20 questions from the New Jersey driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the minimum age for a passenger to be responsible for their own seat belt usage?
Answer: 18 years of age. The handbook specifies that front-seat passengers aged 18 and older are responsible for buckling themselves.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 42: “Front-seat passengers 18 years of age and over are responsible for themselves.”
2. 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.”
3. 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.”
4. Under what condition is a licensee’s driver license subject to court-ordered suspension regarding child support?
Answer: If the licensee owes six months or more of child support or court-ordered health care coverage. The handbook states that owing six months or more of child support or health care coverage triggers a court-ordered suspension of the driver license.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 134: “If a licensee owes six months or more of child support or court-ordered health care coverage, or if the licensee fails to respond to a subpoena relating to a paternity or child support action, or a child support-related warrant exists, the licensee’s driver license and professional license are subject to court-ordered suspension.”
5. Why should a motorist replace broken light covers?
Answer: To prevent glare for the motorist behind. Broken covers are replaced specifically to minimize glare that could distract or blind drivers following behind.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 47: “Replace broken light covers; they may cause glare that affects the motorist in back.”
6. How far away must the rear license plate be visible at night to comply with New Jersey regulations?
Answer: 50 feet. The rule states the rear plate must be illuminated to be visible from a distance of 50 feet during nighttime conditions.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 161: “The rear plate must be lighted, so it is visible from 50 feet at night, even with reflectorized plates.”
7. When braking on a very slippery surface such as a patch of ice, what is the recommended procedure for making changes in speed or direction?
Answer: Do not make changes until after passing the slippery area. The handbook advises waiting until you have passed the slippery section to adjust speed or direction to prevent skidding.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 194: “On a very slippery surface, such as on a patch of ice, do not make changes until after passing it.”
8. 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”
9. 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.”
10. When backing out of an angle parking space, what action should a driver take to warn nearby pedestrians?
Answer: Tap the horn. The handbook instructs drivers to tap the horn to alert pedestrians when reversing out of an angle parking spot.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 59: “Tap the horn to warn nearby pedestrians.”
11. How long is the ignition interlock device required for a second or subsequent DUI offense?
Answer: During suspension and for two to four years from the date of driving privilege restoration. The handbook clearly defines the duration for second or subsequent offenses as two to four years after restoration, which is longer than the durations listed for first offenses.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 129: “Second or Subsequent DUI OR Refusal to Take Breath Test offense: Installation of ignition interlock device during suspension and for two to four years from the date of driving privilege restoration.”
12. When choosing what to hit if a crash is unavoidable, which type of object does the handbook recommend striking?
Answer: Something moving in the same direction. The handbook advises hitting objects moving in the same direction to reduce impact severity compared to stationary objects.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 111: “Choose to hit something moving in the same direction, rather than something that is not moving.”
13. Why is it recommended to use the vehicle ahead when riding at night?
Answer: Its lights can provide a better view of the road ahead. The handbook states that the lights of a vehicle ahead can illuminate the road better than the motorcycle's own headlight.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 197: “Its lights can provide a better view of the road ahead than the motorcycle light.”
14. How far from a railroad crossing must a motorist stop or park if not directed otherwise?
Answer: Within 50 feet. The list of prohibited parking locations specifies a distance of within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 87: “Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing.”
15. Which of the following is listed as a reason for the loss of driving privileges in New Jersey?
Answer: Failure to provide proof of insurance. Failure to provide proof of insurance is listed as a cause for suspension, whereas the other options are either health advice or age-related guidelines not tied to suspension.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 124: “Reasons for loss of driving privileges may include, but are not limited to the following reasons: • Failure to answer or pay parking tickets • Driving while suspended • Failure to provide proof of insurance”
16. 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.”
17. What action should a motorist take when approaching or nearing an intersection in a city?
Answer: Reduce speed, glance left and right, and keep foot on brake. The handbook instructs motorists to slow down, check surroundings, and keep their foot ready on the brake when near intersections.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 103: “When approaching or nearing an intersection, reduce speed. Glance left and then right. Keep your foot on the brake.”
18. 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.”
19. 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.”
20. 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.”