20 questions from the Maine driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the recommended action when driving over open bridge gratings or steel bridges?
Answer: Reduce speed, increase following distance, and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. The handbook advises slowing down, increasing space between vehicles, and holding the wheel firmly for stability on these surfaces.
Maine driver handbook, page 114: “Reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.”
2. When making a turn onto a roadway with multiple lanes going in your direction, which lane should you initially enter?
Answer: The closest lane in the direction you want to go. The handbook instructs drivers to enter the closest lane in their intended direction when turning onto a multi-lane road.
Maine driver handbook, page 61: “Enter the closest lane in the direction you want to go.”
3. When is it appropriate to use your horn near a bicyclist according to the handbook?
Answer: Only when there is a chance of a crash. The handbook specifies that horns should only be used if there is a risk of collision, to avoid startling the cyclist.
Maine driver handbook, page 103: “Do not use your horn close to bicycles unless there is a chance of a crash.”
4. How should a driver adjust their behavior when passing bicyclists on a narrow roadway?
Answer: Reduce speed when passing. The handbook instructs drivers to reduce speed when passing bicyclists, particularly on narrow roads.
Maine driver handbook, page 102: “Reduce your speed when passing bicyclists, especially if the roadway is narrow.”
5. How far away must you stop when encountering a pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog in the roadway?
Answer: At least 10 feet away. The handbook mandates a minimum stopping distance of 10 feet for visually impaired pedestrians using a white cane or guide dog.
Maine driver handbook, page 59: “If you see anyone in the roadway with a white cane or guide dog, stop at least 10 feet away and wait until the person is out of danger.”
6. According to the handbook, how far from the curb should you park your vehicle?
Answer: As close to the curb as possible, but no more than 18 inches away. The handbook states that vehicles should be parked as close to the curb as possible while maintaining a distance of no more than 18 inches.
Maine driver handbook, page 69: “If there is a curb, park as close to it as you can (and no more than 18 inches away)”
7. Under what condition is a bicyclist permitted to ride toward the center or left of the lane?
Answer: When it is unsafe to ride to the right or when turning. Bicyclists may command the lane by moving toward the center or left when turning or when riding to the right is deemed unsafe.
Maine driver handbook, page 102: “In some instances, it is safest for a bicyclist to "command the lane" by riding toward the center or to the left if turning.”
8. Where should drivers, especially those who are short, pregnant, or elderly, position themselves relative to the steering wheel?
Answer: As far back as possible from the steering wheel or dashboard. The handbook advises drivers to maximize the distance between themselves and the steering wheel or dashboard for safety.
Maine driver handbook, page 42: “All drivers or front seat passengers, especially short, pregnant, or elderly ones should sit as far back as possible from the steering wheel or dashboard.”
9. According to the handbook, what is the required time gap when merging with other traffic?
Answer: Four seconds. The handbook states that a four-second gap is necessary for safe merging.
Maine driver handbook, page 89: “Anytime you merge with other traffic, you need a gap of four seconds to merge safely.”
10. How long is a learner's permit generally valid in Maine?
Answer: 2 years. The handbook specifies that the standard validity period for a learner's permit is two years.
Maine driver handbook, page 7: “A learner's permit is generally valid for 2 years.”
11. What is the correct procedure if you realize you have made a mistake while navigating through an intersection?
Answer: Continue through the intersection and work your way back later. The handbook advises drivers to continue through the intersection and return later rather than stopping or reversing, which can cause accidents.
Maine driver handbook, page 58: “If you have made a mistake, go on to the next intersection and work your way back to where you wanted to go.”
12. What is the average perception time for an alert driver to recognize that they must stop?
Answer: ¾ to 1 second. The handbook defines the average perception time range specifically as three-quarters to one second.
Maine driver handbook, page 81: “The average perception time for an alert driver is ¾ to 1 second.”
13. How are traffic lights arranged when they are mounted horizontally?
Answer: Red on the left, yellow in the middle, green on the right. For horizontal traffic lights, the order from left to right is red, yellow, then green.
Maine driver handbook, page 50: “If traffic lights are horizontal, the red light is on the left, the yellow light is in the middle and the green light is on the right.”
14. How should you handle a right turn when your view of the cross street is blocked by parked cars?
Answer: Edge forward slowly until you can see, but do not start turning yet. Drivers should inch forward to improve visibility but must wait for traffic to clear before initiating the turn.
Maine driver handbook, page 62: “If your view of a cross street is blocked by buildings, trees, a fence or a row of parked cars, edge forward slowly until you can see. Don't start to turn yet! Wait until traffic clears.”
15. At what point total does the Secretary of State suspend a driver's license under the Maine Point System?
Answer: When the point total reaches 12 points or more. The handbook distinguishes between a warning at 6 points and a suspension which occurs when the total reaches 12 points or more.
Maine driver handbook, page 14: “Once certain point levels are reached (currently 6 points), a warning is issued by the Secretary of State, and if the point total reaches 12 points or more the driver's license will be suspended.”
16. According to the handbook, what is the approximate maximum distance headlights allow you to see clearly ahead?
Answer: About 250 feet. The handbook states that headlights provide clear visibility for approximately 250 feet.
Maine driver handbook, page 82: “Headlights will let you see clearly only about 250 feet ahead.”
17. When approaching a railroad crossing with a round yellow warning sign featuring an 'X' symbol, what action should you take?
Answer: Slow down, look and listen for a train or railroad vehicle, and be prepared to stop. The handbook instructs drivers to slow down, look, listen, and be prepared to stop when encountering this specific railroad warning sign.
Maine driver handbook, page 52: “The sign cautions you to slow down, look and listen for a train or railroad vehicle. Be prepared to stop.”
18. How should an infant under age 2 be positioned in a vehicle?
Answer: Facing rearward in the back seat. The handbook specifies that infants under two years old must be placed in the rear seat and oriented facing backward.
Maine driver handbook, page 42: “Infants, under age 2, should always ride in the back seat facing the rear.”
19. When parking uphill with a curb, in which direction should you turn your wheels?
Answer: To the left. The handbook specifies that when parking uphill with a curb, the wheels must be turned to the left so the curb stops the vehicle if it rolls backward.
Maine driver handbook, page 70: “Turn the wheels to the left when parking uphill with a curb.”
20. Under which condition are you NOT required to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?
Answer: If the roadway has a solid divider between you and the bus. The handbook states that a solid divider between the driver and the bus exempts the driver from stopping, unlike the other listed scenarios where stopping is required.
Maine driver handbook, page 69: “If the roadway has a solid divider between you and the bus, you do not have to stop.”