Minnesota CAR DMV Practice Test 18

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.

If you must drive in foggy conditions, you should use your low beam headlights, as well as your fog lights, if your vehicle has them. High beams direct their light upwards, where it can bounce off the fog and into your eyes, reducing visibility even more.

Being fatigued while driving is similar in danger to driving under the influence of alcohol. If you begin to feel tired while driving, the best thing to do is to stop driving.

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.

Work zones are often stationary, but they may also be present in the form of moving vehicles striping lines, mowing, or removing snow. Work zones are marked by orange signs with black lettering or symbols. Slow down and pay extra attention when approaching or driving through a work zone.

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 for an appropriate amount of time before making a lane change or exiting a freeway. Before you make any move to the right or left, quickly turn your head and look over your shoulder to see if your blind spot is clear.

Before passing, you should signal early enough for other drivers to know your plans in advance.

When turning left at a traffic signal, you must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.

When you park on a downward-facing slope, turn your wheels sharply toward the side of the road. This way, if your vehicle starts to roll downhill, it will roll away from traffic.

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.

If your vehicle's turn signals do not work, you should use hand signals to indicate when you intend to change direction.

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.

Drivers may not park within 50 feet of a railroad crossing. Park where drivers can clearly see your vehicle from both directions.

A steady red traffic light indicates that drivers must come to a complete stop. Driving through a red light is against the law and is extremely dangerous. Drivers may turn right on a steady red light if there is no sign prohibiting a turn on red.

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

Anything that causes you to take your attention away from driving, take your eyes off the road, and/or take your hands off the wheel is a distraction.

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).

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

This sign indicates that left turns are prohibited.

The only way to avoid the risks of drinking and driving is to decide before you start drinking that you are not going to drive. Because alcohol affects your judgement, it will be harder for you to make safe decisions after you have started drinking.

If you are being tailgated by another driver and there is a right lane, move over to the right. If there is no right lane, wait until the road ahead is clear and then reduce your speed slowly. This will encourage the tailgater to drive around you. Never slow down abruptly as this will only increase the risk of your vehicle being hit from behind.

In snowy weather, keep your windshield and mirrors clear. Increase your following distance when driving in wet and cold weather because a slippery road surface will increase the distance needed for your vehicle to stop.

Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to funeral processions. When the lead vehicle enters an intersection, the remaining vehicles in the funeral procession may follow through the intersection regardless of traffic control devices.

You should allow more space in front of your vehicle than usual when you are stopped on an uphill slope. If the vehicle in front of you rolls backward toward your vehicle when traffic begins to move again, it is less likely that there will be a collision.

If a steady yellow light appears when you are already within an intersection, you should continue through the intersection carefully.

Warning signs prepare drivers for upcoming road conditions and hazards and are usually yellow with black markings. This sign alerts drivers to an upcoming traffic signal. They should be prepared to respond to a yellow light, red light, and/or cross traffic.

Before changing lanes, check your side and rearview mirrors for traffic approaching you from behind. Use your turn signal to let other drivers know you plan to change lanes. Check for other drivers who also may be moving into the same lane.

Arrows may be used to indicate which lanes should be used for specific purposes, such as driving straight or making a turn.

This sign indicates that right turns are prohibited.

When changing lanes, it is important to check your blind spots. Do this by looking over your shoulder toward the next lane. Do not rely only on your mirrors.

When passing a school bus stopped on the opposite side of a multilane highway with a median or divider, drivers may continue driving. If the highway is not separated by a median or divider, drivers on both sides of the street must stop.

An airbag is a supplemental restraint system. Airbags are intended to work with seat belts to prevent injuries.

Blue lights, flashing lights, and strobe lamps serve special purposes. They are not for use by non-authorized vehicles.

"Reduced speed" signs inform drivers that they must reduce their speeds. If a new speed limit is posted on one of these signs, the new speed limit begins at the sign.

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

The driving procedure to follow when you see a “Lane closed ahead” sign is to stay in your initial lane up to the point of merge. You should then take turns with other drivers to safely and smoothly ease into the remaining lane.

Guide signs, sometimes known as destination signs, have a green background and provide directional and mileage information to specific destinations. They can be a helpful resource when driving in unfamiliar locations.

When driving on wet roads, drivers should increase their following distance.

You must stop at a railroad crossing when directed to do so by a flagger, stop sign, or warning devices, such as gates or flashing lights. Not all railroad crossings are equipped with such devices. It is against the law to drive around lowered railroad crossing gates.