Mississippi DMV Permit Test key terms

The legal privilege to go first at an intersection or other meeting point. It is never something a driver can demand; it is yielded to others, and drivers must yield when rules or signs give another road user priority.

A red-and-white triangular sign meaning you must slow down and let cross traffic or pedestrians go before you enter or cross their path. Stop only if necessary, but you must give way.

A red octagonal sign requiring a complete halt at the marked stop line, crosswalk, or intersection edge. You must stop fully, check for traffic and pedestrians, then proceed only when it is safe.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs. Vehicles proceed in the order they arrived; if two arrive at the same time, the one on the right goes first, and left-turning traffic yields to straight-through traffic.

An electric light device controlling traffic flow. Steady red means stop, steady green means proceed if clear, and steady yellow warns that the light is about to turn red.

A red arrow signal that means traffic in the direction of the arrow must stop and may not turn that way until the arrow changes. It applies only to the movement the arrow indicates.

A signal that flashes yellow instead of showing steady colors. It tells drivers to slow down and proceed with caution, often at a rural intersection or where a signal is being used as a warning.

A solid white line painted across a lane at an intersection or crosswalk showing exactly where a vehicle must stop for a sign, signal, or pedestrian crossing. Stopping beyond it defeats its purpose.

A marked or unmarked path across a roadway where pedestrians have the right-of-way. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, whether or not it is painted with lines.

The maximum legal speed for a road under normal conditions, shown on signs or set by law. Driving faster than the limit is illegal, and driving too fast for conditions is also unsafe and unlawful.

The rule that you may never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted limit. Rain, fog, traffic, or road work can make the safe speed lower than the sign.

The space between your vehicle and the one ahead. A safe gap gives you time to stop if that vehicle slows suddenly; the faster you go, the larger the gap you need.

A method of judging following distance: pick a fixed object ahead, and when the vehicle in front passes it, count three seconds. If you reach the object before finishing the count, you are too close.

A section of road where passing is legal, usually marked by a broken yellow line on your side. Passing is prohibited where lines are solid, on hills, at curves, and near intersections and railroad crossings.

A stretch of road where overtaking other vehicles is forbidden, marked by a solid yellow line on your side or by signs. Passing here is dangerous because sight distance or road layout is limited.

A yellow center line broken into segments. It separates traffic moving in opposite directions and means you may cross it to pass when the way is clear and it is legal to do so.

A continuous yellow center line that may not be crossed to pass. When it is on your side of the road, passing is prohibited; it often marks curves, hills, or other limited-sight areas.

The rules and markings that determine which lane you may drive in and what movements are allowed from it. Turn lanes, through lanes, and shared lanes are marked by signs, arrows, or pavement lines.

A lane set aside for vehicles preparing to turn, marked by arrows or signs. You should enter it before the turn and use it only for turning, not for passing or through travel.

A lane in the middle of a road, marked with arrows pointing both ways, used by traffic from either direction to prepare for a left turn. It is not a travel or passing lane.

A place where a road crosses train tracks, marked by signs, pavement markings, or signals. Drivers must slow, look both ways, and stop if a train is approaching or a signal indicates one is near.

A white X-shaped sign with the words Railroad Crossing that marks a crossing without gates. It means yield to trains; a train always has the right-of-way over road traffic.

Signals at a railroad crossing that flash when a train is approaching. You must stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the way is clear, even if no train is visible.

A police car, fire truck, ambulance, or other authorized vehicle using lights and siren. When one approaches, pull to the right edge and stop until it passes, unless you are in an intersection.

A rule requiring drivers to change lanes away from a stopped emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights, or slow down if a lane change is not possible. It protects roadside workers.

Flashing red lights and an extended stop arm on a school bus mean children are getting on or off. Traffic in both directions must stop until the lights stop, unless separated by a divided highway.

The hinged sign that swings out from the side of a school bus when it stops to load or unload children. Seeing it extended means you must stop and wait until it retracts.

The legal idea that by driving on public roads you agree in advance to submit to a chemical test of breath, blood, or urine when lawfully asked by an officer. Refusing can bring license penalties.

The percentage of alcohol in a person's blood, used to measure impairment. In Mississippi, a driver is legally intoxicated at 0.08 percent or higher, with lower limits for underage drivers.

Operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs to a degree that makes you unable to drive safely. It is a criminal offense with serious penalties, including license suspension.

An open bottle or can of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle. Mississippi law restricts open containers of alcohol in vehicles, and they can add to charges in an impaired-driving stop.

Any activity that takes your attention off the road, such as texting, eating, or adjusting a device. Mississippi restricts texting while driving, and distraction sharply raises crash risk.

A strap system that holds vehicle occupants in place during a crash. Mississippi law requires front-seat occupants and younger passengers to be properly restrained, and belts greatly reduce injury risk.

A car seat or booster seat designed for a child's size, required by law for young children riding in a vehicle. It must be installed and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The forward lights on a vehicle. They must be used at night and in bad weather, and Mississippi requires them when visibility is limited, such as in rain, fog, or darkness.

A blinking light on a vehicle that shows other drivers your intention to turn or change lanes. Signal well before the move and cancel it afterward so others are not misled.

Parking a vehicle alongside a curb between two other parked cars. You back into the space, then straighten out, staying close to the curb and clear of traffic lanes and driveways.

When parking on a slope, turn your wheels so the vehicle rolls into the curb, or away from the road if there is no curb, and set the parking brake. This prevents a runaway vehicle.

Driving a vehicle in reverse. Check behind you before moving, back slowly, and use mirrors and a spotter when possible; never rely on mirrors alone because of blind spots.

The area around a vehicle that mirrors do not show. Check it by turning your head before changing lanes, and remember that large trucks have much larger blind spots than cars.

A restricted license for new drivers, usually requiring a supervising licensed driver in the vehicle and limiting driving hours. It is a step toward a full license and comes with its own rules.

A license issued to new drivers after they pass required testing, carrying restrictions such as passenger or hour limits. Violating those restrictions can lead to suspension or other penalties.

A temporary withdrawal of driving privileges by the state, often for offenses such as impaired driving, too many points, or failing to appear. Driving while suspended is itself a separate offense.