You reach the sign shown at a quiet intersection. What does it require even when no traffic is visible?
Correct answer: A complete stop before proceeding when safe.
STOP requires a full stop, not merely a reduction in speed. Use the stop line, or the appropriate crosswalk or intersection stopping position, then yield before proceeding.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2b_01; sign R1-1: Stop; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
This sign stands at a roadway obstruction. On which side should traffic pass it?
Correct answer: On the right side of the obstruction.
KEEP RIGHT directs you around the indicated obstruction or road feature on its right. It is not an instruction to leave the roadway.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2b_10; sign R4-7: Keep Right; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
How does this yellow sign differ from the red sign it pictures?
Correct answer: It warns that a stop sign is ahead.
STOP AHEAD gives advance notice so you can prepare to stop at the upcoming controlled location. The yellow warning sign itself is not the intersection stop sign.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_06; sign W3-1: Stop Ahead; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What does this sign tell you about traffic arriving from the right?
Correct answer: It enters a separate added lane rather than immediately merging into yours.
An added lane continues beside the through lane. This is different from a merge, although drivers must still check traffic before making any later lane change.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_08; sign W4-3: Added Lane; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What should you expect after passing this warning?
Correct answer: Two-way traffic without the median or barrier that separated it.
The divider ends in the direction of travel. Be ready for opposing traffic on an undivided roadway, not for the end of all oncoming traffic.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 2c_05; sign W6-2: End Divided Roadway; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What does this round sign tell you before you reach the marked location?
Correct answer: A railroad crossing is ahead; watch for trains and crossing controls.
The round sign is advance warning of a railroad crossing. It is different from the crossbuck at the tracks and does not give traffic priority over trains.
Source: FHWA MUTCD 2009, Figure 8b_04; sign W10-1: Railroad Crossing; official illustration and description checked September 15, 2026. ↗
How should you change your following gap when the road becomes snow-covered?
Correct answer: Leave more distance to allow time and room to stop.
Increase the space behind the vehicle ahead because stopping and control are harder on snow. Winter equipment does not remove the need for space.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Driving in Winter Weather — The Basics; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Your car has antilock brakes. During a hard stop, how should you generally apply the brake pedal?
Correct answer: Use firm, continuous pressure.
ABS is designed to prevent wheel lock during braking. NHTSA advises firm, continuous pedal pressure rather than pumping an ABS-equipped system.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Changes You May Notice — Safety Technologies; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
You are stranded in snow and considering running the engine for warmth. What must you check first?
Correct answer: That snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe.
A snow-blocked exhaust can create a carbon-monoxide hazard. Keep the outlet clear and use the engine only intermittently, not continuously in an enclosed space.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Driving in Winter Weather — What to Do in an Emergency; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What should you use to help keep your vehicle in its lane when fog reduces visibility?
Correct answer: Watch the roadway lane markings as well as the road ahead.
Visible roadway lines can help guide lane position. Do not fixate on a vehicle ahead or let it lead you out of your lane.
Source: National Weather Service, Driving in Fog; Safety tips — lane guidance; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
A barrier blocks a flooded road, but there appears to be space around it. What does safe driving require?
Correct answer: Do not drive around the barrier.
The road beneath the water may have collapsed. A visible gap around a barricade is not a safe or authorized route through flooding.
Source: National Weather Service, floodwater driving safety; Floodwater hazard guidance — barriers; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Which item can help provide traction if your vehicle becomes stuck in snow?
Correct answer: Sand or kitty litter.
NHTSA lists abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter in a winter emergency kit. It can help tires grip where snow or ice is slippery.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Before You Go — Stock Your Vehicle; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What should an electric-vehicle driver consider when planning a trip in cold weather?
Correct answer: Driving range can decrease, so charging plans may need adjustment.
Cold weather can reduce electric and hybrid-electric driving range. Plan charging and energy use for the conditions rather than assuming summer range.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Changes You May Notice — Batteries; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
On cold mornings the tire-pressure light comes on, then goes off after driving. What is the appropriate response?
Correct answer: Check tire pressure rather than assuming nothing is wrong.
Marginally low pressure may fall below the warning threshold overnight and rise as tires warm. An intermittent warning still calls for inspection and pressure measurement.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Tire Pressure Monitoring System — warning goes on and off; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Why is adequate tire tread particularly important on a wet road?
Correct answer: It helps provide the grip needed to resist slipping and sliding.
Tread supports traction, especially in wet or icy conditions. Good tread helps, but it does not make high speeds or poor visibility safe.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Maintenance — Tire Tread; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What should guide your choice of replacement tire size?
Correct answer: The original size or another size recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Use the tire-information label, manual and qualified advice. Tire size must suit the vehicle; appearance alone is not a safe selection method.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Maintenance — Tire Size; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Your vehicle has summer tires and a trip will involve freezing temperatures and snow. What should you recognize?
Correct answer: Summer tires are not designed for those conditions.
NHTSA distinguishes warm-weather summer tires from tires intended for winter use. Match tires and travel decisions to the expected conditions.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Buying — What type of tire should I buy?; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Small items may blow out of an open load. What additional protection should you consider?
Correct answer: Secure a sturdy cover or net over the load.
A secured tarp or net can help contain loose material. It must be part of effective securement, not a loose object that can itself blow away.
Source: NHTSA, Drive Safe: Secure Your Load; Tips for Securing Your Cargo Properly; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
You have finished tying down a load. What should happen before you leave?
Correct answer: Double-check that the load is secure on all relevant sides.
Check securement before moving, including the possibility of material falling or blowing out. A short trip still includes braking and road disturbances.
Source: NHTSA, Drive Safe: Secure Your Load; Tips for Securing Your Cargo Properly — double-check; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Your vehicle breaks down on I-270 in Maryland without an immediate life-threatening emergency. Which short number connects you with state-roadway assistance?
Correct answer: #77.
Maryland’s Highway Safety Office directs motorists on state-owned primary roadways to #77 for assistance. Call 911 immediately when the circumstances are an emergency.
Source: Maryland Highway Safety Office, What to do in a Roadside Emergency; ASSESS — Assess the Situation and Call for Help; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Staying in a broken-down car is unsafe. After evaluating traffic, where should you try to move?
Correct answer: Away from the roadway, behind a barrier or embankment if possible.
When you must exit, move away from the roadway and vehicle to a protected location. Stay alert rather than remaining beside an exposed disabled car.
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. ↗
During a blowout, what is the recommended approach to releasing the accelerator?
Correct answer: Ease off gradually while keeping the vehicle controlled.
Abrupt actions can upset the vehicle’s balance. NHTSA advises gradual accelerator release, with steering corrections as needed to maintain control.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Tire Blowouts — gradual accelerator release; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
You have slept poorly before a long drive. What is the best way to address the risk before setting off?
Correct answer: Delay driving until you are properly rested.
Adequate sleep is the fundamental protection against drowsy driving. Caffeine is not a substitute for being rested before a long journey.
Source: NHTSA, Drowsy Driving; Tips to Drive Alert — How To Avoid Driving Drowsy; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Which periods are commonly associated with increased drowsy-driving crashes?
Correct answer: Midnight to 6 a.m. and the late afternoon.
Natural dips in alertness commonly occur overnight and in late afternoon. Drowsiness can still cause a crash at any time.
Source: NHTSA, Drowsy Driving; Crashes and Fatalities — common periods; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
You start getting sleepy while driving and a lighted designated rest area is nearby. Which response fits NHTSA’s short-term guidance?
Correct answer: Pull over safely for a short nap, recognizing that its benefit is temporary.
A short nap at a safe stopping place can briefly improve alertness. It is not a guarantee of sustained fitness to drive or a replacement for adequate sleep.
Source: NHTSA, Drowsy Driving; SHORT-TERM INTERVENTIONS; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
