20 questions from the Connecticut driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What action should a driver take before shifting the car into gear from the “park” position?
Answer: Apply the brake. The handbook instructs drivers to engage the brake pedal prior to moving the gear selector out of park.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 9: “Apply the brake before you shift the car into gear from the “park” position.”
2. What should a driver do regarding lane usage when a vehicle behind them wishes to pass?
Answer: Stay out of the far left lane and yield to the right for any vehicle that wants to pass. The handbook instructs drivers to stay out of the far left lane and yield to the right to allow passing vehicles to proceed.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 28: “Stay out of the far left lane and yield to the right for any vehicle that wants to pass.”
3. What action must a driver take when encountering a steady yellow "X" over a reversible lane?
Answer: Move out of the lane as soon as it is safe to do so. The handbook instructs drivers to exit the lane safely when the steady yellow X appears because the lane's direction is about to change.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 46: “A steady yellow “X” means that the use of the lane is changing and you should move out of it as soon as it is safe to do so.”
4. What is the restriction on cell phone usage for drivers under the age of 18?
Answer: They cannot use a cell phone or mobile electronic device, even if it is 'hands-free.'. The handbook states that drivers under 18 are prohibited from using cell phones or mobile devices entirely, including hands-free options.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 37: “By law, drivers under 18 cannot use a cell phone or mobile electronic device, even if it is “hands-free.””
5. Why is it important to check behind your vehicle whenever you slow down?
Answer: To confirm that a following driver is not expecting you to stop suddenly. Checking behind helps ensure that following drivers are aware of your deceleration, especially in unexpected situations like entering driveways.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 24: “Always check behind your vehicle whenever you slow down or stop. This is very important when you slow down quickly or at points where a following driver would not expect you to slow down, such as private driveways or parking spaces.”
6. According to the handbook, what action should a driver take when approaching a railroad crossing with flashing lights and a lowered gate?
Answer: Stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers. The handbook instructs drivers to stop when the lights start flashing and before the gate descends.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 54: “Stop when the lights begin to flash and before the gate lowers.”
7. According to the handbook, what shape is a Yield Sign?
Answer: A downward pointing triangle. The handbook defines the shape of a yield sign as a downward pointing triangle.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 49: “A yield sign is a downward pointing triangle.”
8. What is the correct hand position on the steering wheel for comfortable driving and making turns on high-speed roads?
Answer: Left hand between 8 and 10 o’clock and right hand between 2 and 4 o’clock. The handbook specifies placing hands on opposite sides of the wheel with the left between 8 and 10 and the right between 2 and 4.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 16: “Both hands should be placed on opposite sides of the steering wheel (i.e., left hand between 8 and 10 o’clock and right hand between 2 and 4 o’clock).”
9. How should a driver handle their speed when entering a high-speed roadway via a ramp?
Answer: Use the ramp to reach the speed of other vehicles before pulling onto the road. The handbook advises using the ramp to match traffic speed before merging, rather than stopping or entering slowly.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 22: “Use the ramp to reach the speed of other vehicles before you pull onto the road.”
10. What action is required when you encounter a pennant-shaped sign on a two-lane, two-way roadway?
Answer: Observe a no-passing zone. The handbook identifies the pennant shape specifically as indicating a no-passing zone.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 48: “Pennant: No Passing Zone This three-sided sign is shaped like a pennant.”
11. According to the handbook, what is the minimum distance you should allow between your vehicle and a bicycle when passing?
Answer: 3 feet. The handbook states that drivers must maintain a 3-foot buffer when passing bicycles.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 25: “Remember that you must allow 3 feet between your vehicle and a bicycle when passing a bicycle.”
12. How should a driver position their wheels when parking on a hill?
Answer: Sharply towards the side of the road or curb. The handbook instructs drivers to turn wheels toward the curb so the vehicle rolls away from traffic if it starts to move.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 39: “When you park on a hill, turn your wheels sharply towards the side of the road or curb.”
13. What is the maximum number of passengers a 16-year-old driver may transport if the vehicle has five seatbelts?
Answer: Five passengers total, including the driver. The rule states passengers cannot exceed the number of seatbelts; therefore, with five seatbelts, the total occupants (driver plus passengers) cannot exceed five.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 10: “Transport more passengers than the number of seatbelts in the vehicle.”
14. According to the handbook, what is the correct procedure when approaching an intersection with an inoperative stop light?
Answer: Stop as though the intersection was controlled by a stop sign. The handbook states that drivers must treat an intersection with a broken signal as if it had a stop sign.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 17: “State law requires a driver at an intersection with an inoperative stop light to stop as though the intersection was controlled by a stop sign.”
15. What is the recommended action if you are driving significantly slower than surrounding traffic?
Answer: Pull over when safe to let vehicles pass. The handbook advises pulling over to allow traffic to pass if you are causing a backup by driving too slowly.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 38: “If vehicles are piled up behind you, pull over when it is safe to do so and let them pass.”
16. When changing lanes, why is it necessary to look over your shoulder in addition to checking your mirrors?
Answer: To see vehicles in blind spots that mirrors cannot show. The handbook explains that blind spots are areas not visible in mirrors, requiring a head turn to check for vehicles.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 25: “Be sure no one is near the rear corners of your vehicle. These areas are called “blind spots” because you cannot see them through your mirrors.”
17. What should you do when approaching the entrance ramp to a highway?
Answer: Allow entering traffic to merge safely. The handbook states that drivers approaching a highway entrance ramp must allow entering traffic to merge safely.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 22: “If you are approaching the entrance ramp to a highway, allow entering traffic to merge safely.”
18. What is the recommended procedure for backing a vehicle when it is necessary?
Answer: Turn around and look over your right shoulder so that you can look directly through the rear window. The handbook advises looking over the shoulder through the rear window rather than relying solely on mirrors for a clear view.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 26: “Turn around and look over your right shoulder so that you can look directly through the rear window. Do not depend on your rearview or side mirrors, as you cannot see directly behind your vehicle with these.”
19. What action should you take if a truck passes you?
Answer: Slow down slightly to shorten the passing time. The handbook instructs drivers to slow down slightly when being passed by a truck to reduce the time needed for the maneuver, noting that speeding up is dangerous.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 22: “If a truck passes you, help the truck driver to pass safely by slowing down slightly to shorten the time required to pass.”
20. How should a driver respond to a flashing yellow traffic light?
Answer: Slow down and proceed with caution. The handbook defines the flashing yellow signal as a directive to slow down and proceed carefully.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 47: “A flashing yellow traffic light means slow down and proceed with caution.”