20 questions from the Maine driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the correct procedure for entering a traffic circle or roundabout?
Answer: Yield to vehicles already in the circle and proceed counterclockwise around the center island. Drivers must yield to traffic already in the circle and navigate around the center island in a counterclockwise direction.
Maine driver handbook, page 62: “All vehicles approaching traffic circles or roundabouts must yield the right- of-way to vehicles already in the circle or roundabout unless otherwise directed by a police officer or by traffic control devices. Enter a roundabout by proceeding to the right around the raised center island (counterclockwise).”
2. How does carrying a heavy load or pulling a trailer affect your driving?
Answer: It increases your braking distance. The handbook states that the additional weight from loads or trailers results in a longer distance required to stop the vehicle.
Maine driver handbook, page 86: “When you have a heavy load or are pulling a trailer, the extra weight increases your braking distance.”
3. According to the handbook, what should you do when following a vehicle that stops at a railroad crossing, such as a school bus?
Answer: Expect the stops and slow down early to allow plenty of room for stopping. The handbook instructs drivers to anticipate stops by school buses and tank trucks at railroad crossings and to slow down early to ensure sufficient stopping distance.
Maine driver handbook, page 86: “School buses and tank trucks carrying flammable liquids must stop at all railroad crossings so expect the stops and slow down early to allow plenty of room for stopping.”
4. When is a three-point turnaround appropriate to use?
Answer: Only if the road is too narrow for a U-turn. The handbook states that the three-point turnaround is specifically for situations where the road width prevents a standard U-turn.
Maine driver handbook, page 73: “Use this only if the road is too narrow for a U-turn.”
5. What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid?
Answer: Release pressure from the brake or accelerator to regain steering. The handbook states that releasing pressure from the brake or accelerator helps regain steering control during a skid.
Maine driver handbook, page 97: “Release pressure from the brake or accelerator to regain steering.”
6. According to the handbook, how far behind your vehicle should you place emergency flares if your car breaks down on the highway?
Answer: At least 100 feet behind the car. The handbook states that emergency flares should be placed at least 100 feet behind the vehicle to allow other drivers time to change lanes.
Maine driver handbook, page 92: “If you have emergency flares place them at least 100 feet behind the car (Large vehicles must place 3 emergency devices in specified places).”
7. When exiting a multi-lane highway, when should you begin slowing down?
Answer: Start slowing down as soon as you enter the deceleration lane. The handbook instructs drivers to begin slowing down upon entering the deceleration lane rather than slowing down while still on the main expressway.
Maine driver handbook, page 65: “Don't slow down on the main expressway, rather, start slowing down as soon as you enter the deceleration lane and continue slowing at the beginning of the exit ramp.”
8. What is the minimum required space between your vehicle and vehicles parked in front or behind you?
Answer: At least two feet. The handbook mandates leaving at least two feet of space between your car and adjacent parked vehicles to ensure safety and accessibility.
Maine driver handbook, page 69: “Leave at least two feet of space between your car and vehicles parked in front or behind.”
9. When is it appropriate to return to the right lane after passing a large vehicle?
Answer: When you can clearly see the front of the vehicle in your rearview mirror. The rule states that you must wait until the front of the large vehicle is visible in your rearview mirror before merging back.
Maine driver handbook, page 109: “When you have passed a truck or bus, do not pull back into the lane until you can clearly see the front of the vehicle in your rearview mirror.”
10. According to the handbook, when should a driver dim their headlights or switch to a low beam when approaching another vehicle?
Answer: Within 500 feet when approaching an oncoming vehicle. The handbook states that drivers must dim headlights when approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet.
Maine driver handbook, page 90: “When a vehicle equipped with multiple beam road lights approaches an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet or follows a vehicle within 300 feet, the operator shall dim the headlights or switch to a low beam and shall turn off a fog auxiliary light.”
11. What is the recommended distance from the curb when finishing parallel parking?
Answer: About 6 inches but not more than 18 inches. The handbook defines the acceptable range for parallel parking distance as approximately 6 inches, with a maximum limit of 18 inches.
Maine driver handbook, page 72: “You should be about 6 inches from the curb but not more than 18 inches away from the curb when done parking.”
12. When is a renewal notice typically mailed to a driver's address?
Answer: About 45 days before the license expires. The handbook specifies that renewal notices are mailed approximately 45 days prior to the expiration date.
Maine driver handbook, page 11: “About 45 days before a driver's license expires, a renewal notice is mailed to the driver's most recent address on file at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.”
13. What action is required if your driver's license is lost or destroyed?
Answer: Notify the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and apply for a duplicate copy. The handbook mandates that drivers must notify the Bureau and apply for a duplicate if their license is lost or destroyed.
Maine driver handbook, page 11: “If your license is lost or destroyed you must notify the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and apply for a duplicate copy of the license.”
14. What should you do if your car begins to skid on a slippery surface?
Answer: Stay off the brake and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the car to go. The instructions advise against braking hard and instead directing the front of the car toward the desired path to straighten out.
Maine driver handbook, page 115: “Stay off the brake. If you brake hard, your wheels will lock and that makes the skid worse. Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the car to go as this will line the front of the car up with the back.”
15. According to the handbook, what is the typical shape and color scheme of warning signs?
Answer: Diamond shaped, usually yellow with black lettering or symbols. The handbook states that warning signs are typically diamond-shaped and yellow with black text or symbols.
Maine driver handbook, page 51: “They are usually diamond shaped. They are usually yellow with black lettering or symbols.”
16. When making a left turn from a one-way street, where should you position your vehicle before initiating the turn?
Answer: Close to the left curb or edge of the roadway. The handbook states that when turning left from a one-way street, the driver must position the vehicle close to the left curb or edge.
Maine driver handbook, page 57: “When making a left turn from a one-way street, you must set up close to the left curb or edge of roadway.”
17. When starting from a parking place on the right-hand side of the road, how should you check for traffic before pulling out?
Answer: Look over your left shoulder. The handbook specifies looking over the left shoulder, noting that relying solely on the rearview mirror is insufficient.
Maine driver handbook, page 72: “look over your left shoulder (not through your rearview mirror only).”
18. How long does a driver have to wait before points are erased from their record?
Answer: When they become one year old. The handbook states that points are removed from the record once they have been on it for one year.
Maine driver handbook, page 14: “Points will be erased from a driver's record when they become one year old.”
19. Why should a driver look over their shoulder in addition to checking mirrors when changing lanes?
Answer: To cover blind spots not visible in mirrors. Mirrors do not cover all areas around the vehicle, so looking over the shoulder is necessary to check blind spots.
Maine driver handbook, page 63: “Blind spots are also areas that are not covered by your mirrors. Whenever you change lanes, give the correct signal and look over your shoulder in the direction you are about to move to make sure you do not get in the way of a vehicle that is already there.”
20. What is the requirement for the accompanying driver when a person holds a learner's permit?
Answer: Must be at least 20 years old and hold a valid license for a minimum of 2 years. The rules state that the supervising driver must be at least 20 years old and have held their license for at least two years.
Maine driver handbook, page 7: “Any resident who has a valid learner's permit may drive if they are accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 20 years of age and has held a valid license for a minimum of 2 years.”