The light turns steady yellow while you are approaching, and you can stop safely before the intersection. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stop before entering.
Yellow warns that red is next. Do not enter when you can make a safe stop before the intersection.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Traffic-control signals; printed page 66, physical PDF page 69; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
A steady red X is displayed over your lane. What does it mean?
Correct answer: You must not drive in that lane.
A red X closes the lane to your direction. Obey the overhead control as well as other signs and signals.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Lane use control signals; printed page 68, physical PDF page 71; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
All traffic signals are out and no officer is directing traffic. How does the Minnesota manual say to treat the intersection?
Correct answer: As an uncontrolled intersection, using the normal yielding rules.
Minnesota’s manual specifies an uncontrolled intersection when a traffic signal is not functioning. Approach cautiously and apply the normal yielding rules.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Traffic-control signals; printed page 65, physical PDF page 68; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
A stopped school bus flashes red lights on the opposite roadway beyond a physical divider. Must you stop solely for that bus?
Correct answer: No; traffic on the opposite side of the divider is exempt.
The exception is for the separate roadway on the opposite side of a divided road, not merely any road with multiple lanes.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Passing a school bus; printed page 42, physical PDF page 45; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
Two solid white lines separate your lane from the next lane. What do they mean?
Correct answer: You must not change lanes across them.
Double solid white lines prohibit changing lanes. White lines generally separate traffic moving in the same direction.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; White lines; printed page 69, physical PDF page 72; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
What is the general Minnesota speed limit in an alley unless otherwise posted?
Correct answer: 10 mph.
The manual lists 10 mph in alleys. Watch for people and vehicles emerging from nearby properties.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Speed limits; printed page 26, physical PDF page 29; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
Two lanes are turning left together. What should you do through the turn?
Correct answer: Stay in your own turning lane.
Follow the lane markings and maintain your lane when multiple lanes turn in the same direction.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Multiple turn lanes; printed page 30, physical PDF page 33; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
Another driver has started to pass your car. What should you do?
Correct answer: Maintain your lane and do not speed up.
Stay in your lane and do not increase speed while another vehicle is passing. Leave the overtaking driver room to complete the maneuver safely.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Passing; printed page 34, physical PDF page 37; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
When parallel parked, how close must the wheels nearest the curb be?
Correct answer: No more than 12 inches from the curb.
The wheels closest to the side of the road should be within 12 inches of the curb. Secure the vehicle with the parking brake.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Parking; printed page 35, physical PDF page 38; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
A work-zone lane closure has created slow, backed-up traffic. How does the manual recommend zipper merging?
Correct answer: Use both lanes to the merge point, then take turns entering the remaining lane.
In heavy, slow traffic, staying in the current lane to the merge point and alternating reduces the queue and speed differences. Follow signs and any flagger instructions.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Late merge (zipper merge); printed page 54, physical PDF page 57; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
Fog makes it hard to see the road. Which response is appropriate?
Correct answer: Reduce speed, use low beams and increase following distance.
Low beams reduce reflected glare. If you cannot see a safe distance ahead, pull off the road to a safe stopping place until visibility improves.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Driving in heavy rain or fog; printed page 83, physical PDF page 86; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
A road ahead is covered with floodwater that looks shallow. What should you do?
Correct answer: Turn around safely and find another route.
Do not enter flooded roads. Water can hide washed-out pavement or deeper areas even when the surface looks manageable.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Flooded roadways; printed page 85, physical PDF page 88; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
You approach freeway traffic from an acceleration lane. Who must yield during your merge?
Correct answer: You must yield to vehicles already on the freeway.
Adjust to a safe matching speed, signal and find a gap. Do not force your way into existing traffic.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Entering the freeway; printed page 74, physical PDF page 77; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
An approaching motorcycle is near the gap you want to use for a left turn. Why should you be especially careful?
Correct answer: Its small size can make speed and distance difficult to judge.
Do not turn across a motorcycle unless the opening is safely large enough. Motorcyclists have the same right-of-way protection as other drivers.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Sharing the road with motorcyclists; printed page 49, physical PDF page 52; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
The accelerator remains stuck and cannot be freed. What should you do?
Correct answer: Brake, shift into neutral and steer to a safe stopping place.
Neutral disconnects engine power from the drive wheels. Apply the brakes and maintain control while moving safely off the road.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Stuck gas pedal; printed page 86, physical PDF page 89; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
A first-time driver is 19 and has no special exemption. What permit-holding period normally applies before the road test?
Correct answer: At least three months.
Drivers age 19 or older normally hold the instruction permit for at least three months before the road test.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; If you are 18 and older; printed page 14, physical PDF page 17; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
A 17-year-old provisional driver wants to make an ordinary hands-free phone call while driving. Is that permitted?
Correct answer: No; the under-18 restriction includes hands-free calls.
Drivers under 18 with an instruction permit or provisional license may not use a phone, handheld or hands-free, except to call 911 in an emergency.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Illegal driver behaviors in Minnesota; printed page 79, physical PDF page 82; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
Is the front seat with an active passenger airbag suitable for a rear-facing infant seat?
Correct answer: No; never place a rear-facing infant seat there.
An active frontal airbag creates a severe hazard for a rear-facing child seat. Follow the vehicle and restraint manufacturer’s instructions.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Other child passenger safety guidelines; printed page 38, physical PDF page 41; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
A prescribed medicine makes you drowsy. Does having a prescription make it safe and lawful to drive while impaired?
Correct answer: No; prescription medicine can impair driving too.
Impaired-driving rules cover legal medicines as well as other substances. Check warnings and professional advice before driving, and do not drive impaired.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Drugs and driving; printed page 91, physical PDF page 94; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
When should you decide how to get home from an event where you plan to drink?
Correct answer: Before drinking, by arranging a sober driver or another ride.
Alcohol impairs judgment as well as driving. Make the transportation plan while sober and keep alcohol separate from driving.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Making lower-risk choices; printed page 93, physical PDF page 96; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
