20 questions from the Montana driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When approaching a railroad crossing with flashing light signals, when must you stop?
Answer: When the lights begin to flash. The handbook states that drivers must stop as soon as the lights begin to flash, indicating a train is approaching.
Montana driver handbook, page 43: “Always stop when the lights begin to flash. This means that a train is coming.”
2. When approaching a school bus stopped with its red lights flashing, what is the minimum distance a driver must stop from the bus?
Answer: At least 30 feet. The handbook mandates a stopping distance of at least 30 feet from a stopped school bus with flashing red lights.
Montana driver handbook, page 50: “Upon meeting or passing from either direction any school bus stopped with its red lights flashing, the driver of a vehicle must stop at least 30 feet from the bus and cannot proceed until the red lights are turned off”
3. When do the restrictions on a first-year restricted license automatically end?
Answer: On the date indicated on the back of the license or when the driver turns 18, whichever occurs first. The restrictions cease based on the date printed on the license or the driver reaching age 18, depending on which milestone happens sooner.
Montana driver handbook, page 18: “The first-year restricted license restrictions automatically end on the date indicated on the back of the teenager’s driver license, or when the individual turns 18 years old, whichever occurs first.”
4. What is the status of the speed limit within a highway construction zone?
Answer: It is set specifically for each zone by the Department of Transportation, local authority, utility company, or private contractor. The handbook states that there is no standard speed limit and that specific authorities set the limit for each individual zone.
Montana driver handbook, page 38: “There is not a standard speed limit in construction or work zones. The Department of Transportation, local authority, utility company, or private contractor sets a speed limit specific to each zone.”
5. What is the rule for turning right at an intersection controlled by a light?
Answer: You may turn right after stopping, provided it is safe and there is no sign prohibiting it. The handbook allows right turns on red after a complete stop and safety check, unless a specific sign prohibits it.
Montana driver handbook, page 50: “unless there is a sign that says you cannot turn right, you may turn right AFTER YOU HAVE STOPPED (if vehicle is in the proper lane) and you have determined it is safe to do so.”
6. What is the primary purpose of Shared Lane Markings (sharrows) for bicyclists?
Answer: To help bicyclists position themselves to avoid parked car doors and squeezing. Sharrows are designed to guide cyclists into positions that help them avoid hazards like opening car doors and being squeezed by vehicles.
Montana driver handbook, page 53: “By following the markings of two arrows over a bicycle, cyclists can avoid being hit by the open door of a parked vehicle or getting squeezed next to a motor vehicle in a narrow lane.”
7. What do regulatory signs look like?
Answer: Rectangular with black words or symbols on a white background. The handbook defines the visual characteristics of regulatory signs as rectangular with black text/symbols on white.
Montana driver handbook, page 34: “Regulatory signs are rectangular with black words or symbols on a white background.”
8. According to the handbook, how much distance is required to react and stop a vehicle traveling at 50 mph on dry pavement?
Answer: About 400 feet. The handbook specifies that stopping from 50 mph requires approximately 400 feet, which is roughly the length of a city block.
Montana driver handbook, page 73: “At 50 mph, it can take about 400 feet to react to something you see and bring your vehicle to a stop.”
9. What is the specific time window during which a teenage driver with a restricted license is prohibited from driving?
Answer: Between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. The handbook defines the night driving restriction specifically as the hours between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Montana driver handbook, page 18: “Teenage drivers with a restricted driver license may not drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.”
10. If you are involved in an accident involving only property damage, what is the minimum damage threshold that requires an immediate report to law enforcement?
Answer: $500. The handbook states that immediate reporting to law enforcement is required if property damage reaches $500 or more.
Montana driver handbook, page 90: “You must report an accident immediately to law enforcement if anyone is injured or killed, or property damage is $500 or more.”
11. According to the handbook, how far in advance should you signal before making a turn in a rural area?
Answer: 300 feet. The handbook specifies that drivers should signal 300 feet ahead when driving in rural areas, whereas 100 feet is the distance for city blocks.
Montana driver handbook, page 68: “Signal your right turn for 100 feet (1/3 city block) or 300 feet (for rural areas) and slow down.”
12. According to the handbook, why should you increase your following distance when following a motorcycle?
Answer: To provide extra distance to avoid the rider if the motorcycle falls. The handbook specifies that extra space is needed to safely avoid the rider in the event that the motorcycle falls.
Montana driver handbook, page 75: “If the motorcycle should fall, you need extra distance to avoid the rider.”
13. Why does the handbook suggest that drivers should look well ahead?
Answer: To avoid the need to stop or turn quickly, which saves fuel and improves safety. Looking ahead allows for gradual speed adjustments, reducing sudden stops which improves safety and fuel efficiency.
Montana driver handbook, page 62: “You can be a safer driver by looking well ahead. You can avoid the need to stop or turn quickly. The less you have to stop or turn quickly, the less likely you are to run into someone or have someone run into you.”
14. Where should a rear-facing car seat never be placed?
Answer: In the front passenger seat with an active air bag. The handbook instructs drivers to never place a rear-facing car seat in the front passenger seat if the airbag is active.
Montana driver handbook, page 30: “Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front passenger seat with an active air bag.”
15. What is the primary purpose of a shared center lane as described in the handbook?
Answer: It is reserved for making left turns or permitted U-turns. The handbook states that shared center lanes are specifically designated for left turns and permitted U-turns.
Montana driver handbook, page 45: “These center lanes are reserved for making left turns (or U-turns when they are permitted) but can be used by vehicles traveling in both directions.”
16. According to the handbook, when should you turn on your headlights?
Answer: When it begins to get dark. The handbook states to turn on headlights when it begins to get dark, rather than waiting for full darkness or specific sun angles only.
Montana driver handbook, page 66: “Turn on your headlights when it begins to get dark.”
17. If you are driving on a controlled-access highway and observe another driver entering, what should you do whenever possible?
Answer: Move to your left so that they may enter safely. Drivers on the main highway are advised to shift left to create space for merging vehicles, facilitating a smoother entry.
Montana driver handbook, page 71: “When traveling on a controlled-access highway and you observe another driver entering, you should, whenever possible, move to your left so that they may enter safely.”
18. Why is it necessary to look over your shoulder when changing lanes, even after checking your mirrors?
Answer: To check for vehicles in blind spots that cannot be seen through mirrors. The handbook states that blind spots are areas not visible in mirrors, requiring a head turn to check for nearby vehicles.
Montana driver handbook, page 64: “Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move. Be sure no one is near the rear corners of your vehicle. These areas are called “blind spots” because you cannot see them through your mirrors.”
19. According to the handbook, how should a driver determine if they are looking 10 seconds ahead?
Answer: By finding a non-moving object and counting seconds until reaching it. The handbook instructs drivers to use a stationary object and count seconds until they reach it to gauge their forward viewing distance.
Montana driver handbook, page 62: “Find a non-moving object like a sign or telephone pole. Start counting (one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand, etc.) until you reach the object.”
20. When avoiding a collision in a vehicle WITHOUT ABS, how should a driver apply the brakes to stop quickly?
Answer: Apply the brakes as hard as possible without locking them, releasing briefly if skidding occurs. For vehicles without ABS, the handbook advises applying brakes hard but releasing them briefly if the vehicle begins to skid, then reapplying them once traction returns.
Montana driver handbook, page 88: “Apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking them. If the brakes lock up, you will feel the vehicle start to skid. Quickly let up on the brake pedal. As soon as the vehicle stops skidding, push down on the brake pedal again.”