DMV Alaska Permit Test #1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean?

Slow down and be cautious. (Correct answer)
There will be no left turns.
Continue straight ahead.
Stop. Before crossing the intersection, yield to all cross traffic.

Correct answer: Slow down and be cautious.

A flashing yellow light indicates that drivers should proceed with caution. It means to slow down, be prepared to stop, and yield to any pedestrians or other vehicles already in the intersection before proceeding. This signal warns of a potential hazard or intersection where added vigilance is required.

Question 2: When exiting a driveway and entering a street, you __________.

When there are no pedestrians or cars approaching, you must stop and proceed. (Correct answer)
If there is no sidewalk, you can ignore any pedestrians.
To give approaching vehicles and pedestrians enough time to move out of your way, you must drive gently.
You must beep your horn so that approaching motorists and pedestrians are aware of your presence.

Correct answer: When there are no pedestrians or cars approaching, you must stop and proceed.

When exiting a driveway, you are entering a public roadway and must yield to all traffic and pedestrians. This requires coming to a complete stop before the sidewalk or street, ensuring the path is clear, and then proceeding safely. Failing to stop and yield creates a dangerous situation for others on the road.

Question 3: The significance of a flashing red traffic light is the same as the:

There is a stop sign. (Correct answer)
The light is a solid red.
A warning indication is displayed.
Sign that you should yield.

Correct answer: There is a stop sign.

A flashing red traffic light functions exactly like a stop sign. Drivers must come to a complete stop before the intersection or crosswalk, and then proceed only when it is safe to do so, yielding to all cross-traffic and pedestrians. This signal indicates a need for extreme caution and a mandatory stop.

Question 4: ______________, you may cross a single solid white line on the highway.

If the situation calls for it, (Correct answer)
Only to come to a halt in front of a driveway.
Only to make a sharp turn.
Whenever you feel like it

Correct answer: If the situation calls for it,

A single solid white line typically indicates that crossing is discouraged but permissible if necessary for safety or to avoid an obstruction. While it marks the edge of a lane or shoulder, it's not as restrictive as a solid yellow line. For instance, you might cross it to avoid a hazard or to pull over to the shoulder.

Question 5: Sequencing or flashing in work zones, arrow panels can be utilized to_____________.

Drivers will be diverted towards the work zone.
Drivers are directed into certain traffic lanes (Correct answer)
Cars are directed into specific driving lanes.
Drivers should be warned against being careless behind the wheel.

Correct answer: Drivers are directed into certain traffic lanes

Arrow panels in work zones are crucial for traffic control and safety. They use flashing or sequencing lights to clearly indicate to drivers which lanes are open, closed, or where a lane shift is required. This helps guide traffic smoothly and safely around construction areas, preventing confusion and potential accidents.

Question 6: YOU MUST ______________ IF YOU ARE DRIVING BEHIND IT.

Drive alongside the motorcycle on the shoulder.
Pass on the same side of the road as the motorcycle.
Allow a motorcyclist to take up the entire lane. (Correct answer)
Allow only half of a lane to be used by the motorcycle.

Correct answer: Allow a motorcyclist to take up the entire lane.

Motorcyclists are entitled to the full width of a lane, just like any other vehicle. This is essential for their safety, allowing them space to maneuver, avoid hazards, and maintain stability. Drivers should never attempt to share a lane with a motorcycle or crowd them, as this significantly increases the risk of an accident.

Question 7: You should ___________ before changing lanes.

Take a glance behind you and in your side mirrors.
Check your mirrors and peek behind you in the rearview mirror. (Correct answer)
Examine your rear-view and side-view mirrors.
Keep an eye on your pace and cast a backward glance.

Correct answer: Check your mirrors and peek behind you in the rearview mirror.

Before changing lanes, it is critical to check your rearview and side mirrors to assess traffic conditions. Additionally, performing a 'head check' or 'shoulder check' by quickly glancing over your shoulder is essential to check for vehicles in your blind spots that mirrors might not reveal. This comprehensive check ensures the lane is clear and prevents collisions.

Question 8: Turn the front wheels __________________ when parking uphill on a road with a curb.

away from the curb (Correct answer)
towards the curb
parallel to the curb
straight ahead

Correct answer: away from the curb

When parking uphill with a curb, turning your front wheels away from the curb is a safety measure. If your vehicle's brakes were to fail, the wheels would turn into the curb, preventing the car from rolling backward into traffic. This simple action uses the curb as a block to secure the vehicle.

Question 9: Which of the following railroad crossing statements is FALSE?

Keep an eye out for many trains.
On the railroad crossing, you can change gears. (Correct answer)
Crossing gates by car is never a good idea.
Even if the crossing is unmarked, always come to a complete stop while trains is close.

Correct answer: On the railroad crossing, you can change gears.

It is extremely dangerous and illegal to change gears while on a railroad crossing. Changing gears can cause a vehicle to stall, leaving it vulnerable to an approaching train. Drivers should select a gear that will allow them to cross the tracks completely without stopping or shifting.

Question 10: What is the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage for property damage that is required?

$25,000 (Correct answer)
$5,000
$15,000.00
$50,000

Correct answer: $25,000

Most states require a minimum amount of liability insurance to cover property damage in the event of an at-fault accident. While specific amounts can vary by state, $25,000 is a common minimum requirement for property damage liability coverage. This insurance helps pay for repairs to other vehicles or property damaged in a collision.

Question 11: In school zones, the speed restriction is what

only enforced when kids are leaving school
25 MPH
35 MPH
20 MPH (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 20 MPH

School zones have reduced speed limits to ensure the safety of children, who may be unpredictable. A common speed limit in school zones is 20 MPH, which is strictly enforced during specific hours when children are present or going to/from school. Adhering to this limit is crucial to prevent accidents involving pedestrians.

Question 12: Which of the following is NOT a good way to drive safely?

Take a moment to look in the mirror.
Laughing and humming along with the music
While parking, look forward and sides.
Observing a computerized visual display (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Observing a computerized visual display

Observing a computerized visual display, such as a navigation screen or infotainment system, while driving is a significant distraction. It diverts a driver's attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents. Safe driving requires full focus on the road, traffic, and surroundings, not on electronic displays.

Question 13: You're on a highway with two strong yellow lines dividing it. You have the option to:

Under no circumstances should you cross these lines.
Only make a left turn into or out of an alley, private road, or driveway when crossing these lines. (Correct answer)
Only cross these lines if you intend to turn around.
If there is no oncoming traffic, cross these lines to pass other vehicles.

Correct answer: Only make a left turn into or out of an alley, private road, or driveway when crossing these lines.

Two solid yellow lines indicate a no-passing zone for traffic traveling in either direction. However, these lines can be crossed to make a left turn into or out of a private road, driveway, or alley. This exception allows access to properties while maintaining the general rule against passing.

Question 14: You should use the ___________ to get up to highway speed before attempting to join into traffic on a controlled-access highway.

the traffic lane
the merging lane
the acceleration lane (Correct answer)
the deceleration lane

Correct answer: the acceleration lane

The acceleration lane is specifically designed to allow drivers to increase their speed to match the flow of traffic on the main highway. Using this lane correctly ensures a smooth and safe merge, reducing the risk of collisions caused by speed differentials. It is crucial to reach highway speed before merging.

Question 15: When parking your car near to a curb on a downward slope, you should turn the front wheels to:

parallel to the curb
away from the curb
toward the left
toward the curb (Correct answer)

Correct answer: toward the curb

When parking downhill with a curb, turning your front wheels toward the curb is a safety measure. If your vehicle's brakes were to fail, the wheels would turn into the curb, preventing the car from rolling forward down the slope into traffic. This action uses the curb as a block to secure the vehicle.

Question 16: You must come to a complete stop for a school bus:

Whenever the driver gives you a friendly wave.
Even if its lights aren't flashing, when it approaches you.
If you're both driving on a two-lane highway with flashing red lights. (Correct answer)
That is a car that is parked on the side of the road with no one inside.

Correct answer: If you're both driving on a two-lane highway with flashing red lights.

On a two-lane highway, all traffic moving in both directions must stop when a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. This rule protects children who are entering or exiting the bus and may be crossing the road. Failing to stop is illegal and extremely dangerous.

DMV Alaska Permit Test #1

What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean?