20 questions from the Kentucky driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the average perception time for an alert driver to recognize that they must stop?
Answer: ¾ second to 1 second. The handbook defines the average perception time range specifically as three-quarters of a second to one second.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 58: “The average perception time for an alert driver is ¾ second to 1 second.”
2. According to the handbook, how far before an intersection should you signal your intention to turn?
Answer: 100 feet before the turn. The handbook states that drivers must signal their intentions 100 feet prior to making a turn at an intersection.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 50: “If you plan to turn at an intersection, signal 100 feet before the turn.”
3. What is the required action when approaching an intersection with an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights and sounding a siren?
Answer: Drive to the right side of the road or curb, clear of any intersection, and stop. Drivers must move to the right curb, ensuring they are clear of intersections, and remain stopped until the vehicle passes.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 73: “When you become aware of the approach of a vehicle displaying a flashing red or blue light, or when you hear a siren, you must immediately drive to the right side of the road or to the curb, clear of any intersection, and stop.”
4. What is the correct procedure if you have passed your intended exit on an interstate highway?
Answer: Proceed to the next exit and work your way back. The handbook instructs drivers to continue forward to the next exit rather than reversing or turning around in the median.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 61: “If you have passed your exit on an interstate or freeway, never back up or try to turn around. Proceed to the next exit and work your way back to where you want to go.”
5. According to the handbook, during what specific time period must headlights be illuminated?
Answer: One-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. The handbook defines the mandatory time window for headlight usage as starting half an hour after sunset and ending half an hour before sunrise.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 62: “Headlights must be illuminated during the period from one-half (1/2) hour after sunset to one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise.”
6. What is the legal requirement for drivers under the age of 21 regarding alcohol consumption?
Answer: It is illegal to purchase, possess, and drink alcoholic beverages. The handbook states that for those under 21, purchasing, possessing, and drinking alcohol is illegal.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 33: “If you are under the age of 21, it is illegal to purchase, possess, and drink alcoholic beverages.”
7. What should a driver do regarding braking if a tire blows out?
Answer: Do not brake; allow the vehicle to slow by itself. The handbook advises against braking during a blowout, suggesting the vehicle should slow naturally or with gentle braking only.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 65: “Do not brake. Allow the vehicle to slow by itself or brake gently if necessary.”
8. What is the minimum distance a driver must be able to see ahead using low-beam headlights?
Answer: 100 feet. The handbook specifies that low beams must illuminate the road sufficiently to reveal a person 100 feet ahead.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 20: “Headlights on high beam must be strong enough to light the road sufficiently to reveal a person 350 feet ahead, and 100 feet ahead on low beam.”
9. What is the speed limit in an off-street parking facility offered for public use in Kentucky?
Answer: 15 MPH. The handbook clearly lists 15 MPH as the speed limit for off-street parking facilities.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 57: “15 MPH – The speed limit in an off-street parking facility offered for public use, whether publicly or privately owned, shall be fifteen miles per hour.”
10. What is the requirement for the vehicle's taillights regarding visibility?
Answer: They must be red and visible from 500 feet behind. The handbook states that taillights must be red and visible from a distance of 500 feet behind the vehicle.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 20: “The rear light, or taillight, must be red and must be lighted and placed so it can be seen 500 feet behind your vehicle.”
11. What should a driver do when a large truck or bus is making a right turn?
Answer: Do not turn until the truck or bus has completed its turn. Drivers should wait for the large vehicle to finish its maneuver to avoid being squeezed between the vehicle and the curb.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 72: “To avoid a crash, do not turn until the truck or bus has completed its turn.”
12. When approaching an authorized emergency vehicle stopped on the roadside, what action should you take if safety and traffic conditions permit?
Answer: Make a lane change into a lane not next to that of the authorized emergency vehicle. The handbook instructs drivers to change lanes away from the emergency vehicle when safe to do so.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 74: “When approaching an authorized emergency vehicle stopped on the roadside, you should proceed with caution by slowing and yielding the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not next to that of the authorized emergency vehicle if safety and traffic conditions permit.”
13. Where should emergency flares be placed if your engine shuts off while driving?
Answer: About 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle. The handbook specifies placing flares 200 to 300 feet behind the disabled vehicle to give approaching drivers adequate time to react.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 66: “Place emergency flares about 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle, giving other drivers some time to change lanes if necessary.”
14. When entering an intersection after stopping, what is the recommended visual check procedure?
Answer: Look left and then right and left again before entering. The handbook specifies a specific scanning pattern of looking left, right, and left again to ensure the intersection is clear before proceeding.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 51: “Look left and then right and left again before entering the intersection.”
15. When two drivers arrive at a four-way intersection controlled by stop signs at the same time, who must yield the right of way?
Answer: The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. The handbook specifies that if arrival times are simultaneous, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 42: “The driver on your right at a four-way intersection controlled by stop signs if both of you arrive at the intersection at the same time;”
16. What action must a driver take when changing lanes to ensure safety?
Answer: Check blind spots by turning your head and looking over your shoulder. The handbook requires physically turning your head to check blind spots, as mirrors do not cover all areas.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 54: “Check your “blind spots,” or areas around your vehicle that cannot be seen by other vehicles, by turning your head and looking over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move.”
17. Under what condition must a driver yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in an intersection?
Answer: Even if the traffic light is green. The handbook states that drivers must yield to pedestrians in the intersection regardless of the traffic light color.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 67: “You must yield the right of way to all pedestrians in the intersection even if the traffic light is green.”
18. What action should you take immediately when your vehicle begins to skid?
Answer: Release the brake or accelerator and look where you want to go. The handbook instructs drivers to release controls and look ahead to regain control, contrasting this with panic reactions like stomping brakes.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 64: “Release the brake or accelerator and look where you want to go.”
19. When returning to your driving lane after passing another vehicle, how can you ensure you have left enough room?
Answer: By looking for the vehicle in the outside rearview mirror. The handbook advises using the outside rearview mirror to confirm sufficient space before returning to the lane.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 56: “One way to do this is to look for the vehicle in the outside rearview mirror. When you see the vehicle, you have enough room to return to the driving lane.”
20. How should cargo weight be distributed when loading a trailer to reduce sway?
Answer: Heavier in the front of the trailer. The handbook states that placing heavier items in the front reduces sway and specifies a 60/40 split favoring the front.
Kentucky driver handbook, page 78: “Trailers must be loaded heavier in the front. Loading heavier items in the front of the trailer reduces the possibility of sway.”