20 questions from the Connecticut driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the curfew restriction for a newly licensed 16-year-old driver who is not an emergency responder or Safe Ride Program driver?
Answer: They may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. The handbook states the hour restriction window is from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. for teen drivers, with specific exceptions for work, school, religion, medical needs, or Safe Ride duties.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 10: “Hour Restrictions (Curfew) 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. – unless the teen is traveling for employment, school, religious activities, medical necessity, or if the individual is an assigned driver in the Safe Ride Program.”
2. How much space must you allow between your vehicle and a bicycle when passing?
Answer: At least three feet. The handbook specifies a minimum requirement of three feet of clearance when passing a bicycle.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 24: “You must allow at least three feet of space between your vehicle and the bicycle when passing a bicycle.”
3. How should a driver use their horn in a non-emergency situation to get someone's attention?
Answer: Tap your horn lightly. The handbook specifies that in non-emergency situations, drivers should tap their horn lightly rather than blowing it continuously or aggressively.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 28: “If you must get someone’s attention in a non-emergency situation, tap your horn lightly.”
4. What does a flashing yellow "X" indicate when displayed over a reversible lane?
Answer: The lane is only for turning. The handbook states that a flashing yellow X restricts the lane's use to turning vehicles only.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 46: “A flashing yellow “X” means the lane is only for turning.”
5. According to the handbook, what is the correct procedure for stopping quickly in a vehicle equipped with an Antilock Braking System (ABS)?
Answer: Press the brake pedal as hard as possible and keep pressing it down. The handbook instructs drivers with ABS to maintain constant, hard pressure on the brake pedal rather than pumping or releasing it.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 42: “Press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep pressing on it.”
6. What is the recommended action after passing a truck and returning to the right lane?
Answer: Keep your speed up. The handbook instructs drivers to maintain their speed after completing a pass to avoid dangerous situations and irritation to other drivers.
7. What action is required before starting a vehicle with a manual transmission?
Answer: Ensure the vehicle is not in gear. The handbook states that for manual transmissions, the vehicle must not be in gear before starting.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 16: “If the vehicle has a manual transmission, it must not be in gear.”
8. Under the 'Move Over Law,' what must drivers do when encountering a vehicle pulled over on any part of a highway?
Answer: Slow down below the posted speed limit and move over one lane if safe. The law requires slowing down below the limit and moving over one lane when safe to do so.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 18: “When any vehicle is pulled over on any part of a highway or road, drivers must: • SLOW DOWN (below the posted speed limit) and... • Move their vehicle over one lane whenever it is safe to do so.”
9. What is the consequence for a driver who commits an additional moving violation within three years of completing the operator retraining program?
Answer: A license suspension of at least 30 days. The handbook clearly states that a subsequent violation within the three-year period following retraining results in a license suspension of at least 30 days.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 37: “After completing operator retraining, an additional moving violation within three years of the completion date will result in a license suspension of at least 30 days.”
10. According to the handbook, what is the recommended time opening needed when merging with other traffic?
Answer: Four seconds. The handbook states that a four-second opening is required for merging to ensure a safe space cushion.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 22: “Any time you want to merge with other traffic, you need an opening of about four seconds.”
11. According to the handbook, what specific visual cue indicates that you are outside a truck driver's blind spot when passing?
Answer: You can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror. The handbook specifies that seeing the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror is the indicator that you have safely completed the pass and are no longer in the blind spot.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 21: “When passing, look for the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before pulling in front.”
12. How much distance must drivers allow when passing vulnerable users such as bicyclists or pedestrians?
Answer: Three feet of distance. The handbook specifies a mandatory three-foot clearance when passing vulnerable roadway users.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 18: “Drivers must allow for three feet of distance when passing.”
13. According to the handbook, why should you leave extra space when following a motorcycle?
Answer: To provide extra distance to avoid the rider if the motorcycle falls. The handbook states that extra distance is needed to avoid the rider in the event that the motorcycle falls.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 23: “If the motorcycle should fall, you need extra distance to avoid the rider.”
14. What does a solid red light on a HAWK signal indicate?
Answer: Pedestrians are in the crosswalk and motorists must stop. The handbook clearly defines the solid red phase of a HAWK signal as the time when pedestrians are crossing and drivers are required to stop.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 47: “Solid Red — Pedestrians in crosswalk. Motorists must stop.”
15. How does stopping distance change when increasing speed from 30 mph to 60 mph, based on the provided examples?
Answer: It increases to over three times the distance. The handbook states that doubling speed results in more than triple the stopping distance, not just double.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 38: “For example, stopping at 60 mph does not take twice the distance it takes at 30 mph, as one might think, but over three times the distance.”
16. When you are required to stop because of a sign or signal, where must your vehicle stop?
Answer: Before your vehicle reaches the stop line. The rule mandates stopping before reaching the stop line, ensuring the vehicle does not encroach on the pedestrian crosswalk or intersection space.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 46: “When required to stop because of a sign or signal, you must stop before your vehicle reaches the stop line.”
17. What is the correct procedure when encountering a solid double yellow line in the center of the roadway?
Answer: Cross the lines to make a left turn to or from an alley, private road, driveway, or street. The handbook specifies that crossing solid double yellow lines is permitted specifically for making left turns into or out of certain areas, not for general passing.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 46: “Solid yellow lines may be crossed to make a left turn to or from an alley, private road, driveway, or street.”
18. If your vehicle breaks down on a highway and you cannot get it completely off the roadway, where should you try to stop?
Answer: Where other drivers have a clear view of your vehicle. The handbook advises stopping in a location with clear visibility to ensure other drivers can see the stalled vehicle in time to react, advising against stopping over hills or around curves.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 41: “If you cannot get your vehicle off the roadway, try to stop where other drivers have a clear view of your vehicle (do not stop just over a hill or just around a curve).”
19. Which color is used for guide signs that tell you where you are and how to get where you are going?
Answer: Green. The handbook assigns the color green to guide signs, distinguishing them from orange (construction) or brown (parks) signs.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 49: “Green is used for guide signs. They tell you where you are, which way to go and the distance.”
20. What does a yellow, diamond-shaped warning sign generally instruct a driver to do?
Answer: Slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. The handbook specifies that warning signs, which are typically yellow and diamond-shaped, require drivers to slow down and prepare to stop.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 51: “These signs warn you to slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary.”