20 questions from the New Jersey driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. Under New Jersey law, who is responsible for ensuring that passengers under age 18 wear a seatbelt?
Answer: The driver. The handbook assigns the responsibility for securing passengers under age 18 to the driver.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 42: “The driver is responsible for all passengers under age 18.”
2. If vehicle problems prevent a motorist from keeping up with the normal flow of traffic, what action should the driver take?
Answer: Safely pull off the road and activate hazard lights. Drivers are instructed to pull off the road and use hazard lights if their vehicle cannot maintain the normal flow of traffic.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 65: “If vehicle problems prevent a motorist from keeping up with the normal flow of traffic, the driver should safely pull off the road and activate hazard lights.”
3. How should a motorist apply brakes to achieve a controlled stop in a vehicle without ABS?
Answer: Apply steady, gentle pressure. The handbook advises against slamming brakes and recommends steady, gentle pressure for controlled stops.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 55: “Steady, gentle pressure should be applied to the brake to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.”
4. At a multi-way stop, if two vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time, who must yield?
Answer: The vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. The handbook states that when arriving simultaneously at a multi-way stop, the driver yields to the motorist on the right.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 69: “At a multi-way stop, a driver must yield to the motorist on the right if both arrive at the same time; and to any vehicle already stopped at the intersection.”
5. According to New Jersey law, how far behind a signaling emergency vehicle must a motorist keep their vehicle after the emergency vehicle has passed?
Answer: At least 300 feet. The handbook specifies a minimum following distance of 300 feet behind emergency vehicles once they have passed.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 80: “Afterward, the motorist should keep at least 300 feet behind a signaling emergency vehicle.”
6. When driving behind a school bus that is stopping to pick up children on a two-lane road, how far away must a motorist stop?
Answer: At least 25 feet away. The handbook mandates a minimum stopping distance of 25 feet for motorists behind a stopping school bus on two-lane roads.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 79: “State law requires a motorist to stop at least 25 feet away if they are traveling on a two-lane road or on a multi-lane highway where lanes are only separated by lines, or on a privately maintained road.”
7. 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.”
8. 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.”
9. 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.”
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. 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)”
12. 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.”
13. Which of the following is a listed situation where a motorist should NOT pass?
Answer: When approaching a railroad crossing. The handbook lists railroad crossings as locations where passing should not occur.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 67: “A motorist should not pass: • On a hill or curve or at any time they cannot see far enough ahead. • At a street crossing or intersection. • At a railroad crossing.”
14. When encountering double solid center lines on a roadway, what is the rule regarding passing?
Answer: No passing allowed. The handbook states that when both center lines are solid, passing is not permitted.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 66: “Both center lines are solid: No passing allowed.”
15. When reversing a vehicle in a straight line, how should a motorist position their hands and body?
Answer: Place the right hand and arm over the back of the front passenger seat and grasp the top of the steering wheel with the left hand. The handbook specifies this exact hand and body positioning for reversing in a straight line to ensure clear visibility.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 57: “The motorist’s right hand and arm should be placed over the back of the front passenger seat; the left hand should grasp the top of the steering wheel.”
16. On a multi-lane roadway, where must a motorist drive when the lane is available for travel?
Answer: In the lane nearest to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway. The rule specifies keeping to the right-hand edge or curb unless overtaking or preparing for a left turn.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 67: “On a multi-lane roadway, motorists must drive in the lane nearest to the righthand edge or curb of the roadway when the lane is available for travel, except when overtaking another vehicle or in preparation for a left turn.”
17. If a vehicle has antilock brakes (ABS) and needs to stop quickly, how should the motorist apply the brakes?
Answer: Apply maximum pressure on the brakes without pumping. ABS systems allow for maximum pressure application without pumping to maintain steering control.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 110: “With this brake system, a motorist can put maximum pressure on the brakes and retain steering control without pumping the brakes.”
18. Under New Jersey’s “Move Over” law, if a lane change is impossible, prohibited, or unsafe when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, what must the motorist do?
Answer: Reduce speed to a reasonable speed lower than the posted limit and be prepared to stop. The law requires drivers to slow down below the posted limit and prepare to stop if changing lanes is not feasible.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 80: “If a lane change is impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, the motorist must reduce the speed of their vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed that is lower than the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop, if necessary.”
19. When parking a vehicle facing downhill, how should the wheels be positioned relative to the curb?
Answer: Turned toward the curb. The handbook states that when facing downhill, wheels must be turned toward the curb to help stop the vehicle if it rolls.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 59: “When parking a vehicle facing downhill: The hand brake should be set, and the vehicle’s wheels should be turned toward the curb.”
20. What is the correct hand signal for making a right turn?
Answer: Hand and arm upward. The handbook specifies that raising the hand and arm upward indicates a right turn.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 56: “Right turn: hand and arm upward.”