20 questions from the Utah driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. What is the permitted speed limit when passing a school building or grounds during school recess in Utah?
Answer: 20 miles per hour. The handbook lists 20 miles per hour as the specific speed limit for passing school buildings during recess.
Utah driver handbook, page 54: “20 miles per hour: • When passing a school building or grounds during school recess.”
2. What is the minimum required tire tread depth for an ATV according to the handbook?
Answer: 2/32 inches. The handbook specifies that ATV tires must have a tread depth of at least 2/32 inches.
Utah driver handbook, page 95: “tires no larger than the tires the ATV manufacturer made available for the ATV and have at least 2/32 inches or greater tire tread.”
3. Where should a vehicle finish a left turn on a multiple-lane road?
Answer: In the left-most lane, directly to the right of the centerline. The handbook specifies that left turns should be completed in the left-most lane adjacent to the centerline.
Utah driver handbook, page 41: “Complete a turn in the proper lane on a multiple-lane road (vehicle should finish a left turn in the left-most lane, the one directly to the right of the centerline.)”
4. What is the correct procedure if there is a short-term signal in a work zone?
Answer: Stop at the white line if there is one. The handbook gives a specific instruction to stop at the white line when encountering a short-term signal in a work zone.
Utah driver handbook, page 59: “If there is a short-term signal, stop at the white line (if there is one.)”
5. What is the correct procedure for merging into traffic at a congested merge point using the zipper method?
Answer: Use both lanes until the merge point, then alternate yielding. The zipper method requires using both lanes up to the merge point and then alternating entry into the single lane.
Utah driver handbook, page 41: “Use both lanes of traffic until the vehicles reach the merge point, and once the vehicles reach the merge point, alternate, yielding the right-of-way into the single-traffic lane.”
6. According to the handbook, what is the minimum distance you should maintain from oncoming vehicles before returning to the right-hand lane after passing?
Answer: 200 feet. The handbook states that drivers must return to the right lane no less than 200 feet from oncoming traffic.
Utah driver handbook, page 44: “Return to the right-hand lane no less than 200 feet from oncoming vehicles.”
7. Under what specific conditions may a driver proceed through a railroad crossing if they suspect the flashing lights are malfunctioning?
Answer: If there is a clear line of sight of at least one mile down the tracks in both directions. The handbook allows proceeding through a malfunctioning signal only if the driver has verified a clear view of one mile in both directions and confirmed no train is approaching.
Utah driver handbook, page 95: “After coming to a complete stop, if you suspect the flashing lights are not working properly, you may drive through the railroad crossing only if you have a clear line of sight of at least one mile down the tracks in both directions, there is not evidence of an approaching train, and you can cross the tracks safely.”
8. What is the maximum length allowed for a single vehicle, excluding fire-fighting equipment?
Answer: 45 feet. The handbook specifies that single vehicles are limited to 45 feet in length, while combinations of vehicles have different limits.
Utah driver handbook, page 87: “LENGTH No single vehicle, except for fire-fighting equipment, shall exceed an overall length of 45 feet, including the front and rear bumpers.”
9. When making a right turn, how long should you signal before performing the head check?
Answer: Signal right for two seconds. The instructions for right turns state to signal right for two seconds before performing the head check.
Utah driver handbook, page 46: “Signal right for two seconds.”
10. What is the maximum number of points that can be removed from a driving record by completing a defensive driving course recommended by the division?
Answer: 50 points. The handbook states that completing the recommended defensive driving course allows for a reduction of exactly 50 points.
Utah driver handbook, page 82: “As a further incentive, 50 points may be removed from your record upon completing a defensive driving course recommended by the division.”
11. Which of the following vehicles is exempt from requiring a driver license when driven in conjunction with construction or agricultural activity?
Answer: Farm tractor. The handbook lists farm tractors among the vehicles that do not require a driver license when used for construction or agricultural activities.
Utah driver handbook, page 14: “Persons are not required to obtain a driver license to drive road rollers, road machinery, or farm tractors on Utah highways if the person is driving the vehicle in conjunction with a construction or agricultural activity.”
12. Why do tractor-trailer drivers often swing wide to the left before making a right turn?
Answer: Because the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels. The handbook explains that rear wheels track inside the front wheels during a turn, requiring the driver to swing wide to accommodate the trailer's path.
Utah driver handbook, page 88: “With any turning vehicle, the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels. The longer the vehicle, the greater the difference. That’s why the drivers of tractor-trailers must often swing out to the left as the first step in making a right turn.”
13. Where must you stop when approaching a stop sign if there is no marked crosswalk?
Answer: Before the intersection or stop sign. The rules specify that in the absence of marked crosswalks, the driver must stop before reaching the intersection or the stop sign.
Utah driver handbook, page 54: “If crosswalks are not marked, you must stop before the intersection or stop sign.”
14. What is the correct procedure if a tire blows out while driving?
Answer: Grip the steering wheel firmly, steer straight, slow gradually, and take your foot off the gas pedal. The handbook advises gripping the wheel firmly, steering straight, slowing gradually by releasing the gas, and avoiding braking during a blowout.
Utah driver handbook, page 76: “If a tire goes flat, grip the steering wheel firmly, steer straight, slow gradually, and take your foot off the gas pedal; do not brake.”
15. What should you do when approaching a sharp curve on a narrow road with an obstructed view?
Answer: Sound the horn. The handbook instructs drivers to use their horn to alert others when visibility is limited on narrow curves.
Utah driver handbook, page 69: “Sound the horn when approaching any sharp curve on a narrow road where the view is obstructed.”
16. When stopping behind another vehicle, what visual confirmation should you ensure?
Answer: You can see the rear wheels of the vehicle in front of you. The handbook advises ensuring visibility of the rear wheels of the preceding vehicle to maintain a safe stopping distance.
Utah driver handbook, page 41: “When stopping behind another vehicle, ensure you can see the rear wheels of the vehicle in front of you.”
17. When stopping at a railroad crossing controlled by flashing signals, how far from the nearest rail must you stop?
Answer: More than 15 feet but not more than 50 feet. The handbook defines the stopping distance at railroad crossings as being between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail.
Utah driver handbook, page 45: “Stop more than 15 feet (but not more than 50 feet) away from the nearest rail until it is safe to continue.”
18. How should a driver operate the brake pedal in a vehicle equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking Systems) during an emergency stop?
Answer: Press the brake pedal as hard as possible and apply pressure. The handbook states that for ABS to function correctly, the driver must press the pedal hard and maintain pressure, noting that vibration and clicking are normal.
Utah driver handbook, page 76: “To use ABS, press the brake pedal as hard as possible and apply pressure. ABS only works if you stay on the brake pedal.”
19. Where should emergency flares or triangles be placed behind a disabled vehicle?
Answer: 200 to 300 feet behind your vehicle. The handbook specifies placing flares or triangles 200 to 300 feet behind the vehicle to provide sufficient warning time for other drivers.
Utah driver handbook, page 76: “Put emergency flares or triangles 200 to 300 feet behind your vehicle, giving other drivers time to change lanes or slow down.”
20. How many hours of driving with a parent or legal guardian are required for applicants aged 15-18 to complete?
Answer: 40 hours. The handbook states that students aged 15-18 must complete 40 hours of driving with a guardian.
Utah driver handbook, page 16: “A student must also complete 40 hours of driving (10 hours after sunset) with a parent or legal guardian.”