Indiana BMV Knowledge Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What does a 'Do Not Enter' sign look like?

A red triangle with white text
A red circle with a white horizontal bar (Correct answer)
A white square with a red X
An orange rectangle with black text

Correct answer: A red circle with a white horizontal bar

The 'Do Not Enter' sign is a red circle with a white horizontal rectangle in the center, indicating entry is prohibited.

Question 2: How far from a fire hydrant must you park?

At least 15 feet (Correct answer)
At least 5 feet
At least 50 feet
Directly beside it is fine

Correct answer: At least 15 feet

You must park at least 15 feet away from a fire hydrant.

Question 3: What is the typical default speed limit in an urban/residential area in most U.S. states when no posted sign is present?

45 mph
35 mph
25 mph (Correct answer)
55 mph

Correct answer: 25 mph

Most states set a default speed limit of 25 mph in residential and urban areas when no sign is posted.

Question 4: When entering a highway from an on-ramp, you should:

Stop at the end of the ramp and wait
Drive slowly and force cars to slow down
Merge without signaling
Match the speed of traffic and merge smoothly (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Match the speed of traffic and merge smoothly

Use the ramp to accelerate to traffic speed and merge smoothly into a gap.

Question 5: How far from a fire hydrant must you park in Indiana?

20 feet
10 feet
15 feet (Correct answer)
5 feet

Correct answer: 15 feet

Indiana law requires vehicles to park at least 15 feet from a fire hydrant to ensure emergency access for firefighters.

Question 6: What is the safest action if you become drowsy while driving?

Turn up the radio and continue
Pull over in a safe place and rest (Correct answer)
Open the window and speed up
Drink coffee and keep driving

Correct answer: Pull over in a safe place and rest

The only safe remedy for drowsiness is to stop in a safe place and rest.

Question 7: A driver education course for teens in Ohio typically includes how many hours of classroom instruction?

16 hours
24 hours (Correct answer)
8 hours
40 hours

Correct answer: 24 hours

Ohio driver education requires 24 hours of classroom instruction.

Question 8: What does a flashing red traffic light require drivers to do?

Stop, then proceed when safe (Correct answer)
Slow down and proceed with caution
Wait for the light to turn green
Yield to traffic from the left only

Correct answer: Stop, then proceed when safe

A flashing red light must be treated like a stop sign — come to a complete stop and proceed only when it is safe.

Question 9: Under wet or slippery road conditions, how should you adjust your following distance?

Keep the same distance
Double it to at least four seconds (Correct answer)
Follow one second closer to see brake lights sooner
Reduce it to stop faster

Correct answer: Double it to at least four seconds

Wet roads increase stopping distance, so doubling the following distance to four seconds provides a safe buffer.

Question 10: What does a crosswalk marking on the road indicate?

A school bus stop zone
An area where pedestrians have the right-of-way to cross (Correct answer)
Pedestrians must wait here for a signal
Vehicles have priority over pedestrians

Correct answer: An area where pedestrians have the right-of-way to cross

Crosswalk markings designate areas where pedestrians have the right-of-way and drivers must yield to those crossing.

Question 11: What does a double solid yellow center line mean?

Passing is prohibited in both directions (Correct answer)
Passing is allowed from both sides
The road is one-way
Passing is allowed only from the left side

Correct answer: Passing is prohibited in both directions

Double solid yellow center lines mean no vehicle traveling in either direction may cross the line to pass.

Question 12: At a four-way stop, who has the right of way?

The largest vehicle
The vehicle that arrived first (Correct answer)
The vehicle turning left
The fastest vehicle

Correct answer: The vehicle that arrived first

The first vehicle to arrive at a four-way stop has the right of way to proceed first.

Question 13: What does a green arrow traffic signal mean?

Yield before turning in that direction
Proceed with caution in the direction of the arrow
Turning is prohibited in that direction
You have a protected turn in the direction shown (Correct answer)

Correct answer: You have a protected turn in the direction shown

A green arrow indicates a protected turn movement — oncoming traffic is stopped and you may turn in the direction of the arrow.

Question 14: What color are standard warning signs in the United States?

Yellow (Correct answer)
Orange
Red
White

Correct answer: Yellow

Standard warning signs in the US are yellow with black text or symbols, designed to alert drivers to hazards.

Question 15: How far should you park from a fire hydrant?

At least 10 feet
At least 15 feet (Correct answer)
At least 5 feet
At least 25 feet

Correct answer: At least 15 feet

You must park at least 15 feet away from a fire hydrant.

Question 16: When two vehicles reach a four-way stop at the same time, who goes first?

The vehicle on the right (Correct answer)
The vehicle going straight
The vehicle on the left
Whoever honks first

Correct answer: The vehicle on the right

When arriving simultaneously, the driver on the right has the right of way.

Question 17: What is the minimum legal drinking age in the United States?

21 (Correct answer)
19
20
18

Correct answer: 21

The minimum legal drinking age in all 50 US states is 21, established under the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984.

Question 18: What is hydroplaning?

Tires riding on a film of water and losing grip (Correct answer)
Brakes overheating on wet roads
Engine flooding in rain
Steering locking up in a turn

Correct answer: Tires riding on a film of water and losing grip

Hydroplaning occurs when tires ride on water and lose contact with the road surface.

Question 19: What behind-the-wheel training minimum accompanies the classroom portion of Ohio driver ed?

4 hours
2 hours
8 hours (Correct answer)
12 hours

Correct answer: 8 hours

Ohio requires 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training with a licensed instructor.

Question 20: When parking on a downhill grade with a curb, which way should you turn your front wheels?

Straight ahead
Into the curb (right) (Correct answer)
It does not matter on a downhill
Away from the curb (left)

Correct answer: Into the curb (right)

When parking downhill with a curb, turn wheels into (toward) the curb so the curb will stop the car if the brakes fail.

Question 21: What does a triangular yield sign require you to do?

Slow down and give right-of-way to crossing traffic (Correct answer)
Proceed without slowing if no cars are visible
Come to a complete stop every time
Stop only if traffic is present

Correct answer: Slow down and give right-of-way to crossing traffic

A yield sign requires you to slow down and give right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians in or approaching the intersection.

Question 22: If you miss your exit on a freeway, you should:

Continue to the next exit (Correct answer)
Stop and make a U-turn
Back up on the shoulder
Cross the median to turn around

Correct answer: Continue to the next exit

Never reverse or cross the median; simply go to the next exit and turn around safely.

Question 23: A restriction code on a license indicating 'corrective lenses' means the driver must:

Have a passenger present
Only drive during daylight
Drive automatic vehicles only
Wear glasses or contacts while driving (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Wear glasses or contacts while driving

The corrective lenses restriction requires glasses or contacts while driving.

Question 24: When can you legally use a handheld cell phone while driving in Indiana?

During short trips
Anytime
Only to make emergency 911 calls or when hands-free (Correct answer)
While stopped at a red light

Correct answer: Only to make emergency 911 calls or when hands-free

Indiana's hands-free law prohibits holding a device except for emergency 911 calls; otherwise it must be hands-free.

Question 25: What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid?

Brake hard immediately
Accelerate to regain traction
Ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go (Correct answer)
Turn the wheel opposite the skid

Correct answer: Ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go

Ease off the accelerator and steer gently toward your intended path to recover from a skid.

Question 26: What is a 'per se' OWI law?

A law requiring a witness to the impairment
A law requiring field sobriety tests before arrest
A law that makes it illegal to drive at or above a set BAC regardless of actual impairment (Correct answer)
A law only applying to repeat offenders

Correct answer: A law that makes it illegal to drive at or above a set BAC regardless of actual impairment

A per se law means that reaching or exceeding the legal BAC limit (0.08%) is itself the offense, without needing to prove actual impairment.

Question 27: When is the most dangerous time to drive after rain begins?

After 30 minutes of steady rain
During heavy downpours only
During the first few minutes of rain (Correct answer)
After the rain has stopped

Correct answer: During the first few minutes of rain

The first few minutes of rain are most dangerous because water mixes with oil and dirt on the road surface, creating extremely slippery conditions.

Question 28: What do blue signs on highways typically indicate?

Speed limits in construction zones
State border information
Emergency detour routes
Motorist services such as gas, food, and lodging (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Motorist services such as gas, food, and lodging

Blue signs on highways indicate motorist services such as gas stations, food, lodging, hospitals, and rest areas.

Question 29: If your vehicle's brakes fail, you should first:

Close your eyes and coast
Jump out of the car
Turn off the ignition
Pump the brake pedal to try to build pressure (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal to try to build pressure

Pumping the pedal may restore some braking pressure before using the parking brake to stop.

Question 30: What is the BAC limit for drivers under 21 years of age in Indiana?

0.08%
0.04%
0.00% — any detectable amount
0.02% (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 0.02%

Indiana enforces a 0.02% BAC limit for drivers under 21, making it virtually zero-tolerance for underage drinking and driving.

Question 31: What should you do first if your vehicle begins to skid?

Slam on the brakes hard
Accelerate to regain control
Turn the wheel opposite to the skid quickly
Steer in the direction you want to go and ease off the gas (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Steer in the direction you want to go and ease off the gas

Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.

Question 32: What does a solid white lane line mean?

It separates traffic flowing in opposite directions
You may cross it freely
You must not cross it under any circumstances
It discourages lane changes but crossing is not illegal (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It discourages lane changes but crossing is not illegal

A solid white line discourages lane changes and indicates that crossing it is not recommended, though it is not always illegal.

Question 33: What is hydroplaning?

Driving on ice
A type of turn signal
Tires losing contact with the road due to water (Correct answer)
Overheating brakes

Correct answer: Tires losing contact with the road due to water

Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water causes tires to lose contact with the road surface.

Question 34: When driving in fog, you should use:

Hazard lights while moving
Low beam headlights (Correct answer)
High beam headlights
No lights

Correct answer: Low beam headlights

Low beams should be used in fog because high beams reflect off the fog and reduce visibility.

Question 35: Which of the following contains the same amount of pure alcohol as a 12-ounce regular beer?

4 oz of 80-proof liquor
8 oz of wine
1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor (Correct answer)
16 oz of wine

Correct answer: 1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor

A standard drink is 0.6 oz of pure alcohol, equivalent to 12 oz of beer (5%), 5 oz of wine (12%), or 1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor.

Question 36: What does a pennant-shaped sign indicate?

No passing zone begins (Correct answer)
Work zone speed limit
School zone ahead
Merge ahead

Correct answer: No passing zone begins

The pennant-shaped sign is always yellow and black and marks the beginning of a no-passing zone on two-lane roads.

Question 37: When a vehicle is being passed on a two-lane road, what should the driver of the slower vehicle do?

Maintain speed or slow slightly to help the passing driver complete the maneuver (Correct answer)
Flash headlights to signal the pass is complete
Move to the center line to allow more room
Speed up so the passing car can merge back sooner

Correct answer: Maintain speed or slow slightly to help the passing driver complete the maneuver

Maintaining or slightly reducing speed makes it easier and safer for the passing driver to complete the pass quickly.

Question 38: On a road with a solid yellow line on your side, you may:

Pass only large trucks
Pass if the road is clear
Not pass another vehicle (Correct answer)
Pass at any speed

Correct answer: Not pass another vehicle

A solid yellow line on your side of the center means passing is prohibited.

Question 39: What does a broken yellow center line indicate?

The road narrows ahead
No passing is allowed from either side
Passing is allowed only when oncoming traffic is clear (Correct answer)
A school zone is nearby

Correct answer: Passing is allowed only when oncoming traffic is clear

A broken yellow center line indicates that passing is permitted when it is safe and the way is clear of oncoming traffic.

Question 40: When driving in fog, you should use:

Parking lights only
Low beam headlights (Correct answer)
Hazard lights while moving
High beam headlights

Correct answer: Low beam headlights

Low beams reduce glare and improve visibility in fog, unlike high beams that reflect back.

Question 41: What does a curb painted yellow indicate?

Parking allowed with a permit
No stopping or parking at any time (Correct answer)
Short-term parking for loading only
Handicapped parking only

Correct answer: No stopping or parking at any time

A yellow curb generally means no stopping or parking — it is reserved for loading/unloading zones or fire lanes depending on local ordinance.

Question 42: What does a flashing red traffic signal require you to do?

Stop only if other cars are present
Yield without stopping
Come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe (Correct answer)
Slow down and proceed with caution

Correct answer: Come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe

A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign: stop completely, then proceed when it is safe.

Question 43: If your brakes fail while driving, you should first:

Pump the brake pedal to build pressure (Correct answer)
Turn off the engine immediately
Steer into oncoming traffic
Open the door and jump out

Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal to build pressure

Pumping the brake pedal may restore enough pressure to slow the vehicle.

Question 44: What shape is a railroad crossing advance warning sign?

Circle (Correct answer)
Diamond
Pentagon
Octagon

Correct answer: Circle

The advance railroad crossing warning sign is round (circular), which is unique among US warning signs.

Question 45: What does a white diamond painted on the road surface indicate?

A no-passing zone
A railroad crossing ahead
A lane reserved for high-occupancy vehicles or bikes (Correct answer)
A pedestrian crosswalk

Correct answer: A lane reserved for high-occupancy vehicles or bikes

A white diamond painted on the roadway marks a lane reserved for special use, such as HOV, bicycle, or bus lanes.

Question 46: What does a red octagonal sign always indicate?

Yield to cross traffic
Speed limit ahead
No parking zone
Stop completely before proceeding (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stop completely before proceeding

A red octagon is exclusively used for the STOP sign, requiring a full stop before the stop line.

Question 47: What are graduated licensing restrictions for new teen drivers?

Restrictions only apply for the first week
Nighttime driving restrictions, passenger limitations, and mandatory supervised driving hours (Correct answer)
Only a written test is required
No restrictions apply to teen drivers

Correct answer: Nighttime driving restrictions, passenger limitations, and mandatory supervised driving hours

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs typically include a learner's permit phase with supervised driving requirements, followed by intermediate license with nighttime and passenger restrictions before full licensure.

Question 48: What does an orange-colored sign indicate?

Warning of a school zone
Guide information for motorists
Construction or work zone ahead (Correct answer)
Recreational area nearby

Correct answer: Construction or work zone ahead

Orange signs are used exclusively in construction and work zones to warn drivers of changed road conditions and workers present.

Question 49: What is the correct action when a school bus stops with its red lights flashing on a two-lane road?

Only oncoming traffic must stop
Pass on the left carefully
Slow to 10 mph and pass
Stop in both directions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stop in both directions

On a two-lane road, traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights.

Question 50: What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean?

Stop and wait for green
Proceed with caution (Correct answer)
The light is about to turn red
Yield to all pedestrians only

Correct answer: Proceed with caution

A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution, watching for cross traffic and pedestrians.

Indiana BMV Knowledge Exam

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) written knowledge test assesses your understanding of traffic laws, safe driving practices, and road sign recognition required to obtain a learner's permit or driver's license.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

80%

To Pass

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