Rhode Island DMV Permit: Emergencies Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is blind spots.

Blind spots are areas that you cannot see in your rear-view or side-view mirrors. All motor vehicles have blind spots. The only way to check these areas is to look over your shoulder and view them directly.

Not quite. The answer is give a left-turn signal before passing and a right-turn signal after passing.

On a two-lane road with traffic moving in both directions, you may pass a vehicle on the left if it is not prohibited and the pass can be completed safely without exceeding the speed limit. To do this, first signal a left turn. Then when it is safe, move into the left lane to start the pass. After passing the vehicle, signal a right turn. When you have completely cleared the vehicle you passed, return to the right lane.

Not quite. The answer is hydroplaning.

On a wet road, at speeds of up to 35 mph, modern tires will usually channel water away to maintain contact with the road. However, in deep water at higher speeds, the channeling action of the tires becomes less effective and the tires start to ride on a layer of water like water skis. This is called “hydroplaning.” It may result in a loss of braking and steering control. To prevent hydroplaning, slow down.

Not quite. The answer is do all of the above.

A driver under the influence of alcohol is more likely to drive too fast or too slowly, change lanes frequently, and fail to dim the headlights. Even more crucially, a drunk driver may be less alert in an emergency and may take too long to brake. Such mistakes may endanger the driver and others.

Not quite. The answer is Stop and let the pedestrian cross.

Before turning right at a red signal, you must stop and yield to all vehicles and pedestrians.

Source: Red Light, D. Traffic Lights/Signals, IV. Signals and Roadway Markings, Rhode Island Driver's Manual

Not quite. The answer is stop by colliding head-on with a solid object.

If your brakes fail, pump the brake pedal unless your vehicle has antilock brakes (ABS). Pumping might temporarily restore enough brake fluid pressure to slow or stop your vehicle. If your vehicle has ABS, just depress the brake pedal firmly and see if you start to slow down. Downshift into a lower gear. This will use the braking power of the engine to slow your vehicle. Apply the parking or emergency brake gradually, but be ready to release it if you start to skid. As a last resort, rub against something to slow you down. Try to sideswipe the guard rail, rub your wheels against a curb, or drive onto a grassy area. Never allow a head-on collision. Head-on collisions are often fatal.

Not quite. The answer is hold the steering wheel tightly and keep your vehicle going 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 do either (a) or (b).

When slowing down or stopping, you must signal the driver behind you with your brake lights or (if your brake lights aren't working) a hand signal.

Not quite. The answer is Pull over, no matter which direction the ambulance is traveling in.

You must pull over to the right edge of the road when an emergency vehicle approaches you with its flashing lights or siren on, no matter which direction the emergency vehicle is traveling in. However, never block an intersection even if an emergency vehicle is approaching. If you're in the middle of an intersection when the emergency vehicle approaches, proceed through the intersection and then pull over immediately. Always drive at least 500 feet behind an emergency vehicle.

Source: M. Safe Driving on the Highway, III. Basic Driving Skills and Safety Rules, Rhode Island Driver's Manual

Not quite. The answer is you must yield to the vehicles on the roadway.

Vehicles entering from a private road or driveway must yield to vehicles on a public roadway. To enter a public roadway from an alley, a driveway, or a private road, stop before driving onto a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area and proceed slowly. Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and approaching vehicles.

Not quite. The answer is Keep moving slowly until you can get out of the way.

In heavy traffic, if an emergency vehicle with its siren or flashing lights is right behind you, keep moving slowly until you can get out of the way.

Not quite. The answer is not use your horn.

If a blind pedestrian is about to cross the road in front of you, you must stop and yield to the pedestrian. Don't sound your horn or rev your engine because it might startle the pedestrian or the guide dog.

Not quite. The answer is do all of the above.

When preparing to leave a parallel parking space, you should look over your shoulder as well as in your mirrors. Under Rhode Island law, you must indicate your intention by signaling. Then wait until the way is clear before you pull into traffic. Enter into traffic in the nearest lane and remain in that lane until it is safe to change into another lane.

Not quite. The answer is Back up slowly, turning your steering wheel to the left to aim the back of your vehicle toward the front of the vehicle behind you.

The steps in parallel parking on the right side of the road are as follows. Put on your turn signal to warn other drivers that you intend to park. Signal and stop with the back of your vehicle even with the back of the vehicle in front of the parking space. Back up slowly, turning your steering wheel to the right to aim the back of your car toward the front of the car behind you. As the front of your car clears the back of the car in front of you, turn your wheels sharply to the left and continue backing slowly until the back of your car almost touches the car behind you. Straighten your wheels and pull forward to center your vehicle in the parking space. Put your transmission in Park (for an automatic) or in first gear or Reverse (for a manual). Set the parking brake.

Not quite. The answer is None of the above

When you change lanes, you must signal and check your mirrors. However, your car has blind spots that are large enough to hide another car in the lane next to yours. The only way to check those blind spots is to look over your shoulder and view them directly.

Source: J. Passing Another Vehicle, III. Basic Driving Skills and Safety Rules, Rhode Island Driver's Manual

Not quite. The answer is hydroplaning.

When there is water on the roadway, reduce your speed. Under such conditions, high speeds can cause your vehicle to hydroplane out of control.

Not quite. The answer is turning the steering wheel when you turn your head to check your blind spots.

When you turn your head to check your blind spots, keep the steering wheel straight. (People have a natural tendency to turn their arms in the same direction as their head turns.)

Not quite. The answer is toward the right edge of the roadway

If an oncoming vehicle has its high-beam headlights on, don't stare at the lights. Look toward the right edge of the roadway to prevent being temporarily blinded. Steer by the right edge or the fog line (which is the white line on the right side of most roadways) until the vehicle has passed and your vision has returned to normal.

Not quite. The answer is Watch the right edge of the roadway.

High-beam headlights can be blinding. If an oncoming vehicle has not dimmed its headlights, remind the driver by flashing your high beams once. If the driver still does not dim his or her headlights, don't retaliate with your own high beams. Instead, slow down, keep right, look away from the oncoming vehicle, and steer by the right edge of the roadway until the vehicle has passed by.

Source: Approaching Headlights, B. Night Driving, VIII. Sharing the Road Safely, Rhode Island Driver's Manual

Not quite. The answer is pull over to the side of the road and park your vehicle before dealing with the situation.

Do not take your eyes off the road to turn around to deal with the needs of passengers, children or pets. If you must give attention to passengers or animals, pull over to the side of the road and park your vehicle.