What instruction does this triangular sign give as you approach crossing traffic?
Correct answer: Slow down and give way, stopping if necessary.
YIELD means give the right-of-way to traffic in the intersection or road you are entering. Slow enough to assess the situation and stop when needed.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2b_01; sign R1-2: Yield; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Which maneuver is ruled out by this symbol?
Correct answer: Turning left.
The red slash cancels the left-turn movement shown by the arrow. It does not itself prohibit going straight or establish priority over pedestrians.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2b_04; sign R3-2: No Left Turn; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What should you expect beyond this warning sign?
Correct answer: A traffic signal that may require you to stop.
The pictured signal warns of traffic lights ahead. It does not display the current signal phase or grant permission to proceed.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_06; sign W3-3: Signal Ahead; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
You are traveling in the right lane when this sign appears. What should you prepare to do?
Correct answer: Merge left safely because the right lane ends.
The right side tapers away, showing the right lane ending. Check traffic and merge left when safe, yielding to vehicles already in that lane.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_08; sign W4-2: Lane Ends/Merge Left; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Rain begins as you approach the road section marked by this sign. What concern should guide your driving?
Correct answer: The pavement can become unusually slippery when wet.
The tracks depict skidding, not the route of the road. Reduce speed as conditions require and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_06; sign W8-5: Slippery When Wet; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
At the junction warned about by this sign, what happens to the road you are following?
Correct answer: It ends; you must turn left or right.
The stem of the T ends at the crossbar. Prepare to choose a turn, slow down and obey the actual controls and right-of-way rules at the junction.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_09; sign W2-4: T Intersection Ahead; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
A snowplow is working beside your lane. Why should you avoid lingering alongside it?
Correct answer: It may turn widely, stop frequently or overlap lanes.
Snowplows need operating room and may overlap lanes or make frequent stops and exits. Do not crowd the truck or travel beside it.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Driving in Winter Weather — The Basics; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Your older car does not have ABS and its wheels begin to lock while braking. Which technique may be needed?
Correct answer: Pump the brakes to help prevent continued wheel lock.
For a vehicle without ABS, NHTSA says pumping may be necessary if the wheels start to lock. Know which braking system your car has before an emergency.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Changes You May Notice — Safety Technologies; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
While safely waiting in a snowbound car, what can make the vehicle easier for rescuers to notice?
Correct answer: Use bright markers and the interior dome light.
NHTSA recommends bright markers on the antenna or windows and the dome light. Make the car visible without placing yourself in moving traffic.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Driving in Winter Weather — What to Do in an Emergency; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Why can high beams make your view worse in fog?
Correct answer: They produce glare that makes the road ahead harder to see.
Bright light scattered back by fog can obscure the view instead of improving it. Use low beams and reduce speed.
Source: National Weather Service, Driving in Fog; Safety tips — high-beam glare; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Does driving an SUV or pickup make it safe to cross moving floodwater?
Correct answer: No; rushing water can carry away these vehicles too.
Vehicle size does not eliminate the force of floodwater. NWS warns that even SUVs and trucks can be swept away.
Source: National Weather Service, floodwater driving safety; Floodwater hazard guidance — rushing water; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Which group belongs in a useful winter emergency kit?
Correct answer: Blankets, a charged phone and charger, water and needed medicine.
Prepare for being delayed or stranded, not just for routine driving. Warmth, communication and basic supplies can be important while waiting for help.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Before You Go — Stock Your Vehicle; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Even if you use GPS, what is useful before a long winter trip?
Correct answer: Know the route and tell someone your expected route and arrival time.
Review directions and weather, and share travel plans. Leave enough time for stops and for conditions to change.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Before You Go — Plan Your Route; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
How often should you routinely check tire pressure, even with a tire-pressure warning system?
Correct answer: At least once a month.
A warning system does not replace regular pressure checks. NHTSA recommends checking all tires at least monthly with an accurate gauge.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Maintenance — Tire Pressure; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
You notice a new bulge or crack in a tire sidewall. What should you do?
Correct answer: Have the tire evaluated by a qualified tire service professional.
Visible damage can indicate an unsafe tire even when tread remains. Get professional evaluation instead of relying on tread depth alone.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Aging — Should I replace my tires?; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Before rotating tires, what should you check?
Correct answer: The vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pattern and whether rotation is permitted.
Rotation recommendations differ, and some vehicles with different front and rear tire sizes may not permit normal rotation. Follow the manual.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Maintenance — Tire Rotation; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
A replacement floor mat can slide toward the pedals. What should you do before driving?
Correct answer: Fit and secure a correctly sized mat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
An incorrectly installed mat may interfere with the accelerator or brake. Use the correct fit and retention clips rather than layering loose mats.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Changes You May Notice — Floor Mats; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
A child is wearing a thick puffy coat in a car seat. What is the safer way to keep the child warm?
Correct answer: Use thin warm layers under a snug harness and add warmth over it.
Bulky coats can prevent a proper harness fit. Secure the harness snugly over thinner layers, then add a coat or blanket over the secured child.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Changes You May Notice — Car Seats; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Your car develops a problem but can safely reach a nearby parking lot. What is generally better than stopping beside a busy travel lane?
Correct answer: Move to the accessible lot away from the traffic stream.
Maryland’s roadside guidance prioritizes getting away from the travel portion of the road when possible. Assess whether an off-ramp or parking lot can be reached safely.
Source: Maryland Highway Safety Office, What to do in a Roadside Emergency; ASSESS — Find a Safe Place; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
A disabled vehicle cannot get out of a highway travel lane. What should the driver do promptly?
Correct answer: Activate warning lights, call emergency services and assess the safest next action.
Warn approaching traffic and contact emergency services. Whether to exit depends on the danger and available safe location; crossing a highway on foot can be extremely hazardous.
Source: Maryland Highway Safety Office, What to do in a Roadside Emergency; If You are Stranded in the Travel Lanes; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
After leaving an unsafe disabled car for a protected location, how should you monitor nearby traffic?
Correct answer: Face approaching traffic and remain alert.
Facing oncoming traffic helps you notice a vehicle veering toward you. A protected location reduces exposure but does not remove the need for vigilance.
Source: Maryland Highway Safety Office, What to do in a Roadside Emergency; If You are Unable to Remain in Your Vehicle; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Why is “always get out immediately” an unsafe rule for every highway breakdown?
Correct answer: Exiting or crossing traffic may create a greater danger in some situations.
Each breakdown is different. Assess the vehicle, traffic and safe escape options; remain belted inside when safe, or move to a protected location when staying is unsafe.
Source: Maryland Highway Safety Office, What to do in a Roadside Emergency; USE GOOD JUDGMENT & STAY VIGILANT; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Can coffee alone reliably prevent a severely sleep-deprived driver from briefly falling asleep?
Correct answer: No; brief lapses can still occur despite feeling more alert.
Caffeine may improve alertness briefly, but it does not eliminate microsleeps or repay lost sleep. Do not use it to justify driving while exhausted.
Source: NHTSA, Drowsy Driving; SHORT-TERM INTERVENTIONS; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
How can alcohol affect a driver who is already sleepy?
Correct answer: It can increase drowsiness and impairment.
Alcohol and sleepiness can combine to worsen impairment. Avoid alcohol before driving and do not drive when too tired.
Source: NHTSA, Drowsy Driving; Tips to Drive Alert — alcohol and sleepiness; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Can a sober driver still be unsafe because of lack of sleep?
Correct answer: Yes; fatigue alone can impair performance and cause a crash.
Drowsy driving is a risk in its own right. Being sober does not make an exhausted driver alert enough to drive safely.
Source: NHTSA, Drowsy Driving; Crashes and Fatalities / How To Avoid Driving Drowsy; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
