20 questions from the Kansas driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What action should you take when you are aware that another vehicle intends to pass you?
Answer: Move to the right side of the lane and maintain a constant speed. The rules state that when being passed, the driver should stay right and keep a steady speed to facilitate a safe and predictable passing maneuver.
Kansas driver handbook, page 66: “Once aware that a vehicle wants to pass, move to the right side of the lane. Maintain a constant speed to allow the driver to pass you.”
2. When driving at 55 to 60 mph, how far ahead must you be able to see before starting to pass a vehicle near a hill or curve?
Answer: At least 1/3 of a mile. The handbook specifies that at speeds of 55 to 60 mph, a driver needs visibility of at least one-third of a mile to safely judge passing opportunities near hills or curves.
Kansas driver handbook, page 66: “You must be able to see at least 1/3 of a mile or about 20 to 25 seconds ahead when driving at 55 to 60 mph.”
3. When performing a reverse two-point turnabout, how should you steer while backing slowly?
Answer: Steer rapidly all the way to the right. The instructions for a reverse two-point turnabout specify steering rapidly to the right while backing.
Kansas driver handbook, page 48: “While backing slowly, steer rapidly all the way to the right.”
4. According to the handbook, what is the minimum total stopping distance for a vehicle traveling at 50 mph in ideal conditions?
Answer: 268 feet. The handbook states that the total minimum distance traveled at 50 mph, including perception, reaction, and braking distances, is 268 feet.
Kansas driver handbook, page 58: “At 50 mph, your vehicle will travel a minimum of 268 feet.”
5. What is the primary function of an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)?
Answer: It allows steering and braking at the same time without losing vehicle balance. The handbook defines ABS as a system that enables simultaneous steering and braking while maintaining stability.
Kansas driver handbook, page 62: “ABS is designed to allow steering and braking at the same time without losing vehicle balance.”
6. When parking your vehicle downhill, how should you position the steering wheel?
Answer: Turn the steering wheel sharply toward the edge or curb side of the roadway. The handbook instructs drivers to turn the wheel toward the curb when parking downhill so the vehicle rolls away from traffic if it moves.
Kansas driver handbook, page 52: “Turn the steering wheel sharply toward the edge or curb side of the roadway while moving slowly forward.”
7. What is the typical shape and color of standard warning signs described in the handbook?
Answer: Diamond shaped and usually yellow. The handbook specifies that warning signs are typically diamond-shaped and yellow with black lettering or symbols.
Kansas driver handbook, page 35: “These signs are usually yellow with black lettering or symbols and are diamond shaped.”
8. What action is required when an emergency vehicle approaches from behind with flashing red lights and/or a siren?
Answer: Immediately drive to the right and stop without blocking any intersection. The handbook mandates moving to the right and stopping without blocking intersections when an emergency vehicle approaches.
Kansas driver handbook, page 18: “Immediately drive to the right and stop without blocking any intersection.”
9. What is the correct procedure when stopping at a location that has both a stop line and a crosswalk?
Answer: Stop behind the stop line. The handbook specifies that when a stop line is present before the crosswalk, it takes precedence over the crosswalk markings for stopping.
Kansas driver handbook, page 44: “If there is a stop line before the crosswalk, the stop line must be obeyed first.”
10. How much additional time should you add to your following distance if your vehicle is being followed too closely?
Answer: Increase following distance by 2 to 3 seconds. The handbook specifies increasing the following distance by 2 to 3 seconds when being tailgated to allow for stopping time.
Kansas driver handbook, page 64: “If your vehicle is being followed too closely increase your following distance by 2 to 3 seconds to allow for more time and space to stop.”
11. What is the correct procedure when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle using flashing warning lights on a multi-lane highway?
Answer: Move to a lane that is not next to the stopped emergency vehicle. The handbook instructs drivers to move to a lane not adjacent to the stopped vehicle to proceed with due caution.
Kansas driver handbook, page 18: “move to a lane that is not next to the stopped emergency vehicle.”
12. Who is eligible to accompany a new driver during practice in low-traveled residential areas?
Answer: A parent, guardian, or friend who is properly licensed and over age 21. The handbook requires the accompanying person to be properly licensed and specifically over the age of 21.
Kansas driver handbook, page 104: “With a parent/guardian or friend, who is properly licensed and over the age of 21, practice driving in low traveled, residential areas until you are confident you can drive in other types of traffic situations, such as urban areas and expressways.”
13. How should you signal when intending to turn left while navigating a roundabout?
Answer: Signal right once you have traveled three quarters of the way around. The handbook instructs drivers to signal right after traveling three-quarters of the circle to indicate their intent to exit for a left turn.
Kansas driver handbook, page 50: “If you intend to turn left, once you have traveled three quarters of the way around the traffic circle or roundabout, signal “right” to take the exit.”
14. What does a 'Shared Center Lane Left Turn Only' sign indicate about how the lane should be used?
Answer: It is reserved for left turning vehicles from either direction and not used for through traffic. The handbook specifies that this lane is exclusively for left turns from either direction and prohibits its use for through traffic or passing.
Kansas driver handbook, page 40: “This sign tells you where a lane is reserved for the use of left turning vehicles from either direction and is not to be used for through traffic or passing other vehicles.”
15. What is the required procedure when approaching a stopped vehicle from behind on a multi-lane road?
Answer: Slow down and do not pass until sure no pedestrians are crossing in front. Drivers must ensure the path is clear of pedestrians before passing a stopped vehicle, even on multi-lane roads.
Kansas driver handbook, page 80: “When approaching a stopped vehicle from behind, slow down and do not pass until you are sure that there are no pedestrians crossing in front of it.”
16. When entering a road from a driveway or alley, what is the required action?
Answer: Yield to vehicles already on the main road. Drivers entering from a driveway or alley must yield to traffic already established on the main roadway.
Kansas driver handbook, page 34: “When entering a road from a driveway, alley or roadside you must yield to vehicles already on the main road.”
17. When entering a roundabout or traffic circle, what is the recommended speed?
Answer: Slow your speed to about 15 to 20 mph. The handbook states that drivers should slow down to approximately 15 to 20 mph when negotiating the sharp curve of a roundabout.
Kansas driver handbook, page 49: “Slow your speed to about 15 to 20 mph.”
18. When a crossing gate is lowered at a highway-railroad grade crossing, when may a driver move around the gate?
Answer: When the gate is lifted or the lights have stopped. The handbook clearly states that drivers must wait until the gate lifts or the lights stop flashing before moving around the gate.
Kansas driver handbook, page 37: “You may not move around the gate until the gate is lifted or the lights have stopped.”
19. What is the maximum speed limit on any county or township highway unless otherwise posted?
Answer: 55 mph. The handbook lists 55 mph as the limit for county or township highways outside of towns.
Kansas driver handbook, page 62: “55mph on any county or township, highway”
20. Under which condition does the handbook advise against attempting to pass another vehicle?
Answer: When there is a railroad grade crossing within the 20 to 25 second area ahead. The handbook instructs drivers to refrain from passing if a railroad crossing is within the immediate time and distance window ahead to ensure safety.
Kansas driver handbook, page 66: “You should not pass if there is a railroad grade crossing within the 20 to 25 second area ahead.”