Idaho ITD Permit Practice Test 15
- Questions40
- Correct to pass34
- Passing score85%
- Minimum age15 years
-
1. A yellow sign ahead of an underpass reads LOW CLEARANCE 12 FT 6 IN. What does the figure tell you?
Show answer
Answer B: The greatest height that can pass beneath the structure
The figure is the actual clearance available, so a vehicle taller than that must leave the road and take a marked alternative route.
-
2. In heavy stop-and-go traffic, why does using both lanes right up to a merge point help?
Show answer
Answer D: It stores the queue in two lanes, so the backup is shorter
Filling both lanes halves the length of the queue and keeps it away from the traffic upstream, which is why alternating at the merge point works better when traffic is slow.
-
3. A flashing red lamp is mounted above a stop sign at a rural intersection. What does it add?
Show answer
Answer C: Emphasis, while the required stop stays the same
A stop beacon makes an easily missed stop sign more visible, but it neither adds to nor takes away from the obligation the sign already imposes.
-
4. May you use a relative's accessible parking placard to park in a marked accessible space?
Show answer
Answer D: No, only when the placard holder is being transported in the vehicle
A placard belongs to the person, not to the car, so it is valid only when that person is being transported; using it otherwise takes a space from someone who needs it.
-
5. You are overtaking in a short passing lane on a two-lane road and it is about to end. What must you do?
Show answer
Answer A: Finish the pass and move back to the right before it ends
The added lane ends and the traffic returns to a single lane in each direction, so the pass has to be complete before the pavement runs out.
-
6. You want to turn left at an intersection with no signs or signals and a vehicle is coming straight toward you from the opposite direction. What must you do?
Show answer
Answer C: Yield and turn after the oncoming vehicle has passed
A driver turning left always gives way to oncoming traffic that is close enough to be a hazard, whether or not the intersection is controlled.
-
7. An ambulance has just gone by and traffic starts to move again. Why should you wait a moment before pulling back out?
Show answer
Answer B: Another emergency vehicle may be following the first one
Emergency calls often bring several vehicles, so check that nothing else is coming before you rejoin the traffic lane.
-
8. On a long uphill grade a second lane opens on the right and a sign directs slower traffic into it. You are towing a trailer and holding up a line of vehicles. What should you do?
Show answer
Answer A: Move into the right-hand lane and let the faster traffic use the left lane
A climbing lane exists so that slow vehicles can be passed safely, and the slower vehicle is the one that belongs in it.
-
9. A pedestrian using a white cane or walking with a guide dog starts to cross the street ahead of you. What must you do?
Show answer
Answer A: Yield and stay stopped until the person has finished crossing
A white cane or guide dog identifies a pedestrian who may not be able to see your vehicle, so you must yield and wait rather than maneuver around the person. The horn can confuse the pedestrian or the dog.
-
10. Why is parking next to a fire hydrant or in a marked fire lane prohibited?
Show answer
Answer D: It would delay firefighters who need immediate access to the hydrant or the building
Fire hydrants and fire lanes must remain clear at all times so emergency crews can connect hoses and reach a building without delay.
-
11. How does driving on overinflated tires affect the vehicle?
Show answer
Answer D: It gives a harsher ride and a smaller contact patch
An overinflated tire bulges in the middle, so less rubber touches the road, grip suffers and the ride becomes hard. The center of the tread wears first.
-
12. A small plate under a stop sign reads CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP. What is it telling you?
Show answer
Answer D: Traffic on the cross street is not required to stop at all
The plate warns that the other road is uncontrolled, so you must wait for a gap instead of expecting anyone to take turns with you.
-
13. An ambulance with lights and siren is coming toward you on an undivided two-lane road. What must you do?
Show answer
Answer A: Pull to the right edge and stop until it passes
On an undivided road, drivers in both directions clear the way, pulling to the right edge and stopping.
-
14. What is the most common cause of rear-end collisions?
Show answer
Answer C: Following too closely to stop in time
A driver who leaves too little space has no room to perceive, react and brake when the vehicle ahead slows, which is why space management prevents rear-end crashes.
-
15. You are driving along a street lined with parked cars. What should you watch for?
Show answer
Answer B: Doors opening, vehicles pulling out and pedestrians stepping from between cars
Parked cars hide people and can move without warning. Keep as much space from them as you safely can and cover the brake.
-
16. What does the solid white line running along the right side of a highway mark?
Show answer
Answer A: The right edge of the traveled way
A solid white edge line shows where the traveled way ends on the right, which is particularly useful at night and in poor visibility.
-
17. You are waiting to turn left across two oncoming lanes when a driver in the near lane stops and waves you through. What should you do?
Show answer
Answer D: Turn only after checking the far lane yourself
The waving driver cannot give away the right of way of the traffic in the second lane, which may not be stopping at all.
-
18. How should you follow a school bus in traffic?
Show answer
Answer A: Far enough back to see its lights and stop in time
A school bus stops often and with little warning, so a longer following distance gives you time to see the lights come on and stop clear of it.
-
19. You are turning right off a street into a parking lot driveway that crosses a bike lane and a sidewalk. Who has the right of way?
Show answer
Answer D: Pedestrians on the sidewalk and riders in the bike lane
Turning into a driveway means crossing the paths of people who were already traveling straight, so you give way to both the bike lane and the sidewalk.
-
20. A United States numbered route is normally marked with
Show answer
Answer C: black numerals on a white shield
The U.S. route marker is a white shield carrying black numerals, which sets it apart at a glance from the red, white and blue Interstate shield.
-
21. The left-turn signal facing you shows a flashing yellow arrow. What does it mean?
Show answer
Answer C: You may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians
A flashing yellow arrow permits a left turn but gives no protection, so you must yield to oncoming vehicles and to people in the crosswalk.
-
22. You notice a bulge on the sidewall of one of your tires. What should you do?
Show answer
Answer D: Have the tire replaced before driving far, because it could blow out
A sidewall bulge means the internal cords have broken and only the rubber is holding the air. The tire can fail suddenly at any speed.
-
23. What is sensible when you drive in an unfamiliar town for the first time?
Show answer
Answer C: Drive a little slower and give yourself more time to read the signs
In unfamiliar surroundings you need longer to take in signs, junctions and markings, and lower speed buys that time.
-
24. You park on level ground in a lot. Where should the front wheels be pointing?
Show answer
Answer C: Straight ahead, so the car would not veer if it moved
On the level the wheels go straight so that the car stays in its own space, and so that a shunt from behind does not send it across a lane.
-
25. Why must you never leave the engine running in a closed garage?
Show answer
Answer B: Because carbon monoxide builds up and can kill within minutes
Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, which has no smell or color and can reach fatal levels in an enclosed space very quickly.
-
26. Which of these is part of preparing a vehicle for winter driving?
Show answer
Answer A: Fitting good tires and using washer fluid that will not freeze
Winter readiness means tread, battery, wipers, antifreeze and washer fluid rated for the cold, plus a reasonable amount of fuel in the tank.
-
27. A pedestrian waiting at a curb faces a steady upraised hand. What does that indication mean?
Show answer
Answer A: Do not start to cross in that direction
A steady upraised hand forbids entering the crosswalk, while a flashing hand only forbids starting a new crossing.
-
28. The route marker used for an Interstate highway is a shield with
Show answer
Answer A: white numerals on a blue field under a red band carrying the word INTERSTATE
The Interstate route marker is a cutout shield with a white border, the word INTERSTATE in white on red across the top and the route number in white on blue.
-
29. You come up behind a bicyclist who is descending a steep hill in the middle of the traffic lane. What should you take into account?
Show answer
Answer D: The rider may be moving at close to the speed of the traffic
A bicycle can reach the speed of traffic on a descent, so there is little to gain from a pass and the rider needs the whole lane to steer around surface hazards.
-
30. Why can an oncoming vehicle that looks comfortably far away leave you far less room than you expect?
Show answer
Answer D: You and that vehicle close the gap at the sum of both your speeds
Two vehicles approaching at 55 mph each close the distance between them at about 110 mph, so the gap disappears in half the time you would expect.
-
31. You receive a phone call that you feel you must answer while driving. What is the safest way to take it?
Show answer
Answer D: Pull off the road, stop in a safe place and then answer
No call is worth a crash. Stopping in a safe location removes the distraction completely, while every other option divides your attention.
-
32. A yellow diamond shows a horse with a rider. Besides slowing down, what else should a driver do?
Show answer
Answer C: Avoid using the horn or revving the engine
The equestrian crossing sign warns of horses on or across the road, and a sudden noise can startle an animal into the traffic lane.
-
33. Where is a strong crosswind most likely to hit you suddenly?
Show answer
Answer D: Coming out of a tunnel or a cut onto an open bridge
Gusts arrive the moment you leave shelter, which is why bridge approaches and the ends of cuts and tunnels catch drivers out.
-
34. The signal ahead has a sign prohibiting left turns, and your route needs a left. What should you do?
Show answer
Answer D: Go straight on and find a legal place to turn and come back
A turn prohibition applies to every driver, so you continue through and reach your route by another legal turn.
-
35. From which lane should a permitted U-turn be started?
Show answer
Answer A: The lane nearest the center line, the same one used for a left turn
A U-turn is begun from the far left lane for your direction, the same position used for a left turn, so you do not cut across traffic beside you.
-
36. At the scene of a crash you were part of, what are you required to do besides stopping?
Show answer
Answer B: Give your name, your address and vehicle details, and help anyone who is hurt
Every state requires drivers involved in a crash to identify themselves and to render reasonable aid to anyone injured.
-
37. Unless otherwise posted, what is the maximum speed in an Idaho residential, business or urban district?
Show answer
Answer B: 35 miles per hour
Idaho sets a 35 mile per hour maximum in any residential, business or urban district unless a different limit is posted.
-
38. Two left-turn lanes are marked at the intersection and you are in the left one. What must you do?
Show answer
Answer A: Stay in your own lane all the way around the turn
With dual turn lanes each driver must hold a lane through the whole turn and come out in the matching lane of the new street.
-
39. Which ability does alcohol usually affect first?
Show answer
Answer A: Judgment and self control
Alcohol reduces judgment and inhibition before a drinker notices any clumsiness, which is why an impaired driver often feels perfectly capable while already driving worse.
-
40. What should you check on the hitch before towing a trailer?
Show answer
Answer B: That the coupler is locked and the safety chains are crossed underneath
The coupler must be latched and pinned, and the chains crossed under the tongue so they cradle it if the coupling lets go.