DMV Alaska Roads & Signs Test #1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: TEENAGE DRIVERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHEN:
- They are driving with their peer as a passenger
- They are driving with adult passengers
- They are driving with teenage passengers (Correct answer)
- They are driving without any passengers
Correct answer: They are driving with teenage passengers
Teenage drivers are significantly more likely to be involved in a crash when driving with teenage passengers. This is because peer passengers can lead to increased risk-taking behaviors, distractions, and a reduced perception of danger among young drivers. The presence of multiple teenage passengers further amplifies this risk.
Question 2: WHEN THE ROAD IS MARKED WITH A SOLID YELLOW LINE AND A BROKEN YELLOW LINE ON YOUR SIDE YOU MAY PASS
- Only in an emergency
- If you are on an expressway
- If traffic is clear (Correct answer)
- Only at an intersection
Correct answer: If traffic is clear
When the road is marked with a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line on your side, it means that passing is permitted for traffic on the side with the broken line. You may pass if traffic is clear and it is safe to do so, but you must complete the pass before the broken line ends or if a solid line appears on your side.
Question 3: TURN YOUR FRONT WHEELS TOWARD THE CURB WHEN YOU ARE PARKED:
- Facing uphill
- On a level road
- Facing downhill (Correct answer)
- Next to a fire hydrant
Correct answer: Facing downhill
When parking downhill, you should turn your front wheels toward the curb. This ensures that if your brakes fail or the vehicle rolls, it will roll into the curb and stop, rather than rolling into traffic. This is a crucial safety measure to prevent runaway vehicles.
Question 4: WHEN YOU HEAR THE SIREN OR SEE THE FLASHING RED LIGHT OF A CLOSELY APPROACHING EMERGENCY VEHICLE, AND YOU ARE NOT IN THE INTERSECTION, YOU SHOULD:
- Drive slowly in the right lane until it has passed
- Speed up so that you can stay ahead of it
- Drive to the right edge of the road and stop (Correct answer)
- Choose any of the above options
Correct answer: Drive to the right edge of the road and stop
When you hear a siren or see the flashing red lights of an approaching emergency vehicle, you must immediately pull over to the right edge of the road and stop. This action clears the path for the emergency vehicle to pass safely and quickly, allowing them to reach their destination without obstruction.
Question 5: FOLLOWING CLOSELY BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE:
- Helps you avoid other drivers' blind spots
- Is a common cause of rear-end accidents (Correct answer)
- Increases fuel efficiency
- Is part of the standard driving test
Correct answer: Is a common cause of rear-end accidents
Following too closely behind another vehicle, also known as tailgating, is a leading cause of rear-end collisions. It significantly reduces your reaction time and stopping distance, making it difficult to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of you if they suddenly slow down or stop. Maintaining a safe following distance is essential for road safety.
Question 6: THE ROAD SURFACE IS MOST SLIPPERY:
- During a heavy rain or storm
- Just after the rain
- Just when it starts raining (Correct answer)
- During a light rain
Correct answer: Just when it starts raining
The road surface is most slippery just when it starts raining, especially after a dry spell. During this initial period, rain mixes with oil, dust, and other debris accumulated on the road, creating a slick film. As the rain continues, this film is washed away, and traction generally improves, though roads remain wet and require caution.
Question 7: IF YOUR TIRES ARE NOT INFLATED TO THE PRESSURE RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER, IT MAY CAUSE:
- Low gas mileage
- Uneven tire wear
- Improper steering
- All of the above (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All of the above
Improper tire inflation, whether over- or under-inflated, can lead to several negative consequences. It can cause low gas mileage due to increased rolling resistance, uneven tire wear which shortens tire life, and improper steering response, making the vehicle harder to control. Therefore, maintaining recommended tire pressure is vital for safety and vehicle performance.
Question 8: WHICH OF THESE STATEMENTS IS TRUE ABOUT DRIVING AND TAKING DRUGS?
- Only illegal drugs can impair your driving
- Even over-the-counter drugs can impair your driving (Correct answer)
- Any prescription drug is safe to use if you don't feel drowsy
- All of the above
Correct answer: Even over-the-counter drugs can impair your driving
It is crucial to understand that not just illegal drugs, but also many prescription and even over-the-counter medications can impair your driving ability. Drugs like antihistamines, cold remedies, pain relievers, and sedatives can cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or slow reaction times, making it unsafe to operate a vehicle. Always check warning labels and consult a doctor or pharmacist about driving while on medication.
Question 9: WHEN YOU ENTER A FREEWAY, YOU SHOULD CHECK TRAFFIC BY USING:
- The inside and outside mirrors only
- Only your rearview mirrors
- All mirrors and turning your head (Correct answer)
- Only your left side-view mirror
Correct answer: All mirrors and turning your head
When entering a freeway, it is essential to check traffic thoroughly to ensure a safe merge. This involves using all your mirrors (rearview and side mirrors) to get a general sense of traffic, and then turning your head to check your blind spots. This comprehensive check helps you identify any vehicles that may be in your blind spots before you accelerate and merge.
Question 10: What does this sign with a black "X" on it say?
- A railroad crossing (Correct answer)
- Hidden pirate bounty.
- Railroad station
- None of the listed answers.
Correct answer: A railroad crossing
A sign with a black "X" on it, often accompanied by the letters "RR," is the universal symbol for a railroad crossing. This sign alerts drivers to the presence of train tracks ahead, indicating the need to slow down, look, and listen for trains, and be prepared to stop if necessary.
Question 11: What does this yellow sign in the shape of a diamond with red, black, and white symbols alert you to?
- 3-point turn ahead
- An upcoming yield sign (Correct answer)
- Bus stop
- Runaway vehicle ramp
Correct answer: An upcoming yield sign
This yellow, diamond-shaped sign with a red and white inverted triangle symbol alerts drivers to an upcoming yield sign. It serves as an advance warning, giving drivers time to prepare to slow down and be ready to yield the right-of-way to other traffic at the intersection ahead.
Question 12: You should ___ when you see this rectangular, white sign with black text.
- Reduce your speed.
- Turn on your headlights if it's raining (Correct answer)
- Turn on your high beams.
- Pull over to the side of the road.
Correct answer: Turn on your headlights if it's raining
This rectangular, white sign with black text often indicates a state law or recommendation regarding headlight usage. A common rule in many areas is "Wipers On, Lights On," meaning that if your windshield wipers are needed due to rain, your headlights should also be on. This improves visibility for you and makes your vehicle more visible to other drivers.
Question 13: What is the significance of this rectangular, white sign with red lettering?
- Permitted to change a flat.
- Stopping acceptable as long as someone is present in the vehicle.
- Loading and unloading is allowed.
- You should not stop here unless absolutely required. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: You should not stop here unless absolutely required.
A rectangular, white sign with red lettering that says "NO STOPPING" indicates that you are prohibited from stopping your vehicle in that area for any reason, except to avoid an accident or if directed by a police officer. This restriction is often in place to maintain traffic flow or ensure safety in specific zones.
Question 14: There is ___, according to this yellow diamond-shaped sign with red and black symbols.
- An optional stop ahead.
- A loading zone.
- An upcoming stop sign. (Correct answer)
- A runaway vehicle ramp.
Correct answer: An upcoming stop sign.
Yellow diamond-shaped signs are warning signs that alert drivers to potential hazards or upcoming road conditions. A specific yellow diamond sign with a black symbol resembling a stop sign indicates an upcoming intersection where drivers will encounter a stop sign. This warns drivers in advance, allowing them to prepare to slow down and stop safely.
Question 15: If you see this sign, it indicates that.
- Tourists might be present.
- Loading and unloading is acceptable here. You can stop your vehicle temporarily. (Correct answer)
- Parking is acceptable here.
- None of the listed answers.
Correct answer: Loading and unloading is acceptable here. You can stop your vehicle temporarily.
This sign, typically a 'No Parking' sign with specific wording or a dedicated loading zone sign, indicates that while parking is generally prohibited, stopping temporarily for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers or goods is permitted. It allows for brief stops without obstructing traffic for extended periods. Drivers should still be mindful of traffic flow and not leave their vehicle unattended for long.
Question 16: What does this rectangular, white sign with black text say?
- Road is closed during night hours.
- Road closed unless you have an off-road vehicle.
- Road closed to all vehicles. (Correct answer)
- Due to road conditions, passing is not recommended.
Correct answer: Road closed to all vehicles.
A rectangular, white sign with black text typically conveys regulatory information. If such a sign explicitly states 'Road Closed to All Vehicles,' it means that no type of vehicle, including cars, trucks, or motorcycles, is permitted to proceed beyond that point. This restriction is usually put in place due to construction, hazardous conditions, or other circumstances making the road impassable.
TEENAGE DRIVERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHEN: