20 questions from the Michigan driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the safest way to pass a bicyclist traveling in the same direction on a two-lane road without bicycle lanes?
Answer: Slow down and wait until there is no traffic approaching, then pass the bicyclist leaving him or her sufficient space. The guide advises waiting for a clear gap in traffic and providing sufficient space when passing a bicyclist.
Michigan driver handbook, page 84: “Slow down and wait until there is no traffic approaching, then pass the bicyclist leaving him or her sufficient space.”
2. How should a driver treat an autocycle compared to other small vehicles on the road?
Answer: Give it the same respect as motorcycles and other small vehicles. The handbook instructs drivers to accord autocycles the same level of respect given to motorcycles and other small vehicles due to their size.
Michigan driver handbook, page 71: “Because of its smaller profile, give an autocycle the same respect as motorcycles and other small vehicles on the road.”
3. According to Michigan law, what is the minimum distance a driver must leave between their vehicle and a bicyclist when passing?
Answer: At least 3 feet. The handbook states that Michigan law mandates a minimum of 3 feet of space when passing a bicyclist.
Michigan driver handbook, page 71: “Michigan law requires that you leave at least 3 feet of space between your vehicle and a bicyclist when passing.”
4. If you encounter a suspicious person approaching your vehicle, what action does the handbook recommend?
Answer: Try to drive away or sound the horn. The handbook advises driving away or sounding the horn when approached by someone acting suspiciously.
Michigan driver handbook, page 80: “If someone acting suspiciously approaches your vehicle, try to drive away or sound the horn.”
5. According to the handbook, what is the general rule for following distance on dry or wet pavement?
Answer: A 3- to 4-second following distance is required. The handbook states that a 3- to 4-second following distance is the general rule for estimating stopping time and space.
Michigan driver handbook, page 78: “To estimate how much time and space you have for stopping on either dry or wet pavement, follow this general rule. A 3- to 4-second following distance is required.”
6. Which color is associated with incident, emergency, or unplanned event signs?
Answer: Fluorescent pink. The handbook defines fluorescent pink as the color for incident, emergency, or unplanned event signage.
8. What is the minimum distance you must maintain behind a moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights and sounding a siren?
Answer: At least 500 feet. The handbook clearly states that drivers must stay at least 500 feet behind a moving emergency vehicle with active lights and sirens.
Michigan driver handbook, page 42: “Stay at least 500 feet behind any moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights and sounding a siren.”
9. According to the handbook, what is the maximum clearance height allowed under a bridge or other structure?
Answer: 12 feet, 6 inches. The handbook states that the maximum clearance height is 12 feet, 6 inches.
Michigan driver handbook, page 59: “The maximum clearance under a bridge or other structure is 12 feet, 6 inches.”
10. Which vehicles require special consideration regarding space when navigating through a roundabout?
Answer: Trucks, trailers, and other large vehicles. Large vehicles often require multiple lanes to navigate roundabouts, so drivers should avoid passing or driving alongside them.
Michigan driver handbook, page 49: “Give special consideration to trucks, trailers and other large vehicles. Avoid passing or driving next to large vehicles, as they may need more than one lane to navigate through the roundabout.”
11. When is it safe to proceed across railroad tracks after a train has passed?
Answer: Once the gates are raised, signals stop flashing, bells stop ringing, and all tracks are clear. Drivers must wait for all warning devices to deactivate and verify that all tracks are clear before moving.
Michigan driver handbook, page 50: “Once the train has passed, do not proceed until the gates are raised, signals stop flashing, bells stop ringing and you are sure that all tracks are clear.”
12. How often should you take a break to combat fatigue on long trips?
Answer: Every two hours. The handbook specifies that drivers should stop and rest for ten minutes at least every two hours to prevent fatigue.
Michigan driver handbook, page 76: “If you feel tired, stop and take a 10-minute break at least every two hours.”
13. What is the recommended following distance when driving on wet roads?
Answer: At least twice the normal following distance. The handbook advises increasing the following distance to at least double the normal amount when roads are wet.
Michigan driver handbook, page 76: “Slow down and allow at least twice the normal following distance.”
14. When approaching a school bus with flashing red overhead lights on a road divided by a barrier, what is the correct action for a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction?
Answer: Proceed with caution without stopping. The handbook specifies that on divided roads, vehicles on the opposite side of the barrier are not required to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights.
Michigan driver handbook, page 43: “Because these roads are divided by a barrier, the red car does not need to stop even though the school bus has its red overhead lights flashing.”
15. When changing lanes, how should a driver check their blind spot?
Answer: Turning your head and looking over your shoulder. The handbook indicates that turning your head to look over your shoulder is the correct method for checking blind spots.
Michigan driver handbook, page 84: “Turning your head and looking over your shoulder.”
16. When parking uphill without a curb, how should you position your wheels?
Answer: Turn wheels so the vehicle will not roll into traffic. The handbook instructs drivers to orient wheels to prevent rolling into traffic when no curb is present.
Michigan driver handbook, page 51: “If there is no curb, turn the wheels so that the vehicle will not roll into traffic.”
17. When merging onto a freeway, who is responsible for adjusting speed and placement to merge safely?
Answer: The vehicle merging onto the freeway. The handbook clarifies that the merging vehicle bears the responsibility to adjust its speed and position to accommodate existing traffic.
Michigan driver handbook, page 75: “If you are the vehicle merging onto (in this case) the freeway, you are the one who must adjust speed and placement so as to merge safely and avoid a crash with traffic already on the freeway.”
18. When a law enforcement officer signals you to pull over, what is the correct procedure regarding your hands and documents?
Answer: Keep both hands empty and visible on the steering wheel, and retrieve documents only when asked. The handbook specifies keeping hands empty and visible on the steering wheel, and taking out documents only when the officer asks.
Michigan driver handbook, page 81: “Keep both hands empty and in plain sight on the steering wheel. Ask your passengers to keep silent and keep their hands clearly visible and empty.”
19. What is the standard speed limit in a work zone if no specific speed is posted?
Answer: 45 mph. The handbook specifies that the default speed limit for work zones is 45 mph when no other speed is posted.
Michigan driver handbook, page 41: “For most construction, maintenance or surveying activities, the speed limit is 45 mph unless posted differently.”
20. Under Michigan law, what is the minimum age of a supervisor who can watch children left in a vehicle without violating the unattended child law?
Answer: Age 13 or older. The handbook specifies that supervision by someone age 13 or older satisfies the legal requirement for leaving children in a vehicle.
Michigan driver handbook, page 40: “Parents or guardians who leave their children in a vehicle under the supervision of someone age 13 or older who is not legally incapacitated are not in violation of the law.”