Indiana BMV Permit Test flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Octagon sign shape

An eight-sided sign is always a stop sign. Stop completely behind the stop line, crosswalk, or before the intersection, then go only when the way is clear.

Flashing yellow traffic signal

A flashing yellow signal means slow down and proceed with caution. You do not have to stop, but you must yield to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection.

Double solid yellow line

Two solid yellow lines prohibit passing in both directions. You may cross them only to turn left into a driveway, business, or side road where turning is legal.

Broken yellow line

A broken yellow line separates traffic moving in opposite directions. You may pass when it is safe, provided you can see enough clear roadway ahead to finish the maneuver.

Uncontrolled intersection right-of-way

Where no signs or signals control an intersection, yield to vehicles already inside it. If you arrive at the same time as another vehicle, yield to the driver on your right.

Left turn right-of-way

A driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right, and to pedestrians in the crosswalk. Turn only when a safe gap exists.

Right turn on red

After a complete stop, you may turn right at a red light unless a sign prohibits it. Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to cross traffic before turning.

Three-second following rule

Pick a fixed object ahead; when the vehicle in front passes it, you should not reach it for at least three seconds. Increase the gap in rain, darkness, or heavy traffic.

School bus red lights

On an undivided road, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus showing flashing red lights. On a divided highway with a median barrier, only traffic behind the bus must stop.

Total stopping distance

Total stopping distance is perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance. It grows with speed and with wet roads, ice, worn tires, or a tired or distracted driver.

High beam dimming rules

Dim your high beams to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet when following another vehicle. Use low beams in fog, rain, and snow.

Hands-free device law

Indiana law prohibits holding a phone or other electronic device while driving, and texting is illegal for all drivers. Drivers under 18 may not use any wireless device while driving.

Drowsy driving warning signs

Yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting between lanes, and missing exits or signs mean you are too tired to drive. Stop and rest; fresh air or loud music does not restore alertness.

Truck no-zone blind spots

Large trucks have blind spots extending roughly 20 feet ahead, 30 feet behind, and along both sides. If you cannot see the truck's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

Passing a bicyclist

Give a bicyclist at least three feet of clearance when passing and do not return to the lane until you are safely past. Bicycles are vehicles with the same road rights.

Railroad crossing stop distance

Stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail. Never stop on the tracks, and never drive around a lowered gate.

Pedestrian crosswalk right-of-way

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. If a vehicle ahead is stopped at a crosswalk, do not pass it.

Indiana per se BAC limits

Indiana's per se limits are 0.08% for drivers 21 and older, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.

Implied consent law

By driving in Indiana you consent to a chemical test of your breath, blood, or urine. Refusing the test results in license suspension even if you are never convicted of OWI.

Standard drink equivalents

One standard drink is 12 ounces of 5% beer, 5 ounces of 12% wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. Each contains about the same amount of alcohol.

Sobering up facts

Only time removes alcohol from the body, at roughly one standard drink per hour. Coffee, food, cold showers, and exercise do not lower a person's blood alcohol concentration.

Indiana insurance minimums

Indiana requires liability insurance of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage.

Learner's permit supervision

An Indiana learner's permit holder must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 25 years old seated in the front seat, and must hold the permit at least 180 days.

Child restraint requirement

Indiana requires children younger than 8 to ride in an approved child safety seat or booster seat. All front-seat occupants must wear seat belts.

Leaving a crash scene

After a crash, stop, give your name, address, and vehicle information, help anyone injured, and notify police. Leaving the scene of an injury crash is a crime.

Tire tread minimum

Tires need at least 2/32 inch of tread. Insert a penny upside down into a groove; if all of Lincoln's head is visible, the tire is too worn.

ABS braking technique

With anti-lock brakes, press the brake pedal firmly and hold it during an emergency stop. Do not pump the pedal; noise and vibration are normal.

Headlight use requirement

Headlights must be on from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is poor, such as in rain, fog, or snow, so you can see and be seen.

Turn signal distance

Signal at least 100 feet before a turn or lane change so other drivers have time to react, and cancel the signal after completing the maneuver.

Recovering from a skid

Take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. Do not brake hard, which can make the skid worse.

Hydroplaning response

Hydroplaning occurs when tires ride on a film of water. Ease off the gas, keep the steering straight, and avoid hard braking until the tires regain contact with the road.

Tire blowout handling

Grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and let the vehicle slow gradually. Avoid hard braking, and pull off the road once you have control.