Iowa DOT Permit: Driving Maneuvers Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is middle lanes

Smooth driving allows you to keep more distance between you and other drivers. It also helps save gas. During ordinary driving, drive in the lane with the smoothest flow of traffic. If there are three or more lanes going in one direction, the middle lanes usually offer the smoothest flow of traffic.

Not quite. The answer is hold the steering wheel tightly and keep your vehicle straight.

If a tire suddenly goes flat, hold the steering wheel tightly and keep your vehicle going straight. Slow down gradually by taking your foot off the gas pedal and applying the brakes lightly.

Not quite. The answer is faster tire wear.

Worn or bald tires can increase your stopping distance and make turning more difficult when the road is wet. Unbalanced tires and low pressure cause faster tire wear and reduced fuel economy and make the vehicle harder to steer and stop.

Not quite. The answer is the middle or left lanes.

On a freeway, if you are driving faster than other traffic, use the middle or left lanes.

Not quite. The answer is the hand-over-hand technique.

When making a right turn, look right and left, yield the right-of-way, and turn the steering wheel hand-over-hand to complete the turn in the lane next to the curb.

Not quite. The answer is the reaction distance.

The distance your vehicle travels between the time you recognize a hazard and the time you apply the brakes is known as the reaction distance. The reaction distance is part of the stopping distance.

Not quite. The answer is Try to slow down and encourage the driver behind you to pass.

If you are being tailgated, move slightly to the right to give the tailgater a better view of what is ahead and signal early for turns, stops, or lane changes. Try to slow down and encourage the driver behind you to pass.

Not quite. The answer is as close as possible to the speed of traffic.

When you reach the end of a freeway on-ramp, you should be traveling as close as possible to the speed of traffic, weather and ramp conditions permitting.

Not quite. The answer is 5 feet

In Iowa, you cannot park within 5 feet of a fire hydrant. (Note: In some other states, you cannot park within 10 feet; in others, it's 15 feet. When traveling out of state, always check the local traffic laws.)

Source: Parking is Not Allowed, Parking, 2. Traffic Signs and Rules of the Road, Iowa Driver's Manual

Not quite. The answer is the “hand-over-hand”or the 'push-pull' technique.

When turning corners, turn the steering wheel using either the push-pull technique or hand-over-hand technique. Do not turn the wheel with just the palm of one hand because you could lose control. When you complete the turn, straighten out the steering wheel by hand. Letting it slip through your fingers could be dangerous.

Not quite. The answer is At an uncontrolled T-intersection, the vehicle on the through road must yield to the vehicle on the terminating road.

At an uncontrolled T-intersection, the vehicle on the terminating road must yield to vehicles on the through road.

Not quite. The answer is hand and arm extended outward.

Continue your turn signal until you are ready to make the actual turn. The correct hand signal for a left turn is hand and arm extended outward.

Not quite. The answer is the two-second rule.

To maintain a safe following distance, follow the two-second rule. The two-second rule gives you about 1 1/2 car lengths between you and the vehicle ahead of you for every 10 mph of speed you are traveling.

Not quite. The answer is A divided highway ends ahead.

This sign indicates the end of a divided highway and the start of a two-way roadway. Watch out for oncoming cars.

Not quite. The answer is turn right.

This driver intends to turn right.

Source: Hand Signals, 3. Safe Driving Tips, Iowa Driver's Manual

Not quite. The answer is Move into the proper lane well before the turn.

The first rule for a safe and legal turn is to move into the proper lane well before the turn. To turn left, move into the leftmost lane unless signs, signals, or road markings state otherwise. To turn right, move into the rightmost lane unless signs, signals, or road markings state otherwise.

Not quite. The answer is Make sure you signal properly and turn from the proper lane into the proper lane.

Plan your turns ahead of time. Decide where you want to be when you finish the turn. Give yourself a chance to slow down and watch out for both pedestrian and other vehicle traffic. Do not make sharp turns at the last minute; they are dangerous. Make sure you signal properly and turn from the proper lane into the proper lane. Do not cut corners. Do not swing wide on your turns.

Not quite. The answer is an entrance ramp

You must not use an entrance ramp or acceleration lane to exit the freeway, even in a traffic jam.

Not quite. The answer is Car A must yield to its right.

There are two basic right-of-way rules for uncontrolled intersections: Yield to your right, and yield to oncoming cars when you are turning left. Here, Car A must yield to its right. So Car B has the right-of-way.

Source: Intersections, When to Yield the Right-of-Way, 2. Traffic Signs and Rules of the Road, Iowa Driver's Manual

Not quite. The answer is Car B

Unless signs state otherwise, you should turn left from the left lane and right from the right lane. You should turn into the closest lane of traffic that is moving in the right direction. Here, Car A has incorrectly turned into the far lane. Car B has turned correctly into the closest lane.

Source: Left Turn, Proper Turning Techniques, 3. Safe Driving Tips, Iowa Driver's Manual