Delaware State Driver’s Education Study Guide

Section 5

To enter a city street from a stop, how much of a gap in traffic do

you need?

To enter a city street from a stop, you need a gap in traffic of about

one-half (1/2) of a city block.

A good driver should use what hand positions on the steering

wheel?

A good driver should use the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock hand

positions on the steering wheel.

How should mothers take their newborn infants home from the

hospital?

Mothers may not take their

newborn infants home from the hospital in their

arms. They must use an infant

seat.

How does a driver check their “blind spot”?

For a driver to see in their “blind spot”, they should check over

their shoulder.

What is the Delaware Law requirement for all passengers in

the car?

Delaware Law requires all passengers to wear a seatbelt.

What will well adjusted seatbelts do for you?

Well adjusted seatbelts will:

1. keep drivers alert on long trips.2. keep drivers in the car during crashes.3. help drivers control their cars in emergencies by holding them behind the wheel.

Delaware Law states that drivers must use their turn signals how far in advance before turning?

Delaware Law states that drivers must use their turn signals at least

300 feet before turning.

Good drivers look and search how far in advance of where they

are driving?

Good drivers look and search about 10 to 12 seconds ahead.

This is the Visual Search Pattern.

How do good drivers check the dashboard gauges and mirrors?

Good drivers use their eyes to check the dashboard gauges and

mirrors by using quick eye glances (movements).

How do you properly adjust your outside mirrors’ view?

Properly adjusting your outside mirrors’ view to see a little of the side of your car will give you a reference point to see how close

another car is to you.

When backing a car, how do you turn the steering wheel to go in

the direction you want the rear of the car to go?

When backing a car, turn the steering wheel in the direction

you want the rear of the car to go.

If backing to the right, turn to the right. If backing to the left, turn

to the left.

How do you control your car in a skid?

If your car begins to skid, you should steer in the direction you

want the car to go.

While backing your car straight, where should you look?

The best way to see while backing your car straight is to

look directly out the rear window.

What is a problem if you brake too hard without anti-lock brakes

(ABS)?

Braking too hard without anti-lock brakes (ABS) can cause the

wheels to lock (control problems).

How do good drivers prevent breakdowns (mechanical

problems)?

To prevent breakdowns, good drivers should inspect their cars often by checking:1. Fluid levels.2. Tire pressure3. Windshield wipers.4. Brakes and lights.

When entering an intersection or making a LEFT turn, what is the pattern to look for traffic?

When entering an intersection or making a LEFT turn, you look to the LEFT, then RIGHT, and

the LEFT again.

When should you not use a horn?

You should not use a horn:• To encourage a driver to go faster or

get out of your way

• To let other drivers know they errored

• Greeting a friend

• Around a blind person

In Delaware, from when until when are most fatal accidents due

to alcohol?

In Delaware, from late Friday night, until early Saturday

morning, most fatal accidents are due to alcohol.

What are some factors that determine the amount of friction

(traction) for car control?

The amount of friction (traction) for car control depends on the condition of:1. The brakes2. The tires3. The road surface

What should you do if you run off the pavement or roadway?

If you run off the pavement, do not brake hard. Do slow down,

and steer back on to the roadway.

What is hydroplaning, and how do you control it?

The best way to prevent hydroplaning (losing traction on

a wet road) is to slow down.

What do you do if you hear screeching noise when you

apply the brakes?

If you hear a noise when applying brakes, you should:

• Brakes may be faulty and in need of repair

• If brakes fail, slowly apply the emergency brake.

– The emergency brake is a cable to apply the rear brakes manually

If a CITY roadway has 3 or more lanes, where would you normally

drive?

The center lane of a CITY roadway having 3 or more lanes

is used for normal driving.

When do you use your parking lights?

Parking lights are only used when parked or a disabled

vehicle on the road.

On parked vehicles ONLY

When are headlights used?

Headlights should be used:• Rainy, snowy, or foggy days

• At dusk (when it begins to get dark) until dawn

• When windshield wipers are on (rain)

What is the minimum following distance?

The minimum following distance is 2 seconds.

This is known as the 2-Second Rule.

All drivers, both experienced and inexperienced, should follow this rule.

What is the 2-Second Rule?

When are roads the most slippery?

Roads are more slippery after the first few minutes of rain.

Especially the first 30 minutes!

Which freezes first, bridge surfaces or the road surface?

In freezing conditions, bridge surfaces freeze before the road surface - Bridge surfaces are

more slippery.

During the Fall months in Delaware, what makes the roads

the most slippery?

During the Fall months in Delaware, wet leaves make the

roads the most slippery.

Which is worse, ice near the freezing point, or ice at

temperatures below freezing?

Ice near the freezing point is more slippery than at

temperatures below freezing.

During inclement (bad) weather, when it is hard to see, what should you do for following

distance?

During inclement (bad) weather, when it is hard to see, you should increase your following distance. This is part of the 2-Second rule.

When leaving a high-speed expressway, where should you

begin braking?

When leaving a high-speed expressway, a driver should

begin braking in the exit lane.

Emotions can affect your driving. What emotional conditions

should you not drive?

What emotional conditions should you not drive?

• Angry or excited• Worried, feeling down, or upset

If impatient, give yourself more time

When should you move any injured person from the accident

scene?

You should not move any injured person from the accident scene unless it is absolutely needed.