20 questions from the New Jersey driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. When making a right turn on a red light, what must a driver do first according to the handbook?
Answer: Come to a full stop and yield to traffic and pedestrians. The handbook mandates a full stop and yielding to traffic and pedestrians before making a right turn on red.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 92: “A right turn on red is permissible provided there is no sign stating otherwise, however, one must first come to a full stop and yield to traffic and pedestrians.”
2. When a motorist signals a right turn, who must they yield to according to the handbook?
Answer: Bicyclists, skateboarders, or inline skaters moving through an intersection. The handbook mandates that motorists signaling a right turn must yield to bicyclists, skateboarders, and inline skaters who are moving through the intersection.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 153: “Motorists signaling a right turn must yield to bicyclists, skateboarders, or inline skaters moving through an intersection.”
3. How far from the nearest crosswalk or stop line must a vehicle come to a complete stop when approaching a stop sign?
Answer: Within five feet. The rule specifies that the stop must occur within a distance of five feet from the crosswalk or stop line.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 69: “A motorist approaching a stop sign must bring the vehicle to a complete stop within five feet of the nearest crosswalk or stop line before proceeding.”
4. When entering an angle parking space to your right, what should you do after signaling and slowing down?
Answer: Make sure the rear of the vehicle will clear the parked vehicles. The instructions for angle parking list checking that the rear clears parked vehicles as a specific step after signaling and slowing.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 59: “Make sure the rear of the vehicle will clear the parked vehicles.”
5. At approximately what speed can wet road surfaces cause tires to hydroplane?
Answer: About 35 mph. The handbook specifies that hydroplaning begins at approximately 35 mph, making this the correct threshold for the phenomenon.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 99: “Wet road surfaces can cause tires to hydroplane, or ride up on a film of water, starting at about 35 mph, which could cause a motorist to lose control of their vehicle.”
6. What is the required minimum distance for parking from a stop sign?
Answer: Fifty feet. The regulations specify that a motorist should not park within 50 feet of a stop sign.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 87: “Within 50 feet of a stop sign.”
7. Which of the following states is listed as a non-member of the Nonresident Violator Compact?
Answer: California. California is listed in the handbook as a non-member of the Nonresident Violator Compact, whereas Georgia and Massachusetts are listed as non-members of the Driver License Compact.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 142: “Currently, 44 states and the District of Columbia are members of the compact. Alaska, California, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, and Wisconsin are non-members.”
8. How does the Driver License Compact affect a New Jersey motorist who receives a traffic citation in another member state?
Answer: The violation becomes part of the motorist’s New Jersey driving record. The handbook states that under the Driver License Compact, out-of-state violations are exchanged and become part of the motorist's New Jersey driving record.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 142: “The Driver License Compact exchanges violation information with other states and the District of Columbia. Out-of-state violations become part of a motorist’s New Jersey driving record.”
9. What is the maximum distance a vehicle's tires should be from the curb when properly parallel parked?
Answer: No more than six inches. The handbook defines the correct parallel parking position as having tires no more than six inches away from the curb.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 60: “The vehicle’s tires should be no more than six inches from the curb.”
10. Where must children under age eight be seated in a motor vehicle that has rear seats available?
Answer: In the rear seat. The handbook states that all children under age eight must be seated in a rear seat.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 45: “All children under age eight must be seated in a rear seat.”
11. What is the stated reason for keeping a vehicle in the center of the lane while driving?
Answer: To prevent disrupting the safe flow of traffic and causing other drivers to swerve. The handbook explains that staying centered prevents disruption of traffic flow and reduces the likelihood of crashes caused by swerving.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 92: “Additionally, the vehicle should be kept in the center of the lane at all times, as veering to either side can disrupt the safe flow of traffic, cause drivers to swerve, and ultimately result in crashes.”
12. What is the stated rule of thumb for following distance based on speed?
Answer: Keep one car length back for every 10 miles per hour. The handbook defines the basic rule of thumb as maintaining one car length of distance for every 10 mph of speed.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 96: “Although there is no perfect rule for following distance, the rule of thumb most often used is to keep one car length back (about 20 feet) for each 10 miles per hour of speed.”
13. What is the maximum speed limit for motorized bicycles, or mopeds, as stated in the handbook?
Answer: 25 mph. The handbook specifies that moped drivers are restricted to a maximum speed of 25 mph.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 152: “Moped drivers may not exceed 25 mph”
14. How far ahead should a motorist look while driving in city traffic to ensure sufficient reaction time?
Answer: At least 12 seconds ahead. The handbook specifies that drivers should look at least 12 seconds ahead to allow enough time to react to city traffic conditions.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 103: “A motorist should look at least 12 seconds ahead.”
15. When making a right turn, how should a motorist position their vehicle?
Answer: Approach as far to the right as possible, keeping near the curb or parked vehicles. The handbook instructs drivers to stay close to the right curb or parked vehicles to prevent other cars from occupying the space on the right during the turn.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 74: “To make a safe right turn, a motorist should approach the intersection as far to the right as possible, keeping near to the curb or parked vehicles.”
16. What action is required when two vehicles meet at an intersection and both have signaled to turn left?
Answer: Each motorist should turn to the left of the center of the intersection when safe. The handbook specifies that when both vehicles signal left, they should each turn to the left of the intersection's center to avoid conflict.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 75: “When safe, each motorist should turn to the left of the center of the intersection.”
17. When is a motorist permitted to use a handheld cellular telephone while driving?
Answer: In specific emergency situations such as a fire or medical emergency. Handheld use is restricted to specific emergency scenarios listed in the handbook, not general driving conditions.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 88: “A handheld cellular telephone may be used only in certain emergency situations, which include: • Fire • Traffic crash • Serious road hazard • Medical emergency • Hazardous material emergency”
18. What is the maximum fine amount a person may face for failing to comply with the New Jersey child passenger safety law?
Answer: $75. The handbook states the fine is not less than $50 nor more than $75, making $75 the maximum base fine amount.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 45: “Failure to comply with this law can subject a person to a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $75, plus fees and court costs.”
19. If a traffic signal is not illuminated due to a power failure or malfunction, how should a motorist treat the intersection?
Answer: As a 4-way stop signal. The handbook mandates that non-functioning traffic signals are to be treated as four-way stops.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 70: “When a traffic signal is not illuminated because of a power failure or other malfunction; the traffic signal is observed as a 4-way stop signal.”
20. When approaching a frozen dessert truck that is flashing red lights and posting a stop signal arm, what is the maximum speed a motorist may drive past the truck after stopping?
Answer: No more than 15 mph. The handbook states that after stopping, drivers must proceed past the truck at a speed not exceeding 15 mph.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 80: “Stop, and then drive past the truck at a speed of no more than 15 mph.”