Iowa CAR DMV Practice Test 11

Hydroplaning happens when a vehicle glides on top of a thin layer of water between its tires and the road. Tires with low air pressure or bad tread can increase the risk of hydroplaning. Speeding also increases the risk.

You should drive more slowly at night than during the day because it is not possible to see as far ahead at night. You should make sure that you can stop within the area illuminated by your headlights.

When being passed, you must yield to the passing vehicle and not increase your speed. Allow the vehicle to safely merge back into your lane.

When you meet an oncoming school bus displaying flashing amber lights, you must slow to a speed no faster than 20 mph and be prepared to stop. If its red lights are flashing or if its stop arm is out, you must come to a complete stop at least 15 feet from the bus. Remain stopped as long as the red lights flash or the stop arm is out.

Before changing lanes, check for drivers trying to pass you who may be trying to enter the same lane as you. Look over your shoulder to check your blind spot. You should never attempt to pass or otherwise change lanes in an intersection.

Pavement on bridges and overpasses can become icy even when other surrounding pavement is dry. Bridges often freeze before, and thaw out after, the rest of a road.

Regulatory signs provide notice to road users of traffic laws that must be obeyed. This particular sign tells you the maximum speed limit for the stretch of highway where it is posted. You may drive more slowly than the posted speed limit, based on road conditions, but it is illegal to drive any faster than the posted speed limit.

If a vehicle comes toward you with its high beams on, look away from the headlights and toward the right side of the road until the car has passed. This will keep you from being blinded.

Before beginning a right turn, use the appropriate signal to give surrounding drivers adequate notice of your intentions. Slow down and approach the intersection from the right lane, staying as close as is practical to the right curb or edge of the roadway.

Your safety and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians depends a lot on what you do before driving. Before moving your vehicle, you should adjust your seat, adjust your mirrors, fasten your safety belt, and secure items in and on your vehicle. Do not wait until your vehicle is moving to adjust your mirrors.

Warning signs are usually yellow with black markings. This sign warns that the divided highway ends ahead. Prepare to change lanes or shift lane position.

You must yield the right-of-way to any emergency vehicle that is using its siren and lights. Drive to the right edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. If you are within an intersection, drive through the intersection first and then stop.

Tractor-trailers take longer distances to stop than smaller cars traveling at the same speed. A fully loaded tractor-trailer may take almost 400 feet to come to a complete stop when driving at 55 mph.

This sign indicates that the road may be slippery when wet. Exercise caution when driving on a slippery road.

If your vehicle’s accelerator sticks open, your vehicle will continue to maintain its speed or accelerate, even if you remove your foot from the gas pedal. Turn off the ignition, using care to move the ignition switch only far enough to stop the engine and not engage the steering wheel locking mechanism. Apply your brakes and move off the road to a safe area.

If a driver's left arm and hand are extended upward, they are indicating that they intend to turn right. Adjust your driving accordingly if following a driver who is using this hand signal.

Crashes often happen when some drivers go faster or slower than other vehicles on the road. Always try to drive with the flow of traffic, within the posted speed limit.

Do not drive in someone else’s blind spot. Move forward or drop back so that the other driver can see you.

You should use your low beam headlights when driving in fog. High beams will reflect back at the driver and lower visibility.

Yellow lane markings indicate a separation of lanes where traffic is traveling in opposite directions. When you see double solid yellow lane markings, passing is prohibited from both directions.

Using a cell phone (including a hands-free phone) or any kind of audio device (including a radio or CD player) can be a dangerous distraction and contributes to the risk of a crash.

A driver must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian within a crosswalk. The driver should wait until the intersection is clear to proceed.

Bicycles do not have turn signals so bicyclists use hand and arm signals to alert other drivers to their intentions. If a bicyclist puts their left arm straight out, they are signaling that they intend to turn left.

Many kinds of drugs can impair your ability to drive. This includes illegal drugs and legal prescription or over-the-counter medications. It can be a criminal offense to drive while impaired by any drug.

If a road has four or more lanes with two-way traffic, drive in the right lanes unless you are passing or turning left. If you are on an interstate highway and are driving below the speed of the flow of traffic, use the right lane.

If stopped by law enforcement, you should stay in your vehicle with both hands clearly in sight on the steering wheel.

Come to a full stop at an intersection controlled by this sign. Stop at the marked stop line or before entering the crosswalk or intersection. Let other vehicles or pedestrians pass if they are in your path, then proceed.

This sign indicates that the right lane ends ahead. A merging maneuver will be required for drivers in that lane.

An eight-sided sign always means "stop." You must come to a complete stop and wait for any vehicles or pedestrians to clear the way before proceeding.

Drivers of trucks, buses, vans, and any vehicles pulling campers or trailers may not be able to see you if you are driving directly behind them. Increase your following distance when driving behind one of these vehicles. Additionally, large vehicles can block your view of the road, so increase your following distance to look around the sides of the vehicle and see the road ahead.

It is unlawful to drive at night using only your parking lights. Drivers are required to use their headlights when driving in the dark.

When approaching a pedestrian who is using a white cane or guide dog while crossing the street, you must stop until the person is well away from your path of travel. Always yield the right-of-way to blind pedestrians.

Drivers should use low beam headlights when driving in fog. High beams will reflect back at the driver, making it difficult to see.

The speed at which you should drive your vehicle depends on road conditions, the weather, and the legal speed limit. You may never drive above the legal speed limit. Decrease your speed when anything makes conditions less than ideal.

Using a phone while driving is a distraction that increases your risk of being involved in a crash.