20 questions from the New Jersey driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. How should a motorist test brakes on a vehicle equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS)?
Answer: By applying steady pressure to the brake pedal. The handbook specifies that ABS brakes require steady pressure rather than pumping or jerking motions.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 47: “If a vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), the brakes can be tested by applying steady pressure to the brake pedal.”
2. How should a motorist treat a traffic signal that has no bulbs working and no person directing traffic?
Answer: Treat it as a stop sign, yielding to traffic from the right or left. The handbook states that a non-functioning signal with no traffic director is treated as a four-way stop sign, requiring the driver to stop and yield appropriately.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 215: “Stop if a signal does not have any of its bulbs working and no one is directing traffic. It is considered a four-way stop sign.”
3. How can a motorist identify if their vehicle is equipped with an air bag?
Answer: By looking for the words "air bag" or the letters "SRS" or "SIR" on the steering wheel and dashboard panel. The handbook states that markings such as "air bag," "SRS," or "SIR" on the steering wheel or dashboard indicate the presence of an air bag.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 46: “A motorist can tell if their vehicle has an air bag by the words “air bag” or the letters “SRS” (supplemental restraint system) or “SIR” (supplemental inflatable restraint) on the steering wheel and dashboard panel.”
4. Under what condition does New Jersey law require double fines for exceeding the speed limit?
Answer: Exceeding the 65 mph limit by 10 miles per hour or more. Double fines are specifically applied when a driver exceeds the 65 mph limit by at least 10 mph.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 64: “Motorists pay double fines for exceeding the 65 mph limit by 10 miles per hour or more.”
5. According to the New Jersey Driver Handbook, how many points are added to a driving record for traffic violations committed in other states?
Answer: Two points. The handbook states that violations occurring in other states result in a two-point addition to the driver's record.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 139: “Two points will be added to a driving record for traffic violations committed in other states.”
6. What is the specific limitation of round, convex mirrors found on many motorcycles?
Answer: They make vehicles seem farther away than they really are. The handbook notes that while convex mirrors offer a wider view, their optical property causes objects to appear more distant than their actual proximity.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 189: “However, these mirrors make vehicles seem farther away than they really are.”
7. What is the minimum vision requirement for a basic license applicant in New Jersey?
Answer: 20/50 vision with or without corrective lenses. Basic license applicants must meet the 20/50 vision standard, regardless of whether they use corrective lenses.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 33: “Basic License Applicants: 20/50 vision with or without corrective lenses.”
8. What is the best strategy for judging distance when riding at night?
Answer: Allow extra distance from vehicles ahead. The handbook instructs riders to increase their following distance at night to compensate for reduced visibility and depth perception.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 197: “Distance is difficult to judge well at night. Make up for this by allowing extra distance from vehicles ahead.”
9. What is the legal requirement for a motorist using prescription drugs when stopped by law enforcement?
Answer: They must show proof of the prescription. The handbook specifies that showing proof of the prescription is the required action for motorists using prescription drugs when asked by law enforcement.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 119: “If asked, motorists using prescription drugs must show proof of the prescription to law enforcement.”
10. Which of the following is a valid exemption from the seat belt law?
Answer: A passenger vehicle manufactured before July 1, 1966. The handbook lists vehicles manufactured before July 1, 1966, as a specific exemption category.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 42: “The exemptions are any passenger vehicle manufactured before July 1, 1966, a passenger vehicle that is not required to be equipped with seat belt systems under federal law, or a physical or medical reason, verified in writing by a licensed physician, which makes the motorist or passenger unable to wear a seat belt.”
11. Between which dates may motorists in New Jersey use studded snow tires?
Answer: November 15 and April 1. The handbook states that studded snow tires are permitted between November 15 and April 1.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 101: “In New Jersey, motorists may use studded snow tires between November 15 and April 1.”
12. When should a motorist return to the right lane after passing another vehicle?
Answer: When the passed vehicle is visible in the rearview mirror. The handbook advises returning to the right lane only when the passed vehicle is visible in the rearview mirror, ensuring sufficient space.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 98: “(A good indication that it is safe to return to the right lane is when the vehicle that was passed is visible in the rearview mirror)”
13. When performing a 3-Point Turn, where should the motorist initially start?
Answer: From the right edge of the road. The instructions for a complete 3-Point Turn specify starting from the right edge of the road.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 58: “When turning a vehicle around, a motorist should start from the right edge of the road.”
14. In a traffic circle, which factor primarily dictates who has the right-of-way when there are no specific traffic control signs?
Answer: The historically established traffic flow pattern. The handbook states that in the absence of specific signs, the existing traffic flow pattern within the circle determines right-of-way.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 70: “In most cases, the circle’s historically established traffic flow pattern dictates who has the right-of-way.”
15. Under what condition are motorists NOT required to yield the right-of-way to buses?
Answer: Once the bus is back in the normal flow of traffic and changing lanes. The handbook clarifies that the requirement to yield applies when re-entering traffic, but once the bus is in the normal flow, yielding is not required when the bus changes lanes.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 152: “However, once the bus is back in the normal flow of traffic, motorists are not required to yield the right-of-way to buses changing lanes.”
16. Which vehicles are indicated by a fluorescent and reflective orange triangular sign?
Answer: Slow-moving vehicles such as farm and construction equipment. The handbook states that the orange triangular sign specifically indicates slow-moving vehicles like farm and construction equipment.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 219: “These signs alert motorists to slow-moving vehicles. A fluorescent and reflective orange triangular sign indicates slow-moving vehicles, such as farm and construction equipment operating on public highways.”
17. What is the maximum fine for a motorist convicted of fraud on insurance applications and claims forms?
Answer: $5,000. The handbook states that the fine for insurance fraud can be up to $5,000.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 132: “Motorists convicted of fraud on insurance applications and claims forms may receive fines of up to $5,000, or imprisonment for up to three years, or both.”
18. What is the primary purpose of using turn signals according to the handbook?
Answer: To show other motorists where you intend to turn. The handbook defines the function of turn signals as communicating intended actions to other drivers.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 95: “Turn signals (including hand signals, when appropriate) allow a motorist to tell other motorists what they are going to do.”
19. During what time period is driving prohibited for holders of a Special Learner Permit?
Answer: Between 11:01 pm and 5:00 am. The restrictions section clearly defines the no-driving window as starting at 11:01 pm and ending at 5:00 am.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 20: “No driving between 11:01 pm and 5:00 am”
20. How does a roundabout reduce the occurrence of severe crashes compared to traditional intersections?
Answer: By eliminating conflicting traffic patterns such as left turns. The handbook explains that roundabouts reduce severe crashes by eliminating conflicting traffic patterns like left turns, relying instead on right turns for entry and exit.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 220: “A roundabout eliminates some of the conflicting traffic, such as left turns, which cause crashes at traditional intersections. Because roundabout traffic enters or exists only through right turns, the occurrence of severe crashes is substantially reduced.”