Minnesota Driver's Manual - Chapter 3

Question 1

What side of the road must you drive on in Minnesota?

Answer 1

The right side of the road

Except when passing, when the right side is closed, on three marked lanes, or when signs indicate a one-way road.

Question 2

What is Minnesota’s basic speed law?

Answer 2

Drive at a speed that is reasonable for current conditions

This includes considering weather, traffic, and road conditions.

Question 3

What is the maximum speed limit on two-lane highways with a speed limit of 55 mph or higher when lawfully passing another vehicle?

Answer 3

10 mph increase

This means you can drive up to 65 mph while passing.

Question 4

What is illegal regarding minimum speed limits?

Answer 4

Driving slower than the posted minimum speed under normal conditions

Some roads have minimum speed limits to ensure traffic flow.

Question 5

What should you do when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights?

Answer 5

Slow down

A surcharge of at least $25 is added to the speeding fine if this law is broken.

Question 6

What is the speed limit in alleys in Minnesota?

Answer 6

10 mph

This is the designated speed limit unless otherwise indicated.

Question 7

What is the hand signal for a left hand turn?

See picture (page 34)

You can only use hand signals during daylight hours.

Answer 7

Left arm straight out

See picture (page 34)

Question 8

What is the hand signal for a right hand turn?

Answer 8

Left arm bent toward the sky

See picture (page 34)

Question 9

What is the hand signal to signal you are stopping?

Answer 9

Left arm bent toward the ground

See picture (page 34)

Question 10

What is the speed limit in school zones when children are present?

Answer 10

You must slow down

Specific speed limits are often posted in these zones.

Question 11

What must you do when changing lanes?

Answer 11

Check space to the side, behind, and ahead of your vehicle

Always turn your head to check for vehicles in blind spots.

Question 12

What are blind spots?

Answer 12

Areas around your vehicle where your view is blocked

You cannot see pedestrians or vehicles in these areas.

Question 13

What should you do while waiting to turn?

Answer 13

Keep your wheels straight and your foot on the brake

This prevents being pushed into oncoming traffic if struck from behind.

Question 14

How far ahead of a turn should you signal your intent to turn?

Answer 14

At least 100 feet

See picture on page 36 & 37 for lane change before turning.

Move safely into the correct lane well ahead of the place where you will make the actual turn.
* Slow down before turning. Signal your intent at least 100 feet before the turn. Signals let pedestrians and drivers know what you plan to do.

Question 15

Can you make a left turn onto a one-way street from another one-way street while the traffic light is red?

Answer 15

Yes, under certain conditions

You must come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians and traffic.

Question 16

What is the proper procedure for entering a roundabout?

Answer 16

Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout

See picture on page 39 & 40.

Do not enter until all traffic from the left has cleared.

Question 17

What is a J-turn?

Answer 17

A maneuver used to decrease fatalities on divided highways

See picture on page 40.

Drivers on the side street always make a right turn to enter the divided highway.

Question 18

What must you do before making a U-turn?

Answer 18

Ensure you can do so without disrupting other traffic

“No U-Turn” signs indicate where U-turns are not allowed

• You must not make U-turns on interstate freeways.
• U-turns are illegal near the tops of hills and on curves where other drivers cannot see you from 1,000 feet away.

Question 19

When must you drive as close as possible to the right-hand curb?

Answer 19

When going slow enough to create a traffic hazard

This applies on roads with one lane in your direction.

Question 20

What is required when passing another vehicle?

Answer 20

Use your left turn signal before moving into the left lane to pass. Use your right turn signal after passing and before returning to the right lane.

Return to the right lane when you can see the entire vehicle passed in your rearview mirror.

Question 21

What should you do when preparing to pass another vehicle?

Answer 21

• Ensure there is a safe distance between your vehicle and oncoming traffic.
• Check behind you to see if other drivers are preparing to pass you.
• When another driver is trying to pass you, stay in your own lane and do not increase speed.

Question 22

When can’t you pass another vehicle?

Answer 22

Do not pass in locations where:
* “No Passing Zone” sign is posted
* where there is a solid yellow line on your side of the center line.
* On a curve or hill where you cannot clearly see the road ahead for at least 700 feet.
* Within 100 feet of an intersection, underpass, tunnel or railroad crossing.
* When you are about to meet a vehicle coming toward you from the opposite direction.

Double solid yellow lines mean no passing is allowed in either direction

Question 23

When can you pass another vehicle on the right?

Answer 23

Only under the following conditions:
* When the vehicle you are overtaking is making, or about to make, a left turn.
* On a street or highway with enough space to allow two or more lanes of moving vehicles to travel in each direction.
* On a one-way street or any road where traffic moves in one direction only.

Question 24

Where are you NOT allowed to back up?

Answer 24

Backing up is not allowed on freeways or expressways, except for emergency vehicles on duty

Backing up on public roads can result in a charge of reckless or careles

Question 25

What should you do before backing up?

Answer 25

Walk around your vehicle to check for obstacles ## Footnote Look to the front, sides, and rear while backing up.

Question 26

What is the maximum distance your wheels should be from the curb when parallel parking?

Answer 26

No more than 12 inches ## Footnote Turn the front wheels toward the curb or shoulder.

Question 27

Where is parking not allowed?

Answer 27

Within intersections, on a crosswalk, within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, in front of mailboxes and driveways etc. ## Footnote There are various specific rules regarding parking distances.

Question 28

What should you do before opening a door when parked on the side of the road?

Answer 28

Check for approaching traffic ## Footnote Look for vehicles, motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Question 29

Which direction should my wheels face when parking on a hill?

Answer 29

Aim the wheels so that the car would "drive" into the curb if the brakes failed. See picture on page 45.

Question 30

What is required for parallel parking?

Answer 30

1. Stop even with the car ahead and about 1.5 feet away from it. 2. Turn wheel to right sharply back up slowly 3. When clear of car ahead, turn wheel sharply to left and continue to back up slowly. 4. Turn wheel sharply to right and pull toward curb in center of space. See page page for diagram

Question 31

What is required when parking on state highways or freeways?

Answer 31

Move your vehicle away from the main part of the road ## Footnote Use visible markers or signals if the vehicle cannot be moved.

Question 32

What lights must be on when parking on the highway at night?

Answer 32

At least one white or amber front light and one red taillight ## Footnote Both lights must be visible from at least 500 feet.

Question 33

As a driver, what is your responsibility regarding passenger safety?

Answer 33

Ensure all passengers wear seat belts ## Footnote Make sure children are buckled into an age-appropriate child restraint system.

Question 34

What is the most important safety equipment in a vehicle?

Answer 34

Seat belt

Question 35

In Minnesota, who must wear seat belts?

Answer 35

All vehicle occupants, including back seat passengers

Question 36

True or False: You can be stopped by law enforcement solely for seat belt violations.

Answer 36

True

Question 37

What are the consequences of not wearing a seat belt?

Answer 37

Chances of being killed or injured in a crash are four times greater

Question 38

List three situations where you are not legally required to wear a seat belt.

Answer 38

* Driving in reverse * All seat belts in use by other passengers * Possessing a written certificate from a physician for medical reasons

Question 39

How should the lap belt be adjusted?

Answer 39

Fit snugly across hipbones or upper thighs ## Footnote Should never be positioned across the abdomen.

Question 40

What is the safest place for children under 13 to ride in a vehicle?

Answer 40

The back seat

Question 41

What type of seat must children under two years of age use?

Answer 41

Rear-facing car seat

Question 42

What must children aged four to nine use while riding in a vehicle?

Answer 42

Booster seat

Question 43

Fill in the blank: Child restraint systems expire ______ years from the date of manufacture.

Answer 43

six

Question 44

What should never be done with a safety seat that has been in a crash?

Answer 44

Use it

Question 45

List two dangers of leaving children unattended in a vehicle.

Answer 45

* Could engage the vehicle and cause a crash * Temperatures can reach dangerous extremes

Question 46

What should you do to protect yourself from vehicle theft?

Answer 46

Lock your doors and take your keys with you

Question 47

What is the role of airbags in a vehicle?

Answer 47

Supplemental restraint system that works with seat belts

Question 48

How far should you keep your steering wheel away from your body for airbag safety?

Answer 48

At least 10 inches

Question 49

Where should you place your hands on the steering wheel for safety?

Answer 49

Keep your hands at the 8 and 4 o'clock or 9 and 3 o'clock positions on the steering wheel. | Keep your thumbs turned out on the steering wheel.

Question 50

What is illegal to do with items from your vehicle?

Answer 50

Throw items onto streets, roads, and public or private land

Question 51

List the first three actions to take if involved in a traffic crash.

Answer 51

* Stop and pull off the driving lane * Turn off the ignition * Use emergency warning lights

Question 52

What information must you exchange with other drivers after a crash?

Answer 52

* Name * Address * Date of birth * Vehicle registration number

Question 53

What type of insurance must vehicle owners carry?

Answer 53

No-fault and liability insurance

Question 54

What happens if you do not provide proof of insurance when asked?

Answer 54

Can lead to revocation of your driver’s license and vehicle registration

Question 55

What must motorcycle drivers have in terms of insurance?

Answer 55

Liability insurance that covers property damage and injuries to others

Question 56

What is required to register a vehicle in Minnesota?

Answer 56

* Current vehicle title or registration card * Driver’s license or valid ID * Pay all fees and taxes

Question 57

What is illegal to do with a wireless communication device while driving?

Answer 57

Compose, read or send electronic messages

Question 58

List two exceptions to the rule against using a cell phone while driving.

Answer 58

* Getting emergency assistance * Reporting a crash or crime

Question 59

What is the fine for two or more violations of using a wireless communication device while driving?

Answer 59

$275 fine in addition to the court-specified fine