20 questions from the Michigan driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What shape are warning signs used in construction, maintenance, or other designated work areas?
Answer: Diamond-shaped. The handbook specifies that construction zone warning signs are diamond-shaped, distinguishing them from other sign shapes.
Michigan driver handbook, page 40: “Warning signs in construction, maintenance or other designated work areas are diamond-shaped with black lettering on an orange or yellow background.”
2. What action should a driver take when being passed by another vehicle?
Answer: Do not increase speed or race the driver passing you. Drivers being passed are instructed to maintain their speed and allow the other driver to complete the maneuver safely without racing them.
Michigan driver handbook, page 46: “If you are being passed by another vehicle, do not increase your speed or race the driver who is passing you.”
3. What is the recommended action if an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther down the road?
Answer: Stop a safe distance from the crash scene and wait for police. The handbook states that drivers should stop safely, wait for police, and report the behavior witnessed.
Michigan driver handbook, page 74: “If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther down the road, stop a safe distance from the crash scene, wait for the police to arrive and report the driving behavior witnessed.”
4. 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.”
5. What consequence does refusing to submit to a chemical test have under Michigan's implied consent law?
Answer: A license suspension. The handbook states that refusing a chemical test leads to license suspension under the implied consent law.
Michigan driver handbook, page 29: “Refusing to submit to a chemical test will result in a license suspension pursuant to Michigan’s implied consent law.”
6. According to the handbook, what is the recommended action if your car becomes disabled on the roadway?
Answer: Pull as far off the traveled portion as possible, activate four-way emergency lights, and stay inside with your seat belt fastened. The handbook instructs drivers to pull off the road, use emergency lights, and remain inside the buckled vehicle rather than exiting immediately.
Michigan driver handbook, page 81: “Pull as far off the traveled portion of the roadway as possible. Activate your four-way emergency lights and stay inside your vehicle with your seat belt securely fastened.”
7. 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.”
8. 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.”
9. What does a single broken yellow line usually mark on a two-way roadway?
Answer: The center line where a vehicle may pass if it is safe to do so. The handbook defines a single broken yellow line as marking the center line of a two-way roadway where passing is permitted when safe.
Michigan driver handbook, page 61: “A single broken yellow line usually marks the center line of a two-way roadway where a vehicle may pass if it is safe to do so.”
10. When changing lanes to the left, what specific action should a driver take regarding their head?
Answer: Perform a head check. The handbook requires a head check when looking for traffic before moving into the left lane.
Michigan driver handbook, page 48: “Left lane: Look for traffic behind you and on your left with a head check, turn on your left-turn signal and carefully move into the left lane.”
11. 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.”
12. What is the maximum speed at which anyone under 18 years old is permitted to ride in the open bed of a pickup truck?
Answer: 15 mph. The law restricts passengers under 18 in pickup truck beds to vehicles traveling at speeds not exceeding 15 mph.
Michigan driver handbook, page 39: “Anyone under 18 years old is prohibited from riding in the open bed of a pickup truck traveling more than 15 mph.”
13. 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.”
14. 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.”
15. 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.”
16. What is the correct procedure for making a smooth stop on wet pavement?
Answer: Increase pressure gradually and reduce it just before stopping. The handbook instructs drivers to gradually increase brake pressure and then reduce it just before the vehicle stops to ensure a smooth halt.
Michigan driver handbook, page 78: “To make a smooth stop, increase pressure on the brake pedal gradually and just before you stop, reduce the pressure.”
17. 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.”
18. When returning to your parked car, what specific precaution does the handbook advise taking before entering?
Answer: Check the interior for possible intruders. The handbook specifically lists checking the interior for intruders as a required step before entering the vehicle.
Michigan driver handbook, page 80: “Before entering the car, check the interior for possible intruders.”
19. What specific precaution should large trucks take when encountering a Hill sign indicating a steep downslope?
Answer: Ensure brakes are working properly and gear down if necessary. The handbook advises checking brakes and gearing down to manage speed safely on steep downslopes.
Michigan driver handbook, page 59: “All vehicles, especially large trucks, should take precautions to make sure their brakes are working properly and gear down if necessary.”
20. 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.”