Idaho DMV Permit Test key terms

The legal priority to proceed through an intersection or shared space while others yield. It is never something a driver can take by force; it is given or clearly established by signs, signals, and rules.

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

A downward-pointing red-and-white triangle meaning slow down and give way to traffic on the intersecting road. Stop completely if vehicles or pedestrians are already in or approaching the crossing.

A permissive turn made on a solid green light after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. A green arrow, by contrast, gives a protected turn with no need to yield to oncoming vehicles.

A turn made when a green arrow or other signal phase stops conflicting traffic, so the driver does not have to yield to oncoming vehicles. Pedestrians in the crosswalk may still have the walk signal in some setups.

A signal phase permitting a turn only after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. It replaces the older practice of a solid green circle for permissive turns at many intersections.

A circular intersection where traffic moves counterclockwise around a center island. Entering drivers yield to vehicles already in the circle, and they do not stop inside it unless traffic requires.

A solid white line painted across the lane at a stop sign or signal. A driver must stop before this line, not past it, so pedestrians and cross traffic are not blocked or endangered.

The white lines marking the pedestrian crossing area at an intersection. Stopping behind them keeps the crosswalk clear for people on foot and prevents blocking turning vehicles.

The part of a roadway set aside for pedestrians to cross, marked or unmarked. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, and passing a vehicle stopped at one is dangerous and usually illegal.

The rule that drivers must yield to people on foot in a crosswalk or when they are crossing in a manner the law protects. In Idaho, drivers also must exercise due care to avoid striking pedestrians anywhere on the road.

The minimum clearance a driver must leave when overtaking a bicycle. Idaho law requires at least three feet of space; if that is not possible, the driver must slow and wait until it is safe.

The strip beside parked cars where an opening door could strike a passing cyclist or vehicle. Drivers should check for cyclists before opening a door, and cyclists should ride outside this strip.

The general duty to drive safely around users who are more vulnerable than a car, including cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and slow-moving vehicles. It includes giving space, signaling early, and checking blind spots.

The area around a large truck or bus where the driver cannot see other vehicles. Trucks have much larger blind spots than cars, especially along the sides and directly behind the trailer.

A maneuver in which a large truck swings left before turning right to clear the curb. Drivers should never pass on the right side of a truck that is signaling or beginning such a turn.

A way to judge safe space behind the vehicle ahead. Pick a fixed object, count three seconds after the car ahead passes it, and ensure you do not reach it sooner; add more time in rain, snow, or darkness.

The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment a hazard is seen until it stops. It combines perception, reaction, and braking distance and grows with speed, load, and slippery surfaces.

The maximum lawful speed on a road, set by posted signs or by statute. Idaho's default limits include 35 mph in urban areas and 55 mph on many rural highways unless signs indicate otherwise.

The rule that a driver must never travel faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted limit. Fog, ice, rain, traffic, or poor visibility can make the posted maximum unsafe.

A yellow diamond sign showing a recommended speed for a curve, ramp, or other hazard. It is not a legal maximum but indicates a speed that is generally safe in good conditions.

A yellow diamond sign with a curved arrow showing the direction and sharpness of an upcoming bend. Drivers should slow before entering the curve and avoid braking hard in the middle of it.

The rules and markings that determine which lane a driver may use and for what purpose. Examples include turn-only lanes, center left-turn lanes, and lanes reserved for bicycles or buses.

A lane in the middle of a two-way road, marked by two-way arrows, used only for starting or completing a left turn. It is not a passing lane or a place to travel for any distance.

A lane marking that separates lanes traveling in the same direction and discourages lane changes. A broken white line permits changing lanes when it is safe and signaled.

A marking that separates traffic moving in opposite directions and generally prohibits passing. A double solid yellow line means neither direction may cross it to pass.

An acceleration lane that lets a driver build speed to join a highway or freeway. Drivers entering must yield to traffic already on the road and adjust speed to fit into a gap.

The rule that a driver lawfully arrested for DUI has already agreed to submit to a chemical test of breath or blood. Refusing can lead to license suspension even if the driver is not convicted.

Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination. Idaho's per se limit is a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent for drivers 21 and older and 0.02 percent for those under 21.

A license suspension imposed by the licensing agency, separate from any criminal case. In Idaho it can follow a DUI arrest with a high test result or a refusal to take a chemical test.

An open bottle or can of alcohol inside the passenger area of a vehicle. Idaho law generally prohibits open containers of alcohol in the passenger compartment while the vehicle is on a public road.

Any activity that takes a driver's eyes, hands, or attention away from the road, such as texting, eating, or adjusting controls. Idaho law bans texting while driving and prohibits handheld device use in certain situations.

A staged licensing system that moves new drivers from a learner's permit to an intermediate license and then a full license. Idaho's stages restrict night driving, passengers, and cellphone use for younger drivers.

A restricted permit that lets a new driver practice with a licensed adult supervising. In Idaho the holder must meet age, testing, and supervised driving requirements before advancing.

A limited license granted after the learner stage, allowing unsupervised driving with restrictions. Idaho places limits on late-night driving and the number of young passengers for the first months.

The smallest amount of auto liability coverage a driver must carry to register and operate a vehicle. Idaho requires 25/50/15 coverage: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per crash, and $15,000 for property damage.

Documentation that a vehicle meets the state's minimum liability coverage, which a driver must be able to show to law enforcement. Driving without it can bring fines and license or registration consequences.

A thin, transparent layer of ice on the road that looks like wet pavement or bare asphalt. It is most common on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas and offers almost no traction.

The extra space a driver should keep behind other vehicles in snow or ice. Triple the normal three-second gap or more, and begin slowing earlier because stopping distances can grow dramatically.

A rule requiring certain vehicles to install tire chains or use traction tires on snowy mountain passes. Signs on routes such as Idaho mountain highways indicate when chains are required.

Using a lower gear so the engine slows the vehicle on long descents, sparing the brakes from overheating. Riders should shift down before the grade rather than riding the brake pedal.