Alaska DMV Permit Test key terms

A solid white line painted across a lane that marks where a vehicle must come to a complete halt at a stop sign, red light, or crosswalk. Stop before the line, not on or past it.

A downward-pointing red-and-white triangle telling drivers to slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic on the crossing road or to pedestrians. Stop only if necessary to let others go first.

A blinking yellow light at an intersection meaning proceed with caution after slowing. It does not grant an automatic right-of-way, so watch for cross traffic and pedestrians before entering.

A blinking red light that functions like a stop sign: come to a full stop, check for cross traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when the way is clear. Often used when signals are off-cycle.

The part of a roadway set aside for pedestrians to cross, marked with painted lines or left unmarked at intersections. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk and never pass a vehicle stopped for one.

A white X-shaped sign with black lettering reading RAILROAD CROSSING. It marks the crossing and means yield to trains; a train always has the right-of-way over road traffic.

The legal priority to go first in a traffic situation. It is something a driver yields or is given, never something to insist on; when in doubt, wait and let the other vehicle proceed.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs. Vehicles proceed in the order they arrived; if two arrive at once, the one on the right goes first, and a driver turning left yields to oncoming traffic.

A crossing with no signs or signals. A driver must slow down, and when two vehicles arrive at about the same time, the one on the right has the right-of-way.

A turn made from a lane across oncoming vehicles. The turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians, waiting for a safe gap or a protected green arrow.

A circular intersection where traffic flows one direction around a center island. Entering drivers yield to vehicles already in the circle and to pedestrians in the crosswalk; no stop is required if the way is clear.

The maximum lawful speed in a given area, shown on signs or set by state law. Driving faster than this is illegal regardless of road or weather conditions; slower may be required when conditions are poor.

The requirement to drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for current conditions, even when that is below the posted limit. Rain, ice, fog, or heavy traffic can make the posted maximum unsafe.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. Under good conditions keep at least three seconds; increase it in rain, snow, ice, darkness, or when following trucks and motorcycles.

A method for judging following distance: watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed object, then count seconds until you reach it. Three or more seconds means a safe gap in good conditions.

The legal duty of drivers to yield to people walking in crosswalks or at intersections, and to exercise care to avoid hitting anyone on the roadway, including at unmarked crossings.

A portion of roadway marked for exclusive use by cyclists. Motor vehicles may not drive, park, or idle in it except to cross when making a turn or entering a driveway.

The minimum side distance a driver must leave when overtaking a cyclist, pedestrian, or other vulnerable road user. Give them room and do not crowd them toward the edge of the road.

The large blind spots around a truck or bus where the driver cannot see a nearby car. If you cannot see the truck driver's mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you, so stay out of those areas.

The practice of driving safely alongside pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and large vehicles by yielding, leaving space, checking blind spots, and anticipating that others may be harder to see.

The rule that a person who drives in Alaska agrees in advance to a chemical test of breath or blood when lawfully arrested on suspicion of impaired driving. Refusing can bring license penalties.

The percentage of alcohol in a person's blood, measured by breath or blood testing. In Alaska it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher, and lower limits apply to some drivers.

Operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination, or with a BAC at or above the legal limit. Impairment can be charged even below the limit if driving is affected.

An alcoholic beverage container that is open or has a broken seal while in a vehicle's passenger area. Alaska law restricts open containers in motor vehicles, whether the vehicle is moving or parked.

A thin, nearly invisible layer of ice on pavement, often in shaded spots, on bridges, and at dawn or dusk. It looks like wet road, so slow down and avoid sudden braking or steering.

Operating a vehicle in snow, ice, and extreme cold. It requires slower speeds, longer following gaps, gentle braking and steering, and equipment such as winter tires and working lights and wipers.

Tires with metal studs that improve traction on ice and packed snow. Alaska allows them only during a set seasonal period, so drivers should know the dates for mounting and removing them.

Loss of tire grip that makes the vehicle slide. To recover, ease off the accelerator, steer gently in the direction you want to go, and avoid hard braking, especially on ice or snow.

A large Alaska wildlife hazard, especially at dawn, dusk, and night. Moose are tall and dark, are not frightened by vehicles, and can crush a windshield, so slow down and scan roadsides.

A yellow diamond sign showing an animal silhouette that warns of frequent wildlife crossings. Slow down and watch the shoulders, and be ready for animals to move unpredictably onto the road.

Parking a vehicle alongside a curb between two other cars. Signal, pull even with the front car, back in at an angle while steering, then straighten and stop within the marked space, close to the curb.

Setting the wheels and brake so a parked car cannot roll. Turn wheels toward the curb facing downhill, away from the curb facing uphill, and set the parking brake in either case.

An area where stopping or leaving a vehicle is prohibited, such as near fire hydrants, crosswalks, intersections, or bus stops. Signs, curb colors, or law may mark these areas.

A center lane marked by two-way arrows that both directions use to begin left turns. It is not a passing or travel lane, and drivers may only enter it shortly before turning.

A separate brake, usually operated by a lever or pedal, that holds a parked vehicle in place. Set it whenever you park, especially on slopes, and release it fully before driving away.

A restraint that holds occupants in their seats during a crash. Alaska law requires drivers and passengers to use seat belts, and children must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat.

A specially designed seat that protects a young child in a crash, chosen by the child's age, height, and weight. It must be installed correctly and used until the child fits an adult belt.

Lights that illuminate the road ahead and make a vehicle visible to others. They must be used at night and in poor visibility, and low beams should replace high beams when traffic approaches.

Bright headlights for unlit roads with no oncoming traffic. Dim them to low beams when a vehicle approaches or when following closely, so you do not blind other drivers.

A braking system that prevents wheels from locking so the driver can keep steering during hard stops. In an emergency, press the brake firmly and hold it; pulsing or noise is normal.