20 questions from the New Jersey driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. How should a motorist handle visibility issues caused by buildings, parked vehicles, or bushes when approaching an intersection?
Answer: Slow down or stop completely to ensure there is no cross traffic. The handbook instructs drivers to reduce speed or stop entirely when obstructions limit their line of sight to verify the intersection is clear.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 70: “A motorist should always slow down or stop completely to make sure there is no cross traffic before proceeding.”
2. What color lights do private vehicles operated by volunteer fire and rescue squad members use when responding to an emergency call?
Answer: Blue lights. The handbook distinguishes volunteer squad vehicles by specifying they use blue lights, unlike standard emergency vehicles which use red.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 80: “Private vehicles operated by volunteer fire and rescue squad members (with emergency vehicle identification) responding to an emergency call use blue lights.”
3. What is the minimum passing score required for the New Jersey driver knowledge test?
Answer: 80 percent, or 40 of the 50 questions. The handbook states that a score of 80 percent, equivalent to 40 correct answers out of 50, is required to pass.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 33: “80 percent, or 40 of the 50 questions, must have correct answers.”
4. According to the handbook, what effect might an anti-lock braking system (ABS) have on stopping distance when driving on very soft surfaces like loose gravel?
Answer: It may lengthen the stopping distance. The handbook states that ABS can increase stopping distances on soft surfaces like loose gravel.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 47: “On very soft surfaces, such as loose gravel or unpacked snow, an ABS system may lengthen stopping distance.”
5. When parallel parking, how far should a driver pull up alongside the vehicle in front before beginning to back up?
Answer: About two to four feet. The handbook specifies a distance of two to four feet between the driver's vehicle and the vehicle ahead before starting the reverse maneuver.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 60: “Pull up alongside (parallel) about two to four feet from the vehicle in front.”
6. When the rear end of a vehicle starts to slide, what should a motorist do with the gas pedal?
Answer: Take their foot off the gas pedal. The handbook instructs drivers to remove their foot from the accelerator when the rear of the car begins to skid.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 106: “If the rear end of the vehicle starts to slide, a motorist should take their foot off the gas pedal.”
7. What is the minimum number of points a motorist's driving record can be reduced to through annual reductions?
Answer: Zero. The handbook specifies that while points can be subtracted annually, the total cannot go below zero.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 139: “the point total will never be reduced below zero.”
8. What is the recommended action if a vehicle is following closely behind when you need to slow down or stop suddenly?
Answer: Keep moving if there is a vehicle close behind. The handbook advises continuing to move rather than stopping abruptly when a tailgater is present to prevent a rear-end collision.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 189: “When slowing down or stopping suddenly. If there is a vehicle close behind, it may be better to keep moving.”
9. What action should a motorist take if visibility is greatly reduced?
Answer: Stop alongside the road or on the shoulder and turn on emergency flashers. When visibility is greatly reduced, the handbook directs the motorist to stop off the road and activate emergency flashers.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 101: “In all cases, if visibility is greatly reduced, a motorist should stop alongside the road or on the shoulder, out of the way of traffic, and turn on emergency flashers.”
10. What should a motorist do immediately if they suspect someone is suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning?
Answer: Immediately remove that person from the source of the CO and call 911. The handbook instructs drivers to remove the victim from the CO source and call emergency services immediately, rather than staying in the vehicle or adjusting controls.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 50: “If you suspect that someone is suffering from CO poisoning, it is important to immediately remove that person from the source of the CO and call 911 for immediate medical attention.”
11. What action should a motorist take when a large vehicle is traveling toward them from the opposite direction?
Answer: Bear right. Bearing right reduces wind turbulence and helps prevent sideswipes when meeting oncoming large vehicles.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 152: “A motorist should bear right when a large vehicle is traveling toward their vehicle from opposite direction.”
12. When backing out of an angle parking space, when should the driver stop to look again for traffic?
Answer: When able to see past the tops of the vehicles parked next to the vehicle. The handbook advises stopping to check surroundings once the driver's view is no longer obstructed by the adjacent parked cars.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 59: “When able to see past the tops of the vehicles parked next to the vehicle, stop, and look again.”
13. Which specific violation results in points being assessed against a third conviction within 10 years of a second conviction?
Answer: Using a hand-held cell phone or electronic communication device while driving. The handbook specifies this particular timeline for point assessment only for the violation involving hand-held devices.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 141: “Using a hand-held cell phone or electronic communication device while driving. (Points will be assessed against a third conviction within 10 years of a second conviction and all fourth and subsequent offenses.)”
14. Under the Early Bird Road GDL (Option A), who must purchase the Special Learner Permit?
Answer: An approved instructor. The handbook states that an approved instructor is responsible for purchasing the permit under Option A.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 17: “An approved instructor must purchase the permit”
15. What penalty applies to speeding or other moving violations in areas undergoing highway construction?
Answer: The fine is doubled. The handbook specifies that fines are doubled for violations in highway construction zones.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 131: “Speeding or other moving violations in areas undergoing highway construction mean doubled fines.”
16. 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”
17. Which of the following is NOT listed as a factor that determines a motorist's Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)?
Answer: The type of alcoholic beverage consumed. The handbook lists quantity, body weight, speed of consumption, and food eaten as factors, while stating that the type of beverage does not matter because the alcohol content is equivalent.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 117: “It is important to remember that it does not matter what alcoholic beverage is consumed. There is just as much alcohol in the average beer as there is in the average drink of whiskey or wine.”
18. What is the specific requirement for pedestrians facing a white, steady pedestrian silhouette or countdown signal?
Answer: They may cross the roadway in the direction of the signal. The handbook states that pedestrians facing this specific signal are permitted to cross the roadway in the direction indicated by the signal.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 215: “Pedestrians facing the signal may cross the roadway in the direction of the signal.”
19. What is the general rule regarding snowmobiles, ATVs, and dirt bikes operating on public roadways alongside other vehicles?
Answer: They are prohibited from riding on public roadways with other vehicles. The handbook establishes that these vehicles are generally illegal to operate on public roadways with other traffic, with the specific exception of crossing roadways when safe.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 156: “While it is illegal for these types of vehicles to ride on public roadways with other vehicles, they are permitted to cross certain roadways when safety permits.”
20. Under Nikhil's Law, what specific action is a driver pledged to take when approaching a STOP sign?
Answer: Come to a complete halt. The handbook defines the pledge as coming to a complete halt at any STOP sign.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 34: “STOP COMPLETELY. I will come to a complete halt at any STOP sign and will never go through a red light.”