DMV Representative 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is hydroplaning, and how should a driver respond if it occurs?
- Skidding on ice; accelerate gently to regain control
- Floating on a water layer; ease off the gas and steer straight (Correct answer)
- Engine flooding; press the clutch
- Overheating; pull over immediately and open the hood
Correct answer: Floating on a water layer; ease off the gas and steer straight
Hydroplaning occurs when a tire rides on a film of water; the correct response is to ease off the accelerator and steer straight until traction returns.
Question 2: Which lane is generally intended for passing on a multi-lane highway in the US?
- The rightmost lane
- The leftmost (fast) lane (Correct answer)
- Any lane with open space
- The center lane only
Correct answer: The leftmost (fast) lane
The left lane on a multi-lane highway is designated for passing; drivers should return to the right lane after passing.
Question 3: A vehicle's registration must be renewed primarily to:
- Prove the driver passed a skills test
- Ensure the vehicle meets safety and emissions standards and pays applicable fees (Correct answer)
- Obtain a new driver's license automatically
- Activate the vehicle's GPS tracking
Correct answer: Ensure the vehicle meets safety and emissions standards and pays applicable fees
Vehicle registration renewal confirms the owner is current on fees and that the vehicle continues to meet state safety and emissions requirements.
Question 4: What should a driver do if the gas pedal becomes stuck while driving?
- Immediately turn off the ignition and release the steering wheel
- Shift to neutral, apply brakes steadily, and pull off the road safely (Correct answer)
- Pump the brakes rapidly and keep shifting gears
- Open the door to create drag and slow down
Correct answer: Shift to neutral, apply brakes steadily, and pull off the road safely
Shifting to neutral disengages the engine from the drive wheels, allowing the driver to brake and steer safely to the roadside.
Question 5: When is it legal to drive in a bicycle lane?
- Whenever no cyclists are present
- Only to make a turn within the last 200 feet before an intersection (rules vary by state) (Correct answer)
- At any time if you stay under 25 mph
- Never; bicycle lanes are always off-limits to motor vehicles
Correct answer: Only to make a turn within the last 200 feet before an intersection (rules vary by state)
Most states allow vehicles to briefly enter a bike lane only when preparing to make a right turn, typically within 200 feet of the intersection.
Question 6: What does a green arrow traffic signal mean?
- Yield to oncoming traffic before turning in the arrow's direction
- Proceed in the direction of the arrow; conflicting traffic is stopped (Correct answer)
- Increase speed before the light changes
- The lane is open for U-turns only
Correct answer: Proceed in the direction of the arrow; conflicting traffic is stopped
A green arrow indicates a protected turn; opposing traffic is stopped by a red signal, so drivers may proceed in the arrow's direction.
Question 7: Which of the following is required when a driver is involved in a collision that results in injury or death?
- Leave the scene quickly to avoid confrontation
- Remain at the scene, render reasonable aid, and report to police (Correct answer)
- Move all vehicles to the nearest gas station before calling anyone
- Only notify your insurance company within 30 days
Correct answer: Remain at the scene, render reasonable aid, and report to police
Leaving the scene of an injury or fatal accident is a serious crime; drivers are legally required to stop, render aid if possible, and report the crash.
DMV Representative 5
What is hydroplaning, and how should a driver respond if it occurs?