20 questions from the Michigan driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the recommended following distance when driving on wet roads?
Answer: At least twice the normal following distance. The handbook advises increasing the following distance to at least double the normal amount when roads are wet.
Michigan driver handbook, page 76: “Slow down and allow at least twice the normal following distance.”
2. When approaching a school bus with flashing red overhead lights on a road divided by a barrier, what is the correct action for a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction?
Answer: Proceed with caution without stopping. The handbook specifies that on divided roads, vehicles on the opposite side of the barrier are not required to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights.
Michigan driver handbook, page 43: “Because these roads are divided by a barrier, the red car does not need to stop even though the school bus has its red overhead lights flashing.”
3. How many points must a driver accumulate within a two-year period to trigger a driver reexamination?
Answer: 12 or more points. The handbook states that accumulating 12 or more points within two years is a specific trigger for reexamination.
Michigan driver handbook, page 30: “You have accumulated 12 or more points within a two-year period.”
4. When changing lanes, how should a driver check their blind spot?
Answer: Turning your head and looking over your shoulder. The handbook indicates that turning your head to look over your shoulder is the correct method for checking blind spots.
Michigan driver handbook, page 84: “Turning your head and looking over your shoulder.”
5. How should you respond if confronted by an aggressive driver?
Answer: Attempt to get out of the way and avoid eye contact. The handbook advises avoiding eye contact and ignoring gestures to prevent the situation from escalating into road rage.
Michigan driver handbook, page 74: “If confronted by an aggressive driver, attempt to get out of the way, avoid eye contact and ignore gestures or verbal attacks.”
6. When parking uphill without a curb, how should you position your wheels?
Answer: Turn wheels so the vehicle will not roll into traffic. The handbook instructs drivers to orient wheels to prevent rolling into traffic when no curb is present.
Michigan driver handbook, page 51: “If there is no curb, turn the wheels so that the vehicle will not roll into traffic.”
7. Under Michigan law described in the handbook, what is the maximum amount of marijuana concentrate allowed when transporting 2.5 ounces or less of marijuana?
Answer: 15 grams. The handbook limits the amount of marijuana concentrate to no more than 15 grams within the total allowance.
Michigan driver handbook, page 29: “Not more than 15 grams of marijuana may be in the form of a marijuana concentrate.”
8. When merging onto a freeway, who is responsible for adjusting speed and placement to merge safely?
Answer: The vehicle merging onto the freeway. The handbook clarifies that the merging vehicle bears the responsibility to adjust its speed and position to accommodate existing traffic.
Michigan driver handbook, page 75: “If you are the vehicle merging onto (in this case) the freeway, you are the one who must adjust speed and placement so as to merge safely and avoid a crash with traffic already on the freeway.”
9. Which of the following is a permitted exception for using a mobile device while driving?
Answer: Texting 9-1-1 to report a medical emergency. The handbook lists reporting emergencies via text or call as an exception, while other tasks like checking email or adjusting radios are described as distractions to minimize.
Michigan driver handbook, page 38: “Drivers (including all teens) are allowed to use a mobile device while driving to text 9-1-1 or call a law enforcement agency, health-care provider, fire department, or other emergency service to report:”
10. Which feature distinguishes an autocycle from a standard motorcycle according to the handbook?
Answer: It has three wheels and is not equipped with a straddle seat. The definition provided states an autocycle has three wheels and lacks a straddle seat, distinguishing it from other motorcycles.
Michigan driver handbook, page 71: “It has three wheels and is not equipped with a straddle seat.”
11. What is the required distance for parking from the nearest rail of a railroad crossing?
Answer: Within 50 feet. The handbook specifies that drivers must park within 50 feet of the nearest rail at a railroad crossing.
Michigan driver handbook, page 52: “Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.”
12. What is the minimum number of traffic crashes involving injury or property damage required over the past two years to necessitate a reexamination?
Answer: Three or more. The handbook specifies that being involved in three or more such crashes within two years is a criterion for reexamination.
Michigan driver handbook, page 30: “You have been in three or more traffic crashes resulting in personal injury or property damage over the past two years.”
13. When a law enforcement officer signals you to pull over, what is the correct procedure regarding your hands and documents?
Answer: Keep both hands empty and visible on the steering wheel, and retrieve documents only when asked. The handbook specifies keeping hands empty and visible on the steering wheel, and taking out documents only when the officer asks.
Michigan driver handbook, page 81: “Keep both hands empty and in plain sight on the steering wheel. Ask your passengers to keep silent and keep their hands clearly visible and empty.”
14. How far from a stop sign, traffic light, or flashing beacon must a vehicle be parked?
Answer: Within 30 feet. The handbook lists 30 feet as the specific distance requirement for parking near stop signs and traffic lights.
Michigan driver handbook, page 52: “Within 30 feet of a stop sign, traffic light or flashing beacon, including a warning sign.”
15. What is the standard speed limit in a work zone if no specific speed is posted?
Answer: 45 mph. The handbook specifies that the default speed limit for work zones is 45 mph when no other speed is posted.
Michigan driver handbook, page 41: “For most construction, maintenance or surveying activities, the speed limit is 45 mph unless posted differently.”
16. Under Michigan law, what is the minimum age of a supervisor who can watch children left in a vehicle without violating the unattended child law?
Answer: Age 13 or older. The handbook specifies that supervision by someone age 13 or older satisfies the legal requirement for leaving children in a vehicle.
Michigan driver handbook, page 40: “Parents or guardians who leave their children in a vehicle under the supervision of someone age 13 or older who is not legally incapacitated are not in violation of the law.”
17. When driving at night, what is the minimum distance at which headlights must be used if daylight is insufficient to see people and vehicles clearly?
Answer: 500 feet. The handbook states that headlights are required when visibility is limited to 500 feet.
Michigan driver handbook, page 78: “Headlights must be on any time there is not enough daylight to see people and vehicles clearly at 500 feet.”
18. 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.”
19. What should you do with a safety seat that has been involved in a crash?
Answer: Replace it. The handbook mandates that any safety seat involved in a crash must be replaced.
Michigan driver handbook, page 40: “Any safety seat involved in a crash should always be replaced.”
20. 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.”