Connecticut DMV Permit Test key terms

The legal priority to proceed first in a traffic situation. It is yielded, never taken, and rules such as those at intersections and crosswalks determine who goes first.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs. Vehicles proceed in the order they arrived, and if two arrive at the same time, the one on the right goes first.

The gap kept between your vehicle and the one ahead. Connecticut recommends at least three seconds in good conditions, increased in rain, snow, darkness, or when following large trucks.

A method for checking following distance: watch the car ahead pass a fixed object, then count seconds until you reach it. Three seconds or more is safe in normal conditions.

Driving too closely behind another vehicle. It reduces reaction time and is a common cause of rear-end crashes; it is also illegal and can lead to a following-too-closely citation.

A red octagonal sign meaning you must come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the intersection, then yield to traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.

A downward-pointing red-and-white triangle meaning you must slow down and give right of way to traffic on the intersecting road, stopping if necessary before entering.

A marked or unmarked path across a roadway for pedestrians. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, and passing a vehicle stopped at one is dangerous and often illegal.

A person traveling on foot or using a wheelchair or similar device. Drivers must exercise care and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and when turning at intersections.

The act of blending into moving traffic, such as from an on-ramp. Drivers entering a highway must yield to traffic already on it and adjust speed to fit the gap.

The ramp lane on a highway entrance that lets a driver build speed to match traffic before merging. It is not a passing lane and should not be used to overtake slower vehicles.

The lane intended for overtaking slower vehicles, typically the left lane on a multi-lane highway. Connecticut law requires slower traffic to keep right and drivers to move right when not passing.

A yellow pavement line that separates traffic moving in opposite directions. A solid yellow line on your side means no passing; a broken yellow line on your side permits passing when safe.

Two solid yellow lines marking the center of a two-way road. Passing is prohibited across them in both directions, though left turns into driveways may be allowed where legal.

A white pavement line that separates traffic moving in the same direction. Broken white lines may be crossed when changing lanes; solid white lines should not be crossed.

A lane marked with arrows or lines dedicated to vehicles turning at an intersection. Drivers should enter it before turning and not use it to travel straight through.

A center lane marked by two-way left-turn arrows, shared by traffic from both directions for making left turns. It is not a travel or passing lane.

An electric light controlling traffic flow. Red means stop, green means go if the way is clear, and yellow warns the light is about to turn red and you should stop if safe.

A signal arrow that allows a turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. It is not a protected turn, so the driver must judge the gap carefully.

A rule allowing a driver to turn right after a complete stop at a red light, provided no sign prohibits it and the driver yields to pedestrians and cross traffic.

The maximum lawful speed for a road, posted on signs. Connecticut's default limits include 25 mph in residential and business districts unless otherwise posted, and limits are lower in school zones.

The basic speed law requiring drivers to travel no faster than is safe for current conditions, even if below the posted limit, such as in fog, rain, or heavy traffic.

An area near a school where lower speed limits apply and drivers must watch for children, crossing guards, and school buses. Penalties for violations are typically increased.

When a school bus displays flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, drivers traveling in both directions must stop until the lights stop, unless separated by a physical median.

A law requiring drivers to slow down and, where possible, change lanes when approaching stopped emergency, tow, or highway maintenance vehicles with flashing lights.

Flashing four-way lights used to warn others that your vehicle is disabled, moving slowly, or stopped in a dangerous location. They are not a substitute for turn signals.

A light indicating your intention to turn or change lanes. Connecticut law requires signaling before turning or changing lanes and continuing it long enough to warn others.

Moving from one lane to another. Drivers must signal, check mirrors, check the blind spot over the shoulder, and ensure a safe gap before moving over.

The area around a vehicle that mirrors do not show. Drivers must turn their heads to check it before changing lanes, and they should avoid lingering in other drivers' blind spots.

A style of driving that anticipates hazards and assumes other drivers may make mistakes. It includes scanning ahead, keeping space, and being ready to react.

When a vehicle's tires ride on a layer of water and lose contact with the road, reducing control. It is prevented by slowing down in wet weather and keeping tires properly inflated.

A loss of tire traction that causes sliding. Drivers should ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction they want the front of the car to go, avoiding hard braking.

A braking system that prevents wheel lockup during hard stops, helping maintain steering control. Drivers should press firmly and hold the pedal rather than pumping it.

A safety restraint required by Connecticut law for drivers and passengers. Wearing it properly across the shoulder and lap greatly reduces injury risk in a crash.

A specially designed seat that protects young children in vehicles. Connecticut law requires age- and size-appropriate restraints, including rear-facing seats for the youngest children.

The legal principle that by driving in Connecticut, a driver agrees to submit to a chemical test of blood alcohol or drug content when lawfully arrested for suspected impaired driving.

Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs. Connecticut's per se limit is a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent for adults, with lower limits for drivers under 21.

Doing anything that takes your eyes, hands, or attention off driving, such as texting or eating. Connecticut law prohibits handheld phone use and texting while driving.

A circular intersection where traffic flows in one direction around a central island. Drivers yield to traffic already in the circle, enter to the right, and use turn signals when exiting.