DMV Alaska Written Test 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: THE "THREE-SECOND RULE" APPLIES TO THE SPACE _________ OF YOUR VEHICLE.

to the sides
ahead (Correct answer)
in back
all around

Correct answer: ahead

The 'three-second rule' is a crucial defensive driving technique used to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle directly ahead of you. By counting three seconds from when the vehicle in front passes a fixed object, you ensure enough space and time to react safely to sudden stops or hazards. This rule applies specifically to the space *ahead* of your vehicle.

Question 2: WHAT ARE THE COLORS OF A SIGN WHICH TELLS YOU THE DISTANCE TO THE NEXT EXIT OF A HIGHWAY?

Yellow with black letters.
Black with white letters.
Red with white letters.
Green with white letters. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Green with white letters.

Guide signs, which provide directional information and distances to destinations or exits on highways, are typically green with white lettering. This color combination is standardized to make them easily recognizable and readable for drivers. Other sign colors serve different purposes, such as warning (yellow) or regulatory (red/white).

Question 3: WHEN A TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHT IS NOT WORKING, YOU SHOULD:

Stop only if other vehicles are present
Slow down and stop if necessary
Stop and then continue driving when it is safe (Correct answer)
Proceed through the intersection as usual

Correct answer: Stop and then continue driving when it is safe

When a traffic signal light is not working, drivers should treat the intersection as a four-way stop. This means you must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection. After stopping, yield to any vehicles that arrived before you or are to your right, and then proceed cautiously only when it is safe to do so.

Question 4: DRIVERS WHO EAT AND DRINK WHILE DRIVING:

Have no driving errors
Have trouble driving slow
Are better drivers because they are not hungry
Have trouble controlling their vehicles (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Have trouble controlling their vehicles

Eating and drinking while driving are significant forms of distracted driving. These activities require a driver to take their hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, and mental focus away from driving tasks. This divided attention and reduced physical control can severely impair a driver's ability to react to hazards and maintain proper control of their vehicle.

Question 5: THE CAR BEHIND YOU BEGINS TO PASS YOU. YOU SHOULD

Maintain your speed so traffic will flow smoothly
Pull to the right and stop so he can pass
Slow down slightly and stay in your lane (Correct answer)
Blow your horn to allow him to pass

Correct answer: Slow down slightly and stay in your lane

When another vehicle begins to pass you, it is your responsibility to facilitate the maneuver safely. You should maintain your speed or even slow down slightly to allow the passing vehicle to complete the pass without obstruction. Staying in your lane and not increasing speed helps ensure a smooth and safe transition for both vehicles.

Question 6: THIS ROAD SIGN MEANS:

Come to a complete stop ahead
School ahead, watch for children (Correct answer)
Shopping district ahead
Pedestrians stay on sidewalk

Correct answer: School ahead, watch for children

A yellow, pentagon-shaped sign depicting two children walking is a universally recognized school zone warning sign. It alerts drivers to the proximity of a school and the potential presence of children. This sign indicates that drivers should reduce their speed and be extra vigilant for pedestrians in the area.

Question 7: WHEN YOU HEAR THE SIRENS OR SEE THE RED EMERGENCY LIGHTS OF A CLOSELY APPROACHING EMERGENCY VEHICLE, YOU MUST:

Speed up to clear traffic
Drive slowly until it has passed
Drive to the right edge and stop (Correct answer)
Stop in the intersection

Correct answer: Drive to the right edge and stop

When you hear sirens or see the red emergency lights of a closely approaching emergency vehicle, you are legally required to yield the right-of-way. This involves safely driving to the right edge of the road and stopping your vehicle. This action ensures a clear path for emergency responders to reach their destination without obstruction.

Question 8: YOU MAY DRIVE ACROSS A SIDEWALK TO:

Avoid driving over a speed bump
Enter or exit a driveway or alley (Correct answer)
Make a U-turn
Pass a traffic jam

Correct answer: Enter or exit a driveway or alley

Driving across a sidewalk is generally prohibited because sidewalks are designated for pedestrian use and safety. The only legal exception is when it is necessary to cross the sidewalk to enter or exit a private driveway, alley, or parking lot. Even in these instances, drivers must yield to pedestrians.

Question 9: ON THE INTERSECTION, IF YOU SEE A GREEN ARROW POINTING TO THE LEFT, YOU CAN:

Go in any direction
Make a protected turn left (Correct answer)
Make a turn left or go straight
Turn left only if there are no vehicles coming in the opposite direction

Correct answer: Make a protected turn left

A green arrow pointing to the left at an intersection indicates a protected left turn. This means that oncoming traffic is held by a red light, granting you the exclusive right-of-way to turn left without having to yield to opposing vehicles. It provides a dedicated and safe interval for turning.

Question 10: When your tires start to ride on water instead of the road because the road is wet, you will experience

Hydroplaning (Correct answer)
Tailgating
Velocitizing
Weaving

Correct answer: Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between your vehicle's tires and the road surface, causing the tires to lose contact with the pavement. This loss of traction results in a loss of steering and braking control, making it a dangerous condition that drivers must be aware of in wet weather.

Question 11: When driving at night, motorists should always use their high-beam headlights.

in open country without other vehicles nearby. (Correct answer)
on an expressway or freeway.
if they‘re under the influence of alcohol.
in the city.

Correct answer: in open country without other vehicles nearby.

High-beam headlights provide maximum illumination and should be used at night when driving in open country or on unlit roads where there are no other vehicles present. This ensures the best visibility for the driver. However, they must be dimmed when approaching or following other vehicles to prevent blinding other drivers.

Question 12: Your capabilities behind the wheel could be hindered by.

alcohol
prescription drugs
non-narcotic drugs
any of the above (Correct answer)

Correct answer: any of the above

A driver's capabilities behind the wheel can be significantly impaired by various substances. Alcohol, prescription drugs (even those legally prescribed), and non-narcotic drugs (including over-the-counter medications) can all affect judgment, reaction time, coordination, and alertness. It is crucial to understand how any substance might impact your ability to drive safely.

Question 13: The driver of the vehicle that is being passed is required to _________ until the pass is finished.

not increase speed (Correct answer)
move to the left
stop
increase speed

Correct answer: not increase speed

When another vehicle is in the process of passing you, it is a legal and safety requirement for the driver being passed to not increase their speed. Maintaining your speed or even slightly reducing it allows the passing vehicle to complete the maneuver safely and efficiently, preventing a dangerous situation where both vehicles are accelerating.

Question 14: The State of Alaska Driver Manual indicates that roundabouts are typically designed for speeds of.

about 25—30 mph
about 35—40 mph
about 5—10 mph
about 15—20 mph (Correct answer)

Correct answer: about 15—20 mph

Roundabouts are specifically designed to improve traffic flow and safety by requiring drivers to slow down before entering. The State of Alaska Driver Manual, like many others, specifies that roundabouts are typically designed for speeds of about 15-20 mph. This lower speed helps reduce the severity of potential collisions and allows drivers more time to react and yield.

Question 15: If you are entering traffic, changing lanes, or getting ready to pass another vehicle, you need to signal and check to see if there is any oncoming traffic. To begin, make use of your mirrors. Then

check your vehicle's blind spots (Correct answer)
check for oncoming traffic
check the front of your vehicle
check the rear of your vehicle

Correct answer: check your vehicle's blind spots

When entering traffic, changing lanes, or passing, it is essential to first use your mirrors to check for other vehicles. However, mirrors have blind spots, areas around your vehicle that are not visible. Therefore, after checking your mirrors, you must physically turn your head to check your vehicle's blind spots to ensure no vehicles are hidden before making your maneuver.

Question 16: Even if there is a traffic jam, you are NOT allowed to exit a freeway using the .

an exit ramp
an entrance ramp (Correct answer)
the rightmost lane
a deceleration lane

Correct answer: an entrance ramp

Entrance ramps are designed exclusively for vehicles to enter a freeway, allowing them to accelerate and merge safely with traffic. Using an entrance ramp to exit the freeway, even during a traffic jam, is extremely dangerous and illegal. It creates a high risk of head-on collisions with vehicles attempting to enter the freeway correctly.

DMV Alaska Written Test 1

THE "THREE-SECOND RULE" APPLIES TO THE SPACE _________ OF YOUR VEHICLE.