Practice test 1 of 10 — Michigan permit test

The correct answer to each question above, why it is right, and where it comes from. Try the test first.

1. Question 1: B. Go straight and find another way

   Lane arrows must be followed. If you are in the wrong lane, go straight and find another route.

   Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Lane use

2. Question 2: C. 65 mph

   School buses and trucks are held to 65 mph on Michigan freeways, and to 55 mph where the freeway limit is under 70 mph.

   Handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Laws — Speed limits

3. Question 3: B. 15 to 20 mph

   Slow to 15 to 20 mph behind a horse or buggy in Michigan and keep at least 20 feet back so you do not spook the horse.

   Handbook: Chapter 6: Sharing the Road — Slow-moving vehicles

4. Question 4: A. Enough to see its rear tires touch the road

   If you can see the rear tires of the car ahead touching the road, you have room to steer around it.

   Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Managing space

5. Question 5: A. Ease off the gas and steer where you want to go

   In a skid, ease off the gas and steer gently where you want the car to go.

   Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Skids and slippery roads

6. Question 6: A. Two years from the conviction

   In Michigan, points placed on your driving record stay there for two years from the date of conviction.

   Handbook: Chapter 2: Your Driving Record — Michigan's point system

7. Question 7: B. 3 to 4 seconds

   Michigan requires a 3 to 4 second following distance, increased up to 6 seconds or more at higher speeds or in bad conditions.

   Handbook: Chapter 7: Emergencies and Special Situations — Stopping distances

8. Question 8: A. A lane whose direction changes at set times

   Double broken yellow lines usually mark a reversible lane, where the direction of travel changes at set times.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Pavement markings

9. Question 9: A. A railroad crossing ahead

   The round yellow sign is used to give advance warning of a railroad crossing.

   Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Sign shapes and colors

10. Question 10: C. They can make driving unsafe

    Medicines that cause drowsiness can slow your reactions and make driving unsafe.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Drugs and medicine

11. Question 11: A. Let the cyclist pass, then turn

    Yield to the cyclist in the bike lane. Let them go by, then make your turn behind them.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Bicycles

12. Question 12: A. 12 inches

    Michigan bans parking more than 12 inches from the curb, so the curb should never be more than a foot away.

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Laws — Parking violations

13. Question 13: C. Slowly, looking all around you

    Back out slowly and look all around. Your view may be blocked by the cars next to you.

    Handbook: Chapter: Parking and stopping — Angle parking

14. Question 14: A. Go much slower and leave a lot more space

    On snow and ice, stopping takes much longer, so drive much slower and leave a lot more space.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Speed and road conditions

15. Question 15: A. Dirt and glare make it harder to see

    A dirty windshield adds glare and makes it harder to see, most of all at night.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Night and weather

16. Question 16: C. Look for other traffic, then go

    A wave is not a promise that the way is clear. Look for other traffic and people before you go.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Stop signs and intersections

17. Question 17: C. Time

    Only time lets the body remove alcohol. Coffee, cold showers and fresh air do not lower your blood alcohol.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — How alcohol affects you

18. Question 18: A. A yield sign is coming up

    This sign warns of a yield sign ahead, so slow down and be ready to give way.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

19. Question 19: C. 180 days

    A Michigan temporary instruction permit is valid for 180 days and lets you practice with a licensed adult before the skills test.

    Handbook: Chapter 1: Your Driver's License — Temporary instruction permit

20. Question 20: A. A 12 oz beer, a 5 oz glass of wine, and a 1.5 oz shot

    A standard 12 oz beer, 5 oz glass of wine and 1.5 oz shot of liquor each hold about the same alcohol.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — How alcohol affects you

21. Question 21: B. A safe gap in traffic from both ways

    When turning left onto a road where traffic does not stop, you cross both lanes, so you need a safe gap from both ways.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Stop signs and intersections

22. Question 22: D. Stop and wait behind the stop line

    A steady red light means stop. Wait behind the stop line or crosswalk until you may legally go.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Traffic signals

23. Question 23: C. Slow down and watch for people

    People getting out of a car may step into the road, so slow down and watch for them.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Pedestrians

24. Question 24: A. Pull over to a safe place first

    Pull over to a safe place before using your phone, since calls take your mind off driving.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Distracted driving

25. Question 25: B. Get ready to slow down to a lower limit

    This sign means a lower speed limit is coming up. Get ready to slow down to the new limit.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

26. Question 26: B. The normally posted limit

    Michigan work zones may limit speeds to 45 mph when workers are present and let traffic return to the normally posted limit when workers are absent.

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Laws — Construction zones

27. Question 27: A. It may not turn off on its own

    Many motorcycle turn signals do not turn off on their own, so wait to see the rider actually turn.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Motorcycles

28. Question 28: D. At least 500 feet

    Stay at least 500 feet behind any moving emergency vehicle with flashing warning lights and a siren, and never pass it unless told to.

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Laws — Emergency vehicles

29. Question 29: C. Ease off the gas and steer back gently

    Ease off the gas, then steer back onto the pavement gently once you have slowed down.

    Handbook: Chapter: Emergencies and vehicle equipment — Running off the road

30. Question 30: D. Slowly, watching for people

    Drive slowly in a parking lot and watch for people walking and cars backing out.

    Handbook: Chapter: Parking and stopping — Parking lots

31. Question 31: B. A railroad crossing

    The white X-shaped crossbuck marks the place where the road crosses railroad tracks.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

32. Question 32: A. Turn right with care, yielding to people crossing

    A green arrow lets you turn right even while the red light is on, but you must still yield to people crossing and cars already in the intersection.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Traffic signals

33. Question 33: D. No traffic is right ahead of or behind you in it

    Michigan requires the right-hand lane on interstates; one exception is when there is no traffic immediately behind or in front of you in the left lane.

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Laws — Lane usage

34. Question 34: C. Keep your speed low and watch for children

    In neighborhoods children may run into the street, so keep your speed low and watch closely.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Special speed zones

35. Question 35: B. Let it finish its turn before you go

    Vehicles still in the intersection when the light changes must be allowed to clear it before you go.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Signals and right of way

36. Question 36: A. Oncoming traffic with no median between you

    This sign warns that the divided highway ends. Oncoming traffic will share the road with no median between you.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

37. Question 37: A. You are driving against traffic

    A wrong way sign means you are driving against the flow of traffic. Pull over safely and turn back.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

38. Question 38: C. Which way traffic in that lane may go

    Lane arrows show which way traffic in that lane may go, such as straight or left only.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Pavement markings

39. Question 39: C. Yield

    The downward-pointing triangle is used only for the yield sign.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Sign shapes and colors

40. Question 40: B. The right lane

    Slower traffic should keep to the right lane so faster cars can pass on the left.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Lane use

41. Question 41: B. Warn you of a hazard or change ahead

    Diamond-shaped signs are warning signs. They tell you about a hazard or change in the road ahead.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Sign shapes and colors

42. Question 42: C. Brake firmly and stay in your lane

    Brake firmly and stay in your lane. Swerving can send you into other traffic or off the road.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Animals

43. Question 43: C. Traffic already in the roundabout

    Yield to traffic already in the roundabout, and enter when there is a safe gap.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Roundabouts

44. Question 44: A. No closer than 50 feet

    Michigan bans parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Laws — Parking violations

45. Question 45: B. Others may think you are turning left

    Swinging wide confuses other drivers and can lead a car to pass on your right. Keep close to the curb.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Turns

46. Question 46: B. Turn your head and look over your shoulder

    Mirrors do not show everything. A quick look over your shoulder checks the blind spot before you move.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Changing lanes

47. Question 47: D. The road does not connect to another road

    A dead end or no outlet sign means the road does not connect to another road, so you will have to turn around.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

48. Question 48: C. An incident or unplanned event

    Michigan lists fluorescent pink as the color for an incident, emergency, or unplanned event on the road.

    Handbook: Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Traffic sign colors

49. Question 49: C. Left turns by traffic from both directions

    This is a two-way left-turn lane. Drivers from both directions use it only to make left turns.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Pavement markings

50. Question 50: C. Ease off the gas and get ready to slow

    Brake lights far ahead warn of slowing traffic. Ease off the gas early so you can slow smoothly.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Managing space

51. Question 51: D. No, you must stop

    You must stop after any crash you are in. Leaving the scene is a serious offense.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Penalties

52. Question 52: D. It takes your eyes and mind off the road

    Texting takes your eyes, hands and mind off driving, which makes a crash much more likely.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Distracted driving

53. Question 53: C. You may lose control if the tires slip

    On wet or icy roads cruise control may keep powering the wheels when they slip, which can make you lose control.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Speed and road conditions

54. Question 54: B. 6 years old

    Michigan law bans leaving children younger than 6 years old alone in a vehicle when the time or conditions pose an unreasonable risk.

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Laws — Children left unattended in vehicles

55. Question 55: B. Slow down and get ready to stop

    This sign warns of a stop sign ahead. Slow down so you can stop at it.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

56. Question 56: A. Open space you can steer into

    An escape route is open space you can steer into if you suddenly need to avoid a crash.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Defensive driving

57. Question 57: D. 55 mph

    Michigan freeways have a 55 mph minimum, along with a 70 mph maximum, unless signs say otherwise.

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Laws — Speed limits

58. Question 58: D. Near a hill, curve, or intersection

    Do not pass near a hill, curve, intersection or rail crossing, where you cannot see oncoming traffic.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Passing

59. Question 59: C. A series of curves

    The wavy arrow means a winding road with a series of curves. Keep your speed down until it straightens.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

60. Question 60: A. Yes, there is usually an unmarked crosswalk

    At most intersections there is an unmarked crosswalk even with no painted lines, and you must yield to people using it.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Pedestrians

61. Question 61: D. Breath, blood, or urine tests

    Implied consent laws generally cover breath, blood and urine tests for alcohol or drugs.

    Handbook: Chapter: Alcohol, drugs and penalties — Testing and implied consent

62. Question 62: C. 93 days

    Michigan penalties for driving under the influence of marijuana match those for alcohol: up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine.

    Handbook: Chapter 2: Your Driving Record — Alcohol and drugs

63. Question 63: C. Go if the way is clear, yielding as needed

    A green light means you may go, but only when the way is clear. You must still yield to people and cars already in the intersection.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Traffic signals

64. Question 64: A. Pull up beside the car in front of the space

    Signal, then pull up alongside the car in front of the space before you start to back in.

    Handbook: Chapter: Parking and stopping — Parallel parking

65. Question 65: A. Your side vision narrows

    The faster you go, the more your field of view narrows, so you may miss hazards to the side.

    Handbook: Chapter: Speed and following distance — Speed and road conditions

66. Question 66: B. 55 mph

    Unless otherwise posted, Michigan sets 55 mph on all streets that are not freeways and on all highways.

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Laws — Speed limits

67. Question 67: A. People may be crossing the road ahead

    This pedestrian crossing sign warns that people may be crossing. Slow down and yield to anyone in the crosswalk.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Warning signs

68. Question 68: B. Bikes may use the full lane, so expect them in it

    This shared-lane marking means bikes may use the full lane, so expect cyclists in it and pass only when safe.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signals and pavement markings — Pavement markings

69. Question 69: D. To avoid hazards like potholes or gravel

    Potholes, gravel and wet patches are more dangerous on a motorcycle, so riders may move to avoid them.

    Handbook: Chapter: Sharing the road — Motorcycles

70. Question 70: C. All traffic moves the way the arrow points

    A one way sign means all traffic on that road moves only in the direction the arrow shows.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Regulatory signs

71. Question 71: A. As a single-lane crossover

    The manual says: "An unmarked median crossover should always be treated as a single-lane crossover."

    Handbook: Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Michigan Lefts

72. Question 72: B. A licensed parent, guardian or adult 21 or older

    A Level 1 driver may only drive with a licensed parent, guardian or designated licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.

    Handbook: Chapter 1: Your Driver's License — Under 18 – Graduated Driver Licensing

73. Question 73: C. Signal, check mirrors and blind spot, then move

    Signal first, check your mirrors and blind spot, then move over smoothly when it is clear.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Changing lanes

74. Question 74: A. The number on the blue railroad sign

    Get everyone out, call the railroad at the number on the blue Emergency Notification sign, then call 911.

    Handbook: Chapter 4: Traffic Laws — If you are stuck on the tracks

75. Question 75: B. Right away

    The Michigan manual says new residents must immediately title and register their vehicle at a Secretary of State office, so do it right away.

    Handbook: Chapter 1: Your Driver's License — New Michigan residents

76. Question 76: C. Give a rule you must obey

    Upright white rectangles are regulatory signs, such as speed limits. They give a rule you must obey.

    Handbook: Chapter: Traffic signs — Sign shapes and colors

77. Question 77: C. Stop and expect more children to follow

    Stop for the child and expect another child to follow the ball into the road.

    Handbook: Chapter: Right of way — Pedestrians

78. Question 78: A. Slow down and grip the wheel firmly

    Strong crosswinds can push your car. Slow down and keep a firm grip on the wheel.

    Handbook: Chapter: Safe driving and hazards — Night and weather

79. Question 79: A. Signal and check for traffic

    Signal and check mirrors and your blind spot before pulling away from the curb.

    Handbook: Chapter: Turning, passing and lane use — Signaling

80. Question 80: A. Germany

    Drivers from another U.S. state, Canada, Germany or South Korea may convert to a Michigan license without the written test, TIP or skills test.

    Handbook: Chapter 1: Your Driver's License — Moved to Michigan from another state or country