You can find many permit practice tests here. We have sample driving tests for all US states and Canada.
In order to pass your DMV learner’s DMV written test, and assure you will know driving rules when you hit the road, you have to take a high quality driver education course and get your driving license. Also you can take driver’s Handbook at the local DMV office and study it. Then take as many permit practice tests online as you can find before going in to DMV. It’s very important because you can see sample questions and find correct answers before getting DMV exam sheet.
Here’s some advices for learner’s:
1. Remember small details. Study DMV Handbook like a pro. It’s pretty hard to know smaler details, but those ones are very important for safe driving. It’s always better to know more than less when it comes to show your knowledge at permit practice test. And you’ll avoid driving tickets later. Be professional driver!
2. Take good driver education course. By studying “in-class”, you’ll hear many examples from your teacher. He will share with you his experience prefessionaly. Each lesson will help you in driving life in future, get eccquainted with different road situations and how to solve them. You can ask questions, get things clarified or said a different way, and hear real examples from an experienced teacher of how things really work on the roadway.
3. Try to remember numbers. You must signal at least how many feet before making a turn? Under all conditions you should drive at a speed which will allow you to stop within XXX ft. What is the speed limit in a school zone? … and all the other questions. Those questions are the most difficult. Speed limits, how many feet for this and that, dollar amounts for fines, and so forth. Many of the road rules are similar. It can be easy to confuse one driving number with another. Easier write all similar numbers on one sheet of paper and study it together. In CA, for example, the speed limit is the same (25 mph) for residential, business districts and school zones. So you can group those together. 200 feet is the number for using the bike lane on right turns, using the center left turn lane, and visibility for a safe U-turn. You got it. It’s good way to study numeric road rules.
4. Write on your DMV driving permit test sheet. In most states, there is absolutely no rule against marking up your written test a bit at DMV. And it can really help! For example, when you are asked about the rules at a complicated intersection, it can be tough to visualize the scene you are asked about. When you look at it on paper, it is easier to understand the question.
Our practice permit test were created to help young drivers learn and pass DMV written driving permit test. In most states you have to answer correctly on 15 questions out of 20, but somewhere, like California, you have to answer on 36 questions and make no more than 6 mistakes.
- When your vehicle carries the minimum number of passengers shown on the CARPOOL sign
- When you are alone in the vehicle
- When you are late for work
Answer:____________________________________
RIGHT AND LEFT TURNS
2. You may make a right turn on a red light if there is no sign prohibiting the turn:
- After making a complete stop
- Without stopping
- Only at a very low speed
Prohibiting: Forbidding, Not permitted, Not allowed
Answer:_____________________________________
3. When making a right turn at a corner you should start your turn in the right lane and end it in:
- The far left lane
- Any lane open to you
- The lane closest to the curb (the right lane)
Answer:_____________________________________
4. This hand and arm signal tells you:
- The driver is signaling for a left turn
- The driver is making a right turn
- The driver is stopping
Answer:_____________________________________
LEFT TURNS
5. You may make a left turn against a red light from a one-way street into a one-way street:
- Where traffic moves to the left
- If there is no sign prohibiting the turn
- Both of the above
Answer:_____________________________________
U-TURN
6. You are on a street with two lanes in each direction. To make a U-TURN you should start your turn in
- The center left turn lane
- Either lane
- The left lane
Answer:______________________________________
Making a U-TURN on a street with two lanes in each direction
You may make a U-Tum where there are no vehicles any closer than 200 feet in either direction.
7. You may not make a U-TURN
- In front of a fire station
- On a one-way street
- Both of the above
Answer:_____________________________________
PARKING ON A HILL
Before answering any “Parking On a Hill” question close your eyes and think about which way your car would roll if it started to move. Will it roll into the street or off the road?
The front wheels of the car determine which way the car will go. If the wheels are turned to the left the rear end of the car will move to the left. If they are turned to the right the rear end of the car will move to the right.
8. You are parking downhill on a two-way road. There is no curb. Turn your wheels:
- To the Righttoward the side of the road
- To the Lefttoward the center of the road
- Toward the curb
Answer:_____________________________________
You should also set your parking brake when parking and leave the vehicle in “Park” or in gear.
9. When you park uphill or downhill with no curb, you should:
- Turn your wheels toward the side of the road
- Turn your wheels toward the center of the street
- Leave your wheels parallel with the curb
Answer:_____________________________________
10. You have parked on a level street. You should:
- Turn your wheels to the left
- Turn your wheels to the right if there is no curb
- Leave the wheels straight
Answer:_____________________________________
PARKING AT COLORED CURBS
11. A green curb means:
- Disabled persons may park there
- No stopping, standing or parking
- Parking for a limited time (the time posted)
Answer:____________________________________
A sign is usually posted telling you how long you may park at a green curb.
12. This vehicle may park at a red curb?
- A delivery truck
- A motorcycle
- A bus (if it is marked for a bus)
Answer:_____________________________________
13. A curb painted white means you may stop to:
- Pick up or drop off passengers or mail
- Pick up or unload freight
- Run into the airport and pick up your luggage
Answer:_____________________________________
14.You may park at a yellow painted curb to load or unload passengers or freight but no longer than:
- The time posted
- One hour
- 30 minutes
Answer:_____________________________________
15. A curb painted blue means parking for:
- Disabled persons with special plates or placards
- Bicycles
- Buses only
Answer:_____________________________________
It is illegal to park in a disabled person parking space if the person the disability placard was issued to is not in the car.
16. Buses only are permitted to park at:
- A red zone (for the time posted)
- White curbs
- Blue curbs
Answer:_____________________________________
17. This sign is posted at a parking space for:
- Disabled persons with special placards or signs
- Motorcycles
- Golf carts
Answer:_____________________________________
18. The hand and arm signal for a left turn is:
- Hand and arm held upward
- Hand and arm held out, pointing left
- Hand and arm held downward
Answer:_____________________________________
19. It is illegal to park:
- Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
- In front of a driveway
- Both of the above
Answer:____________________________________
20. Parking on a street beside another vehicle is double parking. Double parking is:
- Illegal at all times
- Permitted when making deliveries
- Permitted in school zones
Answer:_____________________________________
Illegal: Unlawful, Not allowed
SPECIAL PARKING RULES
21. You may not park within_______feet of a sidewalk ramp for disabled persons.
- 3 1/2
- 7 1/2
- 15
Answer:_____________________________________
22. When you park parallel to a curb, your wheels must be no farther from the curb than:
- 6 inches
- 12 inches
- 18 inches
Answer:____________________________________
23.You must not open your door on the traffic side when:
- It would interfere with traffic
- A vehicle is coming toward you on the other side of the street
- There are no bicycles or motorcycles passing you
Answer:____________________________________
24.Animals may be transported in the back of a truck:
- Only if they are in a cage
- Only when they are properly secured
- If they are small puppies
Answer:_____________________________________
25. Persons riding in the back of a truck must:
- Ride in a seat and use seat belts
- Sit on the floor of the truck
- Stand up and hold on to the sides of the truck bed
Answer:____________________________________
26. What does it mean when both right and left turn signals are flashing on the vehicle ahead?
- Slow down, there may be a hazard ahead
- A school bus is about to stop
- The vehicle is carrying a hazardous load
Answer:____________________________________
27.A conviction for littering:
- Will appear on your driving record
- Will cause you to be fined $1,000
- Both of the above
Answer:__________________________________
SIGNALS FOR DRIVERS AND BICYCLISTS
28. You must signal for a left or right turn:
- 100 feet before the turn
- 200 feet before the turn
- 50 feet before the turn
Answer:_________________________________
29. This is the correct hand and arm signal for:
- A right turn
- A left turn
- Slow or STOP
Answer:____________________________________
30. On sunny days, in addition to your signal lights, you may need to:
- Use hand and arm signals
- Use your parking lights
- Use your headlights
Answer:____________________________________
VISUAL SEARCH/LOOKING AHEAD
At highway speeds, 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle would be a quarter of a mile. You would need to look that far ahead so you could recognize potential dangers and have time take evasive action.
At lower speeds as in city traffic, 10 to 15 seconds would be about a half block ahead.
31.To avoid last minute moves, look down the road to where your vehicle will be in about:
- 5 to 10 second
- 10 to 15 seconds
- 4 seconds
Answer:____________________________________
32. On the highway, you should be looking ahead of your vehicle:
- About a quarter of a mile
- A full block away
- One-half block
Answer:____________________________________
33. You should not start across an intersection in the city (with no traffic controls), unless approaching traffic is at least:
- A half-mile away
- Half a block away
- A full block away
Answer:____________________________________
34.You should check your rearview mirrors (and side mirrors) every 2 to 5 seconds:
- To see if CHP is following you
- To see if there is a vehicle in your blind spot
- To see if pedestrians are waiting to cross the street
Answer:_____________________________________
35. What kind of hand and arm signal is this?
- Slow or Stop
- Right turn past the intersection
- The driver wants to merge with traffic on the road
Answer:_____________________________________
36. “Scanning” means looking anead of your car:
- Behind your car and to the sides
- Gluing your eyes to the road ahead so you can see vehicles entering the road
- Having your radio tuned to traffic reports
Answer:____________________________________
TRUE STATEMENTS
* U-Turns should be started from the left lane
* Double parking is illegal at all times
* Only disabled persons may park at blue curbs
* Persons riding in the back of a truck must use a seat and seatbelts.
* On the highway look ahead of your vehicle about a full block (10-15 seconds)
* “Scanning” means looking ahead, behind and to the sides of your vehicle
* Right turns should be started in the right lane and ended in the right lane
* In city traffic you should look a half block ahead of your vehicle
* You must not open your door on the traffic side when it would interfere with traffic
* When you park parallel to the curb your wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb
* You must signal for a right or left turn 100 feet before the turn
ANSWERS TO PRACTICE TEST (quiz, sample exam, examination)
1.When your vehicle carries the minimum number of passengers shown on the sign
2. After making a complete stop
3.The lane closest to the curb (the right lane)
4.The driver is signaling for a left turn
5. Both of the above
6. The left lane
7. Both of the above
8. To the righttoward the side of the road
9. Turn your wheels toward the side of the road
10. Leave the wheels straight
11. Parking for a limited time (the time posted)
12. A bus (if it is marked for a bus)
13. Pick up or drop off passengers or mail 14.The time posted
15. Disabled persons with special plates or placards
16. A red zone (for the time posted)
17.Disabled persons with special placards or signs
18. Hand and arm held out, pointing left
19. Both of the above
20.Illegal at all times
21. 3 1/2 feet
22.18 inches
23.lt would interfere with traffic
24. Only when they are properly secured
25. Ride in a seat and use seat belts
26.Slow down, there may be a hazard ahead
27. Both of the above
28.100 feet before the turn
29.A right turn
30. Use hand and arm signals
31.10 to 15 seconds
32.A full block away
33.Half a block away
34. To see if there is a vehicle in your blind spot
This driving practice permit test can be used by learners from any state, from Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado… to Texas, New York, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Read questions first and try to answer correctly. Also you can print all permit test questions and take this test. You’ll find correct answers at the end of this page.
Right-Of-Way Laws
1. You should give up legal right-of-way:
- When it would help prevent an accident
- To all cross traffic
- To all buses and trucks
Answer:___________________________________
2. If you always insist on letting other drivers go ahead of you at intersections, you are:
- Most likely causing traffic delays
- Using defensive driving techniques
- Improving traffic flow
Answer:____________________________________
PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS
3. Where an intersection or crosswalk has signals to direct pedestrians while crossing the street, the picture of a “RAISED HAND” means:
- You may not cross the street
- It is safe to start across the street
- All vehicles must stop
Answer:____________________________________
4. A light flashing at acrosswalk means:
- You may not have time to make it across
- You must wait for all traffic to stop
- An emergency vehicle is approaching
Answer:_____________________________________
5. When a pedestrian signal shows a picture of a “WALKING PERSON”:
- It is legal to start crossing the street
- You may not cross the street
- Pedestrians must yield to motor vehicles
Answer:____________________________________
6. Where there are traffic signals but no pedestrian signals, what should pedestrians do?
- Go ahead and cross. Pedestrians always have the
right-of-way
- Obey the red, yellow or green signal lights
- Cross on the yellow light
Warning! This question is often missed. There are laws for pedestrians, too!
Answer:_____________________________________
7. You must give right-of-way to persons using a white cane or a guide dog:
- At all times
- Only when they are crossing on a red light
- Only when they are in a crosswalk
Answer:_____________________________________
THE SPEED LIMIT AT A SCHOOL CROSSING UNLESS OTHERWISE POSTED IS 25 MPH
8. Pedestrians using white canes or guide dogs may use the sound of your engine as a guide. You should stop no more than:
- 5 feet from the crosswalk
- 3 feet from the crosswalk
- 10 feet from the crosswalk
Answer:____________________________________
9. When a blind person steps back from the crosswalk and pulls in his cane you should:
- Stop
- Go ahead
- Wait for the person to cross the street
Answer:____________________________________
When a blind person pulls in (withdraws) his or her cane he is not ready to cross the street You may proceed.
INTERSECTIONS
10. This sign is a:
- Pedestrian Crossing Sign
- Yield right-of-way Sign
- School Crossing Sign
Answer:____________________________________
11. This sign tells you:
- There is a traffic light ahead
- You are approaching a railroad
crossing
- There is a school crossing ahead
Answer:____________________________________
12. At an intersection with no STOP or YIELD signs. You must:
- Obey the STOP sign
- Yield to the car on your left
- Slow down, check traffic very carefully, then proceed through the intersection
Answer:_____________________________________
13. Vehicles turning left on a two-way street must:
- Yield to oncoming vehicles
- Yield to vehicles behind them
- Yield to pedestrians waiting for the WALK signal
Answer:_____________________________________
14. When a driver stops ahead of you at a crosswalk, you must:
- Speed up and pass him
- Change lanes and pass him
- Stop, until all pedestrians have crossed the street
Answer:_____________________________________
15. At intersections, crosswalks and railroad crossings you must always:
- Come to a complete stop
- Look to the sides of your vehicle
- Look straight ahead
Answer:_____________________________________
16. Unless another speed is posted, the speed limit on the freeway is:
- 70 miles an hour
- 65 miles an hour
- 55 miles an hour
Answer:_____________________________________
17. When may you drive faster than 15 mph in an alley?
- NEVER
- When another car is chasing you
- When you want to see how fast your car will run
Answer:____________________________________
18. California’s “basic speed law” means you may:
- Not drive faster than is safe for existing conditions
- Always drive the posted speed limit
- Drive at least 5 miles over the posted speed limit
Answer:_____________________________________
19. Broken white lines separate two or more lanes:
- In the same direction
- In opposite directions
- Used for left turns
Answer:____________________________________
20. This sign means you may not:
- Make a right turn on the red light
- Make a left turn
- Park in this space
Answer:______________________________________
21.When you are approaching a railroad crossing where you cannot see clearly for 400 feet in each direction, the speed limit is:
- 15 mph
- 20 mph
- 30 mph
Answer: _____________________________________
22. All posted speeds are for ideal driving conditions. In bad weather those speeds:
- Must be obeyed
- May not always be safe
- Are always safe
Answer:_____________________________________
23.You may not pass a stopped trolley, streetcar or bus in a Safety Zone at a speed greater than:
- 5 mph
- 10 mph
- 15 mph
Answer:_____________________________________
24. When a driver behind you wishes to drive faster than you, you should:
- Move to the right
- Maintain your speed, make him slow down
- Drive even slower
Answer: ____________________________________
25. At a “blind Intersection” where you cannot see traffic 100 feet in each direction, the speed limit is: - 10 mph
- 15 mph
- 20 mph
“BLIND INTERSECTION”
Your vision is blocked by a tree on the left and a building on the right.
Answer:_____________________________________
26.The maximum speed on the freeway is 70 mph:
- But only where that speed is posted
- Anywhere on the freeway
- Between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m
Answer:____________________________________
27. Unless another speed is posted in a school zone school:
- You may drive no faster than 25 mph
- You must drive 35 mph
- You must slow your vehicle to 10 mph
Answer: ________________________________
28.On a two-lane undivided highway, unless a higher speed is posted, the maximum speed limit is:
- 55 mph
- 65 mph
- 70 mph
Answer: ____________________________________
ROAD MARKINGS
29. When there is a solid line on your side of the center line you:
- May not cross over it to pass another car
- May cross over It to pass a large slow truck
- Must drive much slower
Solid and broken lines
Answer:_______________________________
30. You may cross two solid lines to:
- Enter a driveway or turn left at an intersection
- Pass a driver that is holding up traffic
- Pass a slow moving farm vehicle
Answer:_______________________________
31. When may you pass on a broken line?
- Never
- When it is safe to do so
- When an oncoming car is 100 feet away
Answer:_______________________________
32. A left turn center lane is to be used to:
- Pass other vehicles
- Begin and end left turns
- Make a U-Turn
Answer:________________________________
33. When may you pass in a left turn center lane?
- NEVER
- When the car is barely creeping along
- When the car is speeding
Answer:_____________________________________
34. When there are two solid veliow lines dividing traffic going in opposite directions, you may not:
- Not cross over the lines for any reason
- Cross over the lines to make a left turn
- Cross over the lines to pass another vehicle
Answer: ____________________________________
35. Unless otherwise posted the speed limit on a two-lane, undivided highway is:
- 55 mph
- 65 mph
- 70 mph
Answer: _____________________________________
36. You may not cross a solid yellow line to:
- Pass another car
- Make a left turn at an intersection
- To enter or leave a driveway
Answer:_____________________________________
* When a blind person takes a step back and pulls in his cane, he is not ready to cross the street
* When a blind person is in a crosswalk you should stop within 5 feet of the crosswalk. He is guided by the sound of the car’s engine
* The “basic speed law” means you must not drive faster than is safe for existing conditions
* A left turn center lane is for beginning and ending left turns
* You may not pass a car in a left turn center lane
* You must stop before making a right turn on a red light
* You may not cross over a solid yellow line to pass another vehicle
* If the line on your side of the center line is broken you may pass another vehicle when it is safe to do so
* Two solid yellow lines mean no passing from either direction
ANSWERS TO PRACTICE TEST ? 2
1. When it would help prevent an accident
2. Most likely causing traffic delays
3. You may not cross the street
4. You may not have time to make it across
5. It is legal to start crossing the street
6.Obey the red, yellow or green signals
7. At all times
8.5 feet from the crosswalk
9. Go ahead
10. School crossing sign
11. There is a traffic light ahead
12. Slow down check traffic carefully then proceed through the intersection
13. Yield to oncoming vehicles
14. Stop, until all pedestrians have crossed the street
15. Look to the sides of your vehicle
16. 65 Miles an hour
17. NEVER
18. Not drive faster than is safe for existing conditions
19. In the same direction
20. Make a right turn on the red light
21.15 miles per hour
22.May not always be safe
23.10 mph
24.Move to the right
25.15 mph
26. But only where that speed is posted
27.You may drive no faster than 25 mph
28. 55 mph
29. Not cross over it to pass another car
30. Enter a driveway or turn left at an intersection
Have your vehicle serviced before starting out. Carry a flashlight, emergency flasher or some type of warning system in case it breaks down. If you have a flat tire or your vehicle starts acting strangely put your hazard lights on, (They will work even with the ignition off) ease your foot off the accelerator, brake gently, signal your intentions and try to work your way to the side of the road or a breakdown lane.
Once off the road raise your hood and tie a white cloth to itif you have one. If you don’t carry one this might be a good time to put one in your glove compartment. If you have any warning signs set them 200 feet to the rear of your vehicle. On a two-way traffic road set them 200 feet in front of your vehicle.
LET SOMEONE KNOW YOU NEED HELP
If you can’t fix the problem get back in your car, lock the doors. If you have a cell phone call 911 for assistance. At night, turn on your dome light.
If someone stops and offers to help you ask them to call CHP, if you haven’t already done so. If they don’t leave and are making you uneasy, continue to sit in your car with windows and doors locked until reliable help arrives.
Do not open your door to strangers, day or night, unless you are sure you are in a safe place. Do not accept a stranger’s offer to take you home or some place to get help.
HIT THE PANIC BUTTON
If someone tries to get into your car, honk the horn, flash the lights, scream. Push the panic button on your car key fob. Do anything to attract attention.
REST AREAS
Be very careful when stopping at rest areas where no security is provided. Do not stop at an unguarded rest area at night unless several other cars are there. If you leave your car, lock your purse, cameras and other valuables in the trunk. Lock the doors. If you take a nap at a rest area lock the doors and roll up the windows. If someone attempts to get in your cat or assault or rob you, push the panic button on your car key fob to attract the attention, of someone who may come to your rescue. The intruder may flee. Do not allow young children to go to the restrooms alone.
OTHER USES FOR THE PANIC BUTTON ON YOUR CAR KEY FOB
If you can’t find your car in a parking lot, push the panic button on your key fob. If you are near enough your car will honk and flash its parking lights at you. In a parking garage with several levels your panic button may be helpful in locating your car.
One guy said he used his panic button to scare his mother in law when she climbed in his car! (Not recommended!)
Put your car keys on your bedside table at night. If you hear someone trying to break in push the panic button.
To silence the alarm, press the panic button a few seconds.
SHOULD YOU STOP AT NIGHT TO HELP A STRANDED MOTORIST?
If you have a cell phone call CHP, or stop at a call box and ask for assistance for the stranded motorist.
AUTO ACCIDENT SCAMS
There are auto “accidents” that are not accidents; they are deliberate, staged by crooks who provide their own “witnesses.” Crooked doctors, lawyers, auto repairmen and others help them file exaggerated claims for injuries that are hard to prove.
“SWOOP AND SQUAT”
A driver (the Swooper) cuts in front of the car in front of you, forcing that driver (the Squatter) to slam on his brakes, and cause you to rear-end his car. His car will most likely be crammed with passengers, all of whom will sue your insurance company.
“THE T-BONE”
When a T-Bone “accident” is about to happen “witnesses” are stationed at corners of an intersection When you come rolling through or start up from a traffic light or a stop sign a car accelerates from a side street and hits your car. The driver claims you ran the red light or stop sign.
IF YOU ARE REAR-ENDED
If you are rear-ended at night in an unsafe place you should keep going, drive to a police station or call the police. If you stop and get out of your car, you may be robbed, attacked or kidnapped.
AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
If you are involved in an accident, even if you suspect the accident may have been your fault, do not apologize. Show your concern, attend the injured as well as you can, but wait for an investigation before deciding who should apologize.
EXCHANGE INFORMATION
Exchange information with the other driver: name, address, driver license number, vehicle registration, and the name of your insurance company. But don’t discuss amounts of coverage. Mention of large amounts ($$$$) may cause exaggerated damage and injury reports. Don’t talk about what you think happened. Don’t argue with the other driver. Try to get names and addresses of any witnesses. Ask what they saw.
Keep a note pad and pen in your glove compartment for that purpose. If the other driver refuses to cooperate, record his or her license plate number and the make and model of the car. Don’t leave the scene of an accident unless the other driver becomes abusive. If that happens you should drive to the nearest police station. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
WHEN IN DOUBT, CHECK ‘EM OUT
If it is broad daylight and you are being chased on a busy highway by a vehicle with lights flashing and sirens screaming you can probably assume a real police officer is after you. But if you are on a lonely road and have no idea what you have done wrong and the vehicle chasing you is not well marked, you may ask to see the credentials of any one who steps out of it. Criminals sometimes masquerade as officers.
Don’t open your window all the way. Slip your license through a crack at the top of the window. If you are sure the person is up to no good start your car and burn rubber, even if he/she has a hand inside your window. Better a one-armed bandit than a dead driveryou!
When you are stopped by a real officer don’t start fumbling for your driver license. Place both hands at the top of the steering wheel. Tell your passengers to keep their hands on their laps. Don’t get out of your car unless the officer asks you to.
Ladies, carry your license in your purse. Ask if you may open the purse. Guys, if your wallet is in your pants pocket tell the officer you are going to reach for it. Never reach over to extract your wallet or vehicle registration from the glove compartment without asking the officer if you may do so. You could be staring down a gun barrel when you raise up. Police officers can’t be too careful either.
Elderly drivers are more often held at fault when they are involved in traffic situation where citations are given. They are charged with failing to yield right of way, improper left turns and lane changes, failing to observe stop signs and signals, pulling out in front of other drivers dangerously, and driving too slow on busy highways. Inattention to these driving tasks and lack of concentration are the primary reasons for their driving problems.
There ways older drivers can delay and possibly prevent ever having to give up their license. They can greatly reduce the risk of causing an accident and injuring someone by taking AARP’s Driver Safety Course. It will help you bring you up to date on new traffic laws and road rules and heighten your awareness of the dangers of not following them in every mile of your driving. You may also qualify for an insurance premium discount.
Your local Council on Aging can tell you when and where the course is held. Or you can go online to www.aarp.org for this information. It is also possible to take the course online.
And of course I always recommend professional driving instructions to sharpen your driving skills.
The suggestions below may be helpful if you find that you are having more near misses on the road, if you get lost or other drivers honk at you often, if you have been involved in a collision or have difficulty reading ordinary signs:
Have your eyes examined if your vision is fuzzy at night or in the daytime
Drive only when you feel up to it.
Always ask your doctor about the side effects of any prescribed medications.
Don’t drive with young children in the car. They can distract you.
If you have difficulty seeing all around your car, sit on a cushion. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with power steering, power brakes, larger mirrors, and automatic seat adjustment.
Stay alert at the wheel. Concentrate on your driving. Don’t let your mind wander. Don’t day dream. Don’t plan the evening meal while driving. Don’t rehearse the speech you are planning to give. Don’t talk on a cell phone. Don’t leave the radio on. Don’t let your attention linger on distractions outside, or inside your car, before you know it a vehicle can slow down or stop in front of you.
Every few seconds while driving remind yourself to:
“Look to the side and back to the road ahead (quickly)! Look in the mirror and back to the road ahead (quickly)! Look over your shoulder (quickly) and back to the road ahead (quickly)!”
Play the “What If Game.” Try to anticipate any unsafe actions of other drivers. Ask yourself what you would do if a driver in a parked car suddenly pulled out in front of you or backed out of a parking space on the side of the street. Could you stop? Would you swerve into the next lane? Where would you go?
Brake lights, turn signals, and wheels turning toward the street are warning signals. In parking lots look for brake lights on parked vehicles which may be about to back out of a parking space.
Avoid backing whenever possible. Park where you can exit the parking place by driving forward. Watch for children. Slow down where children are playing near the street. Stay closer to the center line of the street when passing bicyclists. Right turns are safer than left turns.
Don’t drive on freeways or in any congested fast-moving traffic except when necessary.
BACK-SEAT DRIVERS (Grr-r-r-rr!)
Don’t allow yourself to become frustrated or angry by your passengers’ well-meaning but annoying comments. Passengers can be good navigators, but don’t depend entirely upon their advice as to when you should stop, pull out into traffic, or pass another car. Decide for yourself if you can perform the maneuver safely. If your passenger insists upon criticizing your driving and telling you every move to make, stop the car, get out, and don’t get back in until he or she agrees to dummy up.
AVOID THE RUSH HOURS
Plan your local trips after the morning rush hour and before the evening rush. Morning hours between 9:30 and 11:30 are less busy because many drivers have arrived at their workplace. The hours between 2:00 and 4:30 p.m. seem to be less busy. The lunch crunch is over and the evening rush hasn’t started.
TAKE A DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE
AARP’s Mature Driving Course will increase your awareness of the dangers on the road around you. It will teach you the defensive driving skills that will help you avoid them. AAA Automobile Clubs provide brochures and other materials on safe driving. Your insurance company may offer a premium discount if you take a defensive driving course.
NIGHT DRIVING AND VISION
IF YOU MUST DRIVE AT NIGHT
Choose well-marked, well-lighted streets with easy to read signs and easily accessible parking. Don’t overdrive your headlights. Make sure you can stop in the distance your lights shine ahead of your car. Drive at a reduced speed and stay in the right lane as much as possible.
REDUCED VISION
At night the 20/20 vision of most people is reduced to about 20/50. Through a dirty windshield, cataracts, or on a rainy night, traffic lights, brake lights, street lights and headlights may be a confusion of shimmering colors, blotting out forms, vehicles, pedestrians, signs and pavement markings.
GLARE RECOVERY
The field of glare from approaching headlights may be larger than the vehicle itself. A 55 year- old-driver takes eight times as long to recover from glare as a 16 year-old. At 55 miles per hour, a car travels about 80 feet per second. An older person will drive 640 feet virtually blind before their eyes recover from the glare.
SIDE VISION
Peripheral vision, the distance you can see to the right and left “out of the comers of your eyes,” narrows with age. You may be able to see what is on the right side of the road, while the left side may be a blur or continuous dark shadow. Depth perception decreases, affecting your ability to tell how close or how far you are from a car or object ahead.
Drive in the right lane as much as possible. Turn your head often. Take quick looks. But only a quick look! Your eyes off the road for more than an instant can be too long. Your car can leave the road before you know it.
DRIVING IN FADING LIGHT
More accidents happen at dusk than any other time of the day. Be careful about passing at dusk. A car coming toward you may not have its lights on. Use electric turn signals at night. Hand and arm signals cannot be seen. Never wear sunglasses at night.
DONT STARESCAN
At night, focus on the outline of objects rather than looking directly at them. Scan the roadsides for pedestrians and animals. Use your horn politely, and only when absolutely necessary.
HEADLIGHTS
When you are within 500 feet of a vehicle coming toward you, dim your headlights by switching to low beams. You may need to flash your lights to remind a driver coming toward you to dim his or her lights. That means a flash of no more than an instant. Make sure they are far enough away that the flash doesn’t blind them.
Don’t look directly at oncoming cars. Look toward the right edge of your lane until they have passed. If you try to “get even” with the other driver by leaving your high beams on, there will be two blind drivers bearing down on each other.
When you are following another vehicle at night and get within 300 feet, switch to low beams. High beams will hit the rearview mirror of the vehicle ahead and blind the driver. If you are being followed too closely, turn your mirror to the night driving position.
WARN OTHER DRIVERS
Before turning onto another street or driveway or stopping, check your rearview mirror for closely following vehicles. If one appears to be too close and the driver is staring off into space, looking off to the side of the road or talking on a cell phone tap, your brake lights several times until the driver notices them and backs off. Watch for the space between your cars to expand. If that doesn’t happen the car may hit you as you slow down to turn. Keep driving until you can make a turn safely.
USE YOUR HORN ONLY WHEN NECESSARY
There are horn beepers, and there are horn blasters. A friendly beep, a smile, or a slight nod is usually appreciated. A blast may anger, rattle or infuriate another driver. It may also cause a motorist with a cell phone to call a California Highway Patrol (CHP) and suggest that he or she drive behind you a few miles and try to figure out what your problem is: a bad hair day, alcohol or drugs, road rage, or something else. Use your horn only when necessary to prevent an accident
LIGHTS, WIPERS AND DEFROSTER CONTROLS
If you don’t do much night driving, or driving in the rain, you may not be able to operate your light controls, wipers or defrosters without fumbling. Practice in your driveway until you can operate them without taking your eyes off the road. There is nothing more frightening than to be caught in a sudden rain storm or have another vehicle cover your windshield with huge splash of water, and you can’t find your wipers.
DON’T DRIVE YOURSELF TO DISTRACTION
Be cooperative and polite on the road.
Don’t scream or yell at another driver, or make obscene gestures.
Don’t honk at someone daydreaming at a traffic light. Tap the horn gently.
Obey the speed limit, don’t tailgate, and don’t weave from lane to lane. Avoid eye contact with an angry driver.
Don’t stop if an angry driver invites you to. You dont know what he or she might do.
When someone antagonizes you, dont fight back. Take a deep breath and breathe a little prayer that his or her bad manners won’t result in a tragic accident.
At a slow traffic light, don’t sit there with your stomach tied in a knot. Take some deep breaths. Breathe in … breathe out… breathe in … breathe out. The light will change before you know it.
DRIVING TEST MAY BE REQUIRED
If you are involved in two or more accidents in a year, if your eyesight is 20/200 or worse, or if anyone has reported to DMV that you should be re-examined for any reason, you may have to take another written test and a behind the wheel driving test.
If your doctor or anyone else notifies DMV that perhaps you should stop driving, you will be called in for reexamination. Don’t panic. You may have let some bad habits creep into your driving that a refresher course can take care of. Or you may simply need new eyeglasses.
- The driver is signaling for a left turn
- Disabled persons with special placards or signs
- A right turn
- Slow or Stop
- Pedestrian Crossing Sign
- There is a traffic light ahead
- Make a right turn on the red light
- 10 mph
