20 questions from the Michigan driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What does the red upraised hand symbol on a pedestrian signal indicate to drivers?
Answer: Do not cross the roadway. The handbook defines the red upraised hand symbol as an instruction for pedestrians not to cross the roadway.
Michigan driver handbook, page 64: “The words “DONT WALK” or the red upraised hand means do not cross the roadway.”
2. What should a driver do before turning right at an intersection regarding bicyclists?
Answer: Look for bicyclists riding from behind on the shoulder or bike lane and yield if appropriate. Drivers are instructed to check for bicyclists behind them and yield appropriately before making a right turn.
Michigan driver handbook, page 71: “Look for bicyclists riding from behind on the road shoulder or in a bike lane before turning right at an intersection, into a driveway or pulling off the road. As appropriate, yield and allow them to pass before turning.”
3. What action should drivers take when encountering a yellow pennant sign on the left side of the roadway?
Answer: Refrain from passing. The handbook instructs drivers to refrain from passing when seeing this sign due to hazardous conditions.
Michigan driver handbook, page 59: “Located on the left side of the roadway, this yellow pennant cautions you to refrain from passing because conditions make passing hazardous.”
4. What is the maximum distance from an oncoming vehicle within which it is illegal to use high-beam headlights?
Answer: 500 feet. The handbook specifies a 500-foot limit for using high beams near oncoming traffic to prevent glare.
Michigan driver handbook, page 78: “It is illegal to use or even flash high-beam headlights within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.”
5. How far does a car traveling at 65 mph cover during the estimated quarter-second it takes the brain to shift attention between tasks?
Answer: 24 feet. The handbook provides the specific distance of 24 feet for a car moving at 65 mph during a quarter-second distraction.
Michigan driver handbook, page 37: “In the estimated quarter of a second it takes the brain to shift attention between two tasks, a car moving at 65 mph covers 24 feet.”
6. Under Michigan's general cell phone law, which of the following actions is permitted for a driver using a mobile device?
Answer: Pressing a single button to activate or deactivate a function of the device. The handbook lists pressing a single button to activate or deactivate a function as an allowed exception, while other options involve manual entry or reading which are restricted.
Michigan driver handbook, page 38: “Pressing, tapping, or swiping a single button to activate or deactivate a function of the device or to select a name or phone number.”
7. When encountering an oncoming vehicle in your lane, which direction should you primarily look for an escape route?
Answer: To the right edge of the road. The handbook advises looking for an escape route on the right edge of the road when facing an oncoming vehicle.
Michigan driver handbook, page 76: “Look for an escape route on the right edge of the road.”
8. What is the purpose of solid white lines known as fog lines?
Answer: To help drivers stay on the road at night or in bad weather. The handbook explains that solid white lines, or fog lines, assist drivers in staying on the road during poor visibility conditions.
Michigan driver handbook, page 60: “Often called fog lines, these lines help you stay on the road at night or in bad weather.”
9. When holding a GDL Level 1 Learner's License, which individuals are permitted to sit in the front seat next to the student driver?
Answer: A licensed parent, guardian, or designated licensed adult age 21 or older. The rule specifies that the accompanying adult must be licensed and at least 21 years old, or be a parent/guardian.
Michigan driver handbook, page 19: “Once the Level 1 Learner’s License is issued, you may only drive with a licensed parent, guardian or designated, licensed adult age 21 or older seated in the front seat next to you.”
10. On a two-lane freeway, in which lane should a driver normally drive?
Answer: The right lane. The handbook specifies that drivers should stay in the right lane on two-lane freeways unless specific exceptions apply.
Michigan driver handbook, page 75: “On a two-lane freeway, drive in the right lane except when passing, exiting to the left, allowing another vehicle to merge onto the freeway, when the lanes are heavily congested with traffic or when emergency vehicles or construction workers are on the shoulders.”
11. What is the maximum speed for vehicles displaying the orange triangle of a Slow-Moving Vehicle?
Answer: They do not move faster than 25 mph. The handbook defines slow-moving vehicles as those that do not exceed a speed of 25 mph.
Michigan driver handbook, page 58: “The orange triangle is mounted on the back of vehicles that do not move faster than 25 mph, such as Amish buggies, farm combines, and other large agricultural and industrial vehicles.”
12. What is the fine for a first offense of using a hand-held phone while driving in Michigan?
Answer: $100. The handbook states that the fine for a first offense is $100.
Michigan driver handbook, page 37: “Drivers face a fine of $100 for a first offense and $250 for subsequent violations.”
13. What types of licensing controls may be imposed as a result of a driver reexamination?
Answer: Restrictions, suspensions, revocations, or a combination of these actions. The handbook lists restrictions, suspensions, revocations, or combinations thereof as the possible outcomes of the reexamination process.
Michigan driver handbook, page 30: “Licensing controls may include restrictions, suspensions, revocations or a combination of these actions.”
14. What is the recommended action if you miss your intended exit on a freeway?
Answer: Drive to the next exit. The handbook advises continuing to the next exit rather than reversing or using median crossovers, which are reserved for emergencies.
Michigan driver handbook, page 75: “Instead, drive to the next exit. Get back on the freeway and return to the exit you want.”
15. What specific action regarding personal grooming is recommended before starting to drive?
Answer: Complete any personal grooming before you start driving. The handbook advises completing grooming tasks before driving begins to minimize distractions.
Michigan driver handbook, page 38: “Complete any personal grooming before you start driving or after you reach your destination.”
16. 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.”
17. How far do trains typically overhang the tracks on each side?
Answer: At least three feet. The handbook states that trains overhang the tracks by a minimum of three feet on each side.
Michigan driver handbook, page 49: “Trains overhang the tracks by at least three feet on each side and may have cargo that extends even farther.”
18. Why is it important to look twice for motorcycles, bicycles, and mopeds approaching an intersection?
Answer: Because their size makes it difficult to judge their speed and distance. The handbook notes that the smaller size of these vehicles makes judging their speed and distance harder, requiring extra caution.
Michigan driver handbook, page 74: “Because of their size, it may be difficult to judge their speed and distance.”
19. What is the minimum distance you must maintain from a school bus with flashing red lights?
Answer: 20 feet. The handbook states that drivers must stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus that is loading or unloading passengers.
Michigan driver handbook, page 42: “Stop at least 20 feet from a school bus with its red overhead lights flashing; it is picking up or dropping off passengers.”
20. Under what condition is using the center lane of a three-lane road for passing or merging prohibited?
Answer: When the center lane is marked for left turns only. The handbook specifies that if the center lane is designated exclusively for left turns, it cannot be used for passing or merging.
Michigan driver handbook, page 46: “Using this lane for passing or merging is prohibited if the center lane is marked for left turns only.”