Getting on the road for the first time and getting a taste of freedom is what a lot of teenagers look forward to. To accomplish this goal, you must pass both a written and a driving test before you can get behind the wheel. You must make it clear to your state's DMV that you have learned the rules of the road and know how to operate a motor vehicle before you can get your license.
While every state has its own unique written driving test with state-specific traffic laws, there are still some common questions driving students get wrong. Here are the things you should study up on to make sure you pass the first time.
1. What Direction Do You Turn Your Wheels When Parking on a Hill?
When parking on a hill, the direction you are facing makes a difference in which way you turn your wheels. If you park facing uphill, turn your wheels so if your parking brake fails, you would roll back into the curb. If you are facing downhill, make sure to turn your wheels so you would roll forward into the curb.
2. What Is the Legal Blood Alcohol Limit?
This question can be worded in many different ways, so pay close attention. If you are under 21, any level of alcohol in your blood is illegal. The federal standard is .08 for anyone over 21, but some states may be higher or lower. Make sure the question is not asking when impairment begins, because it can start as low as .03 BAC.
3. What Is This Sign?
There are a lot of different traffic signs to learn since any of them can show up on the written test. Some commonly missed questions about signs new drivers may never see include narrow bridges, roundabouts, and different styles of merging lanes.
4. How Much Space Should You Leave Between You and the Car in Front of You?
This is a tricky question because the following distance changes depending on speed and situation. In Pennsylvania, the four-second rule applies. You should leave four seconds of space between you and the car in front of you. Increase the distance if there are adverse weather conditions.
5. Who Do You Yield to in a Roundabout?
A lot of drivers have never had to drive in a roundabout, so they may have trouble with this question. You must yield to vehicles that are already in the roundabout before entering.
6. When Are You Allowed to Pass a Slower Car?
Some drivers may think they can use the center turning lane to pass slower cars, but this is actually illegal. You can only pass a car on a two-lane road when there's:
A dotted center line, which signifies that either side can pass using the oncoming lane.
A center line that is solid on one side and dotted on the side closest to you. Only the dotted side may use the oncoming lane to pass.
Never cross a solid line to pass.
7. When Do You Have to Have Your Headlights On?
You may think you could just answer "at all times" to cover all of your bases, but officially, turn them on thirty minutes after sunrise and thirty minutes before sunset. Pennsylvania even requires you to have your headlights on when you have your wipers on.
8. Any True or False Questions
True or false questions confuse a lot of people when they are taking any kind of test. Take a minute and fully read the question and think it through. Make sure the wording isn't trying to trick you.
Ace Your Test With Help From I Drive Safely
Try out an IDriveSafely.com driver's ed course so you can pass your written exam. Each course offers helpful resources like in-depth study materials and practice exams to get you on the right track to getting your license.
Updated 09/10/2024
