20 questions from the New Jersey driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the purpose of an advisory speed sign when used with a proper warning sign?
Answer: To indicate the maximum safe speed around a curve or turn is lower than the posted speed limit. Advisory speed signs are specifically used to communicate a recommended speed for curves or turns that is lower than the standard posted limit.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 216: “When the maximum safe speed around a curve or turn is lower than the posted speed limit, an advisory speed sign is used with the proper warning sign.”
2. 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.”
3. What is the minimum distance visibility requirement for driving with headlights on due to weather conditions?
Answer: Less than 500 feet. The handbook specifies that headlights are required when weather reduces visibility to less than 500 feet.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 103: “Drive with headlights on at dusk, night, dawn, on dark days, and whenever weather conditions reduce visibility to less than 500 feet.”
4. When exiting a toll booth, how should a motorist handle merging into traffic?
Answer: Accelerate smoothly after searching traffic to both sides. The correct procedure involves checking traffic on both sides and then accelerating smoothly to merge.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 73: “When exiting toll booths, a motorist should search traffic to both sides for merging potential, accelerate smoothly and adjust speed.”
5. 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.”
6. Who is responsible if a student driver commits a traffic offense?
Answer: Both the student and instructor or adult supervising driver. The handbook states that responsibility for traffic offenses is shared between the student driver and their supervising driver or instructor.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 21: “Note: If the student driver commits a traffic offense, responsibility will be with both the student and instructor or adult supervising driver.”
7. 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.”
8. If a motorist needs help while stopped on a highway shoulder, what item should be tied to the antenna or left door handle?
Answer: A white handkerchief. The handbook specifies using a white handkerchief tied to the antenna or door handle to signal for help.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 107: “Tie a white handkerchief to the antenna or left door handle as a signal, if help is needed.”
9. In New Jersey, how are traffic fines adjusted for motor vehicle violations committed in roadway construction zones?
Answer: They are doubled. The handbook states that fines are doubled for violations occurring within construction zones.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 105: “In New Jersey, traffic fines are doubled for motor vehicle violations committed in roadway construction zones.”
10. What specific action should a motorist take after starting the engine to ensure the path is clear?
Answer: Turn their head and look back. The handbook instructs drivers to physically turn their head to check behind them after starting the engine, rather than relying solely on mirrors.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 52: “After starting the engine, a motorist should make sure their path is clear by turning and looking back.”
11. What is the correct description of a speed hump compared to a speed bump?
Answer: A speed hump is a longer, flatter version of a speed bump that is more raised. The handbook defines a speed hump specifically as being longer and flatter than a speed bump, while also noting it is more raised.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 220: “A speed hump is a longer, flatter version of a speed bump, which is more raised.”
12. From which side of a parked vehicle is it considered safer for passengers to exit?
Answer: The curbside. The handbook advises that exiting from the curbside is safer for passengers.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 86: “It is safer for passengers to exit a parked vehicle from the curbside.”
13. Which type of beam is designated for use when driving behind another vehicle?
Answer: Dim beams. The handbook specifies that dim beams are the correct setting for situations involving other nearby vehicles to avoid glare.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 85: “Dim beams are used when traveling behind other vehicles or when another vehicle is approaching.”
14. Under what condition must a motorist send a written report to the MVC within 10 days?
Answer: When damage to property is more than $500 or there is personal injury, and no police report is filed. The rule requires a written report to the MVC within 10 days specifically when damage exceeds $500 or injury occurs, provided that the police have not already filed a report.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 113: “When damage to the property is more than $500 or there is personal injury, a motorist must: • Send a written report to the MVC within 10 days if no police report is filed.”
15. Which of the following is NOT listed as a non-member state of the Driver License Compact?
Answer: New Jersey. New Jersey is the state issuing the handbook and is implicitly a member, while the other options are listed as non-members.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 142: “Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin are non-member states.”
16. What action does the handbook recommend to reduce reaction distance when stopping?
Answer: Keep a foot near the brake. The handbook specifies that positioning a foot near the brake pedal helps minimize the time between perceiving a hazard and initiating the stop.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 97: “By keeping a foot near the brake, a motorist can reduce reaction distance.”
17. 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.”
18. If a motorist hits a parked vehicle, what is the required action according to the handbook?
Answer: Notify the police and try to find the owner of the vehicle. The handbook mandates notifying the police and attempting to locate the vehicle owner after hitting a parked car.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 112: “If a motorist hits a parked vehicle, the police must be notified. The driver should also try to find the owner of the vehicle.”
19. Under normal conditions, how far should a vehicle's horn be audible?
Answer: 200 feet. The handbook states that the horn must be audible for a minimum distance of 200 feet under normal conditions.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 56: “Under normal conditions, the horn should be able to be heard for at least 200 feet.”
20. When driving behind a vehicle required to stop at railroad crossings, such as a school bus, what must a following motorist be prepared to do?
Answer: Stop, even if the signals do not indicate a train is coming. Following vehicles must anticipate stopping behind certain large vehicles at railroad crossings regardless of whether the crossing signals are currently active.
New Jersey driver handbook, page 78: “When driving behind one of these vehicles, a motorist must be prepared to stop, even if the signals do not indicate a train is coming.”