Virginia CAR DMV Practice Test 17

Construction and maintenance signs are orange-colored and are used to notify drivers of unusual or potentially dangerous conditions in or near work areas. This sign warns drivers that they are approaching a construction zone and that they should prepare to lower their speed and drive with extraordinary caution.

This sign marks a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane. HOV lanes are reserved for use by buses and vehicles with a driver and one or more passengers, as indicated on the sign.

This sign means that you are approaching an upcoming intersection. Watch carefully for cross traffic.

Warning signs prepare drivers for upcoming road conditions and hazards and are usually yellow and black. This sign tells drivers that a lane is ending and that they should prepare to allow traffic to merge safely.

This sign warns of two-way traffic ahead.

Warning signs prepare drivers for upcoming road conditions and hazards and are usually yellow with black markings. This sign tells drivers to be cautious when driving under conditions that may cause the roadway to become wet and slippery.

Warning signs prepare drivers for upcoming road conditions and hazards and are usually yellow with black markings. This sign tells drivers that they are approaching an area with low clearance.

This sign indicates that the right lane on a multilane roadway ends ahead. Traffic in the right lane must merge left.

This sign indicates that the road ahead turns sharply to the right and then sharply to the left.

Warning signs prepare drivers for upcoming road conditions and hazards and are usually yellow with black markings. This sign warns drivers about an upcoming steep hill. They should adjust their speed accordingly to avoid brake damage or collision.

Large vehicles have blind spots that can extend up to 200 feet directly behind the vehicle. Do not tailgate a large vehicle as they will have no way of knowing that you are there.

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

Motorcycle operators have the right to use a complete traffic lane. Two motorcyclists may share a lane, but a car should never try to share a lane with a motorcycle.

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.

Pumping the brakes is generally the best way to stop a car in an emergency. The car will stop quickly and you will also be able to continue steering.

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

Lap belts should fit snugly across your hip bones and the lower part of your abdomen. Shoulder belts should sit comfortably so that you can insert your fist between the belt and your chest.

Before changing lanes, check your side and rearview mirrors for traffic approaching 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.

Every time you get behind the wheel, you accept responsibility for your actions. You must obey Virginia’s traffic laws and ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists on the roadways.

Your ability to handle dangerous traffic situations depends largely on searching for and identifying problems before meeting them. Looking far ahead of your vehicle does not mean you should simply stare at the center of the road. You need to continually scan the entire road, including the sides of the road.

Curve and turn warning signs often have attached advisory speed signs that show a recommended driving speed for drivers in the curves and turns. Although a driver may feel comfortable driving at a higher speed in fair weather, they should never do so under rainy, snowy, or icy conditions.

Consuming both alcohol and another drug may enhance the effects of both. For example, taking one drink when you are also using a cold remedy could affect you as if you have had several drinks.

Railroad crossings are always dangerous. Drivers should look and listen for an approaching train coming from either direction before proceeding across the tracks. Watch for signals indicating an approaching train and never proceed until you are certain it is safe to do so.

A steady yellow traffic light indicates that a red light is about to appear. Stop unless you are already within the intersection.

When driving near traffic control devices in a work zone, you should drive near the middle of your lane and obey the posted speed limit. Do not change lanes until you are completely clear of the work zone. Flashing arrow panels, message boards, work zone signs, and flaggers may give special instructions.

"Highway hypnosis” happens when you stare straight ahead at the roadway for long periods of time and stop actively scanning ahead, behind, and around your vehicle. This can lead you to zone out, making you very likely to crash into traffic slowing or stopping ahead of you.

If your vehicle goes into a skid, you should turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the vehicle to go. As soon as the vehicle begins to straighten out, turn the steering wheel back the other way.

A flashing red traffic light means the same thing as a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop, yield to cross traffic and pedestrians, and then proceed when the way is clear.

Unless posted otherwise, the speed limit for passenger vehicles and motorcycles in a residential, school, or business zone is 25 mph.

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

Driving more slowly than the flow of traffic can be hazardous. If you are on a two-lane, two-way road and driving so slowly that traffic is backing up behind you, you are required to pull off the road and let the other vehicles pass. Only drive significantly under the speed limit when conditions require it.

When merging into traffic, you should signal and enter at the same speed that traffic is moving. Always yield to other traffic when entering a roadway.

Your blood alcohol content (BAC) depends on how much alcohol you drink, how much time passes between drinks, and your weight. Eating before or while you drink helps slow the absorption of alcohol somewhat, but it cannot prevent intoxication or impairment if you have too much to drink.

When on the road, drivers should not use cell phones, computers, or other distracting devices, except to report a crash or emergency. Your full attention should be devoted to driving.

Safety belts can double your chance of surviving a crash and more than double your chance of avoiding serious injury. Airbags, when used properly with safety belts, provide additional protection in a front-end crash. You should wear both shoulder and lap belts.