20 questions from the Alaska driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. According to the handbook, what is the suggested maximum speed when backing a vehicle?
Answer: 5 mph. The handbook states that the suggested speed for backing should not exceed 5 mph.
Alaska driver handbook, page 31: “It is suggested your speed not exceed 5 mph when backing.”
2. When parking on a downhill slope, how should the front wheels be positioned?
Answer: Turned toward the curb. The handbook states that when parking downhill, the front wheels must be turned toward the curb.
Alaska driver handbook, page 74: “When parking on a downhill, turn front wheels toward curb.”
3. According to the handbook, what is the primary function of yellow pavement markings such as center lines?
Answer: They separate traffic flow going in opposite directions. The handbook states that yellow markings are used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions, distinguishing them from white markings.
Alaska driver handbook, page 59: “Yellow markings, such as center lines, separate traffic flow going in opposite directions.”
4. What is the required action for a driver approaching a school bus with flashing yellow/amber warning lights?
Answer: Reduce speed and prepare to stop when the bus stops and red lights flash. The rule requires reducing speed upon seeing yellow lights and coming to a full stop once the bus stops and activates red lights.
Alaska driver handbook, page 53: “Drivers approaching a school bus on which the yellow/amber warning signal lights are flashing shall reduce the speed of their vehicles and shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop when school bus stops, red lights flash, and stop sign is extended.”
5. When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights on a two-lane road, what action must a driver take?
Answer: Slow to a reasonable and prudent speed when passing. The handbook specifies that on two-lane roads, drivers must slow to a reasonable speed rather than changing lanes or maintaining speed.
Alaska driver handbook, page 76: “If it is not safe to do so, or you are on a two-lane road, you must slow to a reasonable and prudent speed when passing.”
6. What is the correct procedure if you realize you are in the wrong lane to turn upon entering an intersection?
Answer: Continue around the block. The handbook instructs drivers to continue around the block rather than impeding traffic or making sudden turns when in the wrong lane.
Alaska driver handbook, page 62: “If you find you are in the wrong lane to turn when entering an intersection, do not turn or impede so you can turn. Continue around the block.”
7. How should a driver interpret a steady yellow X signal on a lane control signal?
Answer: Clear the lane in a safe manner because a Red X is about to appear. The handbook defines the steady yellow X as an instruction to clear the lane safely in anticipation of the upcoming red X signal.
Alaska driver handbook, page 58: “Steady Yellow X Clear the lane in a safe manner. A Red X signal is about to appear.”
8. What is the recommended speed range for driving through most roundabouts?
Answer: About 15-20 mph. The handbook specifies that most roundabouts are designed for speeds of about 15-20 mph.
Alaska driver handbook, page 39: “Most roundabouts are designed for speeds of about 1520mph.”
9. Why does the handbook advise drivers to turn their heads rather than relying solely on mirrors?
Answer: To look for bicyclists that may be next to them or approaching. The handbook states that drivers should turn their heads to check blind spots for bicyclists who might be beside or approaching the vehicle.
Alaska driver handbook, page 49: “Do not depend on only your mirrors- turn your head to look for bicyclists that may be next to them or approaching.”
10. What is the recommended practice for bicyclists wearing headphones while riding?
Answer: Keep one earbud out to hear surrounding sounds. The handbook advises keeping one earbud out to remain aware of pedestrians, other bikers, and traffic sounds.
Alaska driver handbook, page 50: “If you’re going to wear headphones while biking be sure to always keep one earbud out.”
11. What does a single solid yellow line indicate on a divided roadway?
Answer: The left edge of a divided roadway. The handbook specifies that a single solid yellow line serves to mark the left edge of divided roadways.
Alaska driver handbook, page 61: “A single solid yellow line indicates the left edge of a divided roadway.”
12. Which of the following is a required piece of equipment for Alaska non-commercial registered vehicles?
Answer: A single rear license plate with valid year and month tabs. The handbook specifies that non-commercial vehicles in Alaska require only a single rear plate that displays valid expiration tabs.
Alaska driver handbook, page 80: “Alaska non-commercial registered vehicles must have a single rear license plate with valid year and month tabs.”
13. According to the handbook, when is a motorist required to yield to a pedestrian?
Answer: At marked crosswalks or at intersections. The handbook states that pedestrians have the right-of-way at both marked crosswalks and intersections, making this the comprehensive correct condition.
Alaska driver handbook, page 61: “Pedestrians have the right-ofway at marked crosswalks or at intersections.”
14. Which statement accurately describes the effect of alcohol on a driver's abilities as stated in the handbook?
Answer: Alcohol is a depressant that slows reflexes and interferes with judgment. The handbook defines alcohol as a depressant that negatively impacts reflexes, judgment, alertness, and vision.
Alaska driver handbook, page 22: “Alcohol is a depressant, not a stimulant. It slows normal reflexes, interferes with judgment, reduces alertness, and impairs vision.”
15. When performing a three-point turn on a narrow street, what is the correct procedure after backing up to the opposite side?
Answer: Stop, check again for traffic, and drive forward to complete the maneuver. The steps for a three-point turn require stopping and checking traffic after backing up, then driving forward to finish the turn.
Alaska driver handbook, page 37: “Stop, check again for traffic. Drive forward to complete your turn around maneuver.”
16. According to the Alaska driver handbook, what is the point threshold within a 12-month period that requires mandatory suspension or revocation of a driving privilege?
Answer: 12 points. The handbook states that accumulating 12 points within a 12-month period triggers mandatory suspension or revocation.
Alaska driver handbook, page 15: “Accumulating 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months requires the mandatory suspension or revocation of the driving privilege, regardless of the hardships involved.”
17. Why are roads often slippery during the first half hour after rain begins?
Answer: Because dust and road film are not yet washed off the surface. The handbook explains that initial rain mixes with existing dust and road film to create a slippery combination before the surface is fully cleaned.
Alaska driver handbook, page 71: “The first half hour after a rain often makes hard surface roads slippery. The dust and road film are not washed off the surface.”
18. What happens to driving privileges during a revocation period if a driver refuses to submit to chemical testing?
Answer: There are no limited “work purpose” driving privileges allowed. The handbook states that individuals who refuse chemical testing do not receive limited work-purpose driving privileges during their revocation period.
Alaska driver handbook, page 18: “During a revocation period, there is no limited “work purpose” driving privileges for a person who refuses to submit to chemical testing.”
19. How far in advance should you signal your intention to turn when moving from a two-way street to a one-way street?
Answer: At least 100 feet in advance. The instructions for turning from a two-way street to a one-way street specify signaling at least 100 feet before the turn.
Alaska driver handbook, page 36: “Signal intention to turn at least 100 feet in advance.”
20. According to the Alaska Driver Handbook, when must headlights be turned on regarding sunset and sunrise?
Answer: From 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise. The handbook states the specific half-hour window around sunset and sunrise when headlights are mandatory.
Alaska driver handbook, page 67: “Headlights must be turned on from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise.”