20 questions from the New Jersey driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. In which direction does the front of the vehicle move relative to the steering wheel turn when reversing?
Answer: In the opposite direction of the turn. The handbook states that the front of the vehicle swings opposite to the direction the steering wheel is turned while reversing.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 57: “A motorist should always remember that the front of the vehicle will swing in the opposite direction of a turn.”
2. When is it safe to pull in front of a truck after passing it?
Answer: When the whole front of the truck can be seen in the rearview mirror. Drivers must wait until the entire front of the truck is visible in their rearview mirror before merging in front of it.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 151: “Do not pull in front of a truck when passing until the whole front of the truck can be seen in the rearview mirror.”
3. How often must gasoline-fueled passenger vehicles, model year 1996 and newer, that are more than five model years old undergo state inspections?
Answer: Every two years. The handbook mandates that eligible gasoline passenger vehicles older than five model years must be inspected every two years.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 162: “All gasoline-fueled, passenger-registered vehicles, model year 1996 and newer, more than five model years old, registered in New Jersey, must pass State inspections every two years at a State inspection station or a Statelicensed private inspection facility (PIF).”
4. 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.”
5. When does the license suspension start for a person under age 21 who does not currently hold a driver license?
Answer: When they are first eligible to receive a license. The rule states that for those without a license, the suspension period begins when they become eligible to obtain one.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 125: “If a person under age 21 does not have a driver license, the suspension starts when they are first eligible to receive a license.”
6. At what minimum age can an individual apply for a non-driver identification card in New Jersey?
Answer: 14 years of age. The handbook states that individuals aged 14 or older are eligible to apply for a non-driver ID.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 24: “An individual, 14 years of age or older, who does not possess a valid driver license, may apply for a non-driver identification card.”
7. What is the rule for passing when one center line is broken and the other is solid?
Answer: Passing is allowed only on the side with the broken line. The handbook specifies that passing is permitted only from the side adjacent to the broken line when one line is broken and the other is solid.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 66: “One center line is broken: Passing is allowed only on the side with the broken line.”
8. What is the correct procedure when another vehicle passes you?
Answer: Stay in the proper lane and slow down. Drivers are instructed to maintain their lane and reduce speed slightly to facilitate a safe and easy pass for the overtaking vehicle.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 99: “Stay in the proper lane and slow down to make the pass easier for the other motorist.”
9. Under what specific circumstance do law enforcement officers use the information submitted to the Next-of-Kin Registry?
Answer: When a person is involved in a motor vehicle crash that renders him or her unable to communicate. The handbook specifies that the registry information is used by law enforcement only when a crash leaves the individual unable to communicate.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 25: “This non-public information will only be used by law enforcement officers to locate designated emergency contacts if a person is involved in a motor vehicle crash that renders him or her unable to communicate.”
10. What is the minimum tread depth required for a vehicle's tires to hold on to the road properly?
Answer: Exactly 1/16 inch or more. The handbook specifies that tires must have at least 1/16 inch of tread to ensure proper road holding.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 48: “A vehicle should not be driven with tires that have less than 1/16 inch of tread (about the edge of a penny).”
11. 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.”
12. 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.”
13. What is the default speed limit for certain interstate highways as posted?
Answer: 65 mph. The handbook states that certain interstate highways have a speed limit of 65 mph.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 64: “65 mph Certain interstate highways (as posted)”
14. 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”
15. According to the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program rules, what is the minimum age required to receive an unrestricted, basic driver license?
Answer: 18 years old. The handbook states that the minimum age for an unrestricted basic license is 18.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 16: “Known as the Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program, the system gradually introduces driving privileges to first-time drivers, extends their practice driving time and requires a minimum age of 18 in order to receive an unrestricted, basic driver license.”
16. 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.”
17. When encountering yellow solid and dashed lines, under what condition is passing permitted?
Answer: If the dashed line is on the motorist’s side of the road. The handbook specifies that passing is allowed only when the dashed portion of the yellow line is adjacent to the driver's lane.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 219: “Pass only if the dashed line is on the motorist’s side of the road.”
18. 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.”
19. What is the minimum Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level for drivers under age 21 that triggers further penalties?
Answer: 0.01%. Unlike the general 0.08% limit, drivers under 21 face penalties for any BAC of 0.01% or higher.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 124: “Drivers under age 21 (the legal age to purchase/consume alcohol) found with a BAC of 0.01% or more while operating a motor vehicle will be further penalized.”
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.”