20 questions from the Delaware driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the required suspension period for a driver's license upon conviction for passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights for a second offense?
Answer: Six months. The handbook specifies that a second offense results in a suspension period of six months.
Delaware driver handbook, page 90: “Upon conviction for passing a stopped school bus with overhead and stop arm red lights flashing, the Division of Motor Vehicles shall suspend the driver license and/ or driving privilege for a period of one month for a first offense, six months for a second offense, or one year for a third or further subsequent violation occurring within three years of a prior violation.”
2. If traffic signals are in place but no lighted indication is visible, what should an approaching driver do?
Answer: Reduce speed and prepare to yield to other vehicles. When signals are dark, the rule is to reduce speed and yield to other vehicles, rather than stopping completely or proceeding normally.
Delaware driver handbook, page 70: “In the event that traffic signals are in place and no lighted indication is visible to an approaching driver, the approaching driver shall reduce speed and prepare to yield to other vehicles that are in or approaching the intersection.”
3. Which shape is uniquely associated with the stop sign according to the handbook?
Answer: 8-sided. The handbook identifies the octagonal (8-sided) shape as the exclusive identifier for stop signs among highway signage.
Delaware driver handbook, page 74: “The stop sign is the only 8-sided sign you will see on the highway.”
4. If you are currently inside an intersection and hear an emergency vehicle approaching, what does the handbook instruct you to do?
Answer: Drive through the intersection before pulling over. The handbook states that if you are already in an intersection, you should complete your passage through it before pulling over to yield.
Delaware driver handbook, page 89: “If you are in an intersection, drive through the intersection before you pull over.”
5. When parking headed downhill on a hill with a curb, how should the front wheels be turned?
Answer: Toward the curb or edge of the road. The rule states that front wheels must be turned toward the curb when parked downhill.
Delaware driver handbook, page 92: “When headed downhill you must turn your front wheels toward curb or edge of road.”
6. When applying for a first-time learner's permit in Delaware, what is the minimum age requirement for the licensed driver who must accompany you while learning?
Answer: At least 21 years of age. The handbook states that the accompanying licensed driver must be at least 21 years old.
Delaware driver handbook, page 30: “While you are learning to drive you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is qualified to drive the class of vehicle in which you are training, and they must be at least 21 years of age.”
7. When driving on a road with three or more lanes traveling in the same direction that has heavy entering and exiting traffic, which lane should you use?
Answer: The center travel lane. The handbook specifies that the center lane is preferred in this specific scenario to manage traffic flow effectively.
Delaware driver handbook, page 87: “On a road with three or more lanes traveling in the same direction, if there is a lot of entering or exiting traffic, use the center travel lane.”
8. When stopping quickly in a vehicle equipped with an ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), how should you apply the brakes?
Answer: Press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep pressing on it. For vehicles with ABS, the guide advises maintaining constant, hard pressure on the brake pedal rather than pumping it.
Delaware driver handbook, page 138: “Press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep pressing on it.”
9. What does the sign "HOV 3" indicate regarding lane usage?
Answer: The lane is reserved for vehicles with at least three people. The handbook clarifies that HOV 3 requires a minimum of three occupants in the vehicle.
Delaware driver handbook, page 85: “For example, “HOV 3” means there must be at least three people in the vehicle.”
10. According to the handbook, what is the general rule regarding the number of vehicles you should pass at one time?
Answer: Pass only one vehicle at a time. The handbook states that the general rule is to pass only one vehicle at a time to ensure safety.
Delaware driver handbook, page 131: “As a general rule only pass one vehicle at a time.”
11. When is a driver eligible to receive an occupational license during a suspension period under the Driver Improvement Problem Driver Program?
Answer: After the first month of the suspension. The rule states that occupational licenses are not issued during the first month, implying eligibility begins after that initial month.
Delaware driver handbook, page 48: “Occupational licenses are not issued during the first month of the suspension.”
12. Under what condition will a speeding violation of 1 to 14 mph over the posted limit NOT be assessed points?
Answer: If it is the first violation within any 3-year period and the ticket is paid as a guilty mail-in. Points are waived for minor speeding violations if it is the first violation in three years and the ticket is paid via specific methods like guilty mail-in.
Delaware driver handbook, page 48: “It is the first violation within any 3-year period; and • The ticket is paid through the Voluntary Assessment Center or Alderman’s Court recorded as a “guilty mail in” or through an online payment.”
13. Why should a driver not rely solely on an approaching vehicle's turn signal when deciding to turn?
Answer: The driver may plan to turn after passing your vehicle or may have forgotten to turn the signal off. The handbook advises waiting until the other driver actually starts to turn because signals can be misleading or left on by mistake.
Delaware driver handbook, page 131: “The driver may plan to turn after passing your vehicle or may have forgotten to turn the signal off from a prior turn.”
14. When merging onto a highway from a ramp, what is the correct procedure regarding speed?
Answer: Use the ramp to reach the speed of other vehicles before pulling onto the road. Drivers are instructed to match the speed of traffic while still on the ramp before merging to avoid rear-end collisions.
Delaware driver handbook, page 124: “Use the ramp to reach the speed of other vehicles before you pull onto the road.”
15. When parking a vehicle with a manual transmission on a hill headed uphill, which gear should be left engaged to help prevent a crash if the brake fails?
Answer: Low gear. The handbook specifies that low gear is used for uphill parking with manual transmissions, while reverse is used for downhill.
Delaware driver handbook, page 91: “If your car has a manual transmission, leave it in low gear when parked and headed uphill.”
16. According to the handbook, what is the specific purpose of a five-sided sign that is black on yellow?
Answer: To warn of schools and school crossings. The handbook states that this specific shape and color combination is used exclusively for school-related warnings.
Delaware driver handbook, page 75: “Five-sided sign black on yellow is used only to warn of schools and school crossings.”
17. How does the handbook define the "Zipper Merge" method for merging traffic?
Answer: Drivers use both lanes to advance to the lane reduction point and merge alternating turns. The handbook describes the zipper merge as using both lanes until the reduction point, then alternating merges.
Delaware driver handbook, page 77: “Drivers in merging lanes are expected to use both lanes to advance to the lane reduction point and merge at the location, alternating turns.”
18. What is the typical speed limit for farm tractors, animal-drawn vehicles, and roadway maintenance vehicles?
Answer: 25 mph or less. The handbook specifies that these specific types of slow-moving vehicles typically travel at speeds of 25 mph or less.
Delaware driver handbook, page 125: “Farm tractors, animal-drawn vehicles, and roadway maintenance vehicles usually go 25 mph or less.”
19. Under what condition is it lawful to drive slower than the posted minimum speed limit?
Answer: When necessary for safety or compliance with the law. The handbook allows driving slower than minimum limits only when necessary for safety or legal compliance, not for convenience or vehicle type.
Delaware driver handbook, page 94: “You must not drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when necessary for safety or compliance with the law.”
20. What is the correct action when approaching a hill or curve where visibility is limited?
Answer: Adjust your speed so you can stop if necessary. The handbook instructs drivers to adjust their speed specifically to ensure they can stop if needed when visibility is restricted by hills or curves.
Delaware driver handbook, page 126: “Whenever you come to a hill or curve where you cannot see over or around, adjust your speed so you can stop if necessary.”