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Kansas permit test: vehicle checks and controls

Adjusting seat and mirrors, starting, steering and backing, and the vehicle safety items checked on the pre-trip inspection. 18 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key vehicle checks and controls rulesShow the rules
  1. The enhanced setting adds 12 to 16 degrees of viewing area to each side. (p. 26)
  2. Make sure the parking brake is set before starting the vehicle. (p. 30)
  3. The steering wheel is always turned in the direction you want the vehicle to go, forward or in reverse. (p. 30)
  4. For hand-to-hand steering, the left hand grips between 7 and 8 o'clock and the right hand between 4 and 5 o'clock. (p. 31)
  5. Use one-hand steering only when backing or briefly reaching for controls such as wipers or lights. (p. 31)
  6. Limit evasive steering to no more than 180 degrees. (p. 31)
  7. Hand-over-hand is the low-speed method, for example turning at an intersection or parking. (p. 31)
  8. The 10 and 2 o'clock position is not recommended because it can be dangerous in vehicles with air bags. (p. 31)
  9. If the outside temperature is over 85°F, the test vehicle's air conditioner must work properly. (p. 97)
  10. Never open the radiator cap on a hot car. (p. 97)

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample vehicle checks and controls questions

  1. 1.You must steer to avoid a hazard. What is the most steering input the handbook says to use?

    • AAbout 360 degrees
    • BAs much as possible
    • CNo more than 180 degrees
    • DNo more than 10 degrees
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. No more than 180 degrees

    Limit evasive steering to no more than 180 degrees. More than that causes traction loss and can send you into oncoming traffic.

    Source: Kansas Driving Handbook - Non-Commercial Driver's Manual, AAMVA 09 Model Test Version, page 31

  2. 2.When using hand-to-hand (push/pull) steering, where should your hands be on the wheel?

    • ALeft at 7-8, right at 4-5 o'clock
    • BBoth hands at 12 o'clock
    • CLeft at 10-11, right at 1-2 o'clock
    • DLeft at 9-10, right at 2-3 o'clock
    Show the answer

    ✓ A. Left at 7-8, right at 4-5 o'clock

    For hand-to-hand steering, the left hand grips between 7 and 8 o'clock and the right hand between 4 and 5 o'clock.

    Source: Kansas Driving Handbook - Non-Commercial Driver's Manual, AAMVA 09 Model Test Version, page 31

  3. 3.Using the enhanced mirror setting, you lean toward the window to set a side mirror. What does this setting add?

    • AA view of the road far ahead
    • BAbout 12 to 16 degrees more side view
    • CBetter mirrors for backing up
    • DA clear view of your own car's side
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. About 12 to 16 degrees more side view

    The enhanced setting adds 12 to 16 degrees of viewing area to each side. You won't see your own car's sides in the mirrors.

    Source: Kansas Driving Handbook - Non-Commercial Driver's Manual, AAMVA 09 Model Test Version, page 26

  4. 4.How should you adjust your inside rearview mirror?

    • ASo it shows your face
    • BSo it points at the ceiling
    • CSo it frames the rear window
    • DSo it shows the right lane
    Show the answer

    ✓ C. So it frames the rear window

    Adjust the rearview mirror so it frames the rear window and shows traffic behind you.

    Source: Kansas Driving Handbook - Non-Commercial Driver's Manual, AAMVA 09 Model Test Version, page 26