DC DMV Permit Test key terms

The legal priority to go first at an intersection, crosswalk, or narrow passage. It is yielded, never taken, and is usually decided by signs, signals, or arrival order.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs. Drivers stop fully, then proceed in the order they arrived; if two arrive together, the vehicle on the right goes first.

A solid white line painted across a lane marking where a vehicle must halt at a stop sign or signal. When no line exists, stop before the crosswalk or intersection edge.

Another name for the thick white stop bar at a signalized intersection. Stopping behind it keeps the crosswalk and side street clear for pedestrians and turning traffic.

The part of a roadway set aside for pedestrians, marked with white lines or left unmarked at intersections. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in it and never block it.

A red-and-white inverted triangle telling drivers to slow down and give way to traffic on the intersecting road. Stop if necessary, then proceed only when the way is clear.

Joining a stream of moving traffic, such as entering a highway from a ramp. The merging driver adjusts speed and yields, using the acceleration lane to match the flow.

A lane beside a highway that lets entering vehicles build speed to match traffic before merging. Use it to reach highway speed rather than entering slowly.

A lane branching off a highway where exiting drivers slow down after leaving the through lanes. Slowing there protects following traffic from sudden speed drops.

A circular intersection where traffic flows one way around a center island. Entering drivers yield to vehicles already circulating, and no stop is required if the way is clear.

Electric lights controlling intersections: steady red means stop, steady green means go if clear, and yellow warns that red is coming. A flashing red is treated as a stop sign.

A signal that blinks rather than showing a steady light. Flashing red requires a full stop and yield; flashing yellow means proceed with caution through the intersection.

Permission to turn right at a steady red light after a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and traffic, unless a sign forbids it. It applies in the District of Columbia.

Generally illegal. A driver may turn left from a one-way street onto another one-way street only where posted signs permit it, after stopping and yielding.

A road where all traffic moves in a single direction, marked by arrow signs and lane arrows. Drivers may not travel against the flow, even briefly.

A road carrying traffic in both directions, usually divided by a yellow center line. Keep right of center except when passing or preparing a legal left turn.

A line down the middle of a road separating opposing traffic. Yellow means opposite directions; a solid yellow means no passing, while a broken yellow permits passing when safe.

Overtaking a slower vehicle by moving into another lane or the opposing lane. It is legal only where markings and signs allow and only when sight distance is sufficient.

A stretch of road marked with a solid yellow line on your side, or a sign, where overtaking is prohibited. Hills, curves, and intersections are common locations.

The maximum lawful speed for a road under normal conditions, posted on signs. Driving faster is illegal even if traffic seems to move faster, and slower may be required in bad weather.

The rule that you must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted limit. Rain, fog, traffic, and road work can lower the safe speed.

An area near a school where lower speed limits apply during posted hours or when children are present. Fines are often increased, and drivers must watch for crossing guards.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. A safe gap is at least three seconds in good conditions and more when roads are wet, dark, or traffic is heavy.

Driving too closely behind another vehicle, leaving no room to stop if it brakes suddenly. It causes rear-end crashes and is a common aggressive-driving behavior.

A pattern of unsafe driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, cutting off others, and running lights. It raises crash risk and can lead to serious penalties.

An angry, often violent reaction by a driver to another road user, going beyond ordinary aggressive driving. Avoid eye contact and confrontation, and report dangerous incidents to police.

A strap that holds occupants in place during a crash. District law requires use by front-seat occupants and by all passengers under a certain age, and it prevents ejection.

A specially designed seat that protects young children in crashes, required by law for children under a set age or size. It must be installed correctly and used per the manufacturer's instructions.

An inflatable cushion that deploys in a moderate-to-severe crash to protect occupants. It works with, not instead of, a seat belt, and children should not sit directly in front of one.

Operating a vehicle while attention is diverted, such as by texting, eating, or adjusting controls. District law bans handheld phone use, and distraction sharply increases crash risk.

The rule that by driving on public roads you agree to submit to a chemical test for alcohol or drugs when lawfully arrested. Refusal can bring license penalties.

The percentage of alcohol in the blood, used to judge impairment. A level of 0.08 percent or higher is illegal for adults driving in the District of Columbia.

Operating a vehicle when alcohol, drugs, or medication has reduced your ability to drive safely. Impairment can begin well below the legal limit and is a leading cause of fatal crashes.

The walk and don't-walk lights at signalized crossings. A flashing don't-walk means finish crossing; a steady don't-walk means do not start, and drivers must still yield.

A marked lane or portion of roadway reserved for cyclists, often separated by solid white lines. Drivers may not drive in it except to cross when turning.

A road marking showing a bicycle symbol with chevrons, placed in a shared lane. It tells drivers and cyclists that bikes belong in the lane and where they should ride.

An area where stopping and leaving a vehicle is prohibited, marked by signs or curb color such as red. Parking there can block traffic, fire lanes, or accessible spaces.

A route kept clear for emergency vehicles, often marked by red curbs or signs. Parking or standing in it is illegal and can delay fire and medical response.

A space reserved for vehicles displaying a valid disability placard or plate. It is wider to allow wheelchair access, and unauthorized use brings heavy fines.

A place where tracks cross a road, marked by signs, pavement markings, and often gates or lights. Stop if a train approaches, never go around lowered gates, and check both ways.