You borrow a car whose seat and mirrors do not fit you. When should you adjust them?
Correct answer: Before starting to drive, while the vehicle is securely stopped.
Set the seat and mirrors before moving so you can reach the controls and see properly without dividing attention during the trip.
Source: Maine Driver License Manual, Rev 4/24, printed 4-1, physical PDF page 39: Getting ready to drive ↗
The top of your head restraint is far below your ears. What is the better adjustment?
Correct answer: Raise it to support the head appropriately, with the top above ear level.
The handbook advises positioning the head restraint with its top above the ears. Proper support helps reduce injury from sudden rearward head movement.
Source: Maine Driver License Manual, Rev 4/24, printed 4-1, physical PDF page 39: Head restraints ↗
How should an adult wear a lap-and-shoulder belt?
Correct answer: Keep the lap portion low across the hips and the shoulder portion across the chest.
Proper belt placement spreads force over stronger body areas. An air bag supplements the belt; it does not make incorrect belt use safe.
Source: Maine Driver License Manual, Rev 4/24, printed 4-3, physical PDF page 41: Wearing seat belts properly ↗
Where should a rear-facing child seat never be placed while the front passenger air bag is active?
Correct answer: In the front passenger position facing that active air bag.
An inflating front air bag can seriously injure a child in a rear-facing seat. Use an appropriate rear seating position and follow the restraint and vehicle instructions.
Source: Maine Driver License Manual, Rev 4/24, printed 4-4, physical PDF page 42: Air bags and children ↗
When should you check tire pressure for the most useful routine reading?
Correct answer: When the tires are cold, using the recommended pressure for the vehicle.
The handbook calls for checking tires when cold. Tire condition and correct pressure affect traction, braking and steering.
Source: Maine Driver License Manual, Rev 4/24, printed 2-5, physical PDF page 21: Tires ↗
The brake pedal sinks unusually low and the car pulls to one side when braking. What should you do?
Correct answer: Have the braking problem inspected and corrected before relying on the car for ordinary driving.
Unusual pedal travel or pulling can indicate a brake problem. More space is helpful but is not a repair for defective brakes.
Source: Maine Driver License Manual, Rev 4/24, printed 2-5, physical PDF page 21: Brakes and vehicle condition ↗
Why should a damaged exhaust system be repaired promptly even if occupants notice no unusual smell?
Correct answer: Carbon monoxide can enter the vehicle without a warning odor.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless hazard. Do not use the absence of a smell as evidence that a leaking exhaust system is safe.
Source: Maine Driver License Manual, Rev 4/24, printed 2-5, physical PDF page 21: Exhaust system ↗
A load blocks the driver's view through necessary windows and interferes with steering. What should happen before the trip?
Correct answer: Reposition or reduce the load so the driver has an unobstructed view and control.
Maine prohibits operation with a load or obstruction that interferes with the operator's view or control. A passenger cannot replace the driver's required visibility.
Source: Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A, section 2082, 1: obstruction of operator view or controls; current official text reviewed September 29, 2026 ↗
Before driving an ordinary passenger car on a public road, you notice a thick sheet of snow and ice on the roof. What should you do?
Correct answer: Take reasonable measures to remove it so it will not fall or blow onto the road.
Maine requires reasonable measures to prevent falling snow or ice from vehicles within this weight category. A clear windshield alone does not address the roof hazard.
Source: Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A, section 2093, 1: falling snow and ice from a vehicle under 10,000 pounds; current official text reviewed September 29, 2026 ↗
Rain begins during daylight and your windshield wipers are in constant use. What is required?
Correct answer: Turn on the headlights, even though it is not yet sunset.
Maine requires headlights when wipers are in constant use, as well as from sunset to sunrise and when visibility falls below the stated 1,000-foot condition.
Source: Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A, section 2067, 1(A)-(C): required headlight use; current official text reviewed September 29, 2026 ↗
You are using high beams. At what distances must you dim for an oncoming vehicle and for a vehicle you are following?
Correct answer: Within 500 feet of the oncoming vehicle and within 300 feet of the vehicle ahead.
The Maine dimming distances are 500 feet when approaching oncoming traffic and 300 feet when following. Dim before your lights interfere with the other driver's vision.
Source: Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A, section 2067, 2: dimming headlights; current official text reviewed September 29, 2026 ↗
You are backing out of a driveway. The camera image looks clear. What should you do?
Correct answer: Check around the vehicle, look back as appropriate, and back slowly while continuing to observe.
Cameras and mirrors help but have limits. The handbook emphasizes checking behind, looking back and backing at a slow, controlled speed.
Source: Maine Driver License Manual, Rev 4/24, printed 5-3, physical PDF page 46: Backing ↗
You are ready to move an automatic-transmission car from a parking space. Which sequence is safest?
Correct answer: Control the brake, select the proper gear, check the surroundings, signal when appropriate, and accelerate gently.
Know the controls, keep the vehicle controlled while selecting a gear, and check before moving. Smooth acceleration helps retain control.
Source: Maine Driver License Manual, Rev 4/24, printed 5-1, physical PDF page 44: Starting and moving the vehicle ↗
A driver wants to shift into neutral while descending a long hill to save fuel. What should the driver do?
Correct answer: Keep the vehicle in an appropriate gear rather than coasting in neutral.
Maine prohibits coasting downhill in neutral. An appropriate gear also preserves useful control on a downgrade.
Source: Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A, section 2064, 1: coasting on a downgrade; current official text reviewed September 29, 2026 ↗
