Delaware DMV Permit Test key terms

A sign that states a law or requirement, such as a speed limit, one-way street, or no-turn rule. Drivers must obey these signs; violating one is a traffic offense.

A yellow diamond-shaped sign that alerts drivers to a change or hazard ahead, such as a curve, railroad crossing, or pedestrian area. It tells you to slow down or prepare, not to stop.

A red octagon with white letters meaning you must come to a complete halt at the stop line or crosswalk, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then proceed only when safe. Rolling stops are illegal.

A red-and-white triangle meaning you must slow down and give the right of way to traffic on the intersecting road or to pedestrians. Stop only if necessary to avoid a collision.

A white rectangular sign posting the maximum legal speed under normal conditions. Driving faster is speeding even if traffic moves faster; lower speeds may be required by weather or road conditions.

An electric light device controlling traffic flow. A steady red means stop, green means go when clear, yellow warns that red is coming, and arrows or flashing lights give specific directions.

A signal warning that the light is about to turn red. You should stop if you can do so safely; entering the intersection on yellow when you could have stopped is a violation.

A signal requiring a complete stop behind the stop line or crosswalk. You may turn right after stopping and yielding unless a sign prohibits it; left turns on red are allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street.

A signal that functions like a stop sign: come to a full stop, yield to cross traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when safe. It is often used where a signal is malfunctioning or at low-traffic intersections.

A signal warning drivers to slow down and proceed with caution. It does not require a stop; it flags a hazard such as an intersection, curve, or construction zone ahead.

Flashing red lights, a bell, or a lowered gate at a track crossing. You must stop when the signal activates and never drive around a lowered gate, even if no train is visible.

A white X-shaped sign with the words Railroad Crossing at a track intersection. It means yield to trains; a smaller sign below it may show the number of tracks.

Painted lines and symbols on the road that guide and regulate traffic, such as lane dividers, crosswalks, stop lines, and turn arrows. A solid line generally means no crossing; broken lines may be crossed when safe.

The marking separating traffic moving in opposite directions. A solid yellow line on your side means no passing; a broken yellow line means you may pass when safe and legal.

A stretch of road where passing is prohibited, marked by a solid yellow line on your side, a pennant sign, or a sign reading Do Not Pass. Passing there is illegal even if the road looks clear.

The legal priority to go first in a traffic situation. It is given, not taken: you yield it to others as rules require, and you never assume another driver will yield to you.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs. The first vehicle to arrive goes first; if two arrive at the same time, the one on the right has the right of way.

The rule that you must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted limit. Rain, fog, ice, traffic, and visibility can make the legal limit too fast.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. Under normal conditions keep at least three seconds; increase it in bad weather, at night, or when following large trucks or motorcycles.

Following another vehicle too closely, leaving no room to stop if it brakes suddenly. It is a common cause of rear-end crashes and is unsafe and often illegal.

Overtaking and moving ahead of another vehicle. It is legal only where markings and signs allow, when you can see far enough ahead, and when no oncoming traffic or hazard makes it unsafe.

After a complete stop at a red light, you may turn right if you yield to pedestrians and cross traffic and no sign forbids it. A full stop is required first in every case.

A circular intersection where traffic flows counterclockwise around a center island. Entering vehicles yield to traffic already in the circle; you do not stop inside it.

A light showing your intention to turn or change lanes. Signal at least several seconds before moving, and cancel it afterward; failing to signal is a common cause of collisions.

Moving from one lane to another. Check mirrors, signal, check your blind spot over your shoulder, and move only when there is a safe gap and no solid line forbids it.

The area beside and behind your vehicle that mirrors do not show. Turn your head to check it before changing lanes or backing; every vehicle has blind spots, including large trucks.

The large blind spots around a commercial truck or bus where the driver cannot see your car. If you cannot see the truck driver's mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you.

A restraint that holds you in place during a crash and greatly reduces death and injury risk. Delaware law requires drivers and passengers to be buckled, and children need approved child restraints.

A federally approved restraint sized for a young child, required by Delaware law for children under specified ages and sizes. It must be installed correctly, preferably in the back seat.

The rule that by driving on Delaware roads you agree to submit to a chemical test of breath, blood, or urine when lawfully arrested for driving under the influence. Refusal can bring license penalties.

The percentage of alcohol in your blood, used to measure impairment. Delaware's per se limit is 0.08 for drivers 21 and older, with lower limits for underage drivers and commercial vehicle operators.

Driving under the influence: operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination. Penalties can include license suspension, fines, and jail, and they increase with repeat offenses.

An opened bottle or can of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle. Delaware law generally prohibits open containers of alcohol in the passenger compartment of a moving vehicle.

The policy that drivers under 21 may not drive with any measurable alcohol in their system. A violation can lead to license suspension even if the level is below the adult limit.

Extreme tiredness that slows reaction time and judgment much like alcohol. Get rest before long drives, take breaks, and do not rely on caffeine or open windows to stay awake.

Any activity that takes your attention off the road, such as texting, eating, or adjusting a device. Delaware restricts handheld phone use while driving; keep your eyes and mind on the task.

When tires ride on a layer of water and lose contact with the road, causing loss of steering and braking. Slow down in heavy rain, avoid sudden moves, and ease off the accelerator if it happens.

Loss of tire grip, often on ice, wet pavement, or during hard braking. Ease off the gas and steer where you want to go; avoid slamming the brakes, which can worsen it.