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Bermuda Auxiliary Cycle Written Test study materials
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Bermuda Auxiliary Cycle Written Test practice questions

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Question 1Road signs, signals, and road markings

A circular sign with a red border and a white background is used in Bermuda to indicate which type of regulation?

  1. A guide to a local service
  2. A prohibition or restriction Correct answer.
  3. A warning of a hazard ahead
  4. A mandatory instruction

Explanation

Circular signs with a red border and white background belong to the prohibition family. They tell drivers that a specific action is forbidden or restricted, such as a speed limit or a weight limit. Warning signs use a different shape and colour, so the round red-ringed sign should be read as a restriction.

Question 2Road signs, signals, and road markings

What does a triangular sign with a red border and a symbol inside generally mean?

  1. A prohibition that applies only at night
  2. A warning of a hazard or change in road conditions ahead Correct answer.
  3. A compulsory direction of travel
  4. A parking zone for permit holders

Explanation

Triangles with a red border are warning signs. They alert the driver to a hazard or a change in the road layout ahead so that speed and attention can be adjusted. The symbol inside identifies the specific hazard being warned about.

Question 3Road signs, signals, and road markings

A sign shows a red circle containing the number 40 with no other markings. What does it mean?

  1. End of a 40 km/h restriction
  2. The maximum permitted speed is 40 km/h Correct answer.
  3. Advisory speed of 40 km/h in wet weather
  4. The minimum permitted speed is 40 km/h

Explanation

A red-ringed circle containing a number is a regulatory speed limit sign. The number gives the maximum legal speed in kilometres per hour on that road. It is not advisory and it is not a minimum.

Question 4Road signs, signals, and road markings

A blue circular sign with a white arrow pointing left requires a driver to do what?

  1. Turn left ahead as directed Correct answer.
  2. Expect a left-hand bend ahead
  3. Overtake only on the left
  4. Yield to traffic coming from the left

Explanation

Blue circular signs carry mandatory instructions. A white arrow on a blue circle tells the driver the direction that must be taken. It is an order, not a warning or a suggestion.

Question 5Road signs, signals, and road markings

What is the meaning of a solid white line along the centre of the road?

  1. Vehicles may cross it freely to overtake slow traffic
  2. It separates traffic moving in the same direction
  3. Vehicles must not cross or straddle it except in limited permitted circumstances Correct answer.
  4. It marks the edge of a parking bay

Explanation

A solid white centre line is a restriction line. Drivers must keep to the left of it and must not cross or straddle it, apart from narrow exceptions such as entering premises or passing a stationary obstruction where it is safe. A broken line, by contrast, may be crossed when safe.

Question 6Road signs, signals, and road markings

A steady red traffic light means a driver must do what?

  1. Sound the horn and continue
  2. Stop and wait behind the stop line until the light changes Correct answer.
  3. Stop only if pedestrians are present
  4. Slow down and proceed if the road looks clear

Explanation

A steady red signal is an order to stop. The vehicle must stop behind the stop line, or before the crossing if there is no line, and remain there until a green signal appears. Proceeding on red is an offence even when the road appears clear.

Question 7Road signs, signals, and road markings

What does a flashing amber light at a pedestrian crossing indicate?

  1. Stop completely and wait for a green light
  2. The crossing is out of order and must be ignored
  3. Traffic has priority over pedestrians at all times
  4. Give way to pedestrians on the crossing, then proceed if it is clear Correct answer.

Explanation

A flashing amber signal at a pedestrian crossing means drivers must yield to anyone already on the crossing. Once the crossing is clear, the driver may continue without waiting for a green light. It sits between the red and green phases of the signal cycle.

Question 8Road signs, signals, and road markings

A stop sign requires a driver to do what before entering the junction?

  1. Stop only when another vehicle is visible
  2. Slow to walking pace and continue if nothing is coming
  3. Stop only during the hours of darkness
  4. Come to a complete stop, then proceed only when it is safe Correct answer.

Explanation

A stop sign demands a full stop at the stop line, not merely a reduction in speed. The driver must then give way to traffic on the priority road and move off only when it is safe. The requirement applies at all times of day.

Question 9Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver approaches a junction where the traffic lights are completely dark because of a power failure. What is the correct action?

  1. Proceed through at normal speed because the signals are off
  2. Sound the horn and drive through without slowing
  3. Treat the junction as uncontrolled and apply the normal give-way rules Correct answer.
  4. Wait at the junction until the lights are repaired

Explanation

When signals are not working, they give no instruction and the junction reverts to the ordinary rules of the road. Drivers must approach with caution and give way as they would at any uncontrolled junction. Assuming priority because the lights are out is dangerous.

Question 10Road signs, signals, and road markings

What is indicated by a broken white line in the centre of the road?

  1. It separates the carriageway from a footway
  2. It must never be crossed under any circumstances
  3. It may be crossed to overtake when it is safe to do so Correct answer.
  4. It marks a compulsory stopping point

Explanation

A broken white centre line is permissive rather than restrictive. It may be crossed for overtaking or turning provided the manoeuvre is safe and visibility is adequate. The driver still has to judge whether the overtake can be completed safely.

Question 11Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver sees double white lines with the nearer line broken and the further line solid. What does this allow?

  1. Only goods vehicles may cross the lines
  2. The driver may cross to overtake if it is safe, but traffic on the other side may not Correct answer.
  3. Neither direction may cross the lines
  4. Both directions may cross freely

Explanation

With double lines, the line nearest the driver governs that driver. A broken line on the driver's side permits crossing when safe, while the solid line on the opposing side restricts traffic coming the other way. The arrangement therefore gives one direction limited permission to overtake.

Question 12Road signs, signals, and road markings

What does a yellow box junction marked with criss-cross lines require?

  1. Do not enter at any time unless the light is green
  2. Do not enter unless the exit is clear, apart from when turning right and blocked only by oncoming traffic Correct answer.
  3. Use the box only for loading and unloading
  4. Stop inside the box and wait for a gap

Explanation

A box junction is designed to keep the junction clear. A driver may only enter if the exit road is clear enough to clear the box, with the usual exception for a right turn blocked by oncoming traffic. Stopping inside the box otherwise obstructs cross traffic.

Question 13Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver is following a vehicle and sees a solid white line on their own side of the centre. An obstruction ahead forces them to pass a parked lorry. What should they do?

  1. Never cross the line and wait indefinitely behind the obstruction
  2. Cross the line at once without checking for oncoming traffic
  3. Cross the line only if it is safe and necessary to pass the stationary obstruction Correct answer.
  4. Reverse and find another route

Explanation

Solid lines may be crossed in limited circumstances, including passing a stationary obstruction such as a parked vehicle when it is safe. The driver must first check that the road ahead is clear and that the manoeuvre can be completed without danger. The permission is narrow and does not extend to ordinary overtaking of moving traffic.

Question 14Road signs, signals, and road markings

A traffic light shows a green filter arrow alongside a red main light. What does the arrow permit?

  1. Proceed in any direction because a green light is showing
  2. Wait because the main light is red
  3. Proceed in the direction of the arrow after giving way where required Correct answer.
  4. Proceed only if the road is completely empty

Explanation

A green filter arrow applies only to the direction it points. Traffic may move in that direction even while the main aspect is red, but must still give way to pedestrians and any traffic with priority. The arrow does not authorise movement in other directions.

Question 15Road signs, signals, and road markings

What does a sign showing a red ring with a diagonal bar across a symbol mean?

  1. The restriction shown by the symbol has ended Correct answer.
  2. The symbol applies only to heavy vehicles
  3. The restriction begins at this point
  4. The symbol indicates a recommended route

Explanation

A diagonal bar through a regulatory symbol cancels it. The sign therefore marks the point at which the earlier restriction no longer applies. Drivers may then resume the activity that had been prohibited.

Question 16Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver sees a warning triangle showing a slippery road symbol during heavy rain. What is the appropriate response?

  1. Maintain speed because the sign is only advisory
  2. Accelerate to clear the hazard quickly
  3. Reduce speed and increase the following distance Correct answer.
  4. Brake sharply whenever the wheels move

Explanation

The slippery road warning alerts drivers to reduced grip ahead. The safe response is to slow down and leave a larger gap so there is more time to react. Sharp braking or acceleration on a low-grip surface increases the risk of skidding.

Question 17Road signs, signals, and road markings

What is the purpose of a hatched area bordered by solid white lines in the middle of the road?

  1. To provide a waiting area for broken-down vehicles
  2. To separate traffic streams and keep vehicles off the marked area Correct answer.
  3. To mark a place where overtaking is encouraged
  4. To indicate a pedestrian crossing point

Explanation

Hatched markings separate opposing or diverging traffic streams and shield vehicles from conflict. Where the boundary is a solid line, drivers should not enter the hatched area except in an emergency. They are not parking or waiting areas.

Question 18Road signs, signals, and road markings

What does a red circle containing a white horizontal bar mean?

  1. One-way street ahead
  2. No parking at any time
  3. Stop and give way
  4. No entry for vehicular traffic Correct answer.

Explanation

A red circle with a white horizontal bar is the no entry sign. It tells drivers they must not proceed past it into that road. The sign is commonly placed at the exit of a one-way street to prevent wrong-way entry.

Question 19Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver waiting at a red light intends to turn left into a side road. The light turns green but a pedestrian is still crossing the side road. What should the driver do?

  1. Turn behind the pedestrian without slowing
  2. Sound the horn to warn the pedestrian to hurry
  3. Wait until the pedestrian has cleared before completing the turn Correct answer.
  4. Accelerate to turn before the pedestrian reaches the kerb

Explanation

A green light permits movement but does not remove the duty to give way to pedestrians already crossing. The driver should wait until the pedestrian has safely cleared the path before completing the turn. Hurrying a pedestrian with the horn is both unsafe and discourteous.

Question 20Road signs, signals, and road markings

What is the meaning of a sign showing a white bicycle symbol on a blue circular background?

  1. A parking area reserved for bicycles
  2. Cyclists are prohibited from the road ahead
  3. A warning that cyclists may cross unexpectedly
  4. A route or lane that cyclists must use Correct answer.

Explanation

A blue circular sign gives a mandatory instruction, and with a bicycle symbol it designates a compulsory cycle route or lane. Cyclists are directed to use that facility. It is not a prohibition or a warning.

Question 21Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver approaches a junction controlled by signals showing a steady amber light. What does the amber signal require?

  1. Reverse to the previous junction
  2. Continue at the same speed because amber means go
  3. Stop unless it is unsafe to do so because the vehicle is too close to stop safely Correct answer.
  4. Stop only if a pedestrian is on the crossing

Explanation

A steady amber means the signal is about to turn red and drivers should stop. The only exception is when the vehicle is so close to the line that stopping could cause a collision. Treating amber as an invitation to accelerate is a common and dangerous error.

Question 22Road signs, signals, and road markings

A road has a solid white line on the left edge and a broken white line on the right edge of the driver's lane. What does the broken line on the right indicate?

  1. The lane is reserved for buses during peak hours
  2. The road becomes one-way beyond that point
  3. The lane boundary may be crossed when it is safe to change lanes Correct answer.
  4. The driver must stay in the lane at all times without exception

Explanation

A broken line marks a lane boundary that may be crossed when a lane change is safe. The solid line on the left marks the edge of the carriageway or a restriction that should not be crossed. Reading the two together tells the driver which side offers flexibility.

Question 23Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver is on a road with a broken white centre line but poor forward visibility because of a blind crest. What is the correct judgement?

  1. Overtake only if the vehicle ahead is moving slowly
  2. Overtake anyway, because a broken line always authorises overtaking
  3. Overtake only if another driver signals that the road is clear
  4. Do not overtake, because the line permits crossing only when the manoeuvre is safe Correct answer.

Explanation

A broken line gives permission in principle, not an entitlement. If visibility is limited by a crest or bend, the driver cannot confirm that the road ahead is clear, so overtaking must wait. The line does not override the basic duty to ensure the manoeuvre is safe.

Question 24Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver sees a sign with a red ring containing a picture of a laden lorry and the figure 7.5t. What does it prohibit?

  1. Vehicles longer than 7.5 metres
  2. Goods vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum gross weight Correct answer.
  3. All vehicles carrying any load
  4. Traffic travelling faster than 7.5 km/h

Explanation

The red ring makes this a prohibition, and the lorry symbol with a weight identifies goods vehicles above the stated maximum gross weight. The figure refers to weight in tonnes, not length or speed. Lighter goods vehicles and cars are unaffected by the sign.

Question 25Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver is in a lane marked with a white arrow pointing straight ahead but needs to turn right at the junction. What is the correct action?

  1. Turn right from the lane because the driver's intention takes priority
  2. Reverse out of the lane to rejoin the correct one
  3. Stop in the lane and wait for a gap to change lanes
  4. Follow the arrow and find a safe route to turn further on Correct answer.

Explanation

A lane arrow is a mandatory direction marking, so the driver must proceed as the arrow indicates. Turning against the arrow risks a collision with traffic in the adjacent lane. The safer course is to continue and turn later where it is legal.

Question 26Road signs, signals, and road markings

What does a circular sign with a blue background and a white arrow pointing left require a driver to do?

  1. Turn left ahead at the next junction
  2. Pass to the left of the obstruction or island Correct answer.
  3. Enter a one-way street that runs leftwards
  4. Give way to traffic approaching from the left

Explanation

A blue circular sign is a mandatory instruction, and the white arrow shows the direction traffic must take. An arrow pointing down and to the left means drivers must keep to the left of the feature, such as a bollard or traffic island. It is not a direction sign for a junction and does not create a give-way rule.

Question 27Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver sees a triangular warning sign showing a cross-roads symbol. What is the sign telling the driver?

  1. A hospital with an emergency entrance is ahead
  2. A crossroads is ahead where other vehicles may cross Correct answer.
  3. A pedestrian crossing with signals is ahead
  4. A railway crossing without barriers is ahead

Explanation

Triangular signs with a red border give warning of a hazard ahead, and the symbol inside identifies the hazard. A cross-roads symbol warns that a junction where traffic crosses the driver's path is approaching, so speed should be reduced and observation increased. The symbol does not relate to hospitals, railways, or signal-controlled pedestrian crossings.

Question 28Road signs, signals, and road markings

What is the meaning of a sign showing a white letter P on a blue rectangular background?

  1. Parking is prohibited at all times
  2. A parking place is provided Correct answer.
  3. A police station is nearby
  4. A passing place is ahead on a narrow road

Explanation

A blue rectangular sign with a white P indicates that parking is permitted in the area indicated. Rectangular blue signs generally give information rather than orders. Restrictions on parking are shown by circular signs with a red border or by yellow lines on the road.

Question 29Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver approaches a junction and sees a line of white paint across the mouth of the side road, made of short dashes with large gaps. What does this marking mean for traffic emerging from that road?

  1. They must give way to traffic on the main road Correct answer.
  2. They have priority over traffic on the main road
  3. They must stop completely before the line
  4. They may only turn left onto the main road

Explanation

A broken line of short dashes across a side road marks a give-way line, so drivers emerging must yield to traffic on the road they are joining. A solid continuous line across the mouth of a road marks a stop line, which requires a complete stop. The pattern of the dashes distinguishes the two instructions.

Question 30Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver sees a circular sign with a red border containing a white arrow curving to the right and a red diagonal bar across it. What does this sign mean?

  1. Right turns are permitted only for buses
  2. Turn right ahead is compulsory
  3. A right-hand bend is ahead
  4. No right turn is permitted Correct answer.

Explanation

A red ring with a diagonal bar is a prohibition sign, and the symbol inside shows what is forbidden. With a right-turning arrow inside, the sign forbids turning right at that point. A compulsory direction is shown by a blue circle with a white arrow and no bar.

Question 31Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver is travelling on a three-lane dual carriageway and sees a red X displayed above the right-hand lane on an overhead gantry. What must the driver do?

  1. Leave that lane as soon as it is safe because it is closed Correct answer.
  2. Treat that lane as a hard shoulder for emergencies
  3. Use that lane only for overtaking
  4. Continue in that lane but reduce speed sharply

Explanation

A red X on an overhead signal means the lane below it is closed to traffic, usually because of an incident or roadworks. Drivers should move out of the lane safely and must not enter it. The signal is an instruction, not advice, and ignoring it is an offence.

Question 32Road signs, signals, and road markings

What does a broken yellow line along the edge of the carriageway indicate to a driver?

  1. Overtaking is prohibited along this stretch
  2. The road is a bus lane during peak hours
  3. Parking is free at all times
  4. Waiting restrictions apply at the times shown on nearby plates Correct answer.

Explanation

Yellow lines along the edge of the road relate to waiting and parking, not to moving traffic. A broken yellow line means waiting restrictions apply, usually during the times stated on nearby upright plates. A solid yellow line means waiting is prohibited at all times.

Question 33Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver sees a sign showing a white arrow on a blue rectangle pointing diagonally down to the left, placed beside a traffic island. What does the sign direct the driver to do?

  1. Keep left of the island Correct answer.
  2. Turn left at the next junction
  3. Give way to traffic from the left
  4. Overtake only on the left

Explanation

A blue rectangular sign with a white arrow angled down towards the road surface directs traffic to pass on the stated side of an obstruction. Placed at a traffic island, it tells drivers to keep left of the island. It does not give instructions about turning at junctions or about priority.

Question 34Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver sees a white diagonal arrow painted on the road surface in their lane. What does this marking tell the driver?

  1. Stop immediately and wait
  2. Expect a speed hump ahead
  3. The lane ends and merges to the right
  4. Move into the lane indicated by the arrow Correct answer.

Explanation

A large white arrow painted on the carriageway directs drivers to move into the lane it points towards. These arrows are used where lanes shift or where traffic must be guided around a feature. They are an instruction about lane position rather than a stop or speed warning.

Question 35Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver approaches a junction controlled by traffic lights and sees a green arrow pointing left while the main light is red. What may the driver do?

  1. Proceed only in the direction of the arrow, after yielding to any pedestrians Correct answer.
  2. Wait until the main light turns green
  3. Proceed straight ahead with caution
  4. Sound the horn before moving off

Explanation

A green filter arrow permits movement only in the direction shown, even when the main light remains red. Drivers must still give way to pedestrians already crossing and to any traffic with priority. Movement in other directions must wait for the appropriate signal.

Question 36Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver sees a sign with a red ring containing a white rectangle showing the numbers 30 and a symbol of a camera. What does this sign indicate?

  1. A maximum speed of 30 is enforced by camera Correct answer.
  2. A distance of 30 miles to the next town
  3. A weight limit of 30 tonnes applies
  4. A minimum speed of 30 is required

Explanation

A red ring containing a number is a speed limit sign, and the camera symbol warns that the limit is enforced by camera. The number inside a red circle always denotes the maximum permitted speed in the units used locally. It does not set a minimum speed or a weight restriction.

Question 37Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver is on a road where the centre line consists of two solid white lines, and a slow-moving vehicle ahead is travelling well below the speed limit. What should the driver do?

  1. Overtake if the road ahead is clear for a long distance
  2. Flash headlights to ask the vehicle to pull over
  3. Overtake only if the vehicle signals to the left
  4. Remain behind and wait until the restriction ends Correct answer.

Explanation

Double solid white lines prohibit crossing or straddling the centre line to overtake, regardless of the speed of the vehicle ahead. The driver must stay behind until the lines change to a broken line on their side or the restriction ends. Frustration with a slow vehicle does not create an exception.

Question 38Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver sees a circular sign with a red border containing a white arrow pointing straight up and a second arrow branching to the left. What does this sign require?

  1. Traffic must give way to the left
  2. Traffic must turn left at the junction
  3. Traffic must proceed straight ahead only
  4. Traffic may proceed straight ahead or turn left Correct answer.

Explanation

A blue circle with white arrows shows compulsory directions, and where two arrows are shown, either movement is permitted. The sign therefore allows traffic to continue straight ahead or to turn left, but not to turn right. A single arrow would restrict traffic to that one direction.

Question 39Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver sees a triangular warning sign showing a car with wavy skid marks behind it. The road surface looks dry. How should the driver respond?

  1. Accelerate to pass the hazard quickly
  2. Reduce speed and avoid harsh braking or steering Correct answer.
  3. Ignore the sign because the road is dry
  4. Apply the brakes firmly to test the surface

Explanation

A slippery road warning indicates that the surface may offer reduced grip, which can occur even when it looks dry, for example from spillage or polished surfacing. The safe response is to slow down and make all steering, braking, and acceleration inputs gentle. Testing grip with firm braking risks losing control.

Question 40Road signs, signals, and road markings

A driver is in a lane marked with a white arrow pointing left, but the driver intends to continue straight ahead at the junction. What is the correct action?

  1. Continue straight from the left-turn lane
  2. Stop in the lane and wait for a gap to change lanes
  3. Reverse out of the lane to rejoin the correct one
  4. Follow the arrow and turn left, then find a safe route Correct answer.

Explanation

A white arrow on the road surface is a mandatory direction for that lane, so a driver who has entered it must follow the arrow. Continuing straight from a left-turn lane is both contrary to the marking and potentially dangerous to adjacent traffic. The driver should turn left and then re-route safely.

Question 41Right-of-way and intersection rules

Two boats are approaching each other head-on under power in open water. What action should each vessel take to avoid a collision?

  1. Both maintain course and speed, relying on the other to give way
  2. Both alter course to starboard and pass port side to port side Correct answer.
  3. Both alter course to port and pass starboard side to starboard side
  4. The smaller vessel stops and waits for the larger vessel to pass

Explanation

When two power-driven vessels meet head-on or nearly so, each must alter course to starboard so they pass port side to port side. This creates a predictable, uniform maneuver that both operators can anticipate. Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel in this situation; both share an equal duty to turn right.

Question 42Right-of-way and intersection rules

A power-driven vessel is crossing the path of another power-driven vessel in a situation where a risk of collision exists. Which vessel must keep out of the way?

  1. The vessel that has the other on her own starboard side Correct answer.
  2. The vessel that is overtaking from astern
  3. The vessel traveling at the higher speed
  4. The vessel that has the other on her own port side

Explanation

In a crossing situation between two power-driven vessels, the vessel that has the other on her starboard side is the give-way vessel. She must take early and substantial action to keep clear. The other vessel is the stand-on vessel and normally holds course and speed.

Question 43Right-of-way and intersection rules

Under the navigation rules, when is a vessel considered to be overtaking another?

  1. When both vessels are on parallel courses at the same speed
  2. When she is coming up on the other from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam Correct answer.
  3. When she is directly ahead of the other vessel
  4. When she is approaching from a direction 45 degrees off the other's bow

Explanation

A vessel is overtaking when she approaches another from any direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft the other vessel's beam. In that position at night she would see only the other's sternlight. The overtaking vessel must keep clear until she is finally past and clear.

Question 44Right-of-way and intersection rules

What is the fundamental duty of every vessel, regardless of which vessel has the right of way?

  1. To take whatever action is necessary to avoid immediate danger, including departing from the rules if needed Correct answer.
  2. To sound five short blasts and stop engines immediately
  3. To hold course and speed no matter what the other vessel does
  4. To reduce speed to bare steerageway whenever another vessel is in sight

Explanation

The general prudential rule requires every vessel to take positive action to avoid immediate danger, even if that means departing from the other steering rules. No right-of-way privilege excuses a failure to prevent a collision. This duty overrides all other maneuvering obligations.

Question 45Right-of-way and intersection rules

A power-driven vessel must give way to which of the following vessels under the general hierarchy of the rules?

  1. A vessel not under command Correct answer.
  2. A power-driven vessel overtaking her from astern
  3. Another power-driven vessel approaching from her port side
  4. A vessel of similar size on a parallel course

Explanation

The rules establish a hierarchy in which less maneuverable vessels have priority. A power-driven vessel must keep clear of a vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, and a vessel engaged in fishing. Ordinary power-driven vessels rank lower in this order.

Question 46Right-of-way and intersection rules

You are operating a small powerboat in a narrow channel. Which side should you keep to as you proceed?

  1. As close to the outer limit of the channel on your starboard side as is safe and practicable Correct answer.
  2. As close to the outer limit of the channel on your port side as is safe and practicable
  3. Whichever side has the deeper water, regardless of direction of travel
  4. Directly in the center of the channel at all times

Explanation

In a narrow channel or fairway, a vessel must keep as near to the outer limit on her starboard side as is safe and practicable. This keeps opposing traffic separated in a predictable pattern. Crossing the channel should be avoided when it would impede larger vessels that can only navigate within the channel.

Question 47Right-of-way and intersection rules

What does a single short blast from a power-driven vessel indicate?

  1. I am altering my course to port
  2. I am operating astern propulsion
  3. I am altering my course to starboard Correct answer.
  4. I intend to overtake you on your port side

Explanation

Maneuvering signals use short blasts to communicate intended course changes. One short blast means the vessel is altering course to starboard, and two short blasts mean altering to port. Three short blasts indicate the vessel is operating astern propulsion.

Question 48Right-of-way and intersection rules

Two sailboats are on opposite tacks with a risk of collision. Which one must keep clear?

  1. The one that is closer to shore
  2. The one that is upwind
  3. The one on the starboard tack
  4. The one on the port tack Correct answer.

Explanation

When two sailing vessels are on opposite tacks, the vessel on the port tack must keep clear of the vessel on the starboard tack. The starboard-tack boat holds her course. This rule gives a clear, predictable priority based on wind side rather than speed or position.

Question 49Right-of-way and intersection rules

A power-driven vessel is crossing a traffic lane in a designated traffic separation scheme. What is the correct procedure?

  1. Cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow Correct answer.
  2. Cross at the shallowest angle possible to minimize time in the lane
  3. Cross only at the lane's termination points
  4. Stop at the lane boundary and wait for a gap in traffic

Explanation

A vessel crossing a traffic lane should do so on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general flow of traffic. This minimizes the time spent exposed to crossing traffic and makes the vessel's path predictable. Vessels should avoid crossing lanes near convergence points or where traffic is dense.

Question 50Right-of-way and intersection rules

Two power-driven vessels are crossing, and the give-way vessel fails to take action as the risk of collision increases. What may the stand-on vessel do?

  1. Sound one short blast and maintain her original course
  2. Take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes apparent the give-way vessel is not acting Correct answer.
  3. Immediately turn to port and increase speed
  4. Continue to hold course and speed until the other vessel sounds a signal

Explanation

The stand-on vessel must initially hold course and speed, but she may take action as soon as it becomes apparent the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. If collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone, the stand-on vessel must act. She should avoid turning to port for a vessel on her port side.