20 questions from the New Jersey driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. According to New Jersey law, what is the default speed limit for suburban business and residential districts unless otherwise posted?
Answer: 35 mph. The handbook lists 35 mph as the limit for suburban business and residential districts.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 64: “35 mph Suburban business and residential districts”
2. What is the purpose of white diamonds painted on the pavement?
Answer: To indicate high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. The handbook states that white diamonds are used to identify High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 219: “White diamonds Indicate high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes reserved for a particular vehicle type or vehicles carrying multiple riders, as identified by posted regulatory signs.”
3. What is the correct way to position the shoulder portion of a seat belt?
Answer: Over the collar bone, away from the neck, and crossing over the breastbone. The handbook provides specific instructions on proper belt positioning, stating the shoulder strap should go over the collar bone and breastbone.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 43: “The shoulder portion should come over the collar bone, away from the neck, and cross over the breastbone.”
4. What is the maximum number of points that can be subtracted from a motorist's point total each year if they go without a violation or suspension?
Answer: Three points. The handbook specifies that up to three points are deducted annually for safe driving, provided the driver has no violations or suspensions.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 139: “Up to three points will be subtracted from a motorist’s point total every year that the motorist goes without a violation or suspension, and the motorist’s driving privileges remain in good standing, but the point total will never be reduced below zero.”
5. Which foot should be used to operate the brake pedal?
Answer: Right foot. The handbook mandates using the right foot for both braking and accelerating.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 55: “A motorist should always use their right foot for both the brake and the gas pedal.”
6. Under what condition may a motorist proceed through an intersection when the light changes to yellow?
Answer: When the vehicle is too close to stop safely. The rule requires stopping at a yellow light unless the vehicle is already too close to the intersection to stop safely.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 76: “When a yellow light follows a green light, a motorist must stop before entering the intersection, unless yellow appears when the vehicle is too close to stop safely.”
7. What action is required when driving on private property to avoid a traffic signal or sign?
Answer: It is considered a motor vehicle violation. The handbook classifies using private property to bypass traffic controls as a violation.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 69: “Note: Driving on private property to avoid a traffic signal or sign is a motor vehicle violation.”
8. What is the consequence for disobeying the directions of a flagger in a work zone?
Answer: The motorist may be cited. Flagger directions carry the same authority as regulatory signs, meaning drivers can be cited for failing to follow their instructions.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 217: “Note: Flaggers have the same authority as a regulatory sign, so a motorist may be cited if they disobey their directions.”
9. What is the minimum distance a motorist must maintain from a railroad crossing when warning devices such as flashing red lights or lowered gates are active?
Answer: At least 15 feet. The handbook specifies that drivers must stop at least 15 feet away from railroad crossings when warning devices are activated.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 78: “A motorist must stop at least 15 feet from a railroad crossing when there are flashing red lights, ringing bells, descending or lowered gates, or flag signals.”
10. What is the required action for a motorist approaching a railroad crossing with flashing red lights?
Answer: Stop and yield to the train, going only when the lights stop flashing. Drivers must stop and yield to trains at crossings with flashing red lights, proceeding only after the lights stop flashing and warning devices deactivate.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 214: “Motorists must yield to the train. Go only when red lights stop flashing and when all other active warning devices deactivate.”
11. What should a motorist do if their vehicle becomes disabled on the highway?
Answer: Stay in the vehicle, keep the seatbelt on, and lock the doors. The handbook advises staying inside the locked vehicle with the seatbelt fastened, rather than exiting or accepting rides from strangers.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 73: “Stay in the vehicle, keep your seatbelt on and lock the doors.”
12. When should a motorist proceed across railroad tracks after warning devices have activated?
Answer: When the gates have been raised, the bells have stopped ringing, and the red lights have stopped flashing. Drivers must wait until all warning signals cease and gates are raised before crossing the tracks.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 78: “A motorist should never cross until the gates have been raised, the bells have stopped ringing and the red lights have stopped flashing.”
13. How long do all point violations after March 1, 1974, remain on a motorist's driving record?
Answer: Indefinitely. The handbook states that point violations from this date forward stay on the record, implying they do not expire after a fixed short term like one or three years.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 139: “All point violations after March 1, 1974, will stay on a motorist’s driving record.”
14. Under what condition can a child be secured in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger-side airbag?
Answer: Only if the airbag is disabled or turned off. The rule allows rear-facing seats in the front only if the passenger-side airbag is disabled or turned off.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 45: “However, children cannot be secured in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system in a front seat of any motor vehicle that is equipped with a passenger-side airbag that is not disabled or turned off.”
15. In a weave lane where traffic enters and exits the expressway at the same location, who has the right-of-way?
Answer: The motorist leaving the expressway. The handbook specifies that drivers entering from the ramp must yield to those exiting the expressway to manage the conflict in speed and space.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 72: “The motorist entering from the entrance ramp must yield the right-of-way to the motorist leaving the expressway.”
16. Why should a motorist drive more slowly at night according to the handbook?
Answer: Because a motorist’s vision is reduced at night. The handbook states that slowing down is necessary because a motorist's vision is reduced at night, requiring them to stay within headlight range.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 102: “At night, a motorist’s vision is reduced. To drive safely at night, slow down and drive within the range of the vehicle’s headlights.”
17. According to the handbook, what is the maximum duration a motorist with a valid license from another country may drive in New Jersey using that foreign license?
Answer: One year. The handbook states that foreign license holders are permitted to drive for a period of up to one year.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 23: “A motorist with a valid license from another country may drive with that license for up to a year”
18. How should a motorist handle a flat tire or blowout?
Answer: Hold the steering wheel firmly, keep the vehicle straight, and remove foot from the gas pedal. The guide advises holding the wheel firmly, keeping straight, removing foot from gas, and avoiding brakes.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 109: “If a motorist experiences a flat tire or blowout, they should hold the steering wheel firmly and keep the vehicle straight while gradually slowing down. The motorist should remove their foot from the gas pedal but not use the brakes.”
19. How long can it take for a motorist to recover their vision after being blinded by approaching high-beam headlights?
Answer: Three to five seconds. The handbook specifies a recovery time of three to five seconds after exposure to high-beam glare.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 85: “It can take three to five seconds for a motorist to recover from the glare of approaching high-beam headlights.”
20. Which of the following is true regarding a Graduated Driver License (GDL) holder's use of cellular telephones?
Answer: They may not use handheld or hands-free cellular telephones when behind the wheel. GDL holders are prohibited from using both handheld and hands-free devices while operating a vehicle.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 88: “A graduated driver license (GDL) holder may not use a handheld or handsfree cellular telephone, or any other handheld electronic device, when behind the wheel.”