20 questions from the Louisiana driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. According to the handbook, what is the correct procedure when a traffic-control signal is not functioning at an intersection?
Answer: The intersection shall revert to an all-way or four-way stop. The handbook states that non-functioning signals require the intersection to operate as an all-way or four-way stop.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 91: “When a traffic-control signal is not functioning at an intersection, the intersection shall revert to an all-way or four-way stop.”
2. When parallel parking, what is the maximum distance your vehicle's right wheels must be from the right-hand curb?
Answer: Within 18 inches. The handbook states that the right wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb when parallel parking.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 75: “When parallel parked, the vehicle’s right wheels must be within 18 inches of the right-hand curb of the street.”
3. What is the recommended method for ensuring ample clearance before returning to your lane after passing?
Answer: Wait until you see the other car in your rear view mirror. The handbook provides a specific visual cue (seeing the car in the mirror) to determine safe clearance.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 78: “An accepted rule is to wait until you see the other car in your rear view mirror.”
4. According to Louisiana law, what is the required stopping distance from the nearest rail when approaching a railroad grade crossing with active signals?
Answer: Within 50 feet but no less than 15 feet from the nearest rail. The handbook specifies a precise range for stopping distance, requiring the vehicle to be between 15 and 50 feet from the rail.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 99: “Louisiana law R.S. 32:171 requires that the driver of any motor vehicle must stop within 50 feet but no less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of a railroad crossing”
5. What does a flashing "DON'T WALK" pedestrian signal indicate?
Answer: Pedestrians may not start to cross, but those already crossing may continue. The handbook clarifies that a flashing DON'T WALK signal allows pedestrians already in the crosswalk to finish crossing, while preventing new pedestrians from starting.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 81: “Flashing "DON'T WALK" signals means that pedestrians may not start to cross the roadway but those already crossing may continue to the nearest sidewalk, traffic island or safety zone.”
6. When parking facing uphill next to a curb, how should the wheels be turned?
Answer: Away from the curb. The handbook states that when facing uphill with a curb, the wheels should be turned away from the curb.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 73: “Facing uphill, turn your wheels away from the curb and shift into low gear or park.”
7. How long does it take for the body to process one normal drink from the circulatory system?
Answer: About one hour. The handbook specifies that the body requires approximately one hour to eliminate a single standard drink.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 128: “It takes about an hour for the body to get rid of one normal drink from the circulatory system.”
8. What is the recommended action when approaching a highway-railroad grade crossing on a rural road that lacks lights or crossing gates?
Answer: Slow down, look both ways, and be prepared to stop for a train. The handbook advises drivers to slow down, look both ways, and prepare to stop at rural railroad crossings that lack active warning devices like lights or gates.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 108: “Many highway-railroad grade crossings on rural roads are marked only with a warning sign and a white X-shaped railroad crossing sign and typically do not have lights or crossing gates, therefore, you should always slow down, look both ways and be prepared to stop for a train before crossing the tracks.”
9. If there is no 'NO TURN ON RED' sign posted at a traffic light, what must you do before turning right on red?
Answer: Stop at the stop line and check for traffic and pedestrians. The handbook requires a complete stop and a check for hazards before making the turn when no prohibitive sign is present.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 33: “If there is not a “NO TURN ON RED” sign at the traffic light, after stopping at the stop line and checking for traffic and pedestrians, you may turn right on red.”
10. According to the handbook, what is the approximate stopping distance for a vehicle traveling at 60 mph on dry pavement with good brakes?
Answer: About 359 feet. The handbook states that stopping from 60 mph takes about 359 feet, distinguishing it from the shorter distance required at lower speeds.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 67: “At 60 mph, it can take about 4 to 5 seconds or 359 feet to react to a problem and bring the vehicle to a stop.”
11. What action should you take if there is a car in your blind spot in the lane you wish to enter?
Answer: Speed up or slow down until there is enough space. The handbook advises adjusting your speed to create sufficient space for a safe lane change rather than forcing the maneuver.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 93: “If there is a car in your blind spot in the lane that you want to move into, speed up or slow down until there is enough space for you to change lanes.”
12. If you are being tailgated by another driver, what is the recommended action if slowing down does not encourage them to pass?
Answer: Pull over, stop, and let the tailgater pass. The handbook advises stopping and allowing the tailgater to pass if slowing down does not resolve the situation.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 106: “If this fails, pull over, stop and let the tailgater pass.”
13. At what approximate speed does partial hydroplaning begin according to the handbook?
Answer: About 35 miles per hour. The handbook specifies that partial hydroplaning begins at approximately 35 mph, with full loss of contact occurring around 55 mph.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 79: “Partial hydroplaning starts at about 35 miles per hour, and increases with speed until (at 55 M.P.H.) the tires may lose all contact with the pavement.”
14. Under what condition are you NOT required to stop for a stopped school bus?
Answer: When the bus is stopped in a loading zone completely off the roadway. The handbook specifies that stopping is not required if the bus is fully off the roadway in a designated loading zone where pedestrians do not cross.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 93: “You do not have to stop when the bus is stopped in a loading zone completely off the roadway and where the pedestrians are not allowed to cross the roadway.”
15. Why does the handbook recommend leaving extra space when following a motorcycle?
Answer: To allow extra distance to avoid the obstacle if the motorcycle and rider fall. The handbook explains that extra distance is needed to safely avoid the obstacle created if a motorcycle and its rider fall.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 71: “Following motorcycles – If the motorcycle and its’ rider should fall; you need extra distance to avoid the obstacle.”
16. When two vehicles approach a controlled intersection or a 4-way stop intersection at the same time, which driver must yield the right-of-way?
Answer: The driver on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. The handbook states that in simultaneous arrivals at these intersections, the left-side driver yields to the right-side driver.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 98: “When two vehicles approach an intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.”
17. According to the handbook, when is the road surface most slippery?
Answer: Immediately after the rain begins to fall. The handbook states that roads are most slippery right after rain starts because oil and grease have not yet been washed away by the water.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 79: “Road surfaces are most slippery immediately after the rain begins to fall. This is because the oil and grease on the pavement have not yet been washed away.”
18. When is it permissible to change lanes according to the handbook?
Answer: After passing through the intersection. The handbook instructs drivers to wait until they have passed through an intersection before making a lane change to ensure safety.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 93: “Wait until you pass through the intersection to change lanes.”
19. Why is it important to be cautious at railroad crossings even when visibility seems adequate?
Answer: A train can appear on any track at any time. The handbook states that trains can appear on any track at any time, requiring constant caution.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 101: “Fact #3: A train can appear on any track at any time.”
20. Why are rollover crashes more common for SUVs, vans, and pickups compared to passenger vehicles?
Answer: They have higher centers of gravity. The handbook attributes the higher frequency of rollovers in these vehicles to their higher centers of gravity, which makes them top-heavy.
Louisiana driver handbook, page 119: “Rollover crashes are more common for sport utility vehicles (SUVs), vans, pickups and small trucks than for passenger vehicles due to their higher centers of gravity, which makes them top heavy and more likely to tip over.”