DMV Driver's License Written Test β Questions and Answers
Question 1: 12 ounces of beer will typically leave your system in about:
- 2 hours
- 1 hour (Correct answer)
- 1/2 hour
Correct answer: 1 hour
On average, the human body metabolizes approximately one standard alcoholic drink per hour. A 12-ounce beer is considered one standard drink. Therefore, it typically takes about one hour for your system to process and eliminate the alcohol from one beer.
Question 2: You are on a two-lane highway and want to pass a slow vehicle. The center line is a broken (dashed) yellow line on your side. What does this indicate?
- Passing is only permitted during nighttime hours
- Only oncoming traffic is permitted to pass here
- Passing is never permitted in this area
- Passing is permitted when it is safe to do so (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Passing is permitted when it is safe to do so
A broken yellow center line on your side of the road indicates that passing is permitted when conditions are safe.
Question 3: If you see this sign, it indicates that.
- None of the listed answers.
- Tourists might be present.
- Loading and unloading is acceptable here. You can stop your vehicle temporarily. (Correct answer)
- Parking is acceptable here.
Correct answer: Loading and unloading is acceptable here. You can stop your vehicle temporarily.
This sign, typically a 'No Parking' sign with specific wording or a dedicated loading zone sign, indicates that while parking is generally prohibited, stopping temporarily for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers or goods is permitted. It allows for brief stops without obstructing traffic for extended periods. Drivers should still be mindful of traffic flow and not leave their vehicle unattended for long.
Question 4: At a four-way stop, all vehicles arrive at approximately the same time. Who has the right-of-way?
- The vehicle going straight
- The vehicle to your left
- The largest vehicle
- The vehicle to your right (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The vehicle to your right
When vehicles arrive at a four-way stop simultaneously, the vehicle to your right has the right-of-way.
Question 5: It is imperative that, as your speed increases, you:
- Look well ahead of your vehicle. (Correct answer)
- Turn on your headlights.
- Change lanes frequently.
Correct answer: Look well ahead of your vehicle.
As your vehicle's speed increases, so do the amount of stopping distance it requires. When traveling at high speeds, it is essential to maintain a forward gaze for a considerable distance in order to give yourself enough time to safely respond to potentially dangerous situations.
Question 6: If a vehicle approaching you at night has bright headlights, you should:
- avoid looking directly into the oncoming headlights (Correct answer)
- look toward the left edge of your own lane
- watch the oncoming vehicle directly to ensure it doesn't cross into your lane
- keep your bright lights on until the other driver realizes he's blinding you
Correct answer: avoid looking directly into the oncoming headlights
When an oncoming vehicle has bright headlights, looking directly into them can temporarily blind you, impairing your vision and reaction time. To maintain visibility and prevent glare, you should shift your gaze toward the right edge of your lane. This allows you to monitor the road ahead without being directly exposed to the intense light.
Question 7: A vehicle is entering a public road from a private driveway, alley, or parking lot. Who has the right-of-way?
- The entering vehicle, if it arrives at the public road first
- Both vehicles must share and take turns equally
- Traffic already traveling on the public road (Correct answer)
- Whichever vehicle is larger or traveling faster
Correct answer: Traffic already traveling on the public road
Vehicles on public roads always have the right-of-way over vehicles entering from private driveways, alleys, or parking lots.
Question 8: WHEN PASSING IN THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE OF A TWO LANE ROAD, YOU SHOULD CONSIDER:
- The speed and distance of oncoming traffic, and possible hazards
- All of the above (Correct answer)
- Your speed relative to others, and your ability to accelerate
- How much clear space you need to pass, and how much you have
Correct answer: All of the above
Avoid passing other vehicles, including motorcycles and bicycles, on two-lane roads; it is dangerous. Do not pull out to pass unless you know you have enough space to pull back into your lane. You must judge whether or not you have enough room to pass whenever you approach an oncoming vehicle, a hill or a curve, an intersection or a road obstruction.
Question 9: ON THE INTERSECTION, IF YOU SEE A GREEN ARROW POINTING TO THE LEFT, YOU CAN:
- Turn left only if there are no vehicles coming in the opposite direction
- Make a protected turn left (Correct answer)
- Go in any direction
- Make a turn left or go straight
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: What are the consequences of refusing a chemical test for operating under the influence if you are over 21 and have no previous records of OUI (driving while under the influence)?
- Your license will be suspended for 180 days
- Your license will be suspended for a year (Correct answer)
- You will be fined $1000
Correct answer: Your license will be suspended for a year
When a person applies for a driver's license in any state, they automatically consent to field sobriety tests and chemical tests to determine their impairment level, following "implied consent." If it is your first offence for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and you refuse to submit to a chemical test, your driver's license will be suspended for one year.
Question 11: When entering a roundabout (traffic circle), you must:
- Always proceed straight through without stopping
- Sound your horn before entering to alert other drivers
- Speed up to merge with vehicles already circling
- Yield to vehicles already traveling inside the roundabout (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Yield to vehicles already traveling inside the roundabout
Vehicles already circulating inside a roundabout have the right-of-way; entering vehicles must yield to them.
Question 12: What does a yield sign require you to do?
- Stop only when other vehicles are clearly visible
- Slow down and give right-of-way to other traffic, stopping only if necessary (Correct answer)
- Speed up to match the speed of other traffic
- Come to a complete stop regardless of traffic
Correct answer: Slow down and give right-of-way to other traffic, stopping only if necessary
A yield sign requires you to slow down and give right-of-way to crossing or merging traffic, stopping only if needed to avoid a collision.
Question 13: What can a prescription or over-the-counter medicine do?
- Increase the alcohol's impact by a factor of ten.
- Reduce the alcohol's influence
- 2 and 3 (Correct answer)
- Drowsiness is a side effect of this drug.
Correct answer: 2 and 3
Both prescription and over-the-counter medicines can have significant effects on your driving ability. Many medications cause drowsiness as a side effect, and they can also dangerously multiply the effects of alcohol, leading to severe impairment. Always check warning labels and consult a doctor or pharmacist about driving while on medication.
Question 14: When exiting a driveway and entering a street, you __________.
- If there is no sidewalk, you can ignore any pedestrians.
- When there are no pedestrians or cars approaching, you must stop and proceed. (Correct answer)
- You must beep your horn so that approaching motorists and pedestrians are aware of your presence.
- To give approaching vehicles and pedestrians enough time to move out of your way, you must drive gently.
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 15: What is the meaning of this yellow-green diamond-shaped sign with black and red symbols?
- There will be a railroad crossing ahead.
- A public transportation stop is only around the corner.
- There is a bus stop ahead of you. (Correct answer)
- There will be an airport ahead.
Correct answer: There is a bus stop ahead of you.
While the color description 'yellow-green' is often associated with school zones, a sign indicating a bus stop ahead typically uses a symbol of a bus or children waiting. This warning sign alerts drivers to an upcoming location where a bus may stop to pick up or drop off passengers, especially children, requiring drivers to be prepared to stop and exercise caution.
Question 16: Who has the right of way when you approach a "T" intersection? either you or the vehicles on the through street.
- You have to yield to the cars on the through street and pedestrians (Correct answer)
- You have to look for the pedestrians but don't have to yield to the cars.
- You don't have to yield to the cars on the through street.
- You are permitted
Correct answer: You have to yield to the cars on the through street and pedestrians
At a 'T' intersection, vehicles on the terminating street (the stem of the T) must yield the right-of-way to all traffic on the through street and any pedestrians. This rule ensures that traffic flow on the continuous road is not interrupted, and pedestrians are given priority for safety.
Question 17: Which of the following occurs as a driver's blood alcohol content (BAC) increases?
- Self-control and judgement are the first process affected
- Coordination and muscle control are affected by the alcohol
- All of the above (Correct answer)
- The drinker's brain is increasingly affected by alcohol
Correct answer: All of the above
As a driver's Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) increases, alcohol progressively affects the brain and body. This leads to impaired coordination and muscle control, significantly impacting the ability to steer, brake, and react. Additionally, self-control and judgment are among the first processes affected, making a driver more likely to take risks and misinterpret situations.
Question 18: You want to turn left at an intersection with a green light (not a green arrow). Oncoming traffic is approaching. What must you do?
- Wait for a green arrow before turning
- Sound your horn and proceed carefully
- Yield to oncoming traffic before turning (Correct answer)
- Turn left immediately since you have the green light
Correct answer: Yield to oncoming traffic before turning
Even with a green light, you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians when making a left turn.
Question 19: You arrive at an uncontrolled intersection β no signs or traffic signals. Who has the right-of-way?
- The driver making a right turn
- The driver on the wider road
- The driver who arrives at the intersection first (Correct answer)
- The driver traveling at a higher speed
Correct answer: The driver who arrives at the intersection first
At an uncontrolled intersection, the vehicle that arrives first has the right-of-way.
Question 20: A pedestrian is crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. What should you do?
- Sound your horn to warn them you are approaching
- Speed up to pass before they reach your lane
- Proceed slowly and carefully through the crosswalk
- Yield and wait until the pedestrian has fully crossed (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Yield and wait until the pedestrian has fully crossed
Pedestrians in marked crosswalks always have the right-of-way, and you must wait until they have completely crossed.
Question 21: Two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop at the same time, facing each other. One wants to go straight and one wants to turn left. Who goes first?
- The vehicle going straight (Correct answer)
- The vehicle on the right side of the road
- The larger of the two vehicles
- The vehicle turning left
Correct answer: The vehicle going straight
The vehicle going straight has the right-of-way over a vehicle turning left when both arrive at the same time.
Question 22: You approach an intersection and a fire truck with lights and siren is blocking your path. What should you do?
- Sound your horn and proceed around the fire truck
- Back up immediately and find another route
- Drive slowly around the fire truck at a safe distance
- Stop and yield until the intersection is clear and safe (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Stop and yield until the intersection is clear and safe
You must stop and yield to emergency vehicles until they have cleared the area and it is safe to continue.
Question 23: A funeral procession is moving through an intersection. The lead vehicle had a green light, but it has now turned red. What should following vehicles in the procession do?
- Stop and wait for the next green light
- Honk to warn other vehicles to stay clear
- Break off and find another route to the destination
- Continue through the intersection to keep the procession together (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Continue through the intersection to keep the procession together
Once a funeral procession has begun moving through an intersection, all vehicles in it may legally continue through to keep the procession intact.
Question 24: Before merging into traffic on an expressway or motorway, you must.
- move into the acceleration lane (Correct answer)
- reduce your speed
- move into the right-hand lane
- move into the deceleration lane
Correct answer: move into the acceleration lane
Move into the acceleration lane and raise your speed before merging with the traffic on the highway to enter an expressway or freeway.
Question 25: At a T-intersection where one road ends and meets a through street, who must yield?
- Vehicles on the road that ends must yield to through-street traffic (Correct answer)
- The vehicle intending to turn left onto the through street
- The first vehicle to reach the intersection
- Traffic already on the through street
Correct answer: Vehicles on the road that ends must yield to through-street traffic
At a T-intersection, drivers on the road that terminates must yield to all traffic on the continuing through road.
Question 26: You see a pedestrian using a white cane or guide dog waiting to cross at a crosswalk. What must you do?
- Wave them across to signal that it is safe
- Proceed slowly and carefully past the crosswalk
- Stop completely and wait until they have safely crossed (Correct answer)
- Honk lightly to let them know traffic is present
Correct answer: Stop completely and wait until they have safely crossed
You must always stop and yield to blind or visually impaired pedestrians using a white cane or guide dog at crosswalks.
Question 27: WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR DRIVING SKILLS AND JUDGMENT WHEN YOU DRINK ALCOHOL?
- It improves driving ability but impairs judgment.
- It has no impact on driving abilities or judgment.
- It has little influence on judgment, however it is detrimental to driving abilities.
- It affects both driving and decision-making abilities. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: It affects both driving and decision-making abilities.
Alcohol slows down your reaction time, impairs your vision, alters your perception of speed and distance, and makes you less inhibited and more willing to take risks. The critical skills required to drive safely are weakened.
Question 28: WHEN YOU HEAR THE SIRENS OR SEE THE RED EMERGENCY LIGHTS OF A CLOSELY APPROACHING EMERGENCY VEHICLE, YOU MUST:
- Stop in the intersection
- Drive slowly until it has passed
- Speed up to clear traffic
- Drive to the right edge and stop (Correct answer)
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 29: You are backing out of a driveway onto a public street. Who has the right-of-way?
- Traffic traveling on the public street (Correct answer)
- Whoever can see the other driver first
- You do, since you are already in motion
- The larger or faster-moving vehicle
Correct answer: Traffic traveling on the public street
Traffic on public streets always has the right-of-way over vehicles entering from driveways or private roads.
Question 30: DRIVERS WHO ARE IMPAIRED OFTEN _______________Β WITHOUT CHECKING FOR CROSS TRAFFIC OR PEDESTRIANS.
- direct your gaze forward (Correct answer)
- examine the road ahead of you
- practically all traffic laws must be followed
- None of the options
Correct answer: direct your gaze forward
Impaired drivers often suffer from 'tunnel vision,' where their focus narrows directly ahead, neglecting peripheral vision. This means they fail to check for critical hazards like cross-traffic or pedestrians, which are outside their immediate forward gaze. This reduced situational awareness is a dangerous consequence of impairment.
Question 31: You are at an intersection with a green light and are turning right. A pedestrian is crossing the street on your right side. Who has the right-of-way?
- Neither β both must stop and yield to each other
- You do, since you have a green light to turn
- The pedestrian only if a 'Walk' signal is displayed
- The pedestrian crossing in the crosswalk (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The pedestrian crossing in the crosswalk
Pedestrians crossing in a crosswalk have the right-of-way even when you have a green light authorizing your right turn.
Question 32: An emergency vehicle with flashing lights and a siren is approaching from behind. What must you do?
- Stop your vehicle immediately wherever you are
- Pull to the right side of the road and stop (Correct answer)
- Speed up to clear the road quickly
- Continue driving at your current speed and stay in your lane
Correct answer: Pull to the right side of the road and stop
You must pull to the right edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.
Question 33: A bicyclist is riding in a designated bike lane next to your lane. You need to turn right at the next intersection. Who has the right-of-way?
- You do, because you are executing a legal right turn
- The bicyclist traveling in the bike lane (Correct answer)
- Whoever reaches the intersection first
- You do, because you are operating a motor vehicle
Correct answer: The bicyclist traveling in the bike lane
Bicyclists traveling in a bike lane have the right-of-way; you must yield to them before turning right across the bike lane.
Question 34: A school bus ahead has stopped and is displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop sign arm. You are behind it on an undivided two-lane road. What must you do?
- Stop and wait until the flashing red lights stop (Correct answer)
- Pass carefully on the left side of the bus
- Slow down to 10 mph and pass with caution
- Stop only if you can see children outside the bus
Correct answer: Stop and wait until the flashing red lights stop
You must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and may not proceed until the lights have stopped flashing.
Question 35: If a disabled person is wearing a placard, a painted curb is dedicated for them.
- blue (Correct answer)
- green
- white
- red
Correct answer: blue
Special parking regulations are marked by painted curbs. Only disabled individuals with a placard or special license plate for disabled people or disabled veterans are eligible for blue parking. Parking in designated spaces for disabled people with placards or special plates is permitted without time limits.
Question 36: THIS ROAD SIGN MEANS:
- School ahead, watch for children (Correct answer)
- Come to a complete stop ahead
- Pedestrians stay on sidewalk
- Shopping district ahead
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.
DMV Driver's License Written Test
This exam certifies an individual's knowledge of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices required to operate a motor vehicle.
Exam Rules
- You can skip questions and return to them later
- Flag questions for review before submitting
- No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
- Unanswered questions count as wrong β answer everything
- 10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
- Timer auto-submits when time runs out
- Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds