20 questions from the Michigan driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the maximum speed limit on Michigan freeways unless otherwise posted?
Answer: 70 mph. The handbook states that the maximum speed limit on freeways is 70 mph unless signs indicate otherwise.
Michigan driver handbook, page 40: “70 mph maximum/55 mph minimum – On all freeways unless posted otherwise.”
2. Which vehicles are legally permitted to use an emergency crossover marked by an 'Authorized Vehicles Only' sign?
Answer: Law enforcement, emergency or maintenance vehicles. The handbook restricts the use of emergency crossovers specifically to law enforcement, emergency, and maintenance vehicles.
Michigan driver handbook, page 58: “Only law enforcement, emergency or maintenance vehicles may legally use the emergency crossover.”
3. What is the required action when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle?
Answer: Make sure it is safe to pass before pulling out around the emergency vehicle. The handbook instructs drivers to verify safety before maneuvering around stopped emergency vehicles.
Michigan driver handbook, page 47: “Make sure it is safe to pass before pulling out around the emergency vehicle.”
4. Which vehicles have priority over a funeral procession?
Answer: Fire trucks, ambulances and police vehicles. The handbook states that funeral processions yield only to fire trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles.
Michigan driver handbook, page 45: “Funeral processions have the right of way over all other vehicles, except for fire trucks, ambulances and police vehicles.”
5. Which of the following is a stated reason why passing is prohibited?
Answer: You are approaching a hill or curve that prevents you from seeing oncoming traffic clearly. The handbook lists limited visibility due to hills or curves as a specific condition where passing is prohibited.
Michigan driver handbook, page 46: “You are approaching a hill or curve that prevents you from seeing oncoming traffic clearly.”
6. Which of the following is a requirement for parking in a disability parking space?
Answer: You or your passenger must have a qualifying disability. The handbook states that a qualifying disability for the driver or passenger is required to use these spaces.
Michigan driver handbook, page 52: “You or your passenger must have a qualifying disability.”
7. How should a driver position their front wheels when preparing to make a left turn?
Answer: Keep them pointed straight ahead until starting the turn. The handbook specifies keeping wheels straight until the turn begins to ensure proper alignment and safety.
Michigan driver handbook, page 48: “Keep your front wheels pointed straight ahead until you start your turn.”
8. Under what condition are High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes open to all motorists?
Answer: Outside of designated hours. The handbook states that HOV lanes are restricted during peak hours but become available to everyone outside those specific times.
Michigan driver handbook, page 75: “Outside of designated hours, HOV lanes are open to all motorists.”
9. What does a lit green arrow on a 5-section-head signal indicate for turning drivers?
Answer: You have a protected turn and conflicting traffic is stopped. The handbook defines a lit green arrow as providing a protected turn where conflicting traffic is stopped.
Michigan driver handbook, page 63: “When the green arrow is lit, turning drivers have a “protected turn,” meaning all oncoming or conflicting traffic is stopped.”
10. What action is required when approaching an intersection with a malfunctioning traffic signal?
Answer: Come to a complete stop and yield to vehicles already at the intersection. The handbook instructs drivers to come to a complete stop and yield to existing traffic when facing a malfunctioning signal.
Michigan driver handbook, page 44: “You reach an intersection with a malfunctioning traffic signal. Come to a complete stop and yield to vehicles already at the intersection.”
11. What action must a driver take when encountering a flashing red light?
Answer: Come to a full stop and proceed when the road is clear. The handbook defines a flashing red light as requiring a full stop followed by proceeding when the road is clear.
Michigan driver handbook, page 64: “Flashing red light A flashing red light means come to a full stop. Proceed when the road is clear.”
12. When is it permissible to complete a left turn if the signal changes to a solid yellow arrow?
Answer: If you are already within the intersection and there is no conflicting traffic. The handbook specifies that drivers already inside the intersection may finish their turn on a solid yellow arrow if no conflicting traffic is present.
Michigan driver handbook, page 64: “However, if you are already within the intersection and there is no conflicting traffic present, you may complete your left turn.”
13. When driving in the right lane on an expressway, when should you move into the left lane?
Answer: Traffic is light and cars are merging onto the expressway from the right. The handbook states that moving to the left lane is appropriate when traffic is light and vehicles are merging from the right.
Michigan driver handbook, page 83: “Traffic is light and cars are merging onto the expressway from the right.”
14. What action must a driver take at a railroad crossing equipped with a stop sign, even if no train is visible?
Answer: Stop whether or not a train is in sight. The rule mandates a complete stop at stop-sign-controlled crossings regardless of visual confirmation of an approaching train.
Michigan driver handbook, page 50: “If there is a stop sign at the crossing, you must stop whether or not a train is in sight.”
15. How should a driver apply brakes in a vehicle equipped with anti-lock brakes during extreme conditions?
Answer: Apply hard, firm pressure from the start and maintain it until stopped. The handbook specifies that for anti-lock brakes, drivers should maintain hard, firm pressure rather than pumping the brakes.
Michigan driver handbook, page 77: “With anti-lock brakes, apply the brake with hard, firm pressure from the start and maintain this pressure until you have stopped.”
16. What is the correct action if oncoming drivers do not dim their headlights?
Answer: Keep your eyes on the right edge of the road ahead. The handbook instructs drivers to focus on the right edge of the road rather than looking directly into the glare of oncoming headlights.
Michigan driver handbook, page 78: “If oncoming drivers do not dim their headlights, keep your eyes on the right edge of the road ahead. Do not look directly into oncoming headlights.”
17. According to Michigan's child passenger safety law, until what criteria must children be properly buckled up in a car seat or booster seat?
Answer: Until they reach age 8 or are 4 feet, 9 inches tall. The handbook specifies that children must use a safety seat until they reach either age 8 or a height of 4 feet, 9 inches, whichever comes first.
Michigan driver handbook, page 39: “Children are to be properly buckled up in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall.”
18. What is the recommended distance between the center of a driver's breastbone and the center of the steering wheel?
Answer: At least 10 inches. The handbook recommends maintaining a minimum of 10 inches of space between the breastbone and the steering wheel center.
Michigan driver handbook, page 40: “It is recommended that drivers sit with at least 10 inches of space between the center of their breastbone and the center of the steering wheel.”
19. What is the maximum distance a vehicle should be from the curb when parked?
Answer: More than 12 inches. The rule requires the vehicle to be within 12 inches (one foot) of the curb, so being more than 12 inches away is incorrect.
Michigan driver handbook, page 52: “More than 12 inches from the curb. This means the curb should never be more than a foot from your parked vehicle.”
20. How long must a teen hold their Level 1 Learner's License before applying for the Level 2 Intermediate License?
Answer: Six months. The requirements for the Level 2 Intermediate License state that the applicant must have held the Level 1 license for at least six months.
Michigan driver handbook, page 19: “To apply, you must be at least age 16 and have held your Level 1 Learner’s License for at least 6 months.”