Nebraska DMV Permit Test key terms

The legal priority to move through a roadway or intersection before other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians. It is something a driver yields or is given, never something to demand or assume.

To slow or stop and let other traffic or pedestrians go first. A driver facing a yield sign or marking must give way to vehicles on the crossing road and to anyone already in the intersection.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs. Vehicles proceed in the order they arrived; if two arrive at once, the one on the right goes first, and a driver turning left yields to oncoming traffic going straight.

A crossing of two or more roads with no signs or signals controlling the approach. Drivers must slow down, look both ways, and yield to traffic already in the intersection or approaching from the right.

A solid white line painted across a lane at a stop sign, signal, or crosswalk. A driver required to stop must stop before this line, and if none exists, before the crosswalk or the edge of the intersecting road.

The part of a road set aside for pedestrians to cross, marked with painted lines or left unmarked at an intersection. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk and must not pass a vehicle stopped for one.

Another name for the white stop line at an intersection; also used for the line a driver must not cross when a signal is red. Stopping beyond it can block crosswalks or interfere with crossing traffic.

A red, eight-sided sign with white letters reading STOP. A driver must come to a complete halt at the stop line or before entering the intersection, then yield to traffic and pedestrians before going on.

A red-and-white downward-pointing triangle telling drivers to slow down and give way. Traffic on the road being entered has priority, and a driver must not enter until it is clearly safe.

A sign that states a law or requirement, such as a speed limit, turn restriction, or lane-use rule. Most are white rectangles with black lettering, though stop and yield signs also fall in this group.

A yellow diamond-shaped sign alerting drivers to a hazard or change ahead, such as a curve, hill, or pedestrian crossing. Drivers should slow down and be ready to react when they see one.

A small yellow rectangular sign placed below a warning sign showing a recommended maximum speed for a curve, ramp, or other hazard. It is a safe-speed suggestion, not the posted legal limit for the road.

A white rectangular regulatory sign with black numbers showing the maximum lawful speed under good conditions. Driving faster than the posted limit is unlawful, and slower speeds may still be required by conditions.

The rule that a driver must never travel faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted limit. Rain, ice, fog, heavy traffic, or poor visibility can make the legal limit too fast.

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

Two solid yellow lines separating traffic moving in opposite directions. Passing across them is generally prohibited, though a driver may cross to turn into or out of a driveway or side road where legal.

A single dashed yellow line separating opposing traffic where passing is permitted when safe. A broken yellow line on the driver's side of a double line means that side may pass.

A stretch of road, often marked with a solid yellow line on the driver's side or a DO NOT PASS sign, where overtaking another vehicle is prohibited because sight distance or road layout makes it unsafe.

A solid white line along the right edge of a travel lane, or a solid yellow line along the left edge of a divided highway. It marks the boundary of the roadway and warns of shoulder drop-off.

The solid white edge line on the right side of the road. Drivers use it as a guide to stay in lane when fog, rain, or snow hides the center line, and should not cross it except to pull off.

Painted lines and arrows that divide lanes and show direction of travel. White lines separate traffic moving the same way; yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.

A signal that flashes red means the same as a stop sign: halt completely, yield to traffic and pedestrians, then proceed when safe. It is common where a signal is off-peak or at a malfunctioning intersection.

A signal that flashes yellow tells drivers to slow down and proceed with caution. It does not require a stop, but the crossing traffic or hazard it warns of still has the right-of-way if posted.

A green arrow signal gives a protected movement in the direction shown, with opposing traffic stopped. A driver turning on the arrow has the right-of-way over other traffic at the intersection.

The gap a driver keeps behind the vehicle ahead. Under good conditions, stay at least three seconds back; add more time at night, in rain or snow, behind trucks, or when being tailgated.

Driving too closely behind another vehicle, leaving no room to stop if it brakes suddenly. A tailgated driver should increase the gap ahead and let the impatient driver pass rather than brake-check.

The habit of anticipating hazards and assuming other road users may make mistakes. It means scanning far ahead, keeping escape space, controlling speed, and not relying on others to follow the rules.

Overtaking and moving ahead of another vehicle traveling the same direction. It is legal only where markings and signs allow, when sight distance is clear, and when the driver can return to the lane safely.

A lane where traffic entering a highway joins existing traffic, often with a yield sign or an acceleration lane. Entering drivers must adjust speed to fit into a gap and yield to traffic already on the road.

The lights on a vehicle that indicate an intended turn or lane change. Nebraska law requires signaling before turning or changing lanes and canceling the signal after the maneuver is complete.

A person traveling on foot or in a wheelchair or similar device. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections, and should watch for them near schools, buses, and parking lots.

A yellow bus carrying students. When its red lights flash and stop arm extends, traffic in both directions must stop unless separated by a divided highway, and must not move until the lights stop.

A portion of roadway marked for bicycle use, often with a bike symbol and solid white line. Motor vehicles may not drive in or park in a bike lane, and must check for cyclists before turning across one.

A heavy commercial vehicle with limited visibility and long stopping distances. Drivers should avoid lingering alongside a truck's blind spots, give it extra room, and never cut closely in front of one.

The blind spots around large trucks and buses where the driver cannot see nearby vehicles. They exist on all four sides, so a car should pass quickly and avoid staying in those areas.

Loss of tire grip that makes a vehicle slide. To recover, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction the vehicle should go; do not slam the brakes, which can worsen the slide.

When tires ride on a layer of water and lose contact with the road, causing loss of steering and braking control. Slow down in heavy rain and avoid sudden moves to prevent it.

A rule requiring drivers to change lanes, or slow down if a lane change is unsafe, when passing stopped emergency, tow, or maintenance vehicles with flashing lights on the roadside.

The lap and shoulder restraint required for drivers and passengers. Nebraska law requires front-seat occupants and all passengers in certain age groups to be buckled, and children must use approved child restraints.