DRIVER HANDBOOK ASSIGNMENT

SECTION 1

1. DEFINITIONS [1-1, 1-2, 1-3 / 1,2]
1. Provisional License – A Utah license issued to any person under 21 years of age.
2. Suspension – Temporary withdrawal of the privilege to drive.
3. Blind Spots – The area of the roadway that cannot be seen with mirrors while operating a vehicle.
4. License – The privilege to drive a motor vehicle.
5. Revocation – Termination of the privilege to drive a motor vehicle.
6. Motor Vehicle – Every self-propelled vehicle, except motorized wheelchairs, electric personal assistive mobility device and vehicles moved solely by human power.
7. Head Checks – Checking your blind spot by turning your head and looking over your shoulder in the direction you plan on moving.
8. Careless Driving – A person operating a motor vehicle is guilty of careless driving if the person commits two or more moving traffic violations within a single continuous period of driving or commits a moving traffic violation while being distracted by one or more activities taking place within the vehicle that are not related to the operation of a motor vehicle, including searching for an item in the vehicle or attending to personal hygiene, or grooming.
9. Assumption of Financial Responsibility – An adult signing for liability for civil damages caused by a minor when operating a motor vehicle.

SECTION 1

2. Describe what the Driver License Compact is [1-5 / 3]:

States share Driver Records & Convictions for Traffic Offenses. 45 States and the District of Columbia are members of the DLC. Non-Member States Include – Georgia, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Tennessee.

• List 9 steps involved in obtaining a driver license (certificate) [1-6 / 3]:
1. Completion of a Driver Training course.
2. Proof of Financial Responsibility. (Insurance)
3. Proof of Identity and U.S. Citizenship.
4. Two Forms of Utah Residency.
5. Proof of Social Security Number or Ineligibility to Obtain a Social Security Number.
6. Payment of Applicable Fees.
7. Completion of a Medical Questionnaire and Vision Test.
8. Completion of the required Knowledge/Skills Tests.
9. A Photo.

SECTION 1

4. What tests are required for a person to obtain a driver license [1-6, 1-7 / 4]?
1. Knowledge Test – Road Signs, Specific to Class of License Applied For, Safe Driving

Practices, Driving and Traffic Laws, License Sanctions.

• Traffic Safety and Trends Exam.
• Driving Skills (Road) Test.
• Eye Test.
6. Describe what an applicant will be evaluated on during his/her road (skills) test [1-7 / 4].
1. Proper Driving Techniques.
2. General Behavior and Attitude.
3. Driving Posture and Proper Use of Lanes.
4. Left and Right Turns.
5. Starting and Stopping.
6. Parking on Hills and Between Cars.
7. Observance of Traffic Signs and Signals, Backing, U-Turns, and Steering.
8. Attention at Intersections.
9. Overall Ability to Operate the Vehicle Safely and Appropriately.

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SECTION 2

6. Applicants younger than 19 years of age must complete an approved

DRIVER EDUCATION course before being licensed in Utah. [2-1 / 5]

7. Applicants 19 years of age or older who have never been licensed to drive a

motor vehicle may be licensed without completing a driver education

course if they hold a UTAH learner permit for THREE (3) months and

complete at least 40 hours of driving (ten of those hours at night). [2-1 / 5]

8. All applicants applying for a learner permit must [2-2 / 5]:
1. Successfully pass the Knowledge Test.
2. Take an Eye Examination.
3. Complete a Safety Assessment.
9. To obtain a learners permit you must be how old? 15 years old. Pay a fee of $19. Who must accompany you when you drive? Licensed Driver (who signed & is responsible for you). Does the Learner Permit need to be with you when you drive? Yes [2-2, 2-3 / 5] [DRIVERS LICENSE FEES: 3-12 / 6]

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SECTION 2

10. What is the learner permit holding period for the following ages [2-2 / 5]?
16. 6 months
17. 6 months
18. No holding period but must complete driver education
19. 3 months unless applicant completes an approved driver education class
11. If you are 19 years or older and never had a driver license, are you required to take a driver education class? NO, but they can in order to waive the 3 months learner’s permit holding period requirement. Must still complete 40 hours of driving time with ten night time hours. [2-3 / 5]

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SECTION 3

12. What is a class D driver license [3-1 / 7]?

Allows you to drive all personal vehicles (up to 26,000 lbs.) except taxicabs, etc…

• You may apply for a renewal of your license up to Six (6) months prior to the expiration of the license. After paying fees and passing the required tests, you will be issued a new license that will expire in eight (8) years on the driver’s birthday. [3-9 / 11]
• What do you do if you lose your license [3-9 / 11]?

Return to the DLD, Apply for a duplicate license, Pay Fees, Eye Test, and Photo.

15. What is a driver required to do if they let their license expire [3-9 / 11]?

Must apply for a new license. All exams, knowledge and skills testing.

16. What are the fees for [3-12 / 6]:
1. Driver License – $39 Renewal - $52
2. Learner Permit – $19
3. Motorcycle Endorsement - $11

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SECTION 4

• Fatigue – When you are physically or mentally tired. [4-1 / 12]
• Tips To Do Before Taking a Trip [4-1 / 12] –
1. Get enough sleep – 7-9 hours.
2. Plan to stop every 2 hours for breaks.
3. Have another person travel with you to watch your driving.
4. Check the labels on your medicine. (No Drowsy Side-Effects)
5. Do Not drink alcohol and drive.
6. Do Not take other drugs when you drive.
• Ways to Avoid Fatigue [4-1 / 12] –
• If you start to feel tired, stop driving. Nap or sleep. (For at least 20 minutes)
• Do Not drive late at night.
• Driving is hard mental work. Be rested and ready.
• The Best Way to Avoid Fatigue is to GET PLENTY OF REST! [4-1 / 12]

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SECTION 4

• Warning Signs that Signify Drowsiness While Driving [4-2 / 12]:
1. You can’t remember the last few miles driven.
2. You hit a rumble strip or drift from your lane.
3. You keep pulling your vehicle back into the lane.
4. Your thoughts are wandering and disconnected.
5. You yawn repeatedly.
6. You have difficulty focusing or keeping your eyes open and your head up.
7. You tailgate or miss traffic signs.
8. You have narrowly missed crashing.
• Driver Distraction – Anything that takes your mind or body away from driving [4-2 / 12].
• Tips to Help You Avoid Distractions [4-2 / 12]:
• Do Not talk on the phone & Do Not text.
• Don’t argue with passengers.
• Do Not eat while driving.
• Keep pets in a pet carrier, not loose in the vehicle.
• Eliminate things that take your mind away from driving. Be responsible for driving safely.

SECTION 4/5

• Aggressive Driving is DRIVING WITHOUT REGARD FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AND PROPERTY. [4-3 / 12]
• Examples of Aggressive Driving [4-3 /12]:
1. Speeding
2. Following to Close
3. Unsafe Lane Changes
4. Not Signaling
5. Not Obeying Traffic Signs & Signals. (Stop/Yield/RR…)
• In Utah it is against the LAW to DRIVE or to RIDE in the vehicle without wearing a SAFETY BELT. [5-2 / 13]
• All passengers must wear SAFETY BELTS and children younger than 8 years old must be properly restrained in a CAR seat or BOOSTER seat. [5-2 / 13,14]
• In Utah, approximately TWO out of THREE motor vehicle deaths would not happen if SAFETY BELTS were worn. [5-2 / 13]

SECTION 5

• Child Car Seat Basics [5-4 / 14]:
1. Rear Facing – Until at least 2 years of age and 30 pounds, or longer if the car seat allows.
2. Forward Facing – Until at least 4 years of age and 40 pounds, or longer if the car seat allows.
3. Booster – From approximately 4 years and 40 pounds until the seat belt fits correctly and until the child is 4’9” tall.
4. Adult Seat Belt Key Points [5-4 / 14]:
1. Age 8 or older and at least 4’9” tall.
2. Lap and shoulder belts lay across upper thighs and chest; knees bend at seat edge.
3. All children younger than 13 years should ride in the back seat.
4. Never put shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back.
5. Always buckle up to stay safe and set a good example.
6. Find a child passenger safety technician at clickitutah.org
• Air Bag Critical Safety Points [5-5 / 14]:
• Children 12 and under should ride buckled up in the rear seat.
• Infants should NEVER ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag.
• Small children should ride in the rear seat in child car seats approved for their age and size.
• Everyone should buckle up with both lap AND shoulder belts on every trip.
• Driver and front seat passengers should be moved as far back as practical.
• If a child must sit in a seating position with an air bag, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible and ensure that they are properly secured in an appropriate child car seat. Turn off the air bag, if possible.

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SECTION 6

• Describe the hand position for your steering wheel. [6-1 / 15]

Hands on the steering wheel; grip the steering wheel firmly but gently. Use your fingers, not the palms of your hands. Keep your thumbs up along the face of the steering wheel. Never hold the inside of the wheel.

• 5 Situations where signaling is required [6-3 / 15]:
1. For two seconds before turning.
2. For two seconds before beginning any lane change.
3. Any time you pull away from a curb.
4. When you intend to slow down or stop. Your brake lights will accomplish this if they are operating properly and can be readily seen.
5. Use the emergency flasher system when your car is disabled on the highway.
• The Basic Speed Law [6-3 / 16]: NEVER DRIVE FASTER THAN IS REASONABLY SAFE.
• Speed Limits [6-3 / 16]:
• School Zones – 20 MPH
• Business or Residential – 25 MPH
• Major Highways – 55 MPH
• Rural Interstate Highways – 65/70/75/80 MPH

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SECTION 7

• 6 Rules for Yielding the Right of Way [7-1 / 17]:
1. A driver who is at the intersection before you.
2. Driver in the opposite lane when you are making a left turn.
3. The driver on your right at a four-way stop, if both of you arrive at the same time.
4. Drivers on a public road if you are coming from a driveway or a private road.
5. Drivers already on an interstate highway if you are on the entrance ramp.
6. Pedestrians, bicyclist, and others that are still in the intersection.
• Describe the purpose and rules for the following lights [7-2 / 17]:
• Green Light – You may go through with caution if the way is clear.
• Yellow Light – The light is about to change to red.
• Red Light – You must stop before entering the intersection. You must wait behind the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection until the light turns green; you may make a right turn on a red light after coming to a FULL AND COMPLETE STOP, unless posted otherwise.
• Flashing Yellow Light – Slow down and proceed with caution. Be prepared to stop for any traffic.
• Flashing Red Light – Stop and look both ways before entering the intersection.
• Solid Green Arrow – You may proceed in the direction the arrow is pointing. Protected Turn.

SECTION 7

• Warning Signs are diamond shaped, yellow signs with black lettering or symbols that warn of danger ahead. Examples include [7-3 / 17,18]:
1. Intersection Ahead
2. Merging Traffic
3. Pedestrian Crossing
• Draw the two Railroad Crossing signs [7-4 / 18]:

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• Regulatory signs are square, rectangular, or may have a special shape and are white with black, red, or green letters or symbols. These signs tell you about traffic direction, lane use, turning, speed, parking, and other special situations. A red circle with a red slash across the symbol means that you cannot do certain things. [7-5, 7-6 / 18,19]
• Signs have specific colors…they are:
1. Regulatory – White with Black, Red, or Green lettering or symbols.
2. Warning – Yellow with Black lettering or symbols.
3. Guide – Green (Mileage/Destinations), Brown (Parks/Recreation), or Blue (Traveling Information/Help).
4. Route – Red/White/Blue (Interstate Route), Black and White (U.S./State Route).

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SECTION 7

• What pavement markings separate traffic going in the opposite directions? [7-7 / 19] Yellow Lane Markings
• What pavement markings separate traffic going in the same direction? [7-7 / 19] White Lane Markings
• Crosswalks and Stop Lines --- At stop sign or signal, you must stop behind the STOP LINE or CROSSWALK. If crosswalks are not marked, then you must STOP before the intersection or stop sign. [7-7 / 19]
• Shared Center Left Turn Lane – Used on many streets where it is hard to make a left turn safely. [7-8 / 19,20]

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• Other Names for the Carpool Lane include Express Lane or HOV (High-Occupancy Vehicle) Lane. [7-8 / 20]

SECTION 7/8

• If you are merging into a lane of traffic, you must yield the right of way to all vehicles traveling in the continuing lane of traffic. It is against the law to cross over or drive in the “gore area”. Do not cross over the SOLID WHITE LINE. [7-9 / 20]
• Flex Lanes are lanes that can be used during rush hours and that can be closed at other times. These lanes can carry traffic in one direction at certain times and in the opposite direction at other times. The lanes may have double dashed yellow lines to either side. A green arrow means that you can use the lane. A red X means that you cannot use the lane. [7-9, 7-10 / 20]
• Every turn requires the necessary signal for two seconds and a head check. [8-1 / 21]
• When Turning: [8-1 / 21]
1. Check for traffic controls, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Signal for at least 2 seconds.
2. Signal and safely move into the proper lane well in advance of your turn. If you cannot get into the proper lane at least 100 feet before your turn, then do not turn.
3. Look as far as you can through the turn.
4. Accelerate smoothly, cancel your turn signal, and check to the rear.

SECTION 8

• Right Turns: [8-1 / 21]
1. Signal right for two seconds.
2. Do not swing wide to the left before a right turn.
3. Always turn right from the right side of your lane.
• Left Turns: [8-1 / 21]
• Signal left for two seconds.
• Yield to oncoming traffic.
• Always turn left from the left side of your lane.
• Multiple Lanes: [8-1 / 21]
• Enter the same lane from which you are turning.
• Stay in that lane until the turn is finished.
• At all intersections slow down and search for traffic controls, oncoming traffic and cross traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists, road condition, and objects that block your view. [8-2 / 22]

SECTION 8

• When using a traffic circle (Roundabout) you should: [8-2 / 21]
1. Slow down to enter the circle.
2. Yield to traffic and pedestrians in the circle.
3. Enter a traffic circle to the right.
4. Signal your exit for two seconds.
• When entering a multi-lane highway you should: [8-6 / 23]
• Use the acceleration lane to match your speed with other vehicles before pulling onto the roadway.
• Signal for two seconds, find a gap in traffic, and merge with the traffic.
• Cancel your turn signal.
• Ramp Metering is when a red or green traffic signal controls the rate at which traffic can enter the freeway. Used at high traffic times to prevent “stop & go” conditions and slowdowns on the freeway. A car or two may enter the freeway on a green light and must stop and wait at a red light. [8-7 / 23]

SECTION 8

• When exiting a multi lane roadway you should: [8-7, 8-8 / 24]
1. Plan ahead to make a safe exit.
2. Move to the exit lane early to avoid having to make a quick lane change.
3. Keep a steady speed as long as you are on the main road.
4. Signal, move to the exit or deceleration lane, and slow to the exit speed.
5. Check for a posted speed in the exit or deceleration lane.
6. Cancel your signal.
• List the “Do Nots” of freeway driving: [8-8 / 23]
• Do Not Tailgate.
• Do Not Make U-Turns on the Freeway.
• Do Not Drive in the Emergency Lane.
• Do Not Drive So Slowly That You Block Traffic.
• Do Not Drive Faster Than the Posted Speed Limit.
• Do Not Use the Entrance Ramp to Exit the Freeway.
• Do Not Insist on the Right of Way.
• Do Not Pass Unless It Is Safe.
• Do Not Drive in the Left Lane.

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SECTION 8

• Passing [8-9 / 23,24]
1. Notes for when you are passing:
1. Check for oncoming traffic.
2. Check your mirrors and do a head check for vehicles following or passing you.
3. Signal.
4. Steer into the passing lane.
5. Adjust speed.
6. Move completely into the left lane.
7. Return to the right hand lane no less than 200 feet of oncoming vehicles.
8. Wait until you can see all of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.
9. Signal before returning to the lane.
10. Steer into the lane and adjust speed.
2. Notes for when you are being passed:
1. Stay in your lane.
2. Hold a steady speed to let the driver pass you.
4. Notes for when you should never pass:
• If there is an oncoming vehicle.
• If your view is blocked by a curb or a hill.
• At intersections or another car when stopped at a crosswalk.
• Before a railroad crossing or a bridge.
• In a no passing zone.

SECTION 8

• Rules for school buses: [8-10 / 24]
1. On a 4-lane divided highway with a median, only cars in the lanes behind the school bus traveling the same direction must stop.
2. On a 2-lane roadway, traffic in both directions must stop.
3. On a 4-lane roadway without a median, traffic in both directions is required to stop.
4. On a 5 or more lane roadway with a shared turn lane, only cars in the lanes behind the school bus traveling in the same direction must stop.
• You Are Not Allowed to Park: [8-10, 8-11 / 24,25]
• Sidewalks, In front of public/private driveways, In an Intersection, On a crosswalk, Alongside or opposite street excavation or obstruction, On the roadway side of another vehicle, On any bridge or elevated highway structure or highway tunnel, When a sign says not to, On the shoulder of an interstate highway unless vehicle breaks down or in physical distress, Red painted curbs or red zones.
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
• Within 20 feet of a crosswalk.
• Within 30 feet of any flashing beacon, stop sign, yield sign, or traffic control signal.
• On railroad tracks or within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.
• Within 20 feet of a fire station driveway entrance. Opposite side of a fire station driveway entrance if signs are posted.

SECTION 8/9

• You Must Never Make a U-Turn: [8-13 / 26]
1. On any curve.
2. Near the top of the hill where you cannot see or be seen from both directions for 500 feet.
3. Where prohibited by an official traffic control device.
4. On a railroad track or railroad grade crossing.
5. On a freeway.
• Things that Affect Stopping Distance: [9-2 / 27]
• Speed
• Perception Time – ¾ to 1 second.
• Reaction Time – ¾ to 1 second.
• Braking Distance – At 50 mph on dry pavement with good brakes = 158 feet, which is doubled when you add Perception Time and Reaction Time to 316 feet.
• Increase your Following Distance When: [9-3 / 28]
• On slick roads.
• When following large vehicles or vehicles pulling a trailer.
• At night, in fog, or in bad weather.
• When following vehicles that stop at railroad crossings (transit/school buses, trucks with dangerous materials).

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SECTION 11

• Bicycles are considered vehicles. [11-2 / 31]
• Utah law requires a minimum of three feet of distance from any bicyclist or vulnerable user of the highway you are passing. [11-2 / 31]
• Motorcycle Notes: [11-3 / 31,32]
1. Give motorcycles a full lane.
2. Motorcycles are small and difficult to see. Check mirrors and blind spots for them.
3. Be alert on left turns for motorcycles.
4. Do not believe the turn signal on a motorcycle.
5. Increase following distance to 4 seconds in good conditions. More as necessary.
6. Scooters and mopeds are much slower than motorcycles.
• When police cars, fire engines, ambulances, or other emergency vehicles approach using sirens, emergency lights or other warning devices, you must YIELD the RIGHT of WAY. [11-5 / 32]
• When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle you must reduce your speed, provide as much space as practical, and lane change if safe and practical. [11-5 / 32,33]

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SECTION 12

• Dim your lights before you get within 500 feet of an oncoming car and within 300 feet of the car you are following. [12-1, 12-2 / 34]
• Increase your following distance by at least a second at night. Add at least two seconds for night driving on strange roads. [12-2 / 34]
• Do not park closer than 50 feet from a RR crossing unless signs indicate that you may or it is allowed by local law. When you stop at a railroad crossing, you must be between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail. [12-10 / 38]
• 10 Safety Tips to Use at RR Crossings: [12-12, 12-13 / 39]
1. Expect a Train on Any Track at Any Time.
2. Don’t Get Trapped on a Railroad Crossing.
3. Get Out of Your Vehicle if it Stalls.
4. Watch Out for Second Trains.
5. Never Drive Around Gates.
6. Never Race a Train.
7. Watch for Vehicles that Must Stop at Railroad Crossings.
8. Don’t Misjudge the Speed and Distance of the Train.
9. At Night Be Especially Alert at Railroad Crossings.
10. Be aware and careful when obstructions are present.

APPENDIX D/F

• The Financial Responsibility Act requires that you have your vehicle or yourself, as a driver, insured. Liable for injuries and damages if you are at fault. [D-1 / 52]
• If you are involved in a crash you must: [D-4 / 51]
1. Stop Immediately.
2. Render Aid.
3. Move your vehicle to a safer place if property damage allows and there are no injuries.
4. Contact the Police if:
1. The crash results in injuries, death, or more than $1,500 in total property damage.
5. Exchange Information
• Name, Address, Vehicle Registration Number, Insurance Information.
• Generally it takes 20-40 minutes for alcohol to reach the brain. [F-3 / 56]
• If you are legally drunk, then you are 6 times more likely to be involved in a crash. [F-3 / 56]
• The “Implied Consent Law” says that you have agreed to submit to a chemical test for drugs or alcohol at any time requested by a police officer. [F-6 / 58]

APPENDIX F

• The “Not A Drop Act” says that any person under the age of 21 years of age is not allowed any measurable amount of alcohol in their body while driving. [F-5 / 57]
• How may points do you accumulate to lose your driving privileges? [F-8 / 59]
1. Under 21 years old? 70 points in a 3 year period.
2. Over 21 years old? 200 points in a 3 year period.
• How many points are given for the following violations? [F-8 / 59]
• Stop Sign = 50
• Tailgating (Following too close) = 60
• Reckless Driving = 80
• Speeding = 35-75
• List three ways to reduce or clear your points (in a 3 year period of time): [F-8, F-9 / 59]
• 1 year of no moving traffic violations = points reduced by ½.
• 2 years of no moving traffic violations = all points cleared.
• Completion of a Defensive Driving Course = points reduced by 50.

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APPENDIX H

• Common Mistakes Motorists Must Avoid When Driving Around Big Trucks: [H-2 / 61]
1. Cutting them off.
2. Lingering alongside them when passing.
3. Following too close (Tailgating).
4. Underestimating the Size and Speed of them.
• The size and weight maximums for vehicles: [H-2, H-3 / 61,62]
• Width = 8 ½ feet.
• Height = 14 feet.
• Length = 45 feet.

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