11 questions from the Maine driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. According to the handbook, what is the recommended action when driving behind a large vehicle in poor weather conditions?
Answer: Give the large vehicle an extra margin of space on all sides. The handbook advises giving large vehicles extra space on all sides during poor weather to allow for safe operation.
Maine driver handbook, page 108: “Remember when driving in poor weather conditions or when visibility is limited to give large vehicles an extra margin of space on all sides.”
2. How long should you allow your engine to idle to warm up before driving in winter conditions?
Answer: Thirty seconds is usually enough. The guide specifies that a brief 30-second idle is sufficient, as driving warms the engine faster than idling.
Maine driver handbook, page 115: “Thirty seconds is usually enough time to allow your engine to idle.”
3. Under Maine law, when must you turn on your headlights regarding visibility distance?
Answer: Whenever visibility is too dim to see 1000 feet ahead. The handbook specifies that headlights are required when visibility is insufficient to see 1000 feet ahead.
Maine driver handbook, page 90: “By Maine law whenever visibility is too dim for you to see 1000 feet ahead or at any time when windshield wipers are in constant use you must turn on the headlights”
4. When crossing a single lane bridge, which driver has the right-of-way?
Answer: The first driver to reach the bridge. The handbook states that priority is given to the driver who arrives at the bridge first.
Maine driver handbook, page 114: “When crossing a single lane bridge the first driver to the bridge has right-of-way.”
5. What is the required action when an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and sirens is approaching?
Answer: Pull over to the edge of the road and stop. Drivers are required to pull to the edge of the road and stop to allow emergency vehicles to pass safely.
Maine driver handbook, page 109: “Pull over to the edge of the road and stop so they may pass.”
6. When parking downhill without a curb, how should you position your wheels?
Answer: Turn the wheels to the right. The instructions state that when there is no curb, wheels should be turned to the right to ensure the car moves off the road rather than into traffic if it rolls.
Maine driver handbook, page 70: “Turn the wheels to the right when parking downhill or uphill without a curb.”
7. According to the handbook, why is pavement often slippery for the first few minutes after rain begins?
Answer: Heat causes oil in the asphalt to come to the surface. The handbook states that heat brings oil to the surface of the asphalt, making it slippery until washed away.
Maine driver handbook, page 80: “Heat causes oil in the asphalt to come to the surface.”
8. Why should you allow a space cushion when stopped on a hill?
Answer: To allow the vehicle ahead to roll back when it starts up. The handbook advises leaving space on hills specifically to accommodate the possibility that the vehicle in front might roll backward upon starting.
Maine driver handbook, page 86: “You should also allow a space cushion when you are stopped on a hill. The vehicle ahead may roll back when it starts up.”
9. What is the recommended action when driving through another vehicle's blind spot?
Answer: Get through the blind spot as quickly as possible. The handbook advises drivers to minimize time spent in blind spots by passing through them quickly to ensure visibility and safety.
Maine driver handbook, page 93: “When passing another vehicle, get through the other driver's blind spot as quickly as you can.”
10. What is the correct procedure when stopping at a stop sign if there is no crosswalk or stop line?
Answer: Stop at the point nearest the intersection to enable you to see approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway. The handbook specifies that in the absence of markings, the driver must stop at the nearest point to the intersection that allows visibility of cross traffic.
Maine driver handbook, page 53: “If there is no crosswalk or stop line, stop at the point nearest the intersection to enable you to see approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway.”
11. What is the recommended action if an oncoming vehicle fails to dim its high beams?
Answer: Slow down and look toward the right side of the road. The handbook advises slowing down and looking to the right edge of the road to avoid being blinded by the other driver's lights.
Maine driver handbook, page 90: “If a vehicle comes toward you with high beams on, and fails to dim the lights, slow down and look toward the right side of the road.”