20 questions from the Kentucky driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. Which of the following is a characteristic of an autocycle as defined in the handbook?
Answer: It has three wheels in contact with the ground. The definition lists three wheels in contact with the ground as a defining characteristic of an autocycle.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 78: “Autocycles travel with three (3) wheels in contact with the ground;”
2. When entering a multi-lane highway, who has the right of way?
Answer: The existing traffic on the highway. Drivers entering the highway must yield to traffic already on the roadway.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 55: “The existing traffic has the right of way, so make sure it is clear before you merge.”
3. Where should children aged 12 and younger be seated in a vehicle?
Answer: In the back seat. The handbook specifies that children 12 and under belong in the back seat, not the front.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 38: “Children 12 years of age and under should ride in the back seat in a safety belt or child restraint system.”
4. Why should you avoid driving near vehicles carrying hazardous materials?
Answer: They are required to stop at all railroad crossings. The handbook notes that these specific vehicles must stop at railroad crossings, requiring other drivers to anticipate sudden stops.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 72: “Vehicles carrying hazardous materials must stop at all railroad crossings. Be prepared.”
5. When driving on a road with three or more lanes in one direction, which lanes are designated for through traffic?
Answer: The middle lane or lanes. The handbook specifies that middle lanes are reserved for through traffic, while outer lanes serve other purposes like passing or turning.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 54: “If there are three or more lanes in one direction, the middle lane or lanes are for through traffic.”
6. When is a driver NOT required to stop for a stopped school bus on a roadway?
Answer: When traveling in the opposite direction on a roadway with four or more lanes separated by an elevated barrier or unpaved median. The exception to stopping applies specifically when driving opposite a bus on a multi-lane road divided by a physical barrier or median.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 52: “A stop is not required only when traveling in the opposite direction on a roadway with four or more lanes that is separated by an elevated barrier or an unpaved median.”
7. What does a red arrow indicate to a driver?
Answer: Stop and wait until the arrow turns green before turning. The handbook states that a red arrow prohibits turning until the signal changes to green.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 43: “A red arrow means no turning in the direction of the arrow, until it turns green.”
8. What is the general rule for right of way when two vehicles approach a narrow or single-lane bridge?
Answer: The first driver to the bridge has right of way. The handbook specifies that typically the driver who arrives at the bridge first has the right of way.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 77: “Take turns crossing the bridge; generally, the first driver to the bridge has right of way.”
9. If your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes and begins to skid, how should you slow the vehicle?
Answer: Slow the vehicle by pumping the brakes gently. The handbook advises drivers without ABS to pump brakes gently rather than braking hard, which locks wheels and worsens skids.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 64: “Instead, slow the vehicle by pumping the brakes gently.”
10. What is the minimum distance a vehicle must maintain from a bicycle or electric low-speed scooter when passing in a single-lane direction?
Answer: Three feet. The handbook specifies a minimum clearance of three feet when overtaking bicycles or scooters in single-lane scenarios.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 56: “If there is only one (1) lane for traffic traveling in the same direction, pass to the left keeping at least three (3) feet between your vehicle and the bicycle or electric low-speed scooter.”
11. According to the Kentucky Driver Handbook, what is the minimum distance required between your vehicle and a bicycle or electric low-speed scooter when passing if space is limited?
Answer: Three feet. The handbook states that a minimum distance of three feet is required when passing bicycles or electric scooters.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 56: “Use reasonable caution in passing if space on the roadway is not available to have a minimum distance of three (3) feet between your vehicle and the bicycle or electric low-speed scooter.”
12. How many hours of night driving are required within the total practice driving log for a permit holder?
Answer: 10 hours. The requirement specifies that out of the 60 total hours, exactly 10 hours must be driven at night.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 14: “The Practice Driving Log, signed and certified by the parent/legal guardian, that lists 60 hours of practice driving, 10 of those hours being at night.”
13. When towing a trailer, how should you adjust your following distance compared to driving without a trailer?
Answer: Allow extra space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. The handbook advises allowing extra space because a vehicle-trailer combination requires more distance to stop.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 79: “Allow extra space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you when towing.”
14. Why should a driver avoid honking their horn at a blind person?
Answer: Because the blind person may be startled by the noise. The handbook advises against honking because the blind person may be startled by the noise since they do not know who is being addressed.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 68: “Do not honk your horn at a blind person. The blind person has no idea who you are honking at and may be startled by the noise.”
15. If the trailer begins to sway or whip while driving, what action should you take?
Answer: Steer straight and reduce speed gradually. The instructions specify steering straight and reducing speed gradually while avoiding braking.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 79: “If the trailer begins to sway or whip, steer straight and reduce speed gradually, do not apply the brakes.”
16. How long must permit holders aged 15 through 20 hold their driving permit before becoming eligible for the next stage?
Answer: For a minimum of 180 days. The handbook clearly defines the mandatory holding period for permits for this age group as a minimum of 180 days.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 13: “Permit holders ages 15 – 20 must hold the driving permit for a minimum of 180 days.”
17. What is the correct placement for a rear-facing child safety seat?
Answer: In the back seat. The handbook instructs that rear-facing seats should not be in front of an active airbag, implying they belong in the back seat.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 39: “Never place a rear-facing child safety seat in front of an active passenger air bag.”
18. When passing a bicyclist, what is the recommended minimum space to allow between your vehicle and the bicycle?
Answer: Three feet. The handbook states that at least three feet of space is recommended when passing bicyclists.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 69: “At least three feet of space is recommended when passing bicyclists and the passing vehicles should move back into the right lane only when well clear of the bicyclist.”
19. What is the first action recommended if your accelerator gets stuck?
Answer: Shift to neutral and search for an escape path. The handbook lists shifting to neutral and finding an escape path as the initial steps when dealing with a stuck accelerator.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 66: “Shift to neutral and search for an escape path.”
20. How should a driver position their hands on the steering wheel to avoid injury from airbag deployment?
Answer: On the outside of the steering wheel. The handbook advises placing hands on the outside of the wheel to avoid injury when the airbag deploys.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 38: “Drivers should place their hands on the outside of the steering wheel – never across the steering wheel where the airbag deploys.”