If you're planning on taking the driving permit test, your very first step will involve picking up or download the state-issued driver's manual from your local department of motor vehicles (DMV) or registry of motor vehicles (RMV). Once you've read through the manual cover to cover and studied a few key points, use your common sense and general familiarity with the rules of the road to help you pass with flying colors.
A large section of the driver's manual centers on safety laws. While much of this information is highly technical and includes lengthy lists of fees, suspension times and warning suspensions it is important to memorize a few key points. First and foremost, the book will inform you that you should never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohols, including prescribed medication that could impair your driving. Also, know your state's laws regarding DUIs for both adults and minors---you don't have to know all the details, but pay attention to penalties for minors and for refusing alcohol tests, and blood alcohol level (BAC) limits.
Safety questions might also ask about laws pertaining to cell phone use and/or text messaging while driving, child seating requirements and use of headphones.
Common questions might include:
Which of the following drugs could affect your driving ability?
A Marijuana
B Tranquilizer
C Cold Remedy
D All of the above
What is the only effective way to reduce your BAC?
A Drinking water after every drink
B Time: waiting it out
C Eating carbs
D Drinking beer and not hard liquor
Your test will cover the basic rules of the road. Familiarize yourself with common road signs, such as "Yield," "Stop" and "Merging Lane." Understand rules regarding left and right turns at intersections. Know when to turn on your lights and when you can use the brights.
Common questions might include:
What's the best way to gauge that you are the correct distant from the car in front of you?
A You can read all the bumper stickers.
B You use a road marker and count the 2 seconds between the time the car in front of you passes the marker and you pass the marker.
C You eyeball a distance of 50 feet.
D All of the above
When is it legal to pass a school bus with blinking lights?
A Always
B Never
C Depends on the time of day
D Only during the school year
At a four-way intersection without a light, who has the right of way?
A The first car to arrive
B The car that goes first
C There is no right of way.
D The biggest car
The test will also include questions about tricky situations that come up while driving. After all, much of driving safety centers on using your common sense and preparing yourself for the unexpected. Learn your state's regulations regarding emergency stops on the side of the road, driving in rain and snow, driving in fog, steering failures and getting in accidents.
Common questions might include:
When is the road the most slippery?
A An hour after it's been raining
B The first few minutes after rainfall
C Only after a heavy rain
D When it's been drizzling all day
What do you do if you lose control of your steering and your car begins to swerve?
A Brake hard and turn against the swerve.
B Turn on the emergency brake light.
C Apply gas.
D Turn the wheel in the direction of the swerve.
