20 questions from the Indiana driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. Why should a driver slow down earlier when driving on loose gravel rural roads?
Answer: To reduce the risk of skidding through a turn or stop. The handbook explains that reduced traction on gravel increases the risk of skidding, so slowing down earlier helps mitigate this risk.
Indiana driver handbook, page 51: “You must slow down earlier to reduce your risk of skidding through a turn or stop.”
2. What is the maximum speed limit for vehicles driving on a rural state divided highway?
Answer: 60 miles per hour. The specific rule for rural state divided highways sets the maximum speed at 60 miles per hour.
Indiana driver handbook, page 45: “On a rural state divided highway, vehicles may not exceed 60 miles per hour or the posted speed limit.”
3. Where should a red emergency reflective triangle be placed if a vehicle is stopped on a hill or curve?
Answer: 500 feet behind the vehicle. The handbook specifies that while the standard distance is 200 feet, it must be increased to 500 feet when on a hill or curve.
Indiana driver handbook, page 65: “Your red emergency reflective triangle should be placed 200 feet behind your vehicle, or 500 feet behind your vehicle if you are on a hill or curve.”
4. What does a pedestrian hybrid beacon display immediately after being activated by a pedestrian?
Answer: A flashing yellow light. The sequence begins with a flashing yellow light to allow drivers to clear the crossing before the red lights appear.
Indiana driver handbook, page 41: “Once activated by a pedestrian, the pedestrian hybrid beacon will display a flashing yellow light to allow drivers to clear the crossing.”
5. What is the correct action if a driver receives a traffic ticket during a stop?
Answer: Sign the ticket to acknowledge receipt. The handbook clarifies that signing the ticket is merely an acknowledgment of receipt, not an admission of guilt, and encourages compliance rather than argument.
Indiana driver handbook, page 66: “Signing a ticket is not an admission of the driver’s guilt, but only an acknowledgment of receiving the ticket.”
6. Where is a U-turn generally prohibited according to the handbook?
Answer: On an interstate highway. The handbook lists making a U-turn on an interstate highway as a prohibition, directing drivers to use the next exit instead.
Indiana driver handbook, page 44: “Never make a U-turn on an interstate highway. Instead, proceed to the next exit and re-enter the highway in the opposite direction”
7. When parking facing uphill, how should you position your vehicle's wheels?
Answer: Turn them away from the curb. The handbook states that when parking uphill, the wheels should be turned away from the curb.
Indiana driver handbook, page 59: “When you park facing uphill, turn your vehicle’s wheels away from the curb.”
8. What is the minimum distance a driver must leave when passing a bicyclist?
Answer: Three feet. The handbook specifies that a minimum of three feet of room is required when passing a bicyclist.
Indiana driver handbook, page 57: “Drivers may pass a bicyclist when there is a safe amount of room beside the bicyclist (minimum three feet) and when there is no danger from oncoming traffic”
9. According to Indiana law, what is the maximum cylinder capacity allowed for a vehicle to be defined as a Motor Driven Cycle (MDC)?
Answer: 50 cubic centimeters. The handbook states that an MDC must have a cylinder capacity that does not exceed 50 cubic centimeters.
Indiana driver handbook, page 20: “It has a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters”
10. If you are under 16 years of age and enrolled in a driver education program, who may accompany you while practicing driving?
Answer: A licensed driver training instructor or a certified driver rehabilitation specialist seated in the front passenger seat. The handbook specifies that drivers under 16 in a driver education program must be accompanied by a recognized instructor or rehabilitation specialist in the front seat.
Indiana driver handbook, page 9: “You may drive only when you are accompanied by a licensed driver training instructor or a certified driver rehabilitation specialist who is both recognized by the BMV and employed through a driver rehabilitation program. The instructor or rehabilitation specialist must be seated in the vehicle’s front passenger seat.”
11. What is the minimum age for a spouse to supervise driving practice for an applicant who is 18 years of age or older?
Answer: 21 years of age. While general supervisors must be 25, the handbook allows a spouse to supervise if they are licensed and at least 21 years old.
Indiana driver handbook, page 9: “You may practice driving with a learner’s permit only when accompanied by a licensed driver with valid (not expired, suspended, or revoked) driving privileges who is at least 25 years of age, or with your spouse provided he or she is licensed and at least 21 years of age or older.”
12. Where should a driver pull over when stopped by law enforcement if a shoulder is available?
Answer: To the right-side shoulder of the road. The handbook instructs drivers to move to the right-side shoulder, while specifically advising against stopping in the center median or on the opposite side of the road.
Indiana driver handbook, page 66: “Move your vehicle to the right-side shoulder of the road.”
13. What is the maximum height allowed for any vehicle operated without a special permit?
Answer: 13 feet, 6 inches. The handbook sets the maximum height limit for vehicles without a special permit at 13 feet, 6 inches.
Indiana driver handbook, page 54: “The maximum height of any vehicle that may be operated without a special permit is 13 feet, 6 inches.”
14. When approaching an intersection with a red flashing light where cross-traffic is NOT required to stop, when may you proceed?
Answer: Only when the intersection is clear and you will not interfere with the right of way of cross-traffic. The handbook specifies that under these conditions, you must ensure the intersection is clear and that you do not interfere with cross-traffic's right of way before proceeding.
Indiana driver handbook, page 39: “If you are facing a red flashing light at an intersection at which cross-traffic is not required to stop, you may proceed only when the intersection is clear and when you will not interfere with the right of way of cross-traffic.”
15. What action should a driver take when approaching an intersection with a yield sign?
Answer: Slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary for those with right of way. The rule requires slowing down and being ready to stop only if necessary to yield to vehicles or pedestrians with the right of way.
Indiana driver handbook, page 40: “A yield sign indicates that a driver must slow down when approaching an intersection and be prepared to come to a complete stop if a vehicle or pedestrian with the right of way is approaching from another direction.”
16. How should a driver behave when another vehicle is passing them on the left?
Answer: Allow the other vehicle to pass safely and do not increase speed. The rules state that drivers should allow passing vehicles to proceed safely without increasing their own speed.
Indiana driver handbook, page 43: “If another vehicle is passing you on the left-hand side of the road, allow the other vehicle to pass safely and do not increase your speed.”
17. Which of the following is an acceptable accompanying driver for a learner under 18 who is NOT enrolled in a driver education program?
Answer: A spouse who is licensed and at least 21 years of age. The handbook allows a spouse who is licensed and at least 21 years old to accompany the learner in this scenario.
Indiana driver handbook, page 9: “You may also choose to practice driving with your spouse, who must be licensed and at least 21 years of age.”
18. What action is recommended if conventional disc or drum brakes suddenly fail?
Answer: Shift to a lower gear and pump the brake pedal fast and hard. The handbook advises shifting to a lower gear and pumping the brake pedal rapidly to build pressure when brakes fail.
Indiana driver handbook, page 65: “If your vehicle’s conventional disc or drum brakes suddenly fail, you should shift to a lower gear, if possible, and pump the brake pedal fast and hard several times.”
19. What is the correct procedure for returning to your original lane after passing another vehicle?
Answer: Use the appropriate turn signal before returning. Drivers must use the appropriate turn signal before moving back into their original lane after completing a pass.
Indiana driver handbook, page 43: “Before returning to the lane in which you were originally driving, use the appropriate turn signal”
20. Which of the following vehicles is required by law to always stop at railroad crossings?
Answer: All school buses. The handbook lists school buses as one of the specific vehicle types legally required to stop at railroad crossings.
Indiana driver handbook, page 53: “Vehicles that must stop at railroad crossings include: • All vehicles carrying passengers for hire • All school buses • All vehicles carrying explosives or flammable liquids”