets. If the vehicle is being leased, the person leasing it is responsible. 5/9 Never park: • Where "no stopping," "no standing," "no parking," and "no parking at any time" signs are posted. • Within 500 feet of a fire or a crash. • Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. • Within 20 feet of a fire station driveway on the same side of the street or, when marked, within 75 feet of the driveway on the other side of the street. • Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. • In front of any driveway, alley, theater, emergency exit or fire escape. • Next to a road where you block the view of drivers turning at an intersection. • More than 12 inches from the curb or against the flow of traffic. This means the curb should never be more than 12 inches from your vehicle when parked. • Within 30 feet of a stop sign, traffic light or flashing beacon, including a warning sign. • In a lane of a highway outside city or village limits if there is a highway shoulder. • On or under a bridge (excluding bridges with parking meters or parking spaces), on an overpass or in a tunnel. • On a sidewalk or in front of a public or private driveway. • Within an intersection, crosswalk or designated bike lane. • Within 20 feet of a marked crosswalk or 15 feet of an intersection if there is no crosswalk • On the street-side of a legally parked vehicle (double parking). • So that you obstruct delivery of mail to a rural mailbox. • In a disability parking space if you don't have a disability parking placard or disability license plate. • In a disability parking space if none of the occupants in the vehicle are disabled. • On the blue-striped access aisle or access lane adjacent to a van-accessible disability parking space. • In a manner that interferes with a ramp or curb cut used by people with disabilities. White lines Separate traffic lanes moving in the same direction. Broken white lines: On roadways that have more than one lane moving in one direction, broken white lines separate traffic lanes. Drive between these lines. Never straddle them. Mark white lines mark the right edge of the road. Often called fog lines, help you stay on the road at night or in bad weather. Passing to the right of another vehicle by crossing a solid white line that marks the right edge of the roadway is prohibited, even if the shoulder is paved. Solid white lines: Solid white lines are also used to separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Crossing a solid white line is not recommended. These white lines may designate sharp curves, freeway acceleration and deceleration lanes and other parts of the road where lane changes are considered dangerous. Double solid white line Used to show a travel path where driving in the same direction is permitted on both sides of the line but crossing the line is prohibited. Crosswalk lines: Solid white lines mark many pedestrian crosswalks. They are painted all the way across the pavement. Crosswalks are also indicated by white stripes placed on the road in the direction 6/9 of traffic. Crosswalks are placed at intersections and sometimes between intersections. Stop the vehicle behind the crosswalk line. Stop lines: Wide white lines painted across a traffic lane mark where you must stop your vehicle at intersections. This keeps the vehicle out of the way of pedestrians and cross traffic. If there are no stop lines or crosswalks, stop the vehicle before entering the intersection. Whether or not there is a stop line, make sure you are able to see traffic from all directions before proceeding. Directional arrows: Wide white arrows painted down the center of the traffic lane indicate the direction that the vehicle must travel. In the graphic provided, the arrow pointing to the right indicates that all vehicles in this lane must turn right. The next lane may go straight or turn right. Always check for traffic and pedestrians before proceeding or completing your turn. Bicycle lanes: A bicycle lane is a portion of the roadway with pavement markings and signs exclusively for bicyclists. This lane shall not be used by motorists as a driving lane or for parking. Sharrows: Pavement markings that assist bicyclists in determining the appropriate line of travel. They also alert motorists that bicyclists may be traveling in that lane and to pass with sufficient clearance. Yellow lines Separate traffic lanes moving in opposite directions. They include solid, broken and center-lane lines. Broken yellow lines: A single broken yellow line usually marks the center line of a two-way roadway where a vehicle may pass if it is safe. Solid yellow lines: If a solid yellow line is on your side of the center line, do not cross it to pass. On a four-lane divided roadway or a one-way road, a solid yellow line usually marks the left edge of the pavement. A double solid yellow line down the middle of a two-lane roadway means that passing is not allowed for vehicles traveling in either direction. Center lane, left-turn-only: Many roads have a center left-turn only lane to help traffic flow more smoothly. Each outside edge of this lane is marked with a solid yellow line with broken yellow lines on the inside edges. Left turns must be made from within this lane and may be made from either direction. Using this lane to pass other vehicles or as a merge lane is both dangerous and illegal. Yield Lines Typically found at roundabout intersections and mid-block crosswalks and help regulate the flow of traffic. When yielding to traffic or pedestrians, make sure to stop behind the yield lines. White triangular symbols: White triangles painted across a traffic lane mean be ready to stop and yield to traffic. Dashed white lines: Dashed white lines painted across a roundabout's traffic lane indicate you should yield to traffic. A red light means stop. A yellow light means the green signal has ended and the signal is about to turn red. You are required to stop on a yellow light. If you cannot stop safely, do not speed up but drive cautiously through the intersection. Traffic signals: A green light means proceed cautiously after checking for pedestrians and vehicles. A flashing red light means come to a full stop. Proceed when the road is clear. A flashing yellow light means proceed carefully through the intersection. Scan across traffic in both directions. 7/9 A steady green arrow means you may proceed with caution in the direction of the arrow if the way is clear. A solid red arrow means you must stop. You cannot turn until the signal changes. A solid yellow arrow warns you that the left turn signal is about to change to red. If you are approaching the intersection, you must stop. However, if you are already within the intersection and there is no conflicting traffic present, you may complete your left turn. Traffic signals: arrows A flashing yellow arrow allows you to turn left when oncoming traffic, which has a green light, is clear. Be sure that there is an adequate gap in the oncoming traffic and that there are no pedestrians or bicyclists crossing before making your turn. A solid green arrow indicates that oncoming traffic is stopped and you may turn left. Proceed with caution. At intersections equipped with vehicle-detection cameras or in-pavement sensors, this sequence may be skipped if there are no left-turning vehicles. Railroad crossing: This sign warns of a railroad crossing ahead. If a train is coming, all vehicles must stop no more than 50 feet or less than 15 feet from the tracks. Trains overhang the tracks by at least three feet on each side. When you see a stopped emergency vehicle: Slow down and move over a lane if possible. If traffic or other conditions prevent you from changing lanes, you must slow down and proceed with due caution. Pull over to the edge of the roadway, clear of intersections and stop. Remain there until the emergency vehicle has passed. Stay alert more than one emergency vehicle may be responding to the call. When an emergency vehicle is approaching: Keep a foot on the brake so the brake lights let emergency vehicle drivers know you have stopped. Stay at least 500 feet behind any moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights and sounding a siren. Never pass a moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights unless directed to do so by the emergency vehicle driver or a law enforcement officer. A passenger vehicle traveling at 55 mph can stop in about 130 feet to 140 feet. A commercial vehicle traveling at the same speed takes 400 feet to stop. Trucks Large commercial trucks have blind spots or "no zones," spaces in which motorists should not linger because they are not readily visible to the commercial driver. School Bus When the red overhead lights are flashing, stop at least 20 feet from the school bus. In extreme conditions, such as on snow, ice or in an emergency stop on dry pavement, how you brake depends on your braking system. Braking With antilock brakes, apply the brake with hard, firm pressure from the start and maintain this pressure until you have stopped. You may feel or hear vibrations or pulsations, this is normal. In a vehicle without antilock brakes, apply the brakes just hard 8/9 enough to not lock the wheels. If the wheels do lock, release pressure and apply the brakes again. This method of braking is sometimes referred to as "threshold" or "controlled" braking Prevent Skid To prevent a skid in vehicles with standard brakes, use steady pressure on the brakes without locking them. This method allows the wheels to turn, maintaining steering control. If the vehicle has full antilock brakes, maintain brake pressure and steer. If the vehicle begins to skid, remain calm and do the following: Take your foot off the accelerator. Skid Turn the front wheels only enough to keep them pointed in the direction you want to go and no farther. Be prepared for a secondary skid in the opposite direction. Again, turn the wheels in the direction you want to go. Then straighten the wheels to bring the vehicle under control. When it begins to rain, the roads are most slippery during the first half-hour. This is because oil dropped from passing vehicles has not been washed away. Rain and Fog When your tires ride on top of the water on a wet road, you are hydroplaning, which can result in a loss of control. Drive slowly in fog. Turn on the low-beam headlights and be prepared to stop quickly. When fog becomes so thick that you cannot see at all, pull off the road. Turn on the four-way emergency flashers and wait for the fog to lift. Headlights must be turned on one half-hour after sunset until one half-hour before sunrise and at other times when visibility is reduced. Use your low beams when it is foggy, raining or snowing during the day. Headlights Headlights must be on any time there is not enough daylight to see people and vehicles clearly at 500 feet. It is illegal to use or even flash high-beam headlights within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle. If oncoming drivers do not dim their headlights, keep your eyes on the right edge of the road ahead. 9/9