DRTS Light-Vehicle Theory flashcards
DRTS Light-Vehicle Theory · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Octagon sign meaning
- An eight-sided red sign always means stop. The driver must come to a complete halt at the stop line or crosswalk, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when safe.
- Flashing red signal
- A flashing red light functions exactly like a stop sign. Stop completely, yield to cross traffic and pedestrians, and continue only when the way is clear.
- Solid yellow center line
- A solid yellow line separates traffic moving in opposite directions and marks a no-passing zone for traffic on that side. Cross it only to turn into a driveway or side road where legal.
- Orange work zone signs
- Orange signs and markings identify temporary traffic patterns in construction and maintenance areas. Posted reduced speeds remain enforceable even when no workers are present.
- Uncontrolled intersection right-of-way
- Where no signs or signals control an intersection, the first vehicle to arrive proceeds first. If two arrive together, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
- Left turn right-of-way
- A driver turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right, and to pedestrians in the crosswalk. A green light alone does not grant protection.
- Right turn on red
- Permitted after a complete stop where no sign prohibits it. The driver must yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and cross traffic before turning. Some jurisdictions restrict it further.
- Roundabout entry rule
- Vehicles entering a roundabout yield to traffic already circulating inside it. Enter to the right, keep moving, and avoid stopping inside the circle unless traffic requires it.
- Basic speed law
- A driver must never travel faster than is reasonable and prudent for existing conditions, regardless of the posted limit. The posted maximum applies only to ideal conditions.
- Three-second following rule
- Watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed object, then count three seconds. Your front bumper should not reach that object sooner. Add a second for each adverse condition.
- Stopping distance versus speed
- Braking distance increases roughly with the square of speed. Doubling speed from 30 to 60 mph increases braking distance by about four times, not two.
- Advisory speed sign
- A yellow warning sign showing a speed is a recommended maximum for the hazard ahead, such as a curve or ramp. It is not the legal speed limit for the road.
- School bus stop arm
- Drivers traveling both directions must stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, unless separated by a physical median or barrier.
- Move Over law
- When approaching stopped emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicles with flashing lights, drivers must change lanes away if possible or slow down substantially and proceed with caution.
- Passing prohibition locations
- Passing is illegal on solid yellow lines, on hills and curves with limited sight distance, at intersections, at railroad crossings, and where a no-passing pennant is posted.
- Headlight use requirement
- Headlights are required from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is reduced by rain, fog, or snow. Several states also require them when wipers are in continuous use.
- Minimum tire tread depth
- Most states require at least 2/32 inch of tread. The penny test works: insert a penny upside down, and if Lincoln's head is fully covered, tread is adequate.
- Cold tire pressure check
- Check pressure when tires are cold, using the vehicle manufacturer's door-jamb placard rather than the tire sidewall maximum. Pressure falls about 1 psi per 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Tire blowout response
- Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and avoid hard braking. Steer gradually to a controlled stop off the roadway. Sudden braking can cause a loss of control.
- Jump-start cable order
- Connect positive to positive first, then negative to a bare metal ground on the disabled vehicle. Never attach the final negative clamp directly to the dead battery.
- Three-foot bicycle passing law
- Most states require drivers to leave at least three feet of clearance when passing a cyclist. If clearance is not possible, wait until it is safe to pass.
- Truck No-Zone areas
- Large trucks have major blind spots on both sides, directly behind, and in front. If you cannot see the truck driver's mirror, that driver cannot see you.
- Slow-moving vehicle triangle
- An orange triangle with a red border marks vehicles designed to travel 25 mph or less, such as farm equipment. Slow down and pass only when clearly safe.
- Motorcycle lane rights
- A motorcycle is entitled to the full use of a lane. Two motorcycles may share a lane only where state law permits it; other vehicles may never share a lane with one.
- Twelve-second visual lead
- Defensive drivers scan roughly 12 to 15 seconds ahead in cities and 20 to 30 seconds on highways, checking mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds.
- Smith System five keys
- Aim high in steering, get the big picture, keep your eyes moving, leave yourself an out, and make sure others see you.
- Hydroplaning onset
- On wet pavement, tires can lose contact with the road at speeds as low as 35 mph. Ease off the accelerator, avoid hard braking, and steer straight until traction returns.
- Driving in fog
- Use low-beam headlights in fog, since high beams reflect off moisture and worsen visibility. Reduce speed and increase following distance beyond the normal three seconds.
- Black ice locations
- Ice forms first on bridges, overpasses, and shaded stretches because those surfaces lose heat faster. A road that looks merely wet may be frozen.
- Legal BAC limit
- For drivers 21 and older, the illegal per se limit is 0.08 percent blood alcohol concentration. Drivers under 21 face zero-tolerance limits, typically 0.00 to 0.02 percent.
- Alcohol elimination rate
- The body clears alcohol at roughly 0.015 percent BAC per hour. Coffee, food, cold showers, and exercise do not speed elimination; only time reduces BAC.
- Implied consent law
- By holding a license, a driver agrees to submit to a chemical test when lawfully arrested for impaired driving. Refusal usually brings automatic license suspension and can be used as evidence.