Michigan Permit Test flashcards

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

Octagon sign

An eight-sided red sign always means stop. Come to a complete stop behind the stop line, crosswalk, or edge of the intersecting road before proceeding.

Inverted triangle sign

A downward-pointing triangle with a red border means yield. Slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic on the intersecting road, stopping only if necessary.

Pennant-shaped sign

A sideways triangle, or pennant, marks the beginning of a no-passing zone. It is placed on the left side of the road facing the direction where passing is prohibited.

Flashing red signal

A flashing red light works like a stop sign: stop completely, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when the way is clear.

Flashing yellow signal

A flashing yellow light does not require a stop. Slow down, check for hazards, and proceed through the intersection with caution.

Broken white line

A dashed white line separates lanes traveling in the same direction. You may cross it to change lanes when it is safe and your turn signal is on.

Orange work zone signs

Orange diamond signs warn of construction, maintenance, or utility work. Fines for moving violations are typically doubled when workers are present in the zone.

Four-way stop order

At an intersection where all directions stop, the first vehicle to arrive proceeds first. If two arrive together, the driver on the left yields to the right.

Michigan freeway speed limit

Unless a posted sign says otherwise, the maximum speed on Michigan freeways is 70 mph, and some rural freeway segments are posted at 75 mph.

Michigan residential speed limit

In Michigan the default speed limit is 25 mph in residential and business districts when no other limit is posted on a sign.

Right turn on red

After a complete stop, you may turn right on a red light unless a sign prohibits it, yielding first to pedestrians and to cross traffic.

Left turn on red

Michigan allows a left turn on red only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after stopping and yielding to traffic.

School bus red lights

When a school bus flashes red lights, stop at least 20 feet away and stay stopped until the lights go off, unless you are on the opposite side of a divided highway.

Move Over law

Michigan requires drivers to move at least one lane away from stationary emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights, or to slow down if moving over is unsafe.

Three-second rule

Pick a fixed object ahead; when the vehicle in front passes it, count three seconds. If you reach the object sooner, you are following too closely.

IPDE driving process

A defensive driving cycle: Identify hazards, Predict what could happen, Decide on the safest action, and Execute it smoothly and early.

Hydroplaning threshold

On wet pavement, tires can begin riding on a film of water at about 35 mph. Ease off the gas and hold the wheel straight until traction returns.

ABS braking

With anti-lock brakes, press the pedal firmly and keep steady pressure. Pulsing or vibration is normal, and pumping the pedal defeats the system.

Skid recovery

Ease off the accelerator and steer where you want the front of the car to go. Avoid hard braking, which can make the skid worse.

Overdriving headlights

Driving faster than the distance your headlights let you see and stop. Low beams reach roughly 160 feet, so high speed at night is hazardous.

Three feet bicycle rule

Michigan law requires motorists to leave at least 3 feet of space when passing a bicyclist traveling in the same direction on the roadway.

Truck no-zone

The blind areas around a large truck: about 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and the sides. If you cannot see the mirror, the driver cannot see you.

Motorcycle full lane

Motorcycles are entitled to the entire lane width. Never share a lane with a motorcycle or pass one within the same lane.

White cane right-of-way

A pedestrian carrying a white cane or using a guide dog has the right-of-way at every intersection and crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked.

Snowplow passing

Never pass a snowplow on the right. Plows push snow and create clouds that hide the road, so stay well back and pass only when clearly safe.

Roundabout yielding

Yield to traffic already circulating in the roundabout, which approaches from your left. Enter when a safe gap appears and do not stop inside the circle.

Fog headlights

Use low beams in fog, rain, or snow. High beams reflect off the moisture and reduce visibility by creating glare back toward the driver.

Michigan wiper law

Michigan requires headlights whenever windshield wipers are on continuously because of rain, snow, sleet, or fog.

Tire tread minimum

The legal minimum tread depth is 2/32 inch. Insert a penny upside down; if Lincoln's entire head is visible, the tire needs replacement.

Stalled on tracks

If your vehicle stops on railroad tracks, get everyone out and move away from the tracks toward the approaching train so you are not struck by debris.

Bridges freeze first

Bridges and overpasses lose heat from both above and below, so they freeze before the rest of the roadway and thaw more slowly afterward.

Headlights required

Michigan requires headlights from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is poor enough that people or vehicles are not clearly seen at 500 feet.