20 questions from the Kansas driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When turning left at an intersection, what should a driver do before completing the turn?
Answer: Pull into the intersection and search for a safe gap in traffic. The guide instructs drivers to position their vehicle within the intersection and verify a safe gap in oncoming traffic before executing the left turn.
Kansas driver handbook, page 57: “When turning left at an intersection, pull into the intersection to be ready to turn left. Before turning left across oncoming traffic, look for a safe gap in the traffic.”
2. When is a driver aged 16-17 permitted to drive according to the time restrictions listed?
Answer: From 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. The handbook lists specific hours during which drivers aged 16-17 are allowed to drive, starting at 5 a.m. and ending at 9 p.m.
Kansas driver handbook, page 12: “May drive anytime: • From 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.”
3. According to the handbook, what is the recommended minimum time gap behind the vehicle you intend to pass before steering into the passing lane?
Answer: At least two seconds behind the vehicle. The handbook states that drivers should pass from at least two seconds behind the vehicle to ensure enough space to avoid hitting the rear of the car.
Kansas driver handbook, page 65: “Pass from at least two seconds behind the vehicle to be passed to avoid striking the rear side of the vehicle.”
4. When using a shared center left turn lane, what is the recommended timing for entering the lane?
Answer: Do not move into the lane too soon. The handbook advises against entering the shared lane too early to avoid conflicts with oncoming traffic.
Kansas driver handbook, page 44: “When using a shared left turn lane do not move into the lane too soon.”
5. According to the handbook, what is the safest way to change direction if you are headed in the incorrect direction?
Answer: Turn right and go around the block. The handbook states that turning right and going around the block is the safest method for changing direction.
Kansas driver handbook, page 47: “The safest way to change direction is to turn right and go around the block.”
6. How should a driver position their hands on the steering wheel while driving?
Answer: Both hands on the outside of the steering wheel. The rule specifies keeping both hands on the outside of the steering wheel, except when operating other controls.
Kansas driver handbook, page 106: “Keep both hands on the outside of the steering wheel at all times unless using other controls.”
7. Why is backing into a driveway considered the safest way to perform a two-point turnabout?
Answer: It allows you to see traffic better when leaving the driveway. Backing into the driveway improves visibility of traffic when exiting the driveway.
Kansas driver handbook, page 48: “The safest way to perform a two-point turnabout is to back the vehicle into the driveway. This allows you to see traffic better when leaving the driveway.”
8. If a driver fails the knowledge test four times, how long must they wait before starting the process again?
Answer: 6 months. The handbook specifies a mandatory six-month waiting period after failing the exam four times.
Kansas driver handbook, page 94: “If you fail to pass the 4th time, you will be required to wait 6 months from the most recent failed exam before starting the process again.”
9. When making a right turn, how should a driver position their vehicle to avoid confusion for drivers behind them?
Answer: Turn right from the right-most lane. The handbook advises turning right from the right-most lane to prevent drivers behind from misinterpreting the maneuver as a lane change or left turn.
Kansas driver handbook, page 46: “Always turn right from the right-most lane or when lane markings indicate multiple lanes can be used for a right turn at the same time.”
10. What does a solid white line between lanes of traffic generally require a driver to do?
Answer: Stay within the lane unless a special situation requires a lane change. Solid white lines are intended to keep vehicles in their lanes, with exceptions only for special situations.
Kansas driver handbook, page 43: “A solid white line between lanes of traffic means that you must stay within the lane unless a special situation requires a lane change.”
11. For drivers under the age of 17, what condition must be met before taking the Driver’s License Test?
Answer: Hold an Instruction Permit for one full year or until reaching age 17. The handbook requires younger drivers to hold their permit for a year or until they turn 17, whichever happens first.
Kansas driver handbook, page 94: “If you are under 17 years old, you must hold your Instruction Permit for one full year or until reaching age 17 whichever comes first, before you are eligible to take the Driver’s License Test.”
12. For a 16-year-old applicant seeking a Restricted License, how many hours of supervised driving are required?
Answer: 50 hours. The handbook specifies that 16-year-old applicants must complete 50 hours of supervised driving, whereas 15-year-olds require only 25 hours.
Kansas driver handbook, page 12: “• 16-year-old applicants must have completed 50 hours of supervised driving with 10 at night”
13. According to the handbook, what should a driver do if the turn signal does not cancel automatically after making a turn or lane change?
Answer: Cancel the signal manually so other roadway users do not become confused. The handbook states that drivers are responsible for manually cancelling signals that fail to auto-cancel to prevent confusion for others.
Kansas driver handbook, page 70: “Drivers must cancel the signal if it has not cancelled by itself, so other roadway users do not become confused by an incorrect signal.”
14. When entering your vehicle on the street, how should you approach the driver’s door?
Answer: From the front of the vehicle with your key in hand. Approaching from the front allows the driver to see oncoming traffic before opening the door.
Kansas driver handbook, page 52: “When entering your vehicle on the street, approach the driver’s door with your key in hand from the front of the vehicle to increase awareness of oncoming traffic.”
15. According to the handbook, what does a flashing yellow 'X' signal indicate for a reversible lane?
Answer: The lane is for turning only. The handbook states that a flashing yellow X designates the lane for turning purposes only.
Kansas driver handbook, page 45: “A flashing yellow “X” means the lane is for turning only.”
16. Which of the following conditions is listed as reportable via the Blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign?
Answer: Malfunctions of warning signals, crossing gates and other safety devices. The handbook lists malfunctioning safety devices as one of the specific unsafe conditions that should be reported to the railroad dispatcher.
Kansas driver handbook, page 38: “Malfunctions of warning signals, crossing gates and other safety devices at the crossings;”
17. How far in advance should a driver signal when traveling at speeds above 40 mph?
Answer: 200 feet or 3 to 5 seconds. The handbook clearly states that at speeds exceeding 40 mph, the signal distance increases to 200 feet or 3 to 5 seconds.
Kansas driver handbook, page 69: “At speeds above 40 mph, signal 200 feet or 3 to 5 seconds before making a turn or a lane change.”
18. What is the minimum distance you must maintain from a fire hydrant when parking?
Answer: Within 15 ft. The list of no-parking zones specifies that parking is prohibited within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Kansas driver handbook, page 54: “Within 15 ft. of a fire hydrant”
19. According to the handbook, what is the recommended time gap to select when merging with other traffic flow?
Answer: 4 to 6 seconds. The handbook states that a gap of 4 to 6 seconds should be selected when merging.
Kansas driver handbook, page 64: “When merging with other traffic flow, select a gap in the traffic flow of 4 to 6 seconds.”
20. What is the maximum number of non-immediate family, minor passengers allowed in the vehicle for a driver aged 16-17?
Answer: Only one. The restrictions for drivers aged 16-17 specifically limit the vehicle to having only one non-immediate family minor passenger.
Kansas driver handbook, page 12: “Only one, non-immediate family, minor passenger allowed in the vehicle.”