18 questions from the Connecticut driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When driving under instruction, what is the minimum age requirement for the accompanying qualified trainer?
Answer: 20 years of age or older. The handbook specifies that a qualified trainer accompanying a learner must be at least 20 years old.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 9: “The learner’s permit holder must be under the instruction and while driving be accompanied by a commercial driving school instructor, secondary school instructor or a qualified trainer, who is a person 20 years of age or older who has held a license, which has not been suspended for four or more consecutive years prior to training.”
2. What is the recommended action when you are being followed closely by another vehicle?
Answer: Pull to the right and allow the vehicle behind you to pass. The handbook instructs drivers to pull to the right to let the following vehicle pass when being tailgated.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 23: “If you are being followed closely, pull to the right and allow the vehicle behind you to pass.”
3. Why should you avoid stopping too close behind a truck on an upgrade?
Answer: To prevent your vehicle from being damaged if the truck rolls back. The handbook advises leaving space behind trucks on hills specifically to avoid damage to your vehicle in case the truck rolls backward when starting.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 22: “Avoid stopping too close behind a truck on an upgrade. If the truck rolls back when starting up, your vehicle could be damaged.”
4. When using the Push/Pull method for steering, how should the driver's knuckles be positioned?
Answer: Facing outward as the hands hold the wheel firmly on the outside rim. The handbook instructs that in the Push/Pull method, knuckles must face outward while holding the rim firmly.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 16: “In the Push/Pull method a driver’s knuckles should be facing outward as the hands are holding the steering wheel firmly on the outside rim.”
5. How does the handbook define an 'alcohol drink' for the purpose of assessing impairment?
Answer: 1.5 oz. of 80-proof liquor, 12 oz. of beer, or 5 oz. of wine. The handbook provides specific volume measurements for liquor, beer, and wine to define a standard drink.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 35: “An alcohol drink is: 1.5 oz. of 80-proof liquor (one shot glass) straight or with a mixer, 12 oz. of beer (a regular size can, bottle, mug, or glass), or a 5 oz. glass of wine.”
6. How many hours of behind-the-wheel, on-the-road training are required for applicants who are 16 or 17 years of age?
Answer: At least 40 hours. The handbook states that drivers aged 16 or 17 must complete a minimum of 40 hours of driving practice.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 9: “All applicants who are 16 or 17 years of age must have at least 40 hours of behind the-wheel, on-the-road training.”
7. What does a round yellow warning sign with an “X” symbol and black “RR” letters indicate?
Answer: There is a railroad crossing ahead. The handbook defines this specific sign shape and color combination as a warning for an upcoming railroad crossing.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 54: “A round yellow warning sign with an “X” symbol and black “RR” letters is placed along the road before you get to a railroad crossing.”
8. When should a driver begin slowing down when exiting a high-speed roadway?
Answer: Only after moving onto the exit ramp. The rule specifies maintaining speed on the main road and only reducing speed once the vehicle has entered the exit ramp.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 23: “If the road you are traveling has exit ramps, do not slow down until you move onto the exit ramp.”
9. What is the correct procedure for using the 'three-second rule' to check following distance?
Answer: Count three seconds from when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a stationary object. The handbook instructs drivers to start counting when the rear of the leading vehicle passes a fixed point, not when their own vehicle does.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 23: “Watch for when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a sign, pole, or any other stationary point.”
10. What action is required when you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction?
Answer: Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until the vehicle has passed. Drivers are required to pull over to the right and stop completely until the emergency vehicle passes.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 18: “When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction you must pull over to the right edge of the road, or as near to the right as possible, and stop your vehicle.”
11. What is the meaning of a square sign with a white horizontal line inside a red ball?
Answer: You cannot enter. The handbook directly states that this specific sign configuration indicates that entry is prohibited.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 49: “A square sign with a white horizontal line inside a red ball means you cannot enter.”
12. What action should a driver take regarding their horn when near a bicyclist?
Answer: Sound it only if you have good cause to warn them. Drivers are instructed to use their horn near bicyclists only when there is a valid reason to warn them, to avoid startling them.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 19: “Do not sound your horn close to bicyclists, unless you have good cause to warn the bicyclist.”
13. What is the recommended headlight setting for driving in unlighted conditions?
Answer: Use high beams where unlighted conditions require them. The handbook states that while low beams are generally preferred, high beams are required in unlighted conditions.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 28: “Keep headlights on low beam, except where unlighted conditions require the use of high beams.”
14. During the first six months after receiving a license, which passenger is permitted to ride with a 16- or 17-year-old driver?
Answer: One person who is at least 20 years old and has held a license for four consecutive years. The handbook specifies that during the first six months, only specific adults meeting age and licensing history criteria, instructors, or parents are allowed, excluding younger friends or multiple young passengers.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 10: “One person who is at least 20 years old, has held a driver’s license for four or more consecutive years and whose license has not been suspended during the four years preceding the time of being transported.”
15. What is the recommended horn usage when there is no immediate danger but you need to alert a pedestrian or cyclist?
Answer: Give your horn a light tap. The handbook specifies that a light tap is sufficient for non-emergency situations to get attention without causing unnecessary disturbance.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 40: “If there is no immediate danger, a light tap on the horn should be all you need.”
16. What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a learner's permit in Connecticut?
Answer: At least 16 years of age. The handbook states that applicants must be at least 16 years old to obtain a learner's permit.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 7: “You must be at least 16 years of age.”
17. What should a driver do at a railroad crossing with more than one track after a train passes?
Answer: Wait until the passing train is well down the track before starting to cross. Drivers must wait for the first train to clear significantly because it may hide another approaching train.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 17: “At crossings with more than one track, wait until the passing train is well down the track before starting to cross.”
18. What should a driver do if their vehicle begins to skid?
Answer: Stay off the brake and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go. The handbook advises against braking during a skid and instructs the driver to steer toward the desired direction of travel.
Connecticut driver handbook, page 42: “Stay off the brake. Until the vehicle slows, your brakes will not work and could cause you to skid more.”