20 questions from the Alaska driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What color scheme is used for Construction & Maintenance signs?
Answer: Black on orange. The handbook specifies that construction and maintenance signs utilize a black text background on an orange field.
Alaska driver handbook, page 44: “CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE SIGN black on orange”
2. What action is required when approaching a sign with a black background on yellow?
Answer: Decrease the speed of the vehicle and observe extra caution. Yellow signs are identified as warning signs, which require drivers to slow down and exercise extra caution due to potential hazards.
Alaska driver handbook, page 44: “Warning signs alert drivers to actual or potentially dangerous conditions ahead. Extra caution should be observed at all warning signs. Most warning signs imply a driver should decrease the speed of the vehicle.”
3. When approaching a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign, under what specific condition may a driver on a highway with separated roadways proceed without stopping?
Answer: Only if the bus is headed in the opposite direction. The handbook states that drivers on separated highways do not need to stop if the bus is traveling in the opposite direction.
Alaska driver handbook, page 53: “Driver upon a highway with separated roadways providing two or more lanes in each direction need not stop when approaching a school bus which is headed in the opposite direction even though the bus is stopped, and the stop arm is extended and the red flashing lights are activated.”
4. What is the point value assigned to the violation of driving without insurance?
Answer: 6 points. The point assignment schedule lists 'Driving without insurance' as having a value of 6 points.
Alaska driver handbook, page 16: “Driving without insurance .............................................................................................. 6”
5. What is the correct procedure when using a Two-Way Left Turn only lane?
Answer: Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians while making the turn. The handbook instructs drivers to yield to both oncoming traffic and pedestrians when utilizing a two-way left turn lane.
Alaska driver handbook, page 58: “Use caution entering the Two-Way Left Turn only lane. Opposing traffic also may use the lane for left turns. Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians while making the turn.”
6. What does a flashing yellow beacon indicate to a driver?
Answer: Reduce speed and exercise caution while yielding to pedestrians and vehicles. Flashing yellow beacons require drivers to slow down and yield, rather than coming to a full stop or proceeding blindly.
Alaska driver handbook, page 56: “Reduce speed and exercise caution. Yield to pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection.”
7. According to the handbook, what is the primary purpose of center lanes?
Answer: They are reserved for decelerating in advance of turning left. The handbook states that center lanes are designated for slowing down before making a left turn, not for passing or general travel.
Alaska driver handbook, page 42: “Center lanes are reserved for decelerating in advance of turning left.”
8. When approaching an intersection with a flashing red beacon, where must a driver stop?
Answer: Behind the crosswalk, stop line, or before entering the intersection if neither exists. The handbook states the stopping position relative to crosswalks and stop lines when facing a flashing red beacon.
Alaska driver handbook, page 56: “Stop behind the crosswalk, stop line, or if none, before entering the intersection.”
9. How many prior convictions of DUI or Refusal within the last 15 years result in a 3-year license revocation period?
Answer: Two prior convictions. The handbook lists that having two prior convictions leads to a revocation period of 3 years.
Alaska driver handbook, page 20: “3 years if you have two prior convictions of DUI or Refusal,”
10. What should a driver do when approaching a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk?
Answer: Never pass the stopped vehicle. Drivers are instructed not to pass stopped vehicles at crosswalks because pedestrians may be hidden from view in front of the stopped car.
Alaska driver handbook, page 48: “Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.”
11. What is the minimum distance required when parking from a fire hydrant?
Answer: 15 feet. The handbook lists 15 feet as the required distance from a fire hydrant.
Alaska driver handbook, page 74: “a. 15 ft. from fire hydrant”
12. What is the recommended action if a large animal runs in front of your vehicle?
Answer: Brake firmly but do not swerve. The handbook advises braking firmly without swerving to avoid causing additional collisions with other vehicles or fixed objects.
Alaska driver handbook, page 72: “If an animal does run in front of your vehicle, brake firmly but do not swerve.”
13. What does the end of a 'no passing zone' signify to a driver?
Answer: It means there is increased visibility ahead. The handbook clarifies that the end of this zone only indicates better visibility, not necessarily that it is safe to pass.
Alaska driver handbook, page 42: “The end of a “no passing zone” does not mean it is safe to pass. It means there is increased visibility ahead.”
14. Under Alaska's implied consent law, when is a law enforcement officer authorized to require a sample of your blood or urine for alcohol or controlled substance testing?
Answer: When you are involved in a crash that causes death or serious physical injury to another person. The handbook specifies that blood or urine samples are required specifically when a crash results in death or serious physical injury.
Alaska driver handbook, page 18: “Law enforcement officers to require a sample of your blood or urine for alcohol or controlled substance testing if you are involved in a crash that causes death or serious physical injury to another person.”
15. According to the handbook, what is the approximate stopping distance for a truck traveling at 55 mph compared to a car?
Answer: A truck needs 400 feet to stop, whereas a car stops in about 130 to 140 feet. The handbook states that while a car stops in 130-140 feet, a truck requires 400 feet to stop at the same speed.
Alaska driver handbook, page 82: “A car traveling at 55 mph can stop in about 130 to 140 feet, however a truck needs 400 feet to stop.”
16. How often may a driver complete a Defensive Driver Course (DDC) to earn point reduction credits?
Answer: Once every 12 months. The handbook specifies that a Defensive Driver Course can be taken once every 12 months to reduce points.
Alaska driver handbook, page 15: “A DDC may be taken once every 12 months for a point reduction.”
17. Which of the following is a correct instruction for maintaining vehicle lighting equipment for night driving?
Answer: Check high and low beams on a garage wall and keep lenses clean. The handbook specifically instructs drivers to ensure headlights are working and clean, suggesting checking beams against a garage wall, while advising against off-road lights and excessive tint.
Alaska driver handbook, page 66: “Be sure headlights are in working order and lenses clean. (Check high and low beam on garage wall.)”
18. What is the correct procedure for steering when recovering from a skid?
Answer: Turn the front wheels in the direction of the skid. The recovery instructions specify turning the front wheels in the same direction as the skid to regain control.
Alaska driver handbook, page 73: “Turn the front wheels in the direction of the skid.”
19. What is the recommended action when driving in hard-to-see conditions such as dusk, dawn, nighttime, or bad weather?
Answer: Use extra caution. The handbook advises drivers to exercise extra caution during periods of low visibility or poor weather conditions.
Alaska driver handbook, page 48: “Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as dusk, dawn, nighttime or bad weather.”
20. How should you handle a vehicle's exhaust system to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
Answer: Ensure the exhaust system is tight and provide adequate fresh air circulation. The handbook lists a tight exhaust system and adequate fresh air circulation as the specific methods for preventing carbon monoxide buildup.