Arizona Driving Instructor Exam flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Prima facie speed law

The rule that a driver must never exceed a speed reasonable and prudent for current conditions, even when traveling below the posted maximum limit.

Move over law

On multi-lane roads, drivers must change lanes away from stopped emergency or maintenance vehicles with flashing lights, or slow down if a lane change is unsafe.

Child restraint threshold

Arizona requires an appropriate child safety seat for children under eight years old and under four feet nine inches tall, regardless of seating position.

Three-second following rule

A minimum time gap to the vehicle ahead in ideal conditions; add one second for each adverse factor such as rain, darkness, or a heavy load.

IPDE process

A defensive driving sequence: Identify hazards, Predict the worst possible outcome, Decide on the safest action, and Execute the maneuver smoothly.

Space cushion

The buffer of empty space maintained around the vehicle on all sides, giving time and room to react without sudden braking or steering.

Stale green light

A green signal that has been green since it first came into view; the driver should prepare to stop rather than accelerate through.

Hydroplaning

Loss of tire contact with pavement on standing water, possible above roughly 35 mph; the driver should ease off the accelerator and avoid hard braking.

Octagon sign meaning

The eight-sided shape is reserved exclusively for stop signs, making it recognizable from the back or when covered with snow or debris.

Fluorescent yellow-green signs

This sign color marks pedestrian, bicycle, and school warnings, chosen for high visibility in both daylight and low-light conditions.

Double solid yellow line

A marking that prohibits passing and crossing for traffic in both directions; it typically appears on curves, hills, and other limited-sight areas.

Flashing red signal

A signal requiring a full stop before proceeding when safe, functioning like a stop sign at that intersection approach.

Tire tread minimum

The legal minimum tread depth is two thirty-seconds of an inch; worn tires increase stopping distance and hydroplaning risk.

Threshold braking

Applying firm, continuous brake pressure just short of wheel lockup; with ABS the driver holds hard pressure and steers without pumping.

Mirror blind spot check

Outside mirrors should show a sliver of the vehicle's side; remaining blind spots require a direct head check before lane changes.

Skid recovery procedure

Ease off the accelerator, look and steer toward the intended path, counter-steer against rear slide, and avoid abrupt braking or steering.

Truck No-Zone

The blind spots behind, directly in front of, and along both sides of a large truck; if you cannot see the mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

Arizona dust storm response

Pull completely off the roadway, turn off lights, set the parking brake, and release the brake pedal so following drivers do not steer toward taillights.

School bus stop arm

Flashing red lights and an extended stop arm require traffic in both directions to stop on an undivided road; a divided highway exempts oncoming traffic.

Night high-beam dimming

Dim high beams within 500 feet of oncoming vehicles and within 300 feet when following another vehicle, to avoid blinding other drivers.

Zero tolerance law

Drivers under 21 may not drive with any measurable blood alcohol content; a violation results in license suspension and other penalties.

Implied consent

By driving on public roads, a person agrees to submit to alcohol or drug testing after a lawful arrest; refusal brings license suspension.

Three distraction types

Visual distraction takes eyes off the road, manual takes hands off the wheel, and cognitive takes the mind off driving; texting combines all three.

Drowsy driving countermeasure

The only effective remedy for fatigue is stopping to sleep; caffeine, fresh air, and loud music do not restore alertness reliably.

Graduated license night limit

During the first six months of an Arizona graduated license, driving is prohibited between midnight and 5 a.m. unless an exception applies.

Instruction permit supervision

An Arizona permit holder must drive with a licensed driver aged 21 or older seated in the front passenger seat at all times.

Arizona point suspension

Accumulating eight or more points on a driving record within twelve months triggers license suspension under Arizona's point system.

Traffic survival school

An approved diversion program that can dismiss an eligible civil traffic citation and keep points off the driving record; serious offenses are excluded.

Dual-control requirement

Behind-the-wheel instruction vehicles must have a passenger-side brake so the instructor can intervene immediately to prevent a collision.

Student confidentiality

Student performance records and personal information may be disclosed only to authorized parties such as parents, guardians, or the licensing agency.

Falsification prohibition

Instructors may not sign off on training hours or skills that were not actually completed, even at a student's or parent's request.

Criterion-based evaluation

Assessment against a published rubric of observable driving behaviors, with feedback tied to specific actions rather than personality or general impressions.