20 questions from the Michigan driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. How much time does a driver typically have before a train arrives after crossing lights or gates are activated?
Answer: About 20 seconds. The handbook notes that drivers have approximately 20 seconds before the train arrives once warnings are activated.
Michigan driver handbook, page 50: “Once railroad crossing lights and gates are activated, or you hear the horn of an approaching train, you have about 20 seconds before the train arrives.”
2. What equipment do low-riding recumbent cyclists often use to improve visibility?
Answer: Tall orange flags. The handbook notes that many riders of these low-profile cycles use tall orange flags to help them be seen.
Michigan driver handbook, page 71: “These bikes are almost always equipped with rear view mirrors and many riders use tall orange flags for additional visibility”
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. Where are bicyclists legally prohibited from riding in Michigan?
Answer: On limited access freeways. The handbook states that bicyclists may ride on Michigan roads except for limited access freeways.
Michigan driver handbook, page 71: “Bicyclists may legally ride on Michigan roads, except limited access freeways.”
6. 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.”
7. What action cancels the cruise control setting on a vehicle?
Answer: Depressing the brake pedal. According to the handbook, depressing the brake pedal is the action that cancels the cruise control setting.
Michigan driver handbook, page 76: “Acceleration does not cancel the cruise control setting – depressing the brake pedal will.”
8. 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.”
9. Why should drivers exercise caution at intersections during rain according to the handbook?
Answer: Because oil deposits may be heavier there. The handbook notes that intersections often have heavier oil deposits, making them particularly slippery.
Michigan driver handbook, page 76: “Be especially cautious at intersections where oil deposits may be heavier.”
10. 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.
11. 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.”
12. 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.”
13. When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, what speed adjustment is required by law?
Answer: Slow down at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit. The handbook mandates reducing speed by at least 10 mph below the posted limit when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle.
Michigan driver handbook, page 42: “The law requires you to slow down at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and move over a lane if traffic and conditions allow.”
14. 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.”
15. When approaching a work zone with a “Where Workers Present 45” sign, what is the required driving behavior?
Answer: Drive at a safe speed for conditions, watch for workers, and slow to 45 mph or lower. The handbook instructs drivers to adjust speed to conditions and reduce speed to 45 mph or less when workers are present in the zone.
Michigan driver handbook, page 84: “Drive at a safe speed for conditions (up to the posted speed limit), watch for construction workers and slow down to 45 mph or lower where workers are present.”
16. What action is required when a steady green arrow is displayed?
Answer: Proceed with caution in the direction of the arrow. The handbook states that a steady green arrow allows drivers to proceed with caution in the direction indicated by the arrow.
Michigan driver handbook, page 64: “A steady green arrow means that traffic coming toward you is stopped and you may proceed with caution in the direction of the arrow.”
17. 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.”
18. 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.”
19. 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.”
20. How is a left turn only center lane marked on its outside edges?
Answer: With solid yellow lines. The handbook specifies that the outside edges of a left turn only center lane are marked with solid yellow lines, while the inside edges have broken yellow lines.
Michigan driver handbook, page 62: “Each outside edge of the left turn only center lane is marked with a solid yellow line with broken yellow lines on the inside edges.”