20 questions from the Louisiana driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When is a driver required by law to use lower headlight beams rather than bright lights?
Answer: When approaching within 500 feet of another vehicle. The handbook specifies that lower beams are legally required when approaching within 500 feet of another vehicle to prevent glare.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 80: “You are required by law to use lower headlight beams, not your “bright lights”, when approaching within 500 feet of or following within 200 feet of another vehicle.”
2. According to the handbook, what is the minimum distance you must stop from a stopped school bus that is loading or unloading children?
Answer: At least thirty feet. The handbook states that drivers are required to stop at least thirty feet away from a stopped school bus when children are boarding or exiting.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 93: “You must stop at least thirty feet from a stopped school bus that is loading or unloading children.”
3. What is the correct procedure if you realize you are in a turn-only lane but wish to go straight?
Answer: Make the turn, drive around the block, and return to the desired street. The handbook advises completing the indicated turn and circling back to avoid blocking traffic or causing sudden stops.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 42: “You must go ahead and make the turn. Drive around the block and return to the street you want.”
4. Under what condition is it permissible to pass another vehicle on the right?
Answer: When there are two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. The handbook specifies that multiple lanes moving in the same direction are required for passing on the right.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 77: “You may pass to the right of another vehicle if there are two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.”
5. Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice when assisting a visually impaired pedestrian at a crosswalk?
Answer: Giving the pedestrian verbal directions on how to cross. The handbook instructs drivers not to give verbal directions, as blind pedestrians rely on traffic sounds to navigate.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 82: “Don't give the pedestrian verbal directions. He listens to all traffic sounds before deciding to cross the street.”
6. What action should a driver take when turning left near an oncoming bicyclist?
Answer: Wait until oncoming bicyclists pass. The guidelines specify that drivers must yield to bicyclists in the flow of traffic before making a left turn to prevent collisions.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 85: “Drivers who are turning left must wait until oncoming bicyclists pass.”
7. Which of the following is listed as one of the four leading causes of fatalities relating to motor vehicles in Louisiana?
Answer: Distraction (cell phone, inattentive, passengers, etc.). Distraction is listed as the second leading cause of fatalities in the provided list of four causes.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 24: “The Louisiana Highway Safety Research Group has identified the four leading causes of fatalities relating to motor vehicles in Louisiana (2017) as: 1. Alcohol 2. Distraction (cell phone, inattentive, passengers, etc.) 3. Aggressive Driving or Behavior 4. Lack of Seat Belt Usage”
8. What should you do with loose items in your vehicle to help prevent injuries during a collision?
Answer: Put them in the trunk whenever possible. The handbook advises placing loose items in the trunk to prevent injuries, distinguishing this from other storage locations like the dashboard or seats.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 118: “To prevent some injuries that commonly occur in a collision you should put loose items in the trunk whenever possible.”
9. Which of the following is a stated effect of alcohol on a driver's abilities?
Answer: It reduces the ability to judge speeds, distances and angles. The handbook lists specific impairments caused by alcohol, including a reduced ability to judge speeds, distances, and angles.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 127: “Remember that alcohol: • Reduces the ability to judge speeds, distances and angles.”
10. Which lane is primarily designated for exiting and entering on an interstate with multiple lanes?
Answer: The right-hand lane. The handbook defines the specific function of the right-hand lane as being for entry and exit maneuvers.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 106: “The right hand lane is used for exiting and entering.”
11. According to the handbook, when should a driver use the parking brake?
Answer: Every time the car is parked, regardless of terrain or transmission type. The handbook states that the parking brake should be used every time the vehicle is parked, dismissing the idea that it is only for hills or manual transmissions.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 72: “Whether your car is a manual or automatic, the terrain is hilly or flat, you should use your parking brake every time you park.”
12. What is the correct procedure when a visually impaired pedestrian takes a step back and pulls in their cane while waiting to cross?
Answer: Proceed, as this is a definite sign that you should go. The handbook states that this specific movement by the pedestrian indicates they are ready for the vehicle to proceed.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 82: “If the person takes a step back and pulls in his cane, that's a definite sign that you should go.”
13. What is the definition of a 'Parish Road' as described in the handbook?
Answer: A road that is regulated and maintained by a certain parish. The handbook defines a Parish Road specifically as one regulated and maintained by a parish, distinguishing it from state or national highways.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 25: “Parish Road: A parish road is a road that is regulated and maintained by a certain parish.”
14. What is the recommended action if you find yourself in a skid on wet pavement?
Answer: Ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go. The handbook instructs drivers to ease off the gas and steer toward their desired path while avoiding brake use during a skid.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 79: “If you find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, look and carefully steer in the direction you want the car to go. Avoid using your brakes.”
15. According to the handbook, when must a driver complete a passing maneuver relative to oncoming traffic?
Answer: Before coming within 100 feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. The handbook states the distance requirement for completing a pass relative to oncoming traffic.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 76: “You must complete a passing maneuver before coming within 100 feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.”
16. According to the handbook, when is it permissible to cross double solid yellow lines?
Answer: Only when making a turn. The handbook states that while passing is prohibited, crossing double solid yellow lines is allowed specifically for making a turn.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 39: “Double Solid Yellow lines are used to mark the center of the roadway when there are four or more lanes of traffic. You may not cross these lines to pass. You may cross these lines to make a turn.”
17. When is the reduced speed limit indicated by a 'School Speed Limit When Flashing' sign required?
Answer: Only when the lights are flashing. The rule specifies that the reduced limit applies exclusively when the sign's lights are actively flashing.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 32: “The speed limit is required only when flashing; otherwise obey the roadways speed limit.”
18. Which of the following is listed as a telltale sign that a driver has been drinking?
Answer: Jerking motion. The handbook lists jerking motion as a specific indicator of impairment caused by alcohol consumption.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 129: “Jerking motion - A drinking driver often may have short mental lapses and not keep a steady speed on a clear road.”
19. What action is required when leaving a vehicle unattended?
Answer: Stop the motor, remove the key, lock the ignition, and set the brake. The handbook lists these specific steps as necessary when leaving a vehicle unattended.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 75: “When parking and leaving a vehicle unattended, stop the motor, remove the key, lock the ignition, and set the brake.”
20. What is the first step described for performing a three-point turnabout?
Answer: Check the mirrors and activate your right turn signal to pull off to the right side of the road. The instructions for the three-point turnabout begin with checking mirrors and using the right turn signal to pull to the right side.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 72: “Check the mirrors and activate your right turn signal to communicate your intention to pull off to the right side of the road. Stop on the right side of the road.”