Massachusetts CAR DMV Practice Test 14

During the winter, take extra precautions when driving on bridges and overpasses, which can freeze before and remain icy longer than other roadways. A road on which ice and snow are completely frozen is pretty slippery, even though it provides more traction than a road with melting ice.

When you leave your vehicle unattended, you must stop the engine, lock the ignition, remove the key from the ignition, and set the parking brake.

Increase your following distance to at least four seconds when following a motorcycle. If the motorcycle and its rider should fall, you will need extra distance to avoid the obstacle.

Many over-the-counter medications can affect your ability to drive safely. If you take medication, even a remedy for colds or allergies that is not prescribed, check the label for warnings about its effects. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist about driving while on the medication.

Unless posted otherwise, your speed is not reasonable and proper if you drive at speeds faster than 30 mph in thickly settled areas or business districts. Drivers should use extra caution when driving in an area with an increased likelihood of pedestrians entering traffic.

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.

The only way to be sure you will have enough time to react to mistakes made by other drivers is to leave plenty of space between you and the vehicles around you.

The exhaust system carries exhaust gas out of the vehicle and prevents fumes from entering into the passenger compartment. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, keep your exhaust system free of leaks. Replace all defective parts immediately.

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.

A flashing yellow traffic light indicates that you should drive with caution.

These signs indicate that the road curves to the right ahead and that drivers should slow down to the safe speed indicated (in this case, 35 mph).

Your physical condition has an important bearing on your ability to drive safely. Drivers should be aware of their physical limitations and only drive if it is safe to do so.

This sign warns that there is a steep hill or downgrade ahead.

This sign indicates that you are approaching a railroad crossing.

Some regulatory signs prohibit certain actions. These signs are rectangular and white with red and black markings. A red circle and slash on top of a black symbol indicates that the specified action is forbidden.

Warning signs are usually diamond-shaped with black markings on a yellow background. They alert drivers to upcoming hazards. This warning sign indicates that a traffic signal is ahead and drivers should prepare to react to a yellow or red light.

Before changing lanes, you should look in your rearview and side mirrors to make sure no one is trying to pass you. You should also look over your shoulder to make sure that no one is in your blind spot.

A wide variety of intoxicants can impair your ability to drive. These include all types of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, inhalants, and many legal medications (both prescription and over-the-counter).

Drowsiness can make people drive so poorly that they appear to be drunk. Opening a window, turning on the radio, or drinking coffee is not enough to make a drowsy driver alert to roadway hazards.

This sign indicates that there is a Y intersection ahead. You must bear either to the right or to the left.

If you are following another vehicle at a railroad crossing, check to make sure you have enough room to get all the way across before you drive onto the tracks. You should never try to pass another vehicle as you approach or cross a railroad crossing. Always check for trains before crossing any railroad tracks.

Yellow lines are used to separate traffic moving in opposite directions. Dashed lines indicate that drivers directly next to the line are permitted to pass when it is safe to do so.

The most important thing to remember about driving in curves is that your vehicle’s inertia may make it difficult to turn. To maintain control, it is essential that you slow down before entering the curve.

Warning signs are usually diamond-shaped with black markings on a yellow background. They alert drivers to upcoming hazards. This sign indicates that drivers are approaching a steep hill and should prepare to adjust their speeds to continue to drive safely.

Before turning or changing lanes, turn your head and glance over your shoulder in the direction of your move to see if your blind spot is clear. Never rely on your mirrors alone.