Driver's written test · US rules

Rules of the Road: Written Test Basics

25 terms · by ineedtostudy · updated 21 hours ago

Flashcards Flip through the deck and sort each card into “still learning” or “got it”. Learn Adaptive rounds — multiple choice first, then typing, weakest cards more often. Match Race the clock pairing terms with definitions. Six pairs a round. Test A graded mock exam: written, multiple choice and true/false, marked at the end. Crossword Terms become answers, definitions become clues. Solve it here or print it.

Terms in this set

Four-way stop

First to arrive goes first. If two arrive together, the vehicle on the right goes. A driver going straight has priority over one turning left.

Uncontrolled intersection

No signs and no lights: yield to the vehicle on your right.

Turning left

Yield to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians already crossing the road you are turning into.

Entering a roundabout

Yield to traffic already circulating and enter to the right, moving counter-clockwise.

Emergency vehicle, lights and siren

Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until it has passed. Never stop in an intersection.

School bus with flashing red lights

Stop in both directions unless a physical divider separates the roadways. The exact distance and the divider rule vary by state.

Move over law

Passing a stopped emergency or service vehicle with its lights on, change lanes if you safely can; if you cannot, slow well below the limit. Every state has one.

Blood alcohol limit

0.08% for drivers aged 21 and over in every state except Utah, which is 0.05%. Under 21 it is effectively zero tolerance.

Implied consent

Holding a licence means you have already agreed to a breath or blood test. Refusing costs you the licence whatever the result would have been.

Three-second rule

Pick a fixed object ahead. If you reach it less than three seconds after the car in front, you are too close. Double it in rain, more in snow.

Stopping distance

Perception, then reaction, then braking. Braking distance roughly quadruples when your speed doubles.

Basic speed law

Never drive faster than is safe for the conditions, even when that speed is below the posted limit.

Right turn on red

Allowed after a complete stop unless a sign forbids it — but not in New York City and some other jurisdictions.

Yellow light

Stop if you can do so safely. Entering on yellow is legal; entering on red is not.

Hydroplaning

Ease off the accelerator, do not brake hard, and steer straight until the tyres regain contact.

Coming out of a skid

Steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go, and keep off the brakes.

Blind spot

The area beside and behind you that the mirrors do not cover. Look over your shoulder before changing lanes.

Headlights

Required from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is poor. Most states also require them whenever the wipers are on.

Parking near a fire hydrant

At least 15 feet away in most states.

Parking near a crosswalk or stop sign

Usually at least 20 feet from a crosswalk and 30 feet from a stop sign or signal. The figures vary by state.

Parking on a hill

Downhill, turn the wheels toward the kerb. Uphill with a kerb, turn them away. No kerb at all, turn them toward the edge of the road.

Railroad crossing

Stop at least 15 feet back when the lights flash or the gates lower, and never start across unless there is room on the far side.

Following a motorcycle

Leave the full three to four seconds. A motorcycle stops in a shorter distance than a car does.

Texting while driving

Banned for every driver in almost every state, and absolutely for anybody on a learner permit.

Where the questions come from

Your own state's driver handbook, which is free online. Signs, right of way, speed and stopping, parking, and the alcohol and licensing rules are the whole syllabus.