20 questions from the Maine driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When is a driver permitted to pass another vehicle based on lane markings?
Answer: When there is a broken center line on your side of the road. The handbook specifies that passing is allowed when the center line on the driver's side is broken, whereas solid lines and specific no-passing signs prohibit it.
Maine driver handbook, page 68: “You may pass if there is a broken center line on your side of the road.”
2. What does a steady red 'X' overhead lane control light indicate?
Answer: Do not drive in this lane. A steady red X specifically instructs drivers not to use that lane, distinct from yellow or green signals.
Maine driver handbook, page 51: “Steady Red "X": Do not drive in this lane.”
3. If your brakes stop working while driving, what is the first recommended action?
Answer: Pump the brake pedal rapidly and hard several times. The handbook lists pumping the brake pedal rapidly and hard several times as the initial step before trying other methods.
Maine driver handbook, page 98: “Pump the brake pedal rapidly and hard several times. If that doesn’t work…”
4. Why does the handbook suggest reducing speed in heavy traffic?
Answer: To have time and space to react within shorter distances. Reducing speed in heavy traffic provides the necessary time and space to react to sudden changes in the dense environment.
Maine driver handbook, page 83: “In heavy traffic you need to reduce your speed to have time to react within the shorter space and timeframe.”
5. Where should you stand if you do not have emergency flares and need to wave traffic around?
Answer: By the side of the road. The instructions state that drivers should stand by the side of the road, not in the traffic lane, to safely direct other vehicles.
Maine driver handbook, page 92: “If you don't have emergency flares, stand by the side of the road, and wave traffic around.”
6. Why should you look left and right at an intersection even if other traffic has a red light or stop sign?
Answer: Because other drivers may run the light or sign and fail to yield. The handbook advises checking both ways because other drivers might ignore their traffic controls, so you must be prepared to yield to avoid a crash.
Maine driver handbook, page 62: “At an intersection, look left and right, even if other traffic has a red light or stop sign because someone may run either one.”
7. If your car does not have emergency flashers, what should you use to signal an emergency when stopped?
Answer: Use the proper turn signal. The handbook specifies that if a vehicle lacks emergency flashers, the driver should utilize the proper turn signal to make the car visible.
Maine driver handbook, page 92: “If your car doesn't have flashers, use the proper turn signal.”
8. What is the recommended action if you intend to turn from a rotary circle within two exits?
Answer: Be in the right-most lane. The handbook advises using the right-most lane for turns occurring within two exits, unless other markings specify otherwise.
Maine driver handbook, page 63: “If you are going to be turning from a rotary circle within two exits, it is suggested that you should be in the right most lane”
9. Why is checking over your shoulder necessary in addition to using mirrors when changing lanes?
Answer: Mirrors alone are not sufficient due to blind spots. The handbook explains that mirrors alone are insufficient because of blind spots, necessitating a shoulder check to ensure the way is clear.
Maine driver handbook, page 65: “Mirrors alone are not sufficient due to "blind spots".”
10. When driving on a road with three or more lanes going in one direction, which lane is described as usually having the smoothest flow of traffic?
Answer: The middle lane, or lanes. The handbook states that on multi-lane roads, the middle lanes typically offer the smoothest traffic flow compared to the left (passing/left turn) and right (slower/entry-exit) lanes.
Maine driver handbook, page 56: “If there are three or more lanes going in one direction, the middle lane, or lanes, is usually the smoothest.”
11. What action must a driver take when an emergency vehicle approaches with a siren and flashing lights?
Answer: Drive to the right side of the roadway, clear of intersections, and stop. Drivers are required to pull to the right, avoid blocking intersections, and stop until the emergency vehicle passes.
Maine driver handbook, page 49: “You must immediately drive to the right side of the roadway, clear of any intersection, and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.”
12. What is the correct relationship between safety belts and airbags as described in the handbook?
Answer: Safety belts must be worn even if the vehicle has airbags to gain full protection. The handbook states that safety belts are required in conjunction with airbags to ensure complete protection during a crash.
Maine driver handbook, page 41: “Safety belts should be worn even if you have air bags.”
13. Which of the following is prohibited by law when driving in Maine?
Answer: Using a mobile telephone or handheld electronic devices. The handbook clearly mandates that the use of mobile phones and handheld devices is illegal while operating a vehicle.
Maine driver handbook, page 7: “Use of a mobile telephone or handheld electronic devices are prohibited by law when driving in Maine.”
14. What is the recommended action when driving alongside other vehicles on multi-lane streets?
Answer: Either pull ahead of the other vehicle or drop back. The handbook instructs drivers to avoid being alongside other vehicles by either moving ahead or falling back to maintain a safe space cushion and avoid blind spots.
Maine driver handbook, page 87: “Don’t drive alongside other vehicles on multi-lane streets as you may be in their blind spot. Driving alongside reduces the space you may need to avoid a collision if someone crowds your lane or tries to suddenly change lanes. Either pull ahead of the other vehicle or drop back.”
15. Why should drivers avoid stopping suddenly when approaching a bicyclist?
Answer: It could cause a crash because bicycles stop more slowly than cars. The handbook advises against sudden stops because cars stop faster than bicycles, which increases the risk of collision.
Maine driver handbook, page 102: “Don’t slow or stop your vehicle suddenly as you can stop more quickly than a bicycle. By stopping quickly, you could cause a crash.”
16. What is the typical speed limit or speed range for vehicles displaying a red-edged orange triangle on the back?
Answer: Usually 25 mph or less. The handbook identifies slow-moving vehicles with orange triangles as typically traveling at speeds of 25 mph or less.
Maine driver handbook, page 84: “Farm tractors, animal-drawn carts and roadway maintenance vehicles usually go 25 mph or less.”
17. How far in advance should you signal before making a lane change?
Answer: At least 100 feet before. The handbook specifies a minimum distance of 100 feet for signaling intentions before changing lanes.
Maine driver handbook, page 64: “Always signal what you intend to do at least 100 feet before making a change.”
18. What is the recommended method for changing lanes if you need to cross several lanes?
Answer: Change lanes one at a time. The handbook advises changing lanes individually rather than stopping or squeezing into tight spaces.
Maine driver handbook, page 89: “If you must cross several lanes, change lanes one at a time.”
19. According to the handbook, what is the correct procedure for returning to the right lane after passing another vehicle?
Answer: Wait until you can see the entire passed vehicle in your rearview mirror before moving back. The handbook states that a driver must ensure the entire passed vehicle is visible in the rearview mirror before returning to the right lane.
Maine driver handbook, page 65: “Make sure you can see the entire passed vehicle in your rearview mirror before moving back to the right lane.”
20. What does a red X signal above a reversible lane indicate?
Answer: The lane is currently closed to traffic. According to the handbook, a red X signal specifically indicates that the reversible lane is not available for use at that time.
Maine driver handbook, page 59: “A red X means you cannot use the lane.”