20 questions from the Idaho driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. Where is the pennant-shaped 'No Passing Zone' sign typically located?
Answer: On the left-hand side of the road or highway. The handbook states that the pennant-shaped sign is placed on the left-hand side of the road or highway.
Idaho driver handbook, page 52: “No Passing Zone: This pennant-shaped sign will be on the left-hand side of the road or highway in addition to a “DO NOT PASS” sign or pavement markings.”
2. When backing up, what technique does the handbook recommend for seeing behind the vehicle?
Answer: Put your right arm on the back of the passenger seat and look over your shoulder. The handbook instructs drivers to place their right arm on the back of the passenger seat and look over their shoulder, advising against relying solely on mirrors.
Idaho driver handbook, page 82: “Put your right arm on the back of the passenger seat and look over your shoulder directly through the rear window. Don’t rely on your mirrors.”
3. When approaching an emergency vehicle stopped with flashing lights on a road with multiple lanes traveling in the same direction, what action is required if it is safe to do so?
Answer: Change lanes into a lane that is not adjacent to the emergency vehicle. The handbook requires drivers to move away from the emergency vehicle by changing lanes when multiple lanes are available and safe conditions permit.
Idaho driver handbook, page 95: “If you are traveling on a road with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, you are also required to change lanes into a lane that is not adjacent to the emergency vehicle, as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so.”
4. Why does the handbook advise against shifting gears while driving through a railroad crossing?
Answer: It may cause your vehicle to stall on the tracks. The handbook directly links shifting gears in a crossing to the risk of the vehicle stalling on the tracks.
Idaho driver handbook, page 61: “Never shift gears while driving through a crossing; this may cause your vehicle to stall on the tracks.”
5. What is the correct procedure when passing a large vehicle?
Answer: Keep a steady speed and ensure you can see the cab in your rear-view mirror before merging. Drivers must maintain steady speed and verify visibility of the truck's cab in the mirror before merging back.
Idaho driver handbook, page 105: “Because it takes longer to pass a large vehicle, you should keep a steady speed when passing and be sure you can see the cab of the large vehicle in your rear-view mirror before merging back into the lane.”
6. When following a large vehicle, how can you determine if you are in the driver's blind spot?
Answer: If you cannot see the driver's mirrors. The handbook states that if you cannot see the driver's mirrors, you are in their blind spot and they cannot see you.
Idaho driver handbook, page 105: “If you are following a large vehicle and you are unable to see the driver’s mirrors, then the driver cannot see you.”
7. When is it appropriate for a driver to occupy the bike lane in the dashed line area?
Answer: When turning right at an intersection. The handbook specifies that occupying the dashed bike lane area is permitted specifically when making a right turn at an intersection.
Idaho driver handbook, page 100: “When turning right at an intersection, you may occupy the bike lane in the dashed line area.”
8. What is the correct procedure when approaching a four-way stop where two vehicles arrive simultaneously?
Answer: The vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. The rule for simultaneous arrival at a four-way stop dictates that the left-side vehicle yields to the right-side vehicle.
Idaho driver handbook, page 75: “If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right.”
9. Which lane is designated for higher-speed traffic and passing on a freeway?
Answer: The left lane. The handbook specifies that the left lane is reserved for faster traffic and passing maneuvers.
Idaho driver handbook, page 85: “The left lane is for higher-speed traffic and passing.”
10. When approaching a stop sign where there is no clearly marked stop line, where must you stop?
Answer: Before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. The handbook specifies that in the absence of a stop line, the driver must stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side.
Idaho driver handbook, page 44: “If no stop line, then stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.”
11. What is the minimum safe clearance distance a driver should maintain when passing a bicyclist if changing lanes is not possible?
Answer: At least three (3) feet. The handbook states that when unable to change lanes, the minimum safe clearance margin when passing a bicyclist is at least three feet.
Idaho driver handbook, page 98: “If you are not able to change lanes, pass with as much clearance as possible. A safe margin is at least three (3) feet.”
12. What is the consequence of refusing to sign a traffic ticket issued by an officer?
Answer: Your refusal may result in your arrest. The handbook states that while signing is not an admission of guilt, refusing to sign can lead to arrest.
Idaho driver handbook, page 133: “Your acceptance and signature on a traffic ticket is not an admission of guilt; however, the refusal to sign a traffic ticket may result in your arrest.”
13. When driving a vehicle equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) during an emergency stop, what is the correct method for applying the brakes?
Answer: Apply continuous pressure on the brake pedal. The handbook instructs drivers to apply continuous pressure rather than pumping the pedal to maintain ABS effectiveness.
Idaho driver handbook, page 116: “During an emergency stop that requires hard braking, apply continuous pressure on the brake pedal. Do Not Pump the Brake Pedal as this will defeat the system’s design, reduce the effectiveness of the ABS, and increase the distance required to stop the vehicle.”
14. What is the correct procedure regarding your hands during a traffic stop?
Answer: Keep your hands on the steering wheel so they are easily observable. The handbook specifies that hands should remain on the steering wheel to ensure they are visible to the officer.
Idaho driver handbook, page 132: “Keep your hands on the steering wheel so they are easily observable.”
15. Why should you avoid using emergency flashers while your vehicle is moving?
Answer: Other drivers may think you have stopped. The handbook explains that moving vehicles should not use emergency flashers because it confuses other drivers into thinking the car is stationary.
Idaho driver handbook, page 111: “Also avoid using your emergency flashers while moving—other drivers may think you’ve stopped.”
16. When is a motor vehicle required to yield to a pedestrian?
Answer: When the pedestrian is in a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection. The handbook lists being in a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection as a specific condition requiring drivers to yield.
Idaho driver handbook, page 75: “Motor vehicles must yield to a pedestrian when: • • • The pedestrian is in a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.”
17. What does the 'Divided Highway Ends' sign warn drivers about?
Answer: Two-way traffic ahead will no longer be divided by a center strip. Drivers should expect oncoming traffic in the adjacent lane as the physical divider ends.
Idaho driver handbook, page 51: “Two-way traffic ahead will no longer be divided by a center strip.”
18. Which of the following is a valid exception to the rule of keeping to the right side of the road?
Answer: When preparing to make a left turn. The handbook lists preparing to make a left turn as one of the specific exceptions to staying as far right as possible.
Idaho driver handbook, page 74: “The exceptions are: • • • • • • When preparing to make a left turn”
19. What action is recommended to ensure a bicyclist sees you before proceeding?
Answer: Wave a hand or nod your head. The handbook advises using visual cues like waving or nodding to communicate intent, rather than auditory signals.
Idaho driver handbook, page 101: “If you want to make sure a bicyclist sees you, wave a hand or nod your head, and wait for the bicyclist’s reaction.”
20. What is the correct procedure for a driver approaching a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon when the two red lights are flashing alternately?
Answer: Stop, yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk, and proceed when clear. The handbook mandates that drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians when the hybrid beacon's red lights flash alternately, proceeding only once the crosswalk is clear.
Idaho driver handbook, page 57: “When the red lights flash alternately, the driver must stop, yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk, and proceed when the crosswalk is clear.”