20 questions from the Michigan driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When must a driver yield to a pedestrian who enters a crosswalk?
Answer: Even if the traffic light is green. The handbook requires yielding to pedestrians in the crosswalk regardless of whether the driver has a green light.
Michigan driver handbook, page 45: “To a pedestrian in the crosswalk, even if your traffic light is green.”
2. According to the handbook, what is the recommended action when you see one deer crossing the road?
Answer: Slow down because deer frequently travel in groups. The handbook advises slowing down upon seeing one deer because they often travel in groups, while noting that gimmicks like whistles or lights are ineffective.
Michigan driver handbook, page 79: “Slow down if you see one deer. Deer frequently travel in groups. Chances are there are others nearby.”
3. What is the maximum speed limit for school buses and trucks on Michigan freeways?
Answer: 65 mph. The handbook sets a 65 mph cap for school buses and trucks on freeways, distinct from the general 70 mph limit.
Michigan driver handbook, page 40: “School buses and trucks are restricted to 65 mph.”
4. At a four-way stop intersection where two vehicles arrive at the exact same time, which vehicle has the right of way?
Answer: The vehicle on the right. The rule states that if arrival times are simultaneous, the driver on the left yields to the driver on their right, giving the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
Michigan driver handbook, page 44: “If two or more vehicles reached the intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the left should yield to the vehicle on its right.”
5. What is the correct procedure for Highway B traffic making a left turn onto Highway A at an intersection with a Michigan Left?
Answer: Turn right onto Highway A, move to the far-left lane, and turn left into the median crossover. The handbook details the specific steps for Highway B traffic, which involve turning right first and then using the median crossover.
Michigan driver handbook, page 62: “Highway B traffic is prohibited from making a direct left turn onto Highway A at the intersection. Instead, drivers must turn right onto Highway A, move to the far-left lane and turn left into the median crossover.”
6. What is the correct procedure for adjusting side mirrors to minimize blind spots while seated in a normal driving position?
Answer: Adjust them so they barely show the rear edge of the vehicle. The handbook specifies that side mirrors should be adjusted to barely show the rear edge of the vehicle to effectively minimize blind spots.
Michigan driver handbook, page 80: “To minimize blind spots, adjust the left and right outside mirrors to see the edges of the vehicle when seated in a normal driving position.”
7. When making a left turn from a two-way street onto a one-way street at a red light, what must you do before completing the turn?
Answer: Come to a full stop and yield to vehicles opposite you that are turning right. The handbook states that when turning left from a two-way street onto a one-way street at a red light, you must stop and yield to opposite traffic turning right.
Michigan driver handbook, page 44: “When turning left from a two-way street onto a one-way street at a red light, you must come to a full stop, scan for vehicles approaching from the right, and yield the right of way to any vehicles opposite you that are turning right at the intersection.”
8. How should a driver handle crossing railroad tracks when there is snow on the road?
Answer: Proceed over tracks with enough speed to prevent becoming stuck. The handbook advises maintaining sufficient momentum to avoid getting stuck in snow while crossing the tracks.
Michigan driver handbook, page 50: “When there is snow on the road, proceed over tracks with enough speed to prevent you from becoming stuck at the railroad crossing.”
9. When stopping at a railroad crossing, what is the required distance range from the tracks?
Answer: Between 15 and 50 feet. The handbook specifies that vehicles must stop within the range of 15 to 50 feet from the tracks.
Michigan driver handbook, page 49: “If a train is coming, all vehicles must stop no more than 50 feet or less than 15 feet from the tracks.”
10. Under Kelsey’s Law, what restriction applies to teen drivers while operating a vehicle?
Answer: They are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving. The handbook states that Kelsey’s Law bans the use of cell phones while driving for teens.
Michigan driver handbook, page 19: “Kelsey’s Law prohibits you from using a cell phone while driving.”
11. Under what specific condition may a probationary driver or one in the Graduated Driver Licensing program be required to attend a driver reexamination?
Answer: After only one or two violations. The handbook specifies that probationary and GDL drivers face reexamination after just one or two violations, which is a stricter threshold than the general rules.
Michigan driver handbook, page 30: “If you are a probationary driver or in the Graduated Driver Licensing program, you may be required to attend a driver reexamination after only one or two violations.”
12. If you are pulled over by a law enforcement officer during dusk or dark conditions, what lighting action should you take?
Answer: Turn on the interior lights. The handbook states to turn on interior lights during low-light conditions when stopped by an officer.
Michigan driver handbook, page 81: “Turn on the interior lights if it is dusk or dark outside.”
13. According to the handbook, why are roads most slippery during the first half hour of rain?
Answer: Because oil dropped from passing vehicles has not been washed away. The handbook states that the initial slipperiness is caused by oil deposits that have not yet been washed away by the rain.
Michigan driver handbook, page 76: “When it begins to rain, the roads are most slippery during the first half hour. This is because oil dropped from passing vehicles has not been washed away.”
14. What is the maximum fine a motorist may face if they cause injury or death to a person in a work zone?
Answer: $7,500. The handbook states that causing injury or death in a work zone can result in fines up to $7,500.
Michigan driver handbook, page 41: “If you cause the injury or death to any person in a work zone, you may face fines of up to $7,500, and imprisonment of up to 15 years.”
15. According to the handbook, what is the recommended action if another driver is gesturing to you after you have made a driving error?
Answer: Let the other driver know you are sorry. The handbook advises apologizing rather than returning gestures or becoming angry to prevent escalation.
Michigan driver handbook, page 74: “If another driver is gesturing to you when you have made a driving error, let him or her know you are sorry.”
16. Who is authorized to display green lights on maintenance vehicles according to Michigan law?
Answer: State and local road agencies. The handbook specifies that only state and local road agencies are permitted to use green lights, excluding private contractors.
Michigan driver handbook, page 41: “Michigan law allows state and local road agencies to equip their maintenance vehicles with flashing or oscillating green lights in addition to the traditional amber lights.”
17. What does the 'Bridge Ices Before Road' sign caution drivers about?
Answer: That a bridge can be icy, even if roads are clear. The handbook states that this sign warns that bridges may freeze before the surrounding road surfaces do.
Michigan driver handbook, page 58: “Cautions that a bridge can be icy, even if roads are clear.”
18. What is the effect of alcohol on the body regardless of the type of beverage consumed?
Answer: Your judgment and self-control will be affected. The handbook states that standard servings of beer, wine, and whiskey have the same effect on judgment and self-control.
Michigan driver handbook, page 28: “Drink a standard serving of any of these and the effects will be the same to your body. Your judgment and self-control will be affected.”
19. When returning to your parked vehicle, how should you approach the driver's side?
Answer: Face oncoming traffic. The handbook advises facing oncoming traffic when approaching the driver's side to ensure visibility of approaching vehicles.
Michigan driver handbook, page 51: “When returning to your vehicle, face oncoming traffic as you approach the driver’s side.”
20. What is the requirement for drivers who are exempt from using a seat belt due to a medical condition?
Answer: They must carry a doctor’s statement. Drivers claiming a medical exemption from seat belt laws are required to have documentation from a doctor on hand.
Michigan driver handbook, page 39: “Drivers exempt from using a seat belt because of a medical condition must carry a doctor’s statement.”