Oklahoma DMV Permit Test key terms

The legal privilege of one road user to proceed ahead of another in a given situation. It is yielded, never taken, and is usually decided by signs, signals, or the first vehicle to arrive at an intersection.

A downward-pointing red and white triangle meaning you must slow down and let traffic on the intersecting road or ramp go first. Stop completely if necessary before entering only when the way is clear.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs. Vehicles proceed in the order they arrived, and if two arrive at the same time the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

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.

The stretch of pavement where traffic entering a highway joins existing traffic. The entering driver must adjust speed and yield, while highway traffic should help by changing lanes or adjusting speed when safe.

A lane on a freeway entrance ramp that lets a driver build up speed to match highway traffic before merging. Using it properly avoids forcing other drivers to brake suddenly.

The total distance a vehicle travels from the moment a hazard is seen until it comes to a complete stop. It combines perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance, and grows quickly as speed rises.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. Under normal conditions keep at least three seconds; add more time in rain, darkness, heavy traffic, or when following a large truck or motorcycle.

Driving too closely behind another vehicle so that you cannot stop in time if it brakes suddenly. It is a common cause of rear-end crashes and a frequent trigger of road rage.

The interval between noticing a hazard and physically applying the brake or turning the wheel. It is slowed by fatigue, alcohol, distraction, and medication, which lengthens the distance traveled before braking begins.

Operating a vehicle while attention is diverted to another activity such as texting, eating, grooming, or adjusting controls. Even a brief glance away at highway speed covers a long distance blind.

A style of driving in which you anticipate mistakes by others, keep escape space around your vehicle, and avoid relying on other drivers to follow the rules. It emphasizes looking ahead and planning an out.

The buffer of empty roadway kept around your vehicle on all sides, including ahead, behind, and beside. It gives room to swerve or brake when another driver makes an unexpected move.

When tires ride up on a film of water and lose contact with the pavement, causing loss of steering and braking control. Ease off the accelerator and avoid hard braking until traction returns.

A loss of tire grip that makes the vehicle slide. Steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go, and avoid slamming the brakes, especially in a rear-wheel skid.

Aggressive and sometimes violent behavior by a driver in response to a traffic incident. Safe drivers avoid provoking it, do not make eye contact, and allow an angry driver to pass.

The percentage of alcohol in a person's bloodstream, used to measure impairment. Oklahoma treats a driver 21 or older as legally intoxicated at 0.08 percent or higher.

A policy that makes it illegal for a driver under 21 to operate a vehicle with any measurable alcohol in the body. Oklahoma uses a very low threshold for underage drivers.

The rule that anyone who drives on Oklahoma roads has already agreed to submit to a chemical test of breath or blood when lawfully arrested for suspicion of impaired driving. Refusal can lead to license revocation.

Driving under the influence, the offense of operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination. It can be charged even when the driver's BAC is below the legal limit if impairment is shown.

An opened bottle or can of alcohol kept in the passenger area of a vehicle. Oklahoma law restricts open containers in vehicles, and they are treated as evidence of drinking while driving.

A red octagon with white lettering that requires a complete halt at the marked line or before entering the crosswalk. You may proceed only after stopping and yielding to other traffic.

A signal that operates like a stop sign, requiring a full stop before proceeding when the way is clear. A flashing yellow light, by contrast, means slow down and use caution.

A light or series of lights controlling the movement of traffic. A steady red means stop, green means go if clear, yellow warns of an approaching red, and arrows control specific turns.

A permitted turn after a complete stop at a red light, unless a sign forbids it. You must yield to pedestrians and cross traffic before turning during the red phase.

A marked stretch of road near a school where the speed limit is lowered during posted hours or when children are present. Fines are typically higher and extra watchfulness is required for children crossing.

The maximum lawful speed for a road, posted on signs or set by statute. Driving faster than conditions safely allow, even below the posted limit, can still be a violation.

Operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. It covers extreme speeding, racing, and other dangerous conduct and carries serious penalties.

A rule requiring drivers to change lanes, or slow down if a lane change is unsafe, when passing stopped emergency or roadside vehicles with flashing lights. It protects officers, tow operators, and workers.

A police car, fire truck, ambulance, or similar vehicle running lights and siren. When one approaches, pull to the right edge and stop until it passes, and never follow closely behind it.

A marked or unmarked portion of roadway set aside for people on foot. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, and passing a vehicle stopped at one is dangerous and often illegal.

A portion of the roadway designated by markings or signs for bicycle travel. Motor vehicles may not drive or park in it, and drivers should check for cyclists before turning across it.

The area beside and behind a vehicle that mirrors do not show. Drivers must turn their head to check it before changing lanes, and should avoid lingering in another vehicle's blind spot.

Moving from one travel lane to another. Signal first, check mirrors and blind spots, and change only when there is a safe gap, since the driver changing lanes normally must yield.

Oklahoma's step-by-step licensing system for new drivers, starting with a learner permit and moving through intermediate stages before a full license. Each stage adds privileges as experience and clean records are earned.

A restricted license that lets a new driver practice behind the wheel with a licensed adult in the vehicle. Oklahoma requires the permit be held for a set period and limits driving hours for young holders.

The stage between a learner permit and a full license, allowing unsupervised driving with certain limits such as passenger or nighttime restrictions. Moving on requires a clean record and completion of the permit period.

The requirement that a driver be able to pay for damages caused in a crash, usually shown by carrying liability insurance at state minimum limits. Driving without it can bring fines, suspension, and higher future costs.

Coverage that pays for injury or property damage you cause to others in a crash. Oklahoma sets minimum required limits, and proof of coverage must be shown when registering or requested by law enforcement.

The official record and sticker tying a vehicle to its owner and showing it is legal to drive. Registration must be kept current, and expired tags can lead to citations or being stopped.

A periodic check of a vehicle's brakes, lights, tires, and other equipment to confirm it meets minimum standards. Some Oklahoma vehicles must pass inspection to stay legally registered.