Study Guide for Knowledge Exam

Question 1

In your vehicle, what should you adjust before you start your engine?

Answer 1

*be sure vehicle is in park or neutral
*adjust the seat so you can reach all controls
*adjust all rear-view mirrors so that you can use them without having to lean forward or backward
*move anything that blocks your view of mirrors or roadway
*lock all car doors
*fasten your safety belt and make sure all passengers do the same

Question 2

What are the equipment requirements for windshields and side windows?

Answer 2

Windshield: Must be safety glass and may not be covered or treated with any material that makes the windshield reflective or non-transparent. must be free of any stickers not required by law.
Side and Rear: May not be composed of, covered by, or treated with any material which has a mirrored appearance or reflects more than 25% of the light (side windows) or more than 35% of the light (rear window).

Question 3

What are the bumper height requirements? Are they the same for every vehicle?

Answer 3

*Cars (<2500 lbs.) Front & Rear: 22 in
Cars (2500-3499 lbs.) Front: 24 in, Rear: 26 in
Cars (>=3500 lbs) Front: 27 in, Rear: 29 in.
Trucks (<2000 lbs) Front: 24 in, Rear: 26 in
Trucks (2000-3000 lbs) Front: 27 in, Rear: 29 in.
Trucks (3000-5000 lbs) Front: 28 in, Rear: 30 in
*They are not the same for every vehicle.

Question 4

What must you do if hauling a load of material which could fall or blow onto the roadway?

Answer 4

You must use a close-fitting cover when hauling loads which could fall or blow onto the roadway.
Every truck carrying logs or pulpwood must use lock chains to securely fasten the load.

Question 5

When a projected load extends more than 4 feet from the vehicle, what must you use to clearly mark it in the daytime? At night?

Answer 5

Daytime: Red flags at least 12 inches square must be placed on the projecting load where red lamps are used at night (extreme rear and sides)
Nightime: Two red lamps on the back of the load which can be seen from at least 500 feet to the rear. Two red reflectors on the rear which can be seen at night from all distances between 100 and 600 feet when directly in front of low-beam headlights. These reflectors should be placed to show the full width of the load. Two red lamps, one on each side of the load, which can be seen from at least 500 feet. These lamps should be placed near the end of the projecting load.

Question 6

Why is drowsy driving dangerous?

Answer 6

*Slow your thought processes and reaction time
*Affect your judgement and vision
*Impair your senses and abilities
*cause micro-sleeping (“nodding off”) or falling completely asleep

Question 7

What should you do if another driver is threatening you or intentionally driving dangerously around you?

Answer 7

Remain calm and try to put as much distance between you and them as possible. Slow down and let them pass. Do not make eye contact; do not make obscene gestures. If you need help, call FHP (347) or 911.

Question 8

What are the three main categories of distracted driviing?

Answer 8

*Visual: Taking your eyes off the road.
*Manual: taking your hands off the steering wheel.
*Cognitive: thinking about anything other than driving.

Question 9

Why is texting one of the most dangerous distracted driving behaviors?

Answer 9

Texting involves all three types of distactions: visual, manual, and cognitive.

Question 10

Can anyone drink and drive safely?

Answer 10

No.

Question 11

Both your judgement and vision are affected after drinking alcohol. Which is affected first?

Answer 11

A person’s judgment is the first thing affected after drinking an alcoholic beverage.

Question 12

What can happen to you if you are in a crash and not wearing a safety belt?

Answer 12

You are far more likely to be killed in a crash.
In the moment of a crash, if you are not wearing a safetly belt, you can be ejected from the vehicle, thrown against other passengers, your steering wheel, windshield, or behind the wheel.

Question 13

What age are children required to be in a car seat? In a car seat or booster seat?

Answer 13

Car Seat: Children under age 4 must be in a safety seat.
Car/Booster Seat: Children ages 4 and 5 must be in one.

Question 14

If a law enforcement officer stops a vehicle and the front seat passenger under 18 years old is not wearing a safety belt, who will be charged with the safety belt violation?

Answer 14

Drivers will be charged with a safety belt/child restraint violation if any passenger under the age of 18 is not restrained with the proper saftey belt or child restraint device.

Question 15

What does a single broken white line on the highway mean?

Answer 15

You may cross this line to change lanes when it is safe to do so.

Question 16

What does a double solid yellow line in the center of the highway mean? A double solid white line?

Answer 16

Double solid yellow line: Vehicles moving in either direction must not pass/cross these lines (unless turning left when it is safe to do so).

Double solid white line: Crossing a double solid line/changing lanes is not allowed.

Question 17

What does a solid yellow line to the right of the center line of the highway mean?

Answer 17

Passing is not allowed in this lane. (May turn left when safe to do so).

Question 18

What do the colors of traffic signs indicate (red, orange, yellow, etc.)?

Answer 18

Red: Stop. Do not enter. Wrong way. Yield.

Orange: Construction and maintenance warning.

Yellow: General warning. Advisory of unexpected roadway conditions.

Fluorescent Yellow Green: High emphasis warning of school, pedestrian, and bicycling activity.

White/Black: Regulatory. Control traffic; set limits, or give commands.

Green: guide, or directional information.

Blue: Driver guidance. It is also used to identify parking spaces for disabled drivers.

Brown: Areas of public recreation, cultural, and historical significance.

Question 19

When more than one vehicle approaches a four-way stop sign, which one moves first?

Answer 19

If vehicles arrive at approximately the same time, each driver must yield to the drivers on their right.

Question 20

What does a red traffic light mean? What does a flashing red traffic light mean?

Answer 20

Red traffic light: Come to a complete stop at the stop line. Remain stopped until the light turns green. Don’t stop too far away from the stop line. Some signals change only when sensors detect vehicles at the stop line. After stopping, you may turn right if there is not a NO TURN ON RED sign and the way is clear. You may turn left from a one-way street onto a one-way street that has traffic moving to the left. Before turning, you must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in the crosswalk and oncoming traffic.

Flashing Red Light: Used at dangerous intersections. Treat it like a stop sign; stop and proceed when safe.

Question 21

After a full stop at a red traffic light when may a driver turn right?

Answer 21

After stopping, you may turn right on red at most intersections if the way is clear. Some intersections display a “NO TURN ON RED” sign, which you must obey.

Question 22

What does a green arrow showing at the same time as a red traffic light mean you can do?

Answer 22

If the red light is illuminated at the same time as the green arrow, you must be in the proper lane for such a turn.

Question 23

What does a flashing yellow light mean?

Answer 23

Used at, or just before, dangerous intersections. Also used to alert you to a warning sign such as a school crossing or sharp curver. Proceed with caution.

Question 24

If you are approaching a railroad crossing that does not have gates or lights and you see a train coming, what should you do?

Answer 24

Yield the right-of-way to the train. You must stop withing 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet. Slow down when approaching railroad crossing and be prepared to stop. If there is more than one track, make sure all tracks are clear before crossing.

Question 25

What happens to the force of impact when you double your speed? Triple your speed?

Answer 25

When you double the speed of a car, you increase its force of impact four times.

When you triple the speed of a car, you increase its force of impact nine times.

Question 26

Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit for cars in a residential area?

Answer 26

The speed limit for cars in a residential are is 30 MPH.

Question 27

What is the maximum speed limit on a limited access highway?

Answer 27

The maximum speed limit on a limited access highway is 70 MPH.

Question 28

Can you be issued a citation for driving too slowly?

Answer 28

Yes, driving too slowly is also against Florida law. You must not drive so slowly that you block or delay traffic moving at normal, safe speeds.

Question 29

What are the steps for making a smooth stop?

Answer 29

*Check all mirrors and blind spots for traffic to the rear.
*Release the accelerator to allow the vehicle to slow. Press the brake pedal to activate brake lights and use a steady pressure.

Question 30

What is the arm signal for a left turn? Right turn? Slow or stop?

Answer 30

Left turn: straight horizontal arm
Right turn: 90-degrees arm, facing up
Slow or stop: arm is facing down at an acute angle

Question 31

How long (distance) should you signal before making a left or right turn?

Answer 31

You must give a turn signal for at least 100 feet before you make your turn.

Question 32

When can you use a three-point turn? Where should you never make a three-point turn?

Answer 32

Use a three-point turn only if the road is too narrow for a U-turn and you can’t go around the block.

Never make a three-point turn or a U-turn on a curver, a hill, the highway, or where there is a sign that prohibits U-turns.

Question 33

What is an open intersection? When must you yield right-of-way?

Answer 33

An open intersection is one without traffic control signs or signals.

When you enter an open intersection, you must yield the right-of-way if:
*a vehicle is already in the intersection
*you enter or cross a state highway from a secondary road
*you enter a paved road from an unpaved road
*you plan to make a left turn and a vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction

Question 34

When may you drive in the left lane of a road with two lanes? With four lanes?

Answer 34

On a two-lane highway you must always drive in the right lane unless you are overtaking and passing (where permitted).

If the road has four or more lanes with two-way traffic, drive in the right lanes except when overtaking and passing.

Question 35

What does it mean if you see red reflectors on the lane lines facing you? What should you do?

Answer 35

Red reflectors on lane lines always mean you are facing traffic the wrong way and could have a head-on collision.

If you see red reflectors facing you on the lane lines, you are on the wrong side of the road. Turn around or get into the proper lane immediately!
If you see red reflectors on the edge lines of the road, you are going the wrong way on an entrance or exit ramp. Pull over immediately! Turn around when it is safe to do so.

Question 36

What is the recommended safe following distance?

Answer 36

Keep a minimum following distance of four seconds during favorable weather and traffic conditions.

Question 37

When should you increase your following distance?

Answer 37

Increase your following distance in these situations:
*rain or when roads are wet
*low visibility-dusk, dawn, nighttime, fog, etc.
*when being passed (more space in front of your vehicle so the pass can be completed safely
*carrying a heavy load or pulling a trailer. (the extra weight makes it more difficult to stop quickly/steer correctly)
*when stopped behind another vehicle on an incline; it may roll back before moving forward
*when following motorcycles, emergency vehicles, vehicles required to come to a stop at railroad crossing (city buses, school buses, vehicles carrying hazardous materials), vehicles with a blocked rear view

Question 38

What are blind spots?

Answer 38

Blind spots are areas near the left and right rear corners of your vehicle that you can’t see in your rear-view mirros or with your peripheral vision.

Question 39

How do you check your blind spots when you are preparing to change lanes or turn?

Answer 39

Before you move to change lanes on a highway, pass on any road, or make certain turns, turn your head to make
sure these areas are clear. Do not drive in someone else’s blind spot. Move forward or drop back so that the other
driver can see you.The larger the vehicle, the larger the blind spots. Large trucks and SUVs have blind spots close to the rear of the vehicle that cannot
be seen in rear-view mirrors.

Question 40

Where is it unlawful to overtake and pass?

Answer 40

You must not pass:

*where there is a single solid, or double-sided solid line dividing lanes

*when the double-sided yellow line is solid in your lane

*on hills or curves where you can’t see at least 500 feet ahead

*within 100 feet of an intersection, bridge, viaduct, tunnel, or railroad crossing

*when a school bus is stopped and has its warning flashers on and stop sign extended

*at crosswalks where a vehicle has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross

Question 41

Under what circumstances can you stop in the acceleration lane on an expressway?

Answer 41

Do not stop in the acceleration lane unless traffic is too heavy and there is no space for you to enter safely.

Question 42

What should you do if you drive past your exit on a limited access highway?

Answer 42

Don’t make last-minute turns into an exit. If you pass you exit, you must go to the next one.

Question 43

Where should you move your vehicle if you break down while driving on the highway?

Answer 43

1. You must move the vehicle so all four wheels are out of traffic lanes as soon as possible. If you can’t move it, you must have it moved as soon as possible.
2. If possible, park where the disabled vehicle can be seen for 200 feet in each direction.
3. Turn on your hazard lights.
4. Get all passengers out of the car on the side away from traffic.
5. Call FHP (*347) or law enforcement for assistance.

Question 44

What is the farthest away you can park from a curb?

Answer 44

You must not park more than 12 inches away from the curb.

Question 45

If you have a manual transmission, what gear should you put the car in when parking downhill? Uphill? What if you have an automatic transmission?

Answer 45

Manual Transmission:

• shift to Reverse (dowhill) or First (Uphill)

Automatic Transmission:

*put gear shift in park

Question 46

Where is parking prohibited?

Answer 46

It is against the law to park:

on crosswalks
on sidewalks
in bicycle lanes
in intersections
on bridges
on overpasses
in tunnels
in front of driveways
by yellow painted curbs
in no parking or disable permit only zones
on the roadway side of another parked vehicle (double parking)
on highway pavement not marking for parking
anywhere that blocks or creates a hazard for other vehicles
or within:
15 feet of a fire hydrant
20 feet of an intersection
20 feet of the entrance to a fire, ambulance, or rescure station
30 feet of a rural mailbox on a state highway
30 feet of any flashing signal, stop sign, or traffic signal
50 feet of a railroad crossing

Question 47

Which way should you turn your wheels when parking uphill along a curb?
Which way should you turn them where there is not a curb? Which way
should you turn them if parking downhill?

Answer 47

Parking downhill: turn wheels to curb

Parking uphill: turn wheels from curb

No Curb: turn wheels to right

Question 48

Are motorists required to stop or yield for pedestrians crossing the street?

Answer 48

You must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians crossing a street or driveway at any marked crossing, driveway, or intersection.

Question 49

What must you do when you see a pedestrian with a white cane in the street
ahead of you?

Answer 49

Come to a complete stop, yield the right-of-way, and use extra caution when approaching.

Question 50

What is the minimum distance a motorist must give when traveling next to a
cyclist?

Answer 50

Florida law requires that you give bicyclists a minimum of three feet of clearance and use caution/slow speed when driving alongside or passing them.

Question 51

As a motorist, what should you do when preparing to turn right on a roadway
with a bike lane?

Answer 51

When crossing a bike lane to make a turn, yield to any bicyclist in the bike lane and make your turn behind the bicyclist.

Question 52

When on the roadway, do motorcyclists and moped riders have the same
rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers?

Answer 52

Motorcycle and moped drivers have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles. Riders committing traffic violations may receive citations.

Question 53

If you are driving a motor vehicle, are you allowed to share a lane with a
motorcyclist?

Answer 53

You must never attempt to share the lane with a motorcycle. The motorcyclist is entitled to the entire lane.

Question 54

When a school bus is stopped to unload children on a highway divided with
a raised barrier, are vehicles traveling in the opposite direction required to
stop?

Answer 54

If the highway is divided by a raised barrier or an unpaved median at least five feet wide, you do not have to stop if you are moving in the opposite direction.

Question 55

When a school bus stops to unload children, are vehicles traveling in the
same direction required to stop?

Answer 55

You must always stop if you are moving in the same direction as the bus and you must remain stopped until the stop signal is withdrawn.

Question 56

What must you do when children or school crossing guards are present in a
crosswalk?

Answer 56

When children or school crossing guards are present in a crosswalk, you must yield and stop at the stop line and not in the crosswalk.

Question 57

What must you do if an emergency vehicle with activated lights and/or sirens
is approaching you from behind?

Answer 57

You must yield the right-of-way to law enforcement vehicles, fire engines, and other emergency vehicles using sirens or flashing lights.

Pull over to the closest edge of the roadway immediately and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. Do not block intersections.

Question 58

What does the Move Over Law require you to do?

Answer 58

On a multi-lane roadway:

You must vacate the lane closest to the stationary law enforcment, emergency vehicle, tow truck, sanitation, or utility vehicle. (Signal your intention to change lanes.)

If you cannot move over safely, you must slow down to a speed of 20 MPH below the posted speed limit.

Drivers who are not in the lane closest to the stationary vehicle should be prepared to allow those who are about to move over into their lane.

On a Two-Lane Roadway:

You must slow down to a speed of 20 MPH below the posted speed limit.

If the speed limit is 20 MPH or less, you must travel at 5 MPH.

Question 59

What is a “No Zone”?

Answer 59

CMVs have large blind spots in front, behind, and on both sides of the vehicle. Even though large vehicles are several rear-view mirros, other vehicles will be hidden from view if within the “NO Zone”/blind spot.

Question 60

At what times must you use your headlights?

Answer 60

Use headlights between the hours of sunset and sunrise.

Question 61

At night, within how many feet of approaching a vehicle from the rear must
you dim your high beam headlights?

Answer 61

You must not use high beam headlights within 300 feet of the vehicle ahead of you; use low beam headlights.

Question 62

Within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle should you dim your high
beam headlights?

Answer 62

You must not use high beam headlights within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle; use low beam headlights.

Question 63

When driving in the rain, fog, or smoke in the daytime, what lights should you
use?

Answer 63

You must turn on your headlights. Parking lights are not a substitute.

Drive with lights on low beam. High beams will reflect off the fog and impair visibility even more.

Question 64

What should you do when driving on wet roads in the rain? Why?

Answer 64

Slow down! Roads become slick
during rainstorms and especially if it has not rained in a while (oil build-up on the highway). Wet road conditions will increase your braking/stopping distance, so be sure to increase your following distance.

Tires with low air pressure or bad tread increase the risk of hydroplaning— and so does speeding. (See page 52 for
safety tips during hydroplaning.)

Brakes ofen become wet afer driving in heavy rain. They may pull to one side or the other, or they may not hold at all. If this happens, slow down and gently
push on the brake pedal until your brakes are working again.

Question 65

What should you do if your right wheels go off the pavement while driving?

Answer 65

1. Take your foot off the gas pedal.
2. Hold the wheel firmly and steer in a straight line.
3. Brake lightly.
4. Wait until the road is clear. Turn back on the pavement at a slow speed (signal your intention).

Question 66

What should you do if your tires begin to skid while driving?

Answer 66

1. Take your foot off the gas pedal.
2. Do not use your brakes, if possible.
3. Turn the vehicle’s front tires in the direction you want to go (steer in the direction of the skid).
4. If you are about to hit something, see Emergency Braking, to the right.

Question 67

When emergency braking, what is the difference between conventional
brakes and anti-lock brakes (ABS)?

Answer 67

Drivers with conventional braks should pump the brakes.

Drivers with anti-lock brakes (ABS) must press down hard on the brake pedal, hold it, and steer out of danger.

Question 68

What should you do during a tire blow-out?

Answer 68

1. Take your foot off the gas. Do not use the brakes.
2. Concentrate on steering.
3. Slow down gradually.
4. Brake softly when the car is under control.
5. Pull completely off the pavement/roadway.

Question 69

What must you do if you are involved in a minor accident and your vehicle is
blocking the flow of traffic?

Answer 69

If the crash is minor and your vehicle is blocking the flow of traffic, you must move it or have it moved.

Question 70

If you hit a parked car and are unable to find the owner, what should you do?

Answer 70

If you are in a crash with an unattended vehicle or other property, you must make every attempt to locate the owner and notify law enforcement. If you can’t locate the property owner, you must leave a note including your name, contact information, and license plate (registration) number.

Question 71

What are the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or
death?

Answer 71

It is against the law to leave the scene of a crash involving death, injury, or property damage.

Hit & Run Penalties:

Death: 1st degree felony, minimum 4-year prison term

Serious bodily injury: 2nd degree felony

Injury: 3rd degree felony

*All of the above include losing driver license for 3 years minimum.

Damage to a vehicle or other property which is driven or attended by any person: 2nd degree misdemeanor.

Question 72

What are the requirements of the No-Fault Law?

Answer 72

Before you register you car in Florida, you must show proof of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage. PIP covers your injuries if you’re in a crash, no matter who caused it. PDL coverage pays for damage to other people’s property that you caused.

Every owner or person in charge of operating a motor vehicle on Florida roadways must:

*provide proof of valid PIP and PDL insurance at the time of vehicle registration;

*have a minimum of $10,000 in PIP and a minimum of $10,000 in PDL coverage

*purchase the policy from an insurance agency licensed to do business in Florida

*maintain the insurance continuously throughout the registration period

*always have proof of valid Florida insurance readily available when the vehicle is being driven on Florida roadways

Question 73

If your license and registration are suspended for being in violation of the
No-Fault Law, what must you do to get them reinstated?

Answer 73

In order to life the suspension, you will have to get insurance and pay a reinstatement fee ($150-$500).

Question 74

What are the penalties if you are at fault in a crash and you are not insured in
compliance with the Financial Responsibility Law?

Answer 74

If you do not provide proof of higher coverage limits, your driver license and/or license plates will be suspended for up to three years.

In addition, if you are the driver or the owner of a vehicle involved in a crash that is your fault, FLHSMW can require you to pay for the damages before your driving privilege is reinstated.

Question 75

What are the time restrictions for a motorist with a learner’s license?

Answer 75

Minors holding a learner’s license must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is age 21 or older, and must only drive during daylight hours. After holding a learner’s license for 3 months you may drive until 10 PM.

Question 76

What are the time restrictions for a licensed motorist under age 17? Under
age 18?

Answer 76

A 16-year-old licensed driver may not drive between 11 PM and 6 AM unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a licensed driver who is age 21 or older.

A 17-year-old licensed driver may not drive between 1 AM and 5 AM, unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a licensed driver who is age 21 or older.

Question 77

When can you be charged with driving under the influence (DUI)?

Answer 77

You can be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) if you are found to be driving or in physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, prescriptions, or over-the-counter medications.

Question 78

What are the penalties for refusing to take a blood test, a urine test, or a breath test when suspected of driving under the influence?

Answer 78

If you refuse to take the test when asked, your license will automatically be suspended for one year.

Question 79

What can happen if you are found guilty of racing on the highway?

Answer 79

Your license must be revoked (termination of driving privilege) if you are found guilty of (or department records show).

Question 80

If you have a learner’s license, how many hours of driving experience are
required to earn the Class E driver license?

Answer 80

Driver must have at least 50 hours of driving experience, of which 10 hours were at night.

Question 81

What education course are you required to take if you are applying for a
learner’s license (or have never held a driver license)?

Answer 81

Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Education Course (TLSAE)

Question 82

Are you required to notify FLHSMV of any health problems that may affect
your driving?

Answer 82

Yes.

Question 83

Why would one opt to take a Basic Driver Improvement Course?

Answer 83

You were a driver in a crash and are found at fault and someone was transported to the hospital.

You had two crashes in a two-year period, which resulted in property damage greater than $500.

You were convicted of running a red light, passing a school bus when it displayed a stopped signal, racing on the highway, reckless driving.If you receive a ticket for a non-criminal moving violation, and you do not hold
a CDL, you may elect to attend a basic driver improvement course in lieu of points on your driving record. (You may
not elect to attend if you were charged with exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 MPH.) An individual who elects to attend a basic driver improvement course for a non-criminal traffic citation will receive an 18 percent reduction toward the civil penalty.

Question 84

What maneuvers are required on a driving exam?

Answer 84

Three Point Turn: Turn car around in a 20-40 foot space

Approach of Crossing: Get in the proper lane and look in each direction.

Observe Right-of-Way: Allow pedestrians to cross, pull over and stop for emergency vehicles, and don’t enter an intersection where you will interfere with other traffic.

Straight-In Parking: When properly parked, the vehicle should be centered inside the space with no part of the vehicle extending out in the traffic lane.

Parking on a Grade: Proper parking for uphill and downhill, with and without a curb.

Stop quickly: Make a quick, safe stop when the examiner/agent instructs you.

Backing Up: Back up for a distance of 50 feet at a slow speed while looking to the rear. Do not use the rear-view mirror or rear-view camera monitor.

Obey Stop Signs: Approach in the proper lane, come to a complete stop before reaching the stop line or crosswalk, and remain stopped until you can move safely.

Obey Traffic Signals: Get into the proper lane and approach the light at a speed that will allow you to stop if the light should change. When the light turns green, do not move forward until the other traffic has cleared the intersection.

Signal and Turn: Get into the proper lane and signal your turn for the last 100 feet. You may use hand signals or mechanical signals.

Passing: Always look ahead and behind to make sure you can pass safely.

Stay in Proper Lane: Drive in the right lane except on a one-way street. Do not change lanes until you may do so safely.

Follow at a Safe Distance: Do not follow too closely behind other cars. Keep a minimum following distance of three to four seconds.

Use Proper Posture: Keep both hands on the steering wheel and do not rest your elbow in the window.