20 questions from the Mississippi driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the primary purpose of the left lane on an interstate highway?
Answer: For passing. The handbook clearly defines the left lane's purpose as being for passing, distinct from the right lane used for through travel.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 70: “The right lane is intended for through travel while the left lane is intended for passing.”
2. What is the required placement for a Mississippi license plate on a vehicle?
Answer: On the rear of the vehicle. The handbook states that the license plate must be mounted on the rear of the vehicle.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 75: “You are required by law to mount your Mississippi license plate (tag) on the rear of your vehicle.”
3. According to Mississippi law, what restraint is required for a child who is at least four years old but under seven years old, weighs less than sixty-five pounds, and is less than 4 feet 9 inches tall?
Answer: A belt-positioning booster seat system. The handbook specifies that children meeting these age, height, and weight criteria must use a belt-positioning booster seat.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 64: “Children at least four years old but under seven years old who are less than 4 feet 9 inches in height or who weigh less than sixty-five pounds must be properly secured in a belt-positioning booster seat system that meets applicable safety standards.”
4. What is the minimum Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) threshold for drivers under the age of 21 to be considered under the influence?
Answer: .02%. The handbook establishes a stricter Zero Tolerance standard for underage drivers, setting the threshold at .02% or more.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 78: “under the age of 21 BAC registers .02% or more.”
5. What is the correct procedure if you miss your intended exit on the interstate?
Answer: Continue to the next exit. The handbook instructs drivers to continue to the next exit rather than stopping, backing up, or turning around.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 69: “If you miss your exit, do not stop and back up. Continue to the next exit.”
6. What action is required when stopping to refuel a truck carrying gasoline?
Answer: Turn off the ignition. The handbook instructs drivers to turn off the ignition when putting gasoline in the tank to prevent fires and explosions.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 87: “Turn off the ignition when you put gasoline in the tank or unload the truck.”
7. When is it permissible to cross a center line marked with both a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line?
Answer: Only if the broken yellow line is closest to your travel lane and it is safe. The rule specifies that crossing is allowed only when the broken line is on the driver's side, ensuring safe passing conditions.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 45: “If you are on a highway divided by BOTH one solid yellow line AND one broken yellow line, you may cross the lines for passing ONLY if the broken yellow line is closest to your travel lane (and if the oncoming lane is clear, and it is safe to pass).”
8. How far from a fire hydrant must you stop when parking?
Answer: Ten feet. The list of prohibited parking locations specifies that vehicles cannot park within ten feet of a fire hydrant.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 60: “Within ten feet of a fire hydrant”
9. How should a driver enter a roundabout or traffic circle?
Answer: Yield to traffic already in the circle and enter counterclockwise. Drivers must yield to circulating traffic and navigate the circle in a counterclockwise direction.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 57: “Yield to the traffic in the roundabout or circle. • Enter the roundabout or traffic circle in a counterclockwise direction.”
10. When parking on a hill in an uphill position with a curb, how should you turn your wheels?
Answer: Sharply to the left. The handbook instructs drivers to turn wheels sharply to the left when parked uphill next to a curb.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 62: “In an uphill position with a curb, turn your wheels sharply to the left.”
11. If your car becomes disabled and you must walk to seek help, which side of the highway should you walk on?
Answer: Always walk on the left side of the highway, facing oncoming traffic. The handbook specifies walking on the left side facing traffic to ensure visibility of approaching vehicles.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 65: “If you must walk to seek help, always walk on the left side of the highway, facing oncoming traffic.”
12. Which type of vehicle is excluded from using the Natchez Trace Parkway?
Answer: Commercial vehicles. The handbook specifies that commercial vehicles are excluded from the Parkway.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 90: “Commercial vehicles are excluded from the Parkway, and access is limited.”
13. How should a driver respond if they disagree with an officer's decision during a traffic stop?
Answer: Do not prolong the contact by arguing with the officer; seek to contest the decision in court through established legal channels. The handbook advises against arguing during the stop and directs drivers to use legal channels for disputes, ensuring the interaction remains efficient and safe.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 68: “If you disagree with the officer’s decision or course of action, do not prolong the contact by arguing with the officer. Rather, you may seek to contest the decision in court through established legal channels.”
14. According to the handbook, why are the opening minutes of rain considered the slickest and most dangerous time to drive?
Answer: Because the first water to hit the road loosens accumulated dirt and grease, forming a slick film. The handbook states that initial rain mixes with dirt and grease to create a slick film, making it the most dangerous time.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 65: “The first water to hit the road loosens accumulated dirt and grease. This immediately forms a mixture which quickly coats the road with a dangerously slick film.”
15. According to the Mississippi Squatted Vehicle Law, what specific measurement determines if a vehicle's height modification is unlawful?
Answer: The height of the front fender is raised four or more inches greater than the height of the rear fender. The law specifically defines the violation based on the front fender being raised at least four inches higher than the rear fender.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 20: “It shall be unlawful for any person to drive a passenger motor vehicle on the streets or highways of Mississippi if, by alteration of the suspension, frame or chassis, the height of the front fender is raised four or more inches greater than the height of the rear fender.”
16. Which of the following convictions requires the Commissioner of Public Safety to revoke a license for one year?
Answer: Three reckless driving convictions within a twelve-month period. The section on Revocation lists three reckless driving convictions within twelve months as a cause for one-year revocation.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 80: “three reckless driving convictions within a twelve-month period”
17. What is the correct procedure when a traffic officer is directing traffic at an intersection?
Answer: Follow the officer's directions, even if they differ from the traffic signals. The handbook establishes that officer directions supersede standard traffic signals, requiring drivers to obey the officer's instructions.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 40: “You should always follow them UNLESS an officer is directing traffic. If officers are directing traffic, you MUST follow their directions.”
18. What is the recommended action if your vehicle begins to skid?
Answer: Turn the wheel in the direction of the skid, provided you do not run off the road. The handbook instructs drivers to steer into the skid while avoiding running off the road, contrasting with other common but incorrect steering techniques.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 65: “If your vehicle starts to skid, turn the wheel in the direction of the skid, but only if you can do so without running off the road or hitting something.”
19. How far in advance may a licensed driver renew their license before the expiration date?
Answer: Up to six months. Drivers are permitted to renew their licenses up to six months before the expiration date.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 12: “For any licensed driver who qualifies for a LICENSE RENEWAL, the license may be renewed UP TO SIX MONTHS prior to the expiration date.”
20. Under what specific condition is a driver classified under Zero Tolerance DUI rather than regular DUI?
Answer: If the driver is under 21 and has a Blood Alcohol Content of less than .08% but .02% or higher. Zero Tolerance applies specifically to under-21 drivers with BAC between .02% and below .08%.
Mississippi driver handbook, page 79: “These penalties apply to drivers under 21 years of age, who have a Blood Alcohol Content of .02% or higher, but LESS than .08%.”