Louisiana CAR DMV Practice Test 17

White lines separate lanes of traffic that are moving in the same direction. Dashed white lines may be crossed to pass or change lanes, if it is safe to do so.

You must yield the right-of-way to any emergency vehicle that is using its siren or flashing lights.

Warning signs that indicate approaching hazards are usually yellow with black lettering or symbols. Warning signs in work zones are orange with black lettering or symbols.

Always signal your intentions when changing lanes, turning, or pulling away from a curb. Do not allow yourself to become lazy and form the bad habit of not following this law.

Boredom is common among motorists on long trips and can lead to what is called “highway hypnosis.” To avoid this, drivers should begin their trip as well-rested as possible. They should regularly stop, even if they don't think they are tired. They should keep their eyes scanning the road to avoid eye fatigue from staring in one place for too long.

Traffic signals are placed at intersections to keep traffic moving and to help prevent crashes. Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists must obey these signals, except in instances when an officer is directing traffic.

The "I" in the SIPDE acronym stands for "Identify hazards and identify what's happening." This means you should take notice of road signs and features as well as things that could cause trouble.

When using a freeway exit ramp, do not slow down until you move onto the exit ramp.

A flashing yellow traffic light means drivers should slow down and proceed with caution.

Yellow lines are used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions. Solid lines indicate that drivers are not permitted to pass.

When the road is wet or slippery, when you cannot see well, or when anything else makes conditions less than perfect, drive below the posted speed limit. Even if you are driving within the posted speed limit, you can still be ticketed for driving too fast for conditions.

You must stop at a railroad crossing when directed to do so by a flagger or stop sign. Stop when flashing red signals and gates are present and operating.

When you see any signs indicating a nearby railroad crossing, you should slow down, look for a train, and be ready to stop. If the red warning lights are flashing or the gate is down, you must stop 15 to 50 feet before the railroad tracks. Do not try to go around the gate.

Pavement can become very slippery within the first 10 to 15 minutes of a rainstorm because the rain causes oil in the asphalt to rise to the surface of the road. This problem becomes even worse in hot weather. The heat combined with the water causes more oil to rise to the road surface.

Red pavement marking or reflectors indicate a roadway that must not be entered. If you are driving and see red reflectors or pavement markings, turn around.

If you are turning left from a two-way street onto a one-way street, you should complete the turn into the lane closest to the lane you have just left.

Use one-hand steering only when backing or when operating vehicle controls (wipers, flashers, lights, etc.) that require a temporary reach from the steering wheel.

The "P" in the SIPDE acronym stands for "Predict hazards." Predict the worst case scenario that could occur while you are driving and plan out any actions you could take to remain safe if that scenario happened.

A flashing red light means that you must stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, and go only when it is safe. At a railroad crossing, a flashing red light indicates that a train is approaching. Yield to the train, and go only when the lights have stopped flashing and all other active warning devices deactivate.

Wearing your seat belt is the single most effective thing you can do to reduce your risk of death or injury while driving.

This signs warns that a four-way intersection is ahead.

Consuming any type of alcohol can have negative effects on your reflexes and judgment. It does not matter which type of alcohol is consumed, only how much alcohol has entered a person's bloodstream.

You should pass a bicyclist the same way you would pass any other vehicle, but not so fast or close to them that you throw debris in their face or blow them around with the draft of air from your vehicle. Allow at least 3 feet of space between your side mirror and the bicyclist, or at least 5 feet on higher speed roads or when there is a group of bicyclists. Honking unnecessarily may startle riders and make them more likely to crash.

This sign indicates that a steep downhill grade is ahead.

The "D" in the SIPDE acronym stands for "Decide on a safe action." Decide on the safest action to take when an unexpected hazard appears.

Alcohol is a depressant that negatively affects judgment, vision, concentration, understanding of reality, and reaction time. It is never safe to consume alcohol in any amount before getting behind the wheel of a car.

This sign warns of the presence of a crossroad ahead.

To complete a turn safely, you should activate your turn signal three to four seconds before your turn.

Warning signs, which tell you about conditions on or near the road ahead, are usually diamond-shaped with black symbols or words on a yellow background.

You should avoid making any sudden changes in speed or direction when driving on a slippery surface. Reduce your speed on slippery roads and do not use cruise control.

When changing lanes or turning, signal your intentions well in advance. The law requires that you signal for at least 100 feet before you move your vehicle to the right or left. Before pulling away from a curb, always signal to inform passing drivers of your intentions.

Entrance ramps for highways often have acceleration lanes. When merging with traffic from an acceleration lane, you should put your signal on, look for an opening in traffic, accelerate up to the speed of traffic, and merge into an opening in traffic.

You should not stop in a travel lane for any reason. Instead, keep moving until you can safely pull off of the road. If you miss your turn or exit, do not back up. Go to the next turn or exit or where you can safely turn around.

When turning left, drivers must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. Drivers must also always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers who are already in the intersection.

When passing, you must always signal at least 100 feet in advance of your lane change. Always check behind you in your mirrors and look over your shoulder to check your blind spot. Wait until you can see both headlights of the passed car in your rearview mirror before returning to your original lane.

Regulatory signs display laws that drivers must always obey. Right turns are not permitted where this sign is present.

The diagonal stripes on a barricade or vertical panel guide drivers in the proper direction. Stripes sloping downward and to the right mean drivers should bear to the right. Conversely, stripes sloping downward and to the left mean they should bear to the left.

Warning signs are used to warn drivers about upcoming hazardous conditions and are usually yellow with black markings. This sign warns drivers that an upcoming bridge may be too narrow to meet or pass a truck and that they should be careful.

Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than cars. Because of their size, they are easily hidden in a car’s blind spot. It may be difficult to judge your distance to a motorcycle and difficult to tell how fast a motorcycle is moving, so always be alert and extra cautious when near a motorcyclist.

Driving while impaired or intoxicated is a serious traffic safety problem. Safe driving is not possible when you drink alcohol or take other drugs. Driving under the influence is dangerous both to you and to others on the road.