Kansas DMV Permit Test key terms

The legal right of a driver, pedestrian, or cyclist to proceed first in a given situation. It is never something to demand; the person who has it may still yield it to avoid a crash.

An intersection where all approaching traffic faces a stop sign. Vehicles proceed in the order they arrived, and if two arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first.

A downward-pointing red-and-white triangle meaning you must slow down and let cross traffic, pedestrians, or merging vehicles go first. Stop completely if that is what it takes to enter safely.

A solid white line painted across your lane at a stop sign or signal. Stop behind it so crosswalks, sidewalks, and intersecting lanes stay clear for other people.

A red light that blinks on and off. Treat it like a stop sign: come to a full stop, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then continue when it is safe.

A blinking yellow light warns that a signal or hazard lies ahead. Slow down and proceed with caution; you do not have to stop unless traffic or conditions require it.

A continuous yellow line separating traffic moving in opposite directions. Passing is not allowed when your side of the road has the solid line.

A broken white line that separates lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. You may cross it to change lanes when it is safe and you have signaled.

A center lane marked by solid and broken yellow lines on both sides, used by traffic from either direction to make left turns. It is not a passing lane or a travel lane.

A circular intersection with no traffic signals. Enter to the right, yield to vehicles already circulating, stay in your lane, and exit when you reach your street.

A way to judge safe following distance: watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed object, then count three seconds before you reach that object. Add more time in rain, darkness, or heavy traffic.

The area beside and behind your vehicle that mirrors do not show. Check over your shoulder before changing lanes, because a motorcycle, bicycle, or car can hide there.

When water on the road lifts your tires off the surface and you lose steering and braking grip. Ease off the gas, avoid hard braking, and steer straight until traction returns.

A loss of tire grip in which the vehicle slides instead of following the steering. Take your foot off the gas, steer where you want the front to go, and avoid slamming the brakes.

A thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that forms on roads, often on bridges, overpasses, and shaded spots. Slow down and avoid sudden steering or braking inputs.

Kansas law saying that by driving you agree to submit to a chemical test of breath, blood, or urine when an officer has reasonable grounds to suspect impairment. Refusal can cost you your license.

The percentage of alcohol in your bloodstream, used to measure impairment. In Kansas, driving with a BAC of 0.08 or higher is illegal for adults who are 21 and older.

A Kansas rule making it illegal for drivers under 21 to operate a vehicle with any measurable alcohol in their system, even a small amount below the adult limit.

An alcoholic beverage that is open, partly consumed, or within reach of the driver while the vehicle is on a public road. Kansas law restricts these in vehicles.

Driving under the influence: operating a vehicle when alcohol, drugs, or a combination has impaired your ability to drive safely. Kansas penalties grow harsher with repeat offenses.

Physical checks such as walk-and-turn or one-leg-stand that an officer uses to look for signs of impairment. Poor performance can lead to arrest and a chemical test.

A Kansas requirement to change lanes, or slow down if a lane change is unsafe, when passing stopped emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicles that display flashing lights.

The stop sign that swings out from a school bus loading or unloading children. Traffic in both directions must stop unless the roadways are separated by a raised median or barrier.

The large blind spots around a commercial truck where the driver cannot see your car. Staying visible in the trucker's mirrors keeps you out of danger.

An arm signal used to show turns or stops when your vehicle's turn signals or brake lights fail. Left arm straight out means left turn; bent up means right turn; down means slow or stop.

A safety feature that pumps the brakes rapidly to prevent wheel lockup. In an emergency, press the pedal firmly and hold it; it may vibrate while you steer.

The thickness of the rubber pattern on a tire. Worn tread increases stopping distance and hydroplaning risk, so tires need visible tread above the wear bars.

Kansas requires drivers and front-seat passengers, and all passengers under 18 in any seat, to wear a safety belt. Officers may stop a vehicle for a belt violation alone.

A crash-tested seat sized for a child's age, height, and weight. Kansas requires approved child restraints for children under 8 and proper booster or belt use after that.

Kansas adds points to your driving record for traffic convictions. Accumulating too many points within a set period leads to suspension or restriction of your license.

Documentation that you can pay for damages you cause in a crash, usually through liability insurance. Kansas requires it to register a vehicle and to reinstate a suspended license.

A learner's license that lets a new driver practice under supervision. Kansas requires a permit holder to drive with a licensed adult and to meet age and holding-period rules.

An area where road construction or maintenance is underway. Fines for speeding are higher, lanes may narrow or shift, and workers or equipment can appear suddenly, so slow down.

Driving so fast that you cannot stop within the distance your headlights light up. At night, keep your speed low enough that a hazard becomes visible in time.

A place where train tracks cross a road. Look and listen, never stop on the tracks, and obey flashing lights, gates, and crossbuck signs; a train cannot stop quickly.

The part of the road set aside for pedestrians to cross, marked with lines or left unmarked at intersections. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.

A portion of the roadway marked for bicycle use only, often with a bike symbol and a solid line. Motor vehicles may not drive or park in it.

Any activity that takes your eyes, hands, or attention away from driving, such as texting, eating, or adjusting controls. Kansas law bans texting for all drivers.

A police car, fire truck, or ambulance using lights or sirens. Pull to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes; do not follow closely behind it.