Studying for the Idaho Driver's Test

*Note: I compiled questions from a course, from ChatGPT, and from my own research into this document so three separate people in my household could study for the Idaho Driver's test. 

Important Links:

• Idaho Department of Transportation (IDOT) - DMV

• Idaho Driver's Handbook

POTENTIAL TEST QUESTIONS FOR IDAHO DRIVER’S LICENSE

Identify this sign by its shape and color!

1. crosswalk
2. (railroad crossing)
3. school zone
4. no passing

 

Most fatal crashes happen in the:

1. city
2. (country)

 

What speed should a typical street corner be taken at?

1. 5 mph
2. (15 mph)
3. 20 mph
4. 30 mph

 

You do not have to wait for a pedestrian to completely cross a crosswalk before you turn. True or false?

1. True
2. (False)

 

The three types of traffic signs are:

1. warning, help, speed
2. speed, crossing, guide
3. regulatory, speed, guide
4. (warning, guide, regulatory)

 

What is an uncontrolled intersection?

1. One with only two signs
2. One with four stop signs
3. (One with no signs or lights)
4. One where no one is in control

 

In Idaho, when can you turn LEFT on a red light?

1. (When turning onto a one-way street from a one-way street)
2. when turning right
3. You cannot
4. When turning onto a two-way street from a one-way street

 

Marijuana can slow reaction time while driving. True or false?

1. (True)
2. False

 

A second moving violation for a driver under the age of 17 results in a 30-day license suspension. True or false?

1. (True)
2. False

 

You can lose your license for which of the following?

1. Leaving the scene of a crash with injury or damage
2. Reckless driving
3. Driving with more than three teenagers in your vehicle
4. (Both leaving the scene and reckless driving)

 

You must stop your vehicle before leaving your driveway and entering the street. True or false?

1. (True)
2. False

 

On wet roads, your car can hydroplane to the point it completely floats off the road at ____ mph or more.

1. 55
2. 45
3. (35) < Correct
4. 25

 

What does S.M.O.G. stand for?

1. Simple Movement Of Gravity
2. Signal, Move, Over, Go
3. Signal, look Over your shoulder, Motion to others, Go if clear
4. (Signal, check Mirrors, look Over your shoulder, Go if clear)

 

You cannot park closer than ___ feet from a fire hydrant.

1. 5
2. 10
3. (15)
4. 20

 

In Idaho you only have to have a license plate on the front of the vehicle. True or false?

1. True
2. (False)

 

This is a slow moving vehicle sign. True or false?

1. (True)
2. False

 

 

Which age group is most likely to be distracted while driving?

1. (Drivers under the age of 20)
2. Drivers 21-29 years of age
3. Drivers 30-39 years of age
4. Drivers 40-49 years of age

 

When should you approach your parked vehicle from the front?

1. When your vehicle is parked in a parking lot
2. When your vehicle is parked at a Dutch Bros. coffee shop
3. When your vehicle is double parked
4. (When your vehicle is parked at a curb)

 

Motorized vehicle crashes are the #1 cause of death for which age group?

1. 1-15
2. (1-34)
3. 35-50
4. 51-98

 

 

Which car in the graphic below is able to pass if a safe passing scenario presents itself?

1. (The white car in the bottom lane)
2. The pink car in the top lane
3. Neither can pass
4. Both could pass

 

 

 

How much distance should you give a bicycle rider that you are preparing to pass?

1. 2'
2. (3') < the ‘ means feet.
3. 6'
4. 8'

 

Just by its shape, name this sign!

1. school crossing
2. (stop sign)
3. no passing
4. railroad crossing

 

Which law states that you cannot drive faster than conditions allow?

1. The speed limit
2. Basic Common Law
3. Common Sense Law
4. (Basic Speed Law)

 

Which is the #1 cause of death in Idaho single vehicle crashes?

1. (Rollover)
2. Head-on collisions
3. Running off the road
4. Going into a river

 

How long should you signal before exiting the freeway?

1. 10 seconds
2. 20 seconds
3. 30 seconds
4. (5 seconds)

 

The enhanced side mirror settings have you move your mirrors out an additional ___ degrees from the traditional setting.

1. 5
2. 10
3. (15)
4. 20

 

While driving in heavy fog, which lights should you have on?

1. brights
2. (regular headlights)
3. both your brights and regular headlights
4. none of the above

 

You must dim your brights _____ feet before meeting an oncoming vehicle and ____ feet before overtaking another vehicle.

1. 200 and 500
2. (500 and 200)
3. 100 and 300
4. 250 and 250

 

After buying a vehicle how long do you have to get it registered?

1. 10 days
2. (30 days)
3. 60 days
4. 6 months

 

You must park no more than ___ inches from a curb.

1. 10
2. 12
3. 16
4. (18)

 

 

This is a No Passing sign. True or false?

1. (True)
2. False

 

 

Which of the following type of signs could be brown?

1. speed zone
2. direction
3. warning
4. (guide)

 

In ideal weather conditions, how many seconds should you leave between you and the vehicle in front of you?

1. 2
2. (3)
3. 4
4. 5

 

In Idaho, which type of insurance is required by law?

1. Collision
2. Comprehensive
3. Boundary
4. (Liability)

 

Unless otherwise posted, the maximum speed limit on city streets is ____ mph.

1. 25
2. 30
3. (35)
4. 40

 

 

What must you do at a flashing yellow arrow in a turn lane?

1. wait until the arrow is solid yellow and then turn
2. wait until the arrow turns red
3. Turn. You have the right of way
4. (Yield before turning left)

 

 

 

 

 

When a vehicle is turning into a driveway and a pedestrian is crossing on the sidewalk, who has the right of way?

1. The vehicle
2. (The pedestrian)

 

At a 4-way stop, when two cars arrive at the same time, the car on the left has the right of way. True or false?

1. (False)
2. True

 

When should you call the police after a crash?

1. If there is at least $750 worth of damage
2. If there is damage to one or both vehicles
3. If the crash happened on a city street
4. (If there is injury or death or $1,500 or more of damage)

 

 

Based on its shape alone, name this sign!

1. (crossbuck)
2. railroad crossing
3. pedestrian crossing
4. construction zone

 

 

When selling a vehicle, which of the following should go with the buyer?

1. (The title)
2. Insurance card
3. The license plates
4. Registration card

 

Hand over hand steering is the most common type of steering. True or false?

1. True
2. (False)[i]

 

When you have a tire blow out, you should quickly step on the brake to keep your car in your lane. True or false?

1. (False)
2. True

 

This sign is a YIELD sign. True or false?

1. True
2. (False)

 

 

Which example is considered texting and driving?

1. Reading or viewing text on a mobile device
2. Typing but not sending a text
3. Reading Facebook posts on a laptop
4. (All of these)

 

If your rear view mirror is blocked or missing, you must have two outside mirrors. True or false?

1. (True)
2. False

 

The legal alcohol limit for drivers under the age of 21 is:

1. .00%
2. .01%
3. (.02%)[ii]
4. .08%

 

Texting and driving is defined as driving while you:

1. Read any information on your phone
2. Type any letters on your phone
3. Send any file or typed message on your phone
4. (All of these)

 

You cannot stop on a freeway onramp. True or false?

1. (True)
2. False

 

You cannot park closer than ___ feet from a stop sign.

1. (30)
2. 25
3. 20
4. 15

 

When preparing for a right turn, you should slide over into lane position:

1. 1
2. 2
3. (3) - Position 3 is the closest to the right-hand edge of the roadway.
4. 4

 

No driver can have an opened container of alcohol in the passenger area of their vehicle. True or false?

1. (True)
2. False

 

When stopping behind another vehicle, you must leave enough room for a motorcycle. True or false?

1. (True)[iii]
2. False

 

What does I.P.D.E. stand for?

1. Identify, Predict, Decide, Exit
2. Identify, Predict, Do, Exit
3. Identify, Polish, Decorate, Elaborate
4. (Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute)

 

When parking straight between two other vehicles, the goal is to:

1. park parallel to the other vehicles
2. avoid door dents and dings
3. leave enough room to open your doors
4. (all of these)

 

Who goes first at a 4-way stop?

1. Whoever gets there first
2. The car on the right if two cars arrive at the same time
3. If two cars are facing each other and arrive at the same time, the one going straight goes first
4. (All of these)

 

This barricade sign communicates to the driver that:

1. It is a dead end road
2. (you may go around this sign on the right)[iv]
3. you may go around this sign on the left
4. the bridge is out ahead

 

 

As many as 21% of all traffic fatalities involve a drowsy driver. True or false?

1. (True)
2. False

 

When a vehicle is slowing down ____ or more vehicles in Idaho, it must pull over and let them pass.

1. 2
2. 4
3. (3)
4. 5

 

When should you check your rear view mirror?

1. before and after making a turn
2. before and after a lane change
3. before and after braking
4. (all of these)

 

You legally must signal for ____ seconds or ____ feet before turning.

1. 2 and 200
2. 4 and 400
3. (5 and 100)
4. 5 and 500

 

With wet roads, hydroplaning can begin at speeds of:

1. 25 mph
2. 30 mph
3. (35 mph)
4. 40 mph

 

In Idaho, a bicycle does not have to stop at a stop sign. True or false?

1. (True)
2. False

 

How do you know which cars are at the front and back of a funeral procession?

1. (Their headlights and hazard lights are on)
2. They will be displaying flags
3. Their headlights are on
4. The hazard lights are on

 

Because of airbags and better vehicle control, it is recommended to hold your steering wheel at:

1. (9 and 3)
2. 10 and 2
3. 11 and 2
4. 2:45 and 5:45

 

Which is a reason rural roads are more dangerous than urban roads?

1. Speeds are higher
2. There is less lighting
3. Farm equipment/animals on the road
4. (All of these)

 

If you get a ticket while on your 6 months of supervised driving, your permit is cancelled and the 6 months starts over. True or false?

1. (True)
2. False

 

At an uncontrolled intersection, who goes first?

1. (Whoever gets there first)
2. Always the car going straight
3. The largest vehicle
4. None of the above

 

What is the maximum speed slow moving vehicles can travel at?

1. 15
2. 20
3. (25)
4. 30

 

Most vehicle fatalities in Idaho happen on urban roads. True or false?

1. (False)
2. True

 

If after completing an approved driver education course you are still under 17, you must drive with a licensed adult for ____ more hours.

1. 20
2. 30
3. 40
4. (50)

 

Which vehicle maneuver is most dangerous for motorcycles?

1. lane changes
2. parking
3. getting on the freeway
4. (left turn in front of them)

 

What kind of signs are orange in color?

1. warning
2. (construction)
3. school crossing
4. guide

 

If you are over the age of _______ you do not need to take driver education.

1. 18
2. 15-1/2
3. 16
4. (17)

 

Children must be in a child safety seat if they are:

1. 4 and under
2. 5 and under
3. (6 and under)
4. 8 and under

 

In Idaho, a bicycle does not have to stop at a red light. True or false?

1. (False)
2. True

 

When doing a lane change and there is no gap, you should just cancel your signal. True or false?

1. True
2. (False)

 

After buying some lumber from your local home supply store, you realize that you need to attach a red flag from the end of the lumber because it is hanging out behind your vehicle at least ____ feet.

1.      (4)

2. 6
3. 8
4. 10

 

If you can’t see ____ feet or more because it is dark or foggy, you must turn on headlights.

1. (500)
2. 400
3. 1,000
4. 250

 

The dangerous area around large trucks is called the:

1. Don't Go Zone
2. Crumple Zone
3. Blind Area
4. (No Zone)

 

Which maneuver by a car or truck can be deadly to a motorcycle rider?

1. Texting and driving
2. A left turn in front of oncoming traffic
3. following too close
4. (all of these)

 

When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights/siren on, you must:

1. Stop immediately
2. (Pull as far to the right as possible and stop)
3. Pull as far to the left and stop
4. Move to the right and slow down

 

B.A.C. stands for:

1. Body After Cleaning
2. Blood Alcohol Cleaning
3. Blood Allowable Content
4. (Blood Alcohol Content)

 

If your back tires are skidding to the right, which way should you turn the steering wheel?

1. To the left
2. Keep it straight
3. (To the right)
4. It doesn’t matter

 

To pass an Idaho driver education course, you must earn 80% or higher. True or false?

1. (True)
2. False

 

You cannot ever exceed the speed limit when passing another vehicle. True or false?

1. True
2. (False)[v]

 

About how many people die each day in America because of a drunk driver?

1. 19
2. (29)
3. 109
4. 229

 

As a motor vehicle driver, you hold some responsibility to protect other roadway users. True or false?

1. (True)
2. False

 

In Idaho, the “Move Over” law requires you to move over a lane or slow down if an emergency vehicle is stopped on the side of the road. True or false?

1. (True)
2. False

 

 

Alternate Study Questions from ChatGPT

Traffic Signals and Signs

1. Flashing Red Light
   Q: What does a flashing red traffic light mean?
   A: Stop completely, then proceed when it’s safe.
2. Flashing Yellow Light
   Q: What does a flashing yellow traffic light indicate?
   A: Proceed with caution; be prepared to stop if necessary.
3. Green Light
   Q: What must you do when you see a steady green light?
   A: Proceed if the intersection is clear; yield to pedestrians and any vehicles still in the intersection.
4. Red Arrow
   Q: What does a red arrow signal mean?
   A: Stop and wait until the arrow turns green before proceeding.
5. Green Arrow
   Q: What does a green arrow indicate at an intersection?
   A: You have the right-of-way to proceed in the direction of the arrow.
6. Yield Sign
   Q: What should you do when approaching a yield sign?
   A: Slow down, check for oncoming traffic or pedestrians, and proceed only when it’s safe.
7. Stop Sign
   Q: What is required when you approach a stop sign?
   A: Come to a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk and yield to other traffic.
8. Do Not Enter/No U-Turn Signs
   Q: What does a “Do Not Enter” or “No U-Turn” sign indicate?
   A: It prohibits entering that road or making a U-turn in that area.
9. Warning Signs (Diamond-Shaped)
   Q: What does a diamond-shaped sign warn you about?
   A: It signals potential hazards ahead, such as curves, intersections, or changes in road conditions.
10. School Zone Sign
    Q: What does a school zone sign indicate?
    A: Reduced speed limits and heightened caution due to children; always be prepared to stop.

---

Road Conditions and Safe Driving

11. Headlights Usage
    Q: When are you required to use your headlights?
    A: From sunset to sunrise, during poor weather, and when visibility is reduced.
12. Following Distance
    Q: What is a safe following distance under ideal conditions?
    A: At least a three-second gap from the vehicle ahead, adjusted for weather or traffic conditions.
13. Driving in Fog
    Q: Which headlights should you use when driving in fog?
    A: Use low beams because high beams reflect off the fog and reduce visibility.
14. Approaching an Intersection with Limited Visibility
    Q: How should you approach intersections when visibility is poor?
    A: Slow down, prepare to stop, and proceed only when it’s safe to do so.
15. Emergency Vehicle Procedures
    Q: What should you do when an emergency vehicle with flashing lights approaches?
    A: Pull over to the right side of the road and come to a complete stop until it passes.
16. Skid Recovery
    Q: If your vehicle starts to skid, what is the recommended action?
    A: Ease off the accelerator, avoid abrupt braking, and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
17. Merging onto a Freeway
    Q: What is the correct procedure for merging onto a freeway?
    A: Accelerate to match the speed of the traffic, check your mirrors and blind spots, signal, and merge when safe.
18. Passing Rules
    Q: Under what conditions is it legal to pass another vehicle?
    A: Only when the road markings permit passing (e.g., a broken line) and when it is safe to do so—never near curves, intersections, or in a no-passing zone.

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Speed Limits and Impaired Driving

19. Speed Limits
    Q: What is the typical speed limit on rural interstates in Idaho?
    A: Generally, up to 80 mph, but always follow posted speed limits as they can vary.
20. Alcohol Limits
    Q: What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and over in Idaho?
    A: 0.08%.
21. DUI Consequences
    Q: What actions could lead to a DUI charge?
    A: Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, which can result in fines, license suspension, or jail time.

---

Parking, Maneuvering, and Special Situations

22. Parallel Parking
    Q: When parallel parking, how close should your vehicle be to the curb?
    A: Within 12 inches of the curb.
23. Four-Way Stop Procedure
    Q: What is the proper protocol at a four-way stop?
    A: Follow the “first come, first served” rule; if two vehicles arrive simultaneously, yield to the one on your right.
24. Hill Parking
    Q: How should you position your vehicle when parking on a hill?
    A: If parking uphill with a curb, turn the wheels away from the curb; if parking downhill, turn the wheels toward the curb.
25. Roundabouts
    Q: How do you navigate a roundabout safely?
    A: Slow down, yield to traffic already in the roundabout, signal your exit, and maintain a steady pace.
26. Right Turn on Red
    Q: Under what conditions can you make a right turn on a red light?
    A: After coming to a complete stop and ensuring the way is clear of pedestrians and oncoming traffic, unless prohibited by signage.
27. Blind Spots and Mirror Adjustment
    Q: How should you adjust your mirrors to reduce blind spots?
    A: Position your mirrors to cover as much of the adjacent lanes and rear view as possible, and consider adding additional convex mirrors if needed.
28. Handling a Tire Blowout
    Q: What should you do if you experience a tire blowout while driving?
    A: Hold the steering wheel firmly, gradually reduce speed, and safely steer to the side of the road without abrupt maneuvers.
29. Brake Failure
    Q: If your brakes fail, what steps should you take?
    A: Pump the brake pedal to try to regain pressure, downshift to slow down, and gently use the parking brake to bring your vehicle to a controlled stop.
30. Crosswalks and Pedestrians
    Q: What is your responsibility when approaching a pedestrian crosswalk?
    A: Yield to pedestrians crossing the street, and proceed only when it is safe.
31. Bicycle Lanes
    Q: When are you permitted to drive in a bicycle lane?
    A: Only when preparing for a turn or if local laws specifically allow it, and only when it’s safe.
32. Cell Phone Use
    Q: What are the risks associated with using a cell phone while driving?
    A: It causes distractions, slows reaction times, and increases the likelihood of an accident.
33. Effects of Weather on Driving
    Q: How do adverse weather conditions affect your driving?
    A: They require reduced speeds, increased following distances, and heightened awareness of road hazards.
34. Convex Mirrors
    Q: What is the effect of a convex mirror on your perception?
    A: It provides a wider field of view but makes objects appear smaller and farther away.

 

END NOTES

---

[i] The statement "Hand over hand steering is the most common type of steering" is false. While hand-over-hand steering is a technique used for certain maneuvers, it's not the most common type of steering used in everyday driving.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Hand-over-hand steering:

This technique involves one hand pushing the steering wheel while the other pulls it, and then switching hands, which is particularly helpful for making tight turns or evasive maneuvers.

Push-and-pull steering:

This is a more common method where you push the steering wheel in one direction and then pull it back, keeping both hands on the wheel.

Modern steering systems:

The most common modern steering system is rack and pinion steering, often combined with electric power assistance.

Why hand-over-hand is not the most common:

For most everyday driving, keeping both hands on the wheel is recommended for better control and safety.

[ii] In Idaho, the legal alcohol limit for drivers under 21 is a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or higher, which is a zero-tolerance policy for underage driving under the influence.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Zero-Tolerance Policy: Idaho has a zero-tolerance policy for underage driving under the influence, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol (0.02% BAC or higher) can result in a DUI charge for drivers under 21.

Penalties: Underage drivers facing a DUI charge can face severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education programs.

Legal Limit: The legal limit for drivers under 21 is 0.02% BAC, while for drivers 21 and older, the legal limit is 0.08% BAC.

Commercial Drivers: For those with commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), the legal limit is 0.04%.

[iii] Motorcycles need space to maneuver: Motorcycles are smaller and lighter than cars, and they need more space to stop and change direction.

[iv] The Idaho barricade sign (U2) communicates to the driver that you may go around the sign on the right.

Here's a breakdown of why:

Barricade Sign U2: This type of sign is commonly used to indicate a temporary obstruction or hazard on the road, like construction or an accident.

Directional Arrow: The sign typically includes an arrow, which in this case, points to the right, indicating that drivers can proceed around the barricade on the right side of the road.

Idaho Drivers Ed: This question is from a drivers ed flashcard, which means it is a common question to test knowledge of traffic signs.

[v] The statement is false. In Idaho, drivers can exceed the posted speed limit by up to 15 mph while passing another vehicle traveling below the speed limit, but only if it's safe to do so.

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Darrell Wolfe (DG Wolfe)

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