Massachusetts CAR DMV Practice Test 12

Backing requires extra caution because it is difficult for drivers to see behind their vehicles. Before entering a vehicle to back up, walk to the back of the vehicle to check for children and small objects.

This sign warns that the overpass ahead has a low clearance. Do not proceed if your vehicle is taller than the height indicated (in this case, 13 feet, 6 inches).

Other cars and motorcycles are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot, so be sure to glance over your shoulder before you begin a lane change. Begin signaling 100 feet before changing lanes or turning in a residential area. Signal five seconds in advance when changing lanes on a freeway.

You must yield the right-of-way to police cars, fire engines, ambulances, or any other emergency vehicles using a siren or air horn and a red or blue flashing light. Follow any instructions given over the emergency vehicles' loudspeakers. Emergency vehicles often follow each other so you should proceed only when you are certain the way is clear.

Massachusetts law requires that your headlights be on when you are driving in a tunnel. Headlights can help increase visibility in situations with normally lowered visibility.

A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) allows pedestrians to safely cross a roadway. A PHB only operates when activated by a pedestrian. When all lights are dark, you may proceed with caution.

This sign indicates that a divided highway begins ahead. The road will split into two one-way roadways separated by a median or divider. You must keep to the right.

You should not use cruise control on snow, in rain, in fog, or under similar hazardous conditions. Winter is the most difficult driving season and requires extra caution from drivers. It is important to consistently check your antifreeze and windshield washer fluid levels. Using snow tires can increase a vehicle's traction on the surface of slippery roads.

This sign indicates that U-turns are prohibited.

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

At night, visibility is reduced. Take steps to make driving in the dark more safe for you and the other drivers on the road.

Downward-facing triangular signs usually indicate that drivers should yield. Once the road is clear of traffic or pedestrians and it is safe to do so, drivers may proceed.

You should turn your head to check your blind spots before every lane change.

Some highways reserve the left lane for vehicles with multiple occupants. These High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes are identified by signs and diamond pavement symbols.

If your vehicle’s right wheels leave the pavement, don't panic. Take your foot off the accelerator and steer parallel to the road. Slow down and ease back onto the roadway by keeping both hands on the steering wheel and steering into the road’s right lane with a small turn of the steering wheel. Check for traffic around you before steering back onto the pavement.

If you are entering traffic from a driveway or private road, you should yield to drivers already on the public road. Merge safely into traffic when you are able to do so.

This sign warns that deer cross the roadway in the area. You should slow down, be alert, and be ready to stop.

Stop before the stop line or crosswalk at any intersection that is controlled by a stop sign. If there is a stop sign but no stop line or crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection and proceed when it is safe to do so.

To ensure that you will have time to react to hazards on the roadway, it is best to keep a cushion of space on all sides of your vehicle. Do not crowd vehicles to your left and right sides.

Pennant-shaped signs usually indicate no passing zones. Text will also be on the sign to confirm that it is a no passing zone.

When turning onto a street with more than one lane moving in the direction that you are traveling, turn into the lane that is closest to your previous lane. Do not change lanes when turning.

Only the passage of time will allow a person to overcome the influence of alcohol.

You must do everything you can to prevent striking a pedestrian or another vehicle, regardless of the circumstances. It is the driver’s basic responsibility to be alert to pedestrians and to yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians, even if the pedestrian is crossing the street where they should not be.

A flashing yellow light means that you should proceed through the intersection slowly and with caution. Scan your eyes across traffic in both directions.

You should never drive around lowered crossing gates. Always look both ways before turning across train tracks and always obey signs and traffic signals. Trains share the road with motor vehicles and bicyclists.