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Iowa Cheat Sheet

QuestionsAnswers
A driver's left hand extended downward means what?He is making a stop or slowing down
A driver's left hand extended straight out means what?He is making a left turn
A driver's left hand extended upward means what?He is making a right turn
A motorcycle rider can drive with a drivers license if.....The motorcycle endorsement has been added onto your driver's license.
A red eight-sided sign is...Stop sign
A twelve-ounce can of beer has as much alcohol in it as:1 1/2 ounces of 80 proof whiskey, one 5 ounce glass of wine
Automobiles and bicycles must followThe same rules of the road and have the same rights. This means you pass them using turn signals and by going into the other lane as if it were another car.
Before getting a full license, the driver must be accident and violation-free for how long prior to applying for full license?12 consecutive months.
Before getting a full license, the intermediate license holder must log ____ hours of supervised driving.10 hours with at least 2 hours between sunset and sunrise.
Blue SignsServices (food, gas, hotels)
Brown SignsRecreation (camping, lakes, historical)
Buses and passenger vehicles must stop ____ before railroad tracks15-50 feet
Center lines?Shared by vehicles going both directions, used for u-turns and left turns
Do you need a license if you are driving farm equipment between the home farm and nearby (less than 2 miles) farm land?No.
Dotted Lines?Passing is ok
Double solid center lines would usually be found where?On a winding two-way road -- no passing
Drivers EdAge 14. Instruction permit needed. 30 hour classroom, 6 hour lab
Driving while under the influence of intoxicating beverages means:The drivers shows obvious signs of being drunk
Drugs that may affect basic driving skills are:Cold pills, tranquilizers, and some prescription drugs
FlaggersFollow instructions
Flashing arrow panels?Change lanes
Flashing Lights at railroad tracks means?Stop at the gates
Flashing Red LightSame as a stop sign
Flashing Yellow LightProceed with caution
Fog.Dont drive in it.
Full LicenseAge 17 with no restrictions.
Green Arrow LightDrive only in the direction of the arrow
Green LightGo when intersection is clear
Green SignsTell you where a place is
How close can you park to a fire hydrant?5 feet
How close can you park to a stop sign?10 feet
How far ahead must you signal before a turn?At least 100 feet
How far should you stay behind the car you are following?At least 2 seconds
How should you accelerate?Smoothly
How should you turn your wheels when parking downhill next to a curb?To the right toward the curb
HydroplaningA driving condition where the tires lose traction on a wet road, and float on a layer of water or slush
If 2 cars reach a four-way stop at the same time, what is the proper procedure?The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right
If an animal runs out in front of you, neverSwerve sharply. If you see animals in the ditch, slow down and be prepared to stop. Deer travel in groups, hardly ever alone.
If the front of the car vibrations..the problem may be with you?Steering
If the lights of oncoming cars are in your eyes, what should you do?Look to the lower right side of your traffic lane
If there is no "turn on red" sign, when can you make a turn on red?After making a full stop and yielding to traffic
If you are in an accident you must...Stop close to the accident scene without blocking traffic, supply the other driver your name, address, and registration number of your vehicle, and show your driver's license if asked.
If you are involved in an accident and anyone is hurt or killed, you must...Report the accident to the nearest law enforcement agency.
If you drive through a deep puddle what should you do?Test your brakes
If you feel or hear and unusual thumping noise while driving it may be?The tires
If you refuse to take the breath test, urine test or blood test and an officer suspects you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs..You license can be taken away immediately and you are considered legally intoxicated.
If you want to return to the road from a dirt shoulder:Slow down, then turn your wheels to climb the pavement edge
In city driving, a good habit is to:Look 12 seconds ahead
In very heavy rain or snow, you may not be able to see more than 200 feet ahead. If you cannot see ahead well enough to drive, you shouldPull off the road in a safe place and wait until it clears.
Instruction PermitAge 14. Only drive with family over 21. 20 hours log driving.
Intermediate LicenseAge 16. May drive 5am-12.30am, 10 hours of supervised driving.
Iowa has a graduated licensing system. This affects who?Drivers under the age of 18.
It is a good practice to keep a space cushion between cars (2 second rule)to:Give you time to react
It is illegal to ____, _____, and _____ a ____.Read, write, send, text
Leave _____ of space between you and another driver.2 seconds
Leaving the scene of an accident without stopping and leaving information or rendering aid could result in....Suspension of your license.
Leaving the scene of an accident you are involved in if someone is injured will result inOne year in jail and/or a fine up to $1500. If someone is killed, you could be punished with 2 years in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.
Look ahead of ur vehicle at least10 seconds (1 block)
No passing within 100 ft of ____Railroad crossing
One of the best defenses against a drunk driver is :Proper wearing of a safety belt
Only make u-turns on?Wide streets
Orange SignsRoad work
Parking is not allowed 10 ft from?Stop sign
Parking is not allowed 20 ft from?Fire station entrance
Parking is not allowed 5 ft from?Fire hydrants
Parking is not allowed 50 ft from?Hotels, theaters, or railroad crossings
Parking is not allowed on?Crosswalks
Pass within ____ mi before hills and curves39815
Peak months for deer accidents isOctober and November.
Penalty for driving with a suspended license...First offense fine of $500 and up to 6 months additional license suspension
Red LightComplete stop at the line
Red SignsStop, yield
Remember to use mirrors to...Change lanes and check on other drivers
School permits (Minor's School License"may be issued at age 14 in Iowa when (5 conditions):Successfully completed approved driver education course, live one mile or more from school, school rep signed statement of need, had instruction permit for 6 months minimum, and is accident free to time school license issued.
Seat belt use is mandatory for....Driver and passengers in front seats.
Serious accidents causing death/injury/$1000 damage must be reported within 72 hours to...Iowa DOT's Office of Driver Services. If a police officer files a report, you do not have to file one.
Sign Shape: CircleRailroad crossing ahead
Sign Shape: CrossbuckRailroad crossing
Sign Shape: DiamondWarning
Sign Shape: Equiateral TriangleYield
Sign Shape: OctogonStop
Sign Shape: PennantNo passing zone
Sign Shape: PentagonSchool crossing
Sign Shape: RectangleRegulatory or guide (vertical-what you should/should not do...horizontal-directions)
Signal turns _____ft before you turn when going over 45 mph.300
Signal turns _____ft before you turn when going under 45 mph.100
Signal when you slow down by?Tapping the brake 3 or 4 times
Slow down before you ____.Turn
Slow down on when?Roads are slippery
Solid Lines?Passing is not ok
Speed limit in a business district20 mph
Speed limit in residentional or school area25 mph
Speed limit in suburban district45 mph
Speed limit on a state highway?55 mph
Speed limit on interstates70 mph
Speed limit on primary roads or highways55 mph
Speed limit on rural interstate highway?70 mph. Cannot go slower than 40 mph.
Speed limit on unsurfaced roads50 mph
Stay at least ______ behind emergency vehicles with lights500 ft
Studies show that the greatest number of people arrested for drunk driving had been drinking what kind of alcoholic beverage?Beer
The best way to reduce your chances of having an alcohol related accident is to:Don't drive at all after drinking
The first conviction penalty for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is:$250 to $400 fine and possible imprisonment for 3 days and loss of license for 6 months to 1 year
The first step in the graduated driver's license (GDL) system isInstruction permit.
The most dangerous weather condition to drive in is...Fog. Fog at night is even worse. You must drive slow and be ready to stop.
The safest way to exit an expressway is to?Do not slow down much until you move onto the exit ramp, then slow down to posted speed.
The second step in the graduated driver's license (GDL) system isIntermediate license.
This animal is the highest cause of animal related automobile crashes in Iowa.Deer
To make a right turn, you shouldGet in the right lane
To obtain a full license, the driver must be at least _____ years old.17
To obtain an instruction permit you must have written approval of parent/guardian and meet 3 conditions.....Successfully pass the written driving test and the vision screening and be at least 14 years of age.
To obtain an intermediate license you must be at least 16 years age and had an instruction permit for at least12 months.
Turn your body around to ____Back out of parking
Use ______ when steering.Good grip
Watch for trains at a ____Crossbuck
What direction should you check first when approaching an intersection?To the left
What do two parallel white lines across the road meanPedestrian crosswalk
What do you do on curves or hills?Slow down
What does a flashing red light mean?Stop, proceed with caution. Treated as if it were a stop sign.
What does a green light mean?Proceed when safe
What does a red and white triangular sign mean?Yield
What does a single solid white line across an intersection mean?You should stop behind the line for a traffic sign or signal
What does a yellow diamond shaped sign mean?Warning or caution
What does hydroplaning mean?Losing the tire grip on wet roads and riding on a film of water
What does the word "tailgating" mean?Driving too close to the vehicle in front. It does not allow you enough time to react if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops
What is a "Habitual Offender"?Any person whose license has been suspended 3 times within 3 years
What is a good "rule of thumb" in adjusting your speed to traffic?Try to adjust your speed to the flow of traffic
What is a good practice at intersections that have no signs or signals?Be ready to stop if necessary
What is a good practice when driving in the city?Check intersections ahead for signals
What is a good practice when nearing an intersection?Slow down and be prepared to stop
What is an acceleration lane?An extra lane provided at the entrance to an expressway
What is an uncontrolled intersection?One where there are no traffic signs or signals
What is considered a moving violation?Any traffic law violation when the vehicle is being driven such as speeding, illegal turns, going through a red light, etc.
What is good practice while driving?Keep from looking at any one thing for more than a few seconds
What is the "rule of thumb" for following distances on dry roads?One car length back for each 10 mph speed or 2-3 second space between cars
What is the best way to talk to other drivers?Through the use of horn or lights
What is the most common mistake a new driver makes with the brake?Pushing the brakes too hard
What is the penalty for not telling the truth when applying for a license?Your license can be suspended.
What is the penalty for refusing to take a breath test?Driver's license will be taken away.
What is the proper lane to turn into when making a left turn?The lane nearest the center in the direction you are heading
What is the purpose of traffic laws?To protect you and other drivers
What must you do if a school bus is stopped and its red light is flashing?Stop. You may not pass until the stop arm is pulled in and the flashing red lights stop.
What must you do if you are meeting or following a school bus displaying flashing amber lights?Slow down to 20 mph or less and be prepared to stop. You may not pass.
What must you do if you want to turn left at a traffic light?Yield to the oncoming traffic.
What papers must you have when operating a motor vehicle?License, registration, and insurance card
What should be done if two cars enter an uncontrolled intersection simultaneously?The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right
What should you do if you are angry or upset?Cool off before attempting to drive
What should you do if you go into a skid?Take your foot of the gas pedal
What should you do if you have a blowout?Slow the vehicle gradually
What should you do if you miss an exist on an expressway?Go on to the next exit; do not reverse or back up
What should you do if your brakes fail?Shift to a lower gear and pump your breaks
What should you do if your electric signals fail to operate?Use hand signals
What should you do when approaching a yellow light?Stop before entering intersection if possible
When approaching a railroad crossing with flashing lights and gates....Stopping is required. Remain stopped until lights stop flashing and gates go up.
When approaching a school bus...Slow down to 20 mph, if the stop arm is out stop 15 ft from bus and DO NOT PASS
When are headlights required to be used?Sunset to sunrise or whenever visibility is 500 feet or less such as when raining, snowing, or fog.
When blood alcohol content reaches 0.15%, your chances of getting into a serious or fatal accident will increase:25 times
When driving on gravel you must...Slow down. Much easier to skid and lose control of your vehicle on gravel.
When driving with an instruction permit you must always ....Drive with a parent/guardian, family member over 21, driver education teacher, or driver over 25 with written permission of parent/guardian.
When following a car at night, you must use low-beam headlights when you are within ______ feet of the car ahead.400 feet.
When is the road surface most slippery?During the first few minutes of rain
When may you pass on the right?If the car in front is turning left and there is a lane for driving on the right
When meeting a car at night, you must switch to low-beam headlights within1000 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
When passing a slow moving vehicle such as a tractor or other farm equipment...Use extreme caution. Make sure the driver of the slow moving vehicle can see your vehicle before passing.
When should you use your high beam lights?Open country driving situations
When should you use your horn?If you are driving out of an alley
When should you use your parking lights?Once the car is parked only.
When you are driving on a curve, your vehicle will tend to go in what direction?Straight
When you hear an emergency vehicle?Pull to right side of road
When your car is stranded in a heavy snow storm, you should...Stay with your car
Where should you position the car to make a left turn from a two-way street?The lane nearest the center of the road
Whether your blood alcohol concentration rises above legal limits depends on:How fast you drink, your weight and amount you drink
Which lights should you use when driving in fog?Low beams
Which markers warn drivers of dangerous conditionsBarricades, vertical panels, drums, cones, and tubular markers
Which way do you turn if you go into a skid?In the direction the back of the car is skidding
White Lines?Cars are going in the same direction
White SignsRegulations (speed limits, no parking)
Why should you use seat/shoulder beltsThey increase your chances of surviving an accident
With a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or moreYou are considered legally intoxicated (under the influence) and your license can be taken away on the spot.
With a blood alcohol concentration of 0 to .08%You are presumed NOT to be under the influence
With an instruction permit and an intermediate license, the number of passengers are limited toThe number of seat belts in the vehicle.
With an intermediate license, you may drive between what hours without supervision?5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Otherwise must have in-car supervision of an adult as in an instruction permit.
Yellow Arrow LightIf you cant stop safely before the intersection turn with the arrow
Yellow LightSlow down and be ready to stop
Yellow Lines?Cars go in opposite directions
Yellow SignsCaution
Yellow-Green SignsCaution
You are required by IA laws to keep to the right except:When on a one-way street, when passing, or is impractical to travel on that side of the roadway
You must _____ in road work zones.Drive slowly
You must be able to see _____ behind you with mirrors200 ft
You must prove financial responsibility (i.e. liability insurance) or your license will be suspended if....An accident investigation shows you contributed to the accident.
You should always yield to:Other vehicles already in the intersection, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles
Your license can be suspended for 3 or more ...Moving violations or contributing to 3 or more accidents in 12 month period.

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