Your disabled car is in a hazardous position, and there is a safe place off the road that occupants can reach without entering traffic. What should you do?
Correct answer: Move the occupants to that safe location and warn approaching traffic appropriately.
Move the vehicle if possible. When it cannot be moved from danger but a safe location is reachable, move occupants there; otherwise the handbook advises remaining in the vehicle.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 84 — Breakdowns or Engine Failure ↗
You are following very close to the rear of a large truck. What visibility problem does this create?
Correct answer: You may be in an area the truck driver cannot see, and the truck blocks your view ahead.
A large vehicle has restricted side and rear visibility, especially directly behind. Stay where you can see and be seen rather than remaining close behind it.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 85 — Limitations of Large Vehicles — Visibility ↗
You plan to merge ahead of a large truck. Why must you leave a substantial gap?
Correct answer: The truck generally needs more stopping distance than a passenger car.
Allow for the truck's longer stopping distance. Cutting closely ahead can remove the space its driver needs to avoid a collision.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 86 — Stopping Distance ↗
A long truck ahead needs extra room to make a turn. What should you do?
Correct answer: Give it room and stay out of the space it needs for the maneuver.
Large vehicles need more space to turn. Do not crowd the turning path or place yourself where the truck driver cannot see you.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 86 — Maneuvering Space ↗
A large fast-moving truck passes your small car. What should you be prepared for?
Correct answer: A wind gust that may require a controlled steering correction.
The air movement around large vehicles can affect a smaller vehicle's direction. Keep control and be prepared for a smooth correction.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 86 — Slipstream ↗
A motorcyclist rides in the left portion of a lane. May you pass within the unused right portion of that same lane?
Correct answer: No; give the motorcycle the full lane.
A motorcycle is entitled to the full lane and may need to move within it to avoid hazards. Do not crowd into the rider's lane.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 91 — Motorcycles — Lane Position ↗
An approaching motorcycle has a turn signal flashing. Before crossing its path, what should you do?
Correct answer: Wait until the rider's intended maneuver is clear and there is a safe gap.
Motorcycle signals may remain on after a previous turn, and riders move within their lanes for several reasons. Do not assume a turn that has not clearly begun.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 92 — Motorcycles — Intersections ↗
Why should you take extra care judging a motorcycle before turning across its path?
Correct answer: Its small profile can make it seem farther away and slower than it is.
Look carefully more than once and allow space. A motorcycle's small silhouette can mislead distance and speed judgments.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 90 — Motorcycles — Size; p. 93, Following Distance ↗
You are passing a bicyclist traveling in your direction. What minimum separation must you allow?
Correct answer: At least 3 feet, measured from your vehicle including mirrors or other protruding parts.
The law requires at least three feet between the vehicle's rightmost parts and the bicyclist's left side. Do not return right until safely clear.
Source: Current Hawaii Revised Statutes — §291C-43(2) ↗
You are behind a bicyclist and plan an immediate right turn. What is the safer approach?
Correct answer: Stay behind rather than overtake and cut across the bicyclist's path.
The handbook advises not passing when an immediate right turn would create this conflict. Look for and yield to bicyclists when crossing a bike lane.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 97 — Motorists — right turns and bike lanes ↗
A bicyclist moves into the travel lane to avoid a pothole near the edge. What should you understand?
Correct answer: The bicyclist may legally move into the lane to avoid a roadway hazard.
Bicyclists may enter the travelway for hazards, turns and other listed reasons, including a lane too narrow to share safely. Allow room.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 98 — Bicyclists — Traffic Regulations ↗
Before opening your parked car's traffic-side door, what should you do?
Correct answer: Check for approaching traffic, including bicycles, and open only when safe.
Opening a door unexpectedly into moving traffic can create a hazard and is a traffic violation. Look before opening.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 97 — Motorists — opening car doors ↗
A pedestrian is crossing within a crosswalk on your half of the roadway. What must you do?
Correct answer: Stop and wait until the pedestrian has passed your vehicle and you can safely proceed.
The statute requires stopping for a pedestrian on your half, or approaching so closely from the other half as to be in danger. Proceed only when the stated safe conditions are met.
Source: Current Hawaii Revised Statutes — §291C-72(a) ↗
A vehicle ahead is stopped at an unmarked intersection crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross. May you overtake it?
Correct answer: No; do not pass the vehicle stopped for the pedestrian.
The prohibition covers both marked crosswalks and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. The stopped vehicle may hide the person from view.
Source: Current Hawaii Revised Statutes — §291C-72(d) ↗
A person using a white cane is crossing the roadway in front of you while your signal is green. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop and let the person cross safely.
The handbook directs stopping for blind persons in the roadway, identified by a white cane or guide dog, regardless of the traffic signal indication.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 95 — Your Responsibility as a Driver — blind persons ↗
A school crossing guard signals you to stop for children. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop and obey the guard's direction.
Be especially alert near schools and stop on a school crossing guard's signal. Children may act unexpectedly.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 95 — Your Responsibility as a Driver — school crossing guard ↗
Before driving an unfamiliar car, what should you do?
Correct answer: Locate and understand its lights, wipers, signals, brakes, gear selector and horn.
A few minutes of familiarization prevent distraction and delayed action while moving. Correct safety defects before driving.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 60 — Vehicle Condition — An Unfamiliar Vehicle ↗
Where does the handbook direct you to find the vehicle manufacturer's recommended tire pressure and size?
Correct answer: The vehicle's door-jamb information.
Use the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation, not a guess. Check the tires at least monthly, including the spare.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 20 — Tires ↗
Your tires have less than 1/16 inch of tread. What does the handbook advise?
Correct answer: Replace them.
The handbook calls for replacement below 1/16 inch of tread. Also inspect for cuts, bulges, separation and uneven wear.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 20 — Tires — tread depth ↗
An exhaust-system leak could let fumes into the passenger compartment. What should you do?
Correct answer: Have the defective parts replaced promptly rather than continue using the unsafe vehicle.
Keep the exhaust system free of leaks to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not wait for noise or visible smoke to establish the danger.
Source: Hawaii Driver's Manual, HMG 5/2023, current HDOT-linked PDF; printed/PDF p. 19 — Exhaust System ↗
