16 questions from the New Jersey driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. How does the law treat unbuckled back-seat occupants aged 18 or older?
Answer: They may be issued a summons only if the vehicle is stopped for another reason. The handbook specifies that back-seat adults are subject to secondary enforcement, meaning they are only cited if the car is already stopped for a different violation.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 42: “Under a secondary law, all unbuckled back seat occupants 18 years of age and older may be issued a summons if the vehicle is stopped for another reason.”
2. What is the recommended speed for driving a vehicle in reverse?
Answer: Walking speed (2 to 4 mph). The handbook defines the appropriate speed for reversing as walking speed, specifically 2 to 4 mph.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 57: “A vehicle should be driven slowly in reverse – typically, walking speed (2 to 4 mph).”
3. What is the required action for out-of-state drivers regarding their previous license when the MVC issues a New Jersey driver license?
Answer: They must surrender it. The handbook mandates that the previous out-of-state license must be surrendered upon issuance of the new NJ license.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 23: “Out-of-state driver licenses must be surrendered when the MVC issues a New Jersey driver license.”
4. When stopped by a police officer at night, what action does the Attorney General’s message recommend to help the officer see inside the vehicle?
Answer: Turn on your interior light. The guidelines advise turning on the interior light at night to increase visibility for the officer.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 83: “At night, turn on your interior light. Increased visibility helps the officer see inside the vehicle and reduces uncertainty.”
5. What is the recommended action if conventional disc and drum brakes suddenly fail?
Answer: Shift to a lower gear and pump the brake pedal fast and hard several times. The handbook instructs shifting to a lower gear and pumping the brakes fast and hard to build pressure.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 109: “If a vehicle’s conventional disc and drum brakes suddenly fail, a motorist should shift to a lower gear and pump the brake pedal fast and hard several times.”
6. What is the correct action when encountering a CROSS BUCK sign at a railroad crossing?
Answer: Yield the right-of-way to trains. The handbook defines the CROSS BUCK sign as equivalent to a Yield sign, requiring motorists to yield to trains.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 218: “CROSS BUCK X-shaped railroad crossing sign with black wording on a white background means the same as a Yield sign. Motorists must always yield the right-of-way to trains.”
7. Why might vehicles entering a highway from an entrance ramp have trouble seeing a motorcycle?
Answer: Motorcycle headlights are difficult to see at an angle. The handbook identifies the difficulty of seeing motorcycle headlights at an angle as a specific reason for visibility issues during merging.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 193: “One reason is that motorcycle headlights are difficult to see at an angle.”
8. When parking a vehicle facing uphill, how should the wheels be positioned relative to the curb?
Answer: Turned away from the curb. The handbook specifies that when facing uphill, wheels should be turned away from the curb to ensure the vehicle hits the curb if it rolls backward.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 59: “When parking a vehicle facing uphill: The hand brake should be set, and the vehicle’s wheels should be turned away from the curb.”
9. How far in advance must a motorist signal before making a turn according to state law?
Answer: At least 100 feet before making any turn. The handbook states that state law mandates signaling at least 100 feet prior to executing a turn.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 57: “State law requires a motorist to move to the proper lane and signal at least 100 feet before making any turn.”
10. If a vehicle stalls on railroad tracks, how should occupants move away from the vehicle?
Answer: Run at a 45-degree angle away from the vehicle and tracks but in the direction of the train. The handbook specifies running at a 45-degree angle in the direction of the train to avoid debris.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 108: “If a train is approaching, run at a 45-degree angle away from the vehicle and tracks but in the direction of the train to avoid being injured by flying debris.”
11. Which of the following is a specific violation listed in the Moving Violation Point Chart for operating a construction vehicle?
Answer: Operating a construction vehicle in excess of 45 mph. The handbook lists operating a construction vehicle in excess of 45 mph as a specific violation subject to points.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 140: “Operating a construction vehicle in excess of 45 mph”
12. If a motorist misses their intended turn, what is the correct procedure?
Answer: Take the next turn rather than backing up. The handbook advises against backing up after missing a turn, recommending that drivers proceed to the next available turn instead.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 57: “If a turn is missed, a motorist should never back up. It is better to take the next turn than to risk a crash.”
13. When entering a highway, parkway, or turnpike via an acceleration lane, what is the correct procedure for a motorist?
Answer: Speed up to the flow of traffic and yield to vehicles already on the main road. The handbook instructs drivers to speed up to match traffic flow, avoid stopping, and yield to existing traffic before entering the right-hand lane.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 71: “Speed up to the flow of traffic when leaving the acceleration lane. • Avoid coming to a complete stop in the acceleration lane. • Yield to traffic and enter the right-hand lane when safe.”
14. If a driver misses their intended exit on a highway, what action should they take according to the rules?
Answer: Continue driving to the next exit. The handbook clearly states that if an exit is missed, the driver should proceed to the next exit rather than reversing or stopping.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 71: “If you miss an exit, go on to the next one.”
15. Which statement accurately describes the function of yellow center lines?
Answer: They separate traffic flow going in opposite directions. The handbook specifies that yellow center lines are used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 218: “Yellow center lines Separate traffic flow going in opposite directions.”
16. What is the recommended action if a vehicle approaching you is using high beams?
Answer: Look to the right of the road until the vehicle passes. The handbook advises looking to the right side of the road to avoid direct glare while the approaching vehicle passes.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 85: “If a vehicle is approaching with high beams, a motorist should look to the right of the road until the vehicle passes.”