20 questions from the Arkansas driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. Which age group is protected by the law prohibiting tobacco smoking in a motor vehicle?
Answer: Children less than fourteen years of age. The Protection from Secondhand Smoke for Children Act applies to vehicles carrying passengers who are younger than fourteen years old.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 21: “A person shall not knowingly smoke tobacco in any motor vehicle in which a child who is less than fourteen (14) years of age is a passenger.”
2. Which areas of the roadway are noted as being the first to freeze and last to thaw on cold, wet days?
Answer: Shady spots along the roadway. The handbook identifies shady spots along the roadway as areas that freeze first and thaw last, requiring drivers to be aware of potential ice.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 61: “On cold and wet days, ice may linger in shady spots along the roadway. These areas are the first to freeze and the last to thaw.”
3. How many vehicles should you generally attempt to pass at one time when road markings allow passing?
Answer: Only one vehicle at a time. The handbook advises passing only one vehicle at a time to ensure there is enough space and time to do so safely.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 67: “As a rule, only pass one vehicle at a time.”
4. What is the maximum fine a driver may receive for violating the law requiring them to move over for a stopped law enforcement vehicle?
Answer: $1,000. The handbook states that the fine for violating the move-over law for law enforcement vehicles can be up to $1,000.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 23: “If a driver is found guilty of violating this law, they can be fined up to $1,000, receive jail time or both.”
5. What is the default speed limit on a county road if the county judge has not established a specific limit?
Answer: 40 miles per hour. The statute specifies that the default speed limit for county roads without a judge-established limit is 40 mph.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 32: “If a county judge has not established a speed limit on a county road within the jurisdictional boundaries of his or her county, then the speed limit shall be forty miles per hour (40 m.p.h.) on the county road.”
6. What is the maximum gross weight rating (GVWR) for vehicles that can be operated with an Instruction Permit, Learner's License, Intermediate License, or Class D License?
Answer: Under 26,001 pounds. The handbook defines the limit for these specific licenses as vehicles with a GVWR under 26,001 pounds.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 15: “Instruction Permits (except Motorcycle), Learner’s Licenses, Intermediate Licenses, and Class D Licenses may operate an automobile or other four-wheel vehicle with a gross weight rating (GVWR) under 26,001 pounds.”
7. According to the handbook, what is the correct procedure for determining if you are looking fifteen seconds ahead?
Answer: Count 'one-one-thousand' until you reach a stationary object near the road. The handbook specifies counting 'one-one-thousand' until reaching a stationary object to measure the time ahead.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 54: “Start counting: one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one thousand, etc. until you reach the object.”
8. When stopped by a law enforcement officer at night, what action should the driver take to ensure visibility?
Answer: Turn on the interior lights. The handbook instructs drivers to turn on interior lights during nighttime stops to improve visibility for the officer.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 3: “If you are stopped at night, turn on the interior lights, so that the officer can see you more clearly.”
9. What is the approximate distance your headlights allow you to see ahead at night?
Answer: 400 feet. The handbook states that headlights provide visibility for approximately 400 feet ahead.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 64: “Your headlights let you see about 400 feet ahead.”
10. When merging with traffic onto a high-speed roadway, what is the recommended action regarding speed?
Answer: Try to enter at the same speed as other traffic. The handbook advises matching the speed of existing traffic to merge safely and efficiently.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 62: “When you merge with traffic, try to enter at the same speed as other traffic.”
11. What does signing a citation signify according to the handbook?
Answer: It is a promise to appear in court or pay the fine. The handbook clarifies that signing a citation is a commitment to appear in court or pay the fine, rather than an admission of guilt.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 4: “Signing a citation is not an admission of guilt. It is a promise to appear in court at the designated time or to pay the fine before the court date.”
12. What is the maximum fine for a first-time offender convicted of littering on Arkansas roadways?
Answer: $1,000. The handbook states that first-time offenders for littering are subject to fines up to $1,000, whereas subsequent convictions have higher limits.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 22: “Upon conviction, first offenders are subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and not more than eight hours of community service.”
13. Under what condition is the use of a cell phone permitted for a driver holding a Learner's License?
Answer: Only for an emergency. The handbook states that cell phone use is prohibited for Learner's License holders except in the case of an emergency.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 15: “The use of a cell phone, whether it is talking or texting, is prohibited by law except for an emergency.”
14. How far from a fire hydrant must you park your vehicle?
Answer: Within fifteen (15) feet. The list of no parking zones specifies that parking is prohibited within fifteen feet of a fire hydrant.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 48: “Within fifteen (15) feet of a fire hydrant”
15. Where should the diagonal portion of the seat belt be positioned on the body?
Answer: Across the upper chest. The handbook instructs drivers to wear the diagonal belt across the upper chest to properly distribute force.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 49: “Wear a diagonal belt across the upper chest.”
16. According to the handbook, what does a yellow painted curb indicate?
Answer: A loading zone or other restriction. The handbook states that yellow curbs designate loading zones or other specific restrictions.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 48: “Yellow curb means a loading zone or other restriction.”
17. How far from a hill or curve should a driver be when preparing to pass?
Answer: Within 1/3 of a mile. The rule states that drivers should not pass if they are within one-third of a mile of a hill or curve.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 68: “Drivers should not pass if you are within, 1/3 of a mile of a hill or curve.”
18. Why do drivers of tractor-trailers often swing out to the left before making a right turn?
Answer: Because the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels. The handbook explains that the difference in path length between front and rear wheels necessitates swinging out to accommodate the turn.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 70: “Any turning vehicle’s rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels. A longer vehicle makes a greater difference when turning. That’s why the drivers of tractor-trailers must often swing out to the left as the first step in making a right turn.”
19. How should a driver position their head to adjust the driver's side-view mirror?
Answer: Place your head against the left side window. The handbook specifies that for the driver's side mirror, the head should be placed against the left window to set the angle correctly.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 88: “To adjust the driver's side-view mirror, place your head against the left side window and set the mirror so you can just barely see the side of the car on the mirror's right side.”
20. Why does the handbook recommend allowing extra cushion of space when following a motorcycle?
Answer: Wet, icy, gravel, metal surfaces, bridges, gratings, and tracks can increase the chance of a motorcycle falling. Extra space is needed because specific road surfaces pose a higher risk of motorcycles losing traction and falling.
Arkansas driver handbook, page 65: “Roads that are wet, icy or gravel and metal surfaces such as bridges, gratings, and streetcar and railroad tracks can increase the chance of falling.”