20 questions from the Michigan driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. 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.”
2. 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.”
3. What additional requirement may apply if a driver reexamination is held specifically due to medical issues?
Answer: The driver may be required to pass vision, written, and on-road exams. The handbook states that medical-related reexaminations can involve specific testing components including vision, written, and on-road exams.
Michigan driver handbook, page 30: “A reexamination held due to medical issues may require you to pass several tests, such as vision, written and on-road exams.”
4. What does a double solid white line indicate regarding traffic flow?
Answer: Driving in the same direction is permitted on both sides, but crossing is prohibited. The handbook defines double solid white lines as marking a path where same-direction traffic exists on both sides, with crossing forbidden.
Michigan driver handbook, page 60: “A double solid white line is used to show a travel path where driving in the same direction is permitted on both sides of the line but crossing the line is prohibited.”
5. When encountering a 'Keep Left' sign, how should traffic navigate around a roadway feature or obstruction?
Answer: Traffic should pass only to the left-hand side of the obstruction. The rule mandates that drivers pass to the left side of the specified obstruction or feature.
Michigan driver handbook, page 58: “Keep Left. Traffic should pass only to the left-hand side of a roadway feature or obstruction.”
6. What is the correct procedure for braking in a vehicle without anti-lock brakes when the wheels lock?
Answer: Release pressure and apply the brakes again. For non-abs vehicles, the handbook specifies releasing brake pressure and reapplying it if the wheels lock up.
Michigan driver handbook, page 77: “If the wheels do lock, release pressure and apply the brakes again.”
7. 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.”
8. 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.”
9. In cold weather, which surfaces typically freeze before the main roadway does?
Answer: Bridges and underpasses. The handbook notes that bridges and underpasses freeze before the road does in cold weather conditions.
Michigan driver handbook, page 76: “In cold weather, bridges and underpasses freeze before the road does.”
10. 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.
11. Under what specific condition may a child in a rear-facing child-restraint system be placed in the front seat?
Answer: If the front passenger air bag is deactivated. The handbook specifies that the front passenger air bag must be deactivated to safely place a rear-facing child seat in the front seat.
Michigan driver handbook, page 39: “A child in a rear-facing child-restraint system may only be placed in the front seat if the front passenger air bag is deactivated.”
12. What is the required action when the YELLOW overhead lights on a school bus are flashing?
Answer: Be prepared to stop. The handbook specifies that yellow flashing lights indicate the driver should be prepared to stop, distinct from the mandatory stop required for red lights.
Michigan driver handbook, page 43: “When the YELLOW overhead lights are flashing, be prepared to stop.”
13. When approaching an intersection, what should a driver do if they are unsure what other drivers are going to do?
Answer: Be safe and let them go first. The handbook advises yielding to other drivers when their intentions are unclear to ensure safety.
Michigan driver handbook, page 74: “Anytime you are not sure what other drivers are going to do, be safe and let them go first.”
14. Which violation is assigned four points on a Michigan driving record?
Answer: Drag racing. The handbook lists drag racing specifically under the category of violations that incur four points.
15. What is the standard speed limit in platted subdivisions and condominium complexes?
Answer: 25 mph. The handbook specifies a speed limit of 25 mph for platted subdivisions and condominium complexes.
Michigan driver handbook, page 40: “• 25 mph – In platted subdivisions (showing boundaries, streets, easements and other features of surveyed lots) and condominium complexes.”
16. 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.”
17. 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.”
18. 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.”
19. 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.”
20. 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.”