20 questions from the Michigan driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When performing parallel parking, what is the recommended distance between your vehicle and the curb?
Answer: 6 to 12 inches. The handbook specifies that vehicles should be positioned within 6 to 12 inches of the curb when parallel parking.
Michigan driver handbook, page 51: “Do not park more than 6-12 inches from the curb.”
2. When should a driver stop if there are no stop lines or crosswalks present at an intersection?
Answer: Before entering the intersection. The rule specifies that in the absence of markings, the vehicle must stop before entering the intersection area.
Michigan driver handbook, page 60: “If there are no stop lines or crosswalks, stop the vehicle before entering the intersection.”
3. What is the standard speed limit on all streets that are not designated freeways and on all highways, unless otherwise posted?
Answer: 55 mph. The handbook lists 55 mph as the default speed limit for non-freeway streets and highways unless a different sign is present.
Michigan driver handbook, page 40: “• 55 mph – Unless otherwise posted, on all streets that are not designated freeways and on all highways.”
4. What is the recommended action if a carjacker demands your vehicle?
Answer: Give up the vehicle without a fight and stay calm. The handbook instructs drivers to give up the vehicle without fighting and to stay calm, prioritizing personal safety.
Michigan driver handbook, page 81: “If a carjacker wants the vehicle, give it up without a fight. A car can be replaced but personal safety is priceless. Stay calm.”
5. What is the correct procedure for completing a right turn when multiple right-turn lanes are present?
Answer: Enter the lane that corresponds to your turn lane. Drivers must stay in the lane corresponding to their initial turn lane to avoid cutting off traffic in adjacent lanes.
Michigan driver handbook, page 48: “When multiple right-turn lanes are present, complete your turn by entering the lane that corresponds to your turn lane.”
6. According to the handbook, what action should a driver take when encountering a 'Wrong Way' sign?
Answer: Get out the safest and quickest way possible. The handbook instructs drivers to exit the lane of oncoming traffic as safely and quickly as possible when seeing this sign.
Michigan driver handbook, page 58: “You have entered a lane of oncoming traffic. Get out the safest and quickest way possible.”
7. What color is used for signs indicating school, pedestrian, or bicycle caution?
Answer: Fluorescent yellow-green. The handbook assigns fluorescent yellow-green specifically to school, pedestrian, and bicycle caution signs.
8. When exiting a freeway, when should you begin to reduce your speed?
Answer: Only after you are fully in the deceleration lane. The handbook instructs drivers to wait until they are fully within the deceleration lane before slowing down to maintain traffic flow.
Michigan driver handbook, page 75: “Wait until you are fully in the deceleration lane before reducing your speed and then slow down gradually.”
9. What is the primary function of an Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign at a highway-rail grade crossing?
Answer: To list a telephone number and US DOT number to notify the railroad of emergencies. The handbook defines the ENS sign's purpose as providing contact information to alert the railroad to issues at the crossing.
Michigan driver handbook, page 51: “An Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign, posted at or near a highway-rail grade crossing, lists a telephone number along with the crossing’s US DOT number and is used to notify the railroad of an emergency or a warning device malfunction.”
10. When an emergency vehicle is approaching with flashing lights and a sounding siren, where must you position your vehicle?
Answer: Parallel to and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway. The handbook instructs drivers to pull to the right-hand edge or curb when an emergency vehicle approaches.
Michigan driver handbook, page 45: “immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway, clear of an intersection, and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed or an officer signals that it is clear to proceed.”
11. According to the handbook, which of the following vehicle types is NOT allowed on freeways?
Answer: Small motorcycles of 124 cc or less. The handbook lists small motorcycles of 124 cc or less among the vehicles prohibited from using freeways.
Michigan driver handbook, page 74: “Pedestrians, small motorcycles of 124 cc or less, mopeds, bicycles, all-terrain vehicles and slow-moving vehicles are not allowed on freeways.”
12. What is the recommended action for vehicles involved in crashes that do not result in serious injury or death?
Answer: Move the vehicle from the main roadway if safe to do so. The handbook states that vehicles should be moved from the main roadway if there are no serious injuries and it is safe to do so.
Michigan driver handbook, page 79: “Vehicles involved in crashes that do not result in serious injury or death shall be moved from the main roadway by the driver or a passenger with a valid driver’s license if the vehicle can be driven and it is safe to do so.”
13. What does the white symbol of a walking person or the word "WALK" on a pedestrian signal indicate?
Answer: Traffic must yield and pedestrians may cross. The handbook states that these symbols indicate traffic must yield and pedestrians are permitted to cross.
Michigan driver handbook, page 64: “The white symbol of a walking person or the word “WALK” indicate that traffic must yield and pedestrians may cross.”
14. Where must a child younger than age 4 be positioned if the vehicle is equipped with a rear seat?
Answer: In the rear seat. The handbook mandates that children under age 4 must be in the rear seat if one is available, with specific exceptions only when all rear seats are occupied by other young children.
Michigan driver handbook, page 39: “Children younger than age 4 must be positioned in a rear seat if the vehicle is equipped with a rear seat.”
15. What action should a driver take if fog becomes so thick that visibility is completely obstructed?
Answer: Pull off the road, turn on the four-way emergency flashers, and wait. The handbook instructs drivers to pull off the road and use emergency flashers when visibility is zero due to fog.
Michigan driver handbook, page 77: “If fog becomes so thick that you cannot see at all, pull off the road. Turn on the four-way emergency flashers and wait for the fog to lift.”
16. How many points are assessed for speeding more than 15 mph over the limit in a work zone?
Answer: Five points. According to the handbook, speeding more than 15 mph over the limit results in a five-point assessment.
Michigan driver handbook, page 41: “Five points for speeding more than 15 mph over the limit.”
17. When must headlights be turned on according to the handbook?
Answer: One half-hour after sunset until one half-hour before sunrise. The handbook specifies a precise time window relative to sunset and sunrise for mandatory headlight use.
Michigan driver handbook, page 78: “Headlights must be turned on one half-hour after sunset until one half-hour before sunrise and at other times when visibility is reduced.”
18. When approaching an intersection with a flashing red light, what action must a driver take?
Answer: Stop at the intersection, then proceed as traffic allows. The handbook specifies that a flashing red light requires a complete stop followed by proceeding when traffic permits.
Michigan driver handbook, page 83: “Stop at the intersection, then proceed as traffic allows.”
19. What action is required for the front passenger air bag if a child is placed in a rear-facing child-restraint system in the front seat?
Answer: It must be deactivated. The handbook mandates that the front passenger air bag be deactivated when a rear-facing child seat is used in that position.
Michigan driver handbook, page 40: “• The front passenger air bag must be deactivated if a child in a rear-facing child-restraint system is placed in the front seat.”
20. In which driving condition is the use of cruise control NOT recommended?
Answer: When roads are slippery from rain, snow, or ice. The handbook states that cruise control is not recommended in slippery conditions because it can distract the driver who must constantly reset the speed.
Michigan driver handbook, page 76: “Using cruise control in heavy traffic, near large numbers of exit and entrance ramps or when roads are slippery from rain, snow or ice is not recommended.”