Maine permit test: lanes, highways and passing
Changing lanes, entering and exiting multi-lane highways, highway hypnosis, passing, night driving, work zones and rural roads. 18 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key lanes, highways and passing rulesShow the rules
- Blind spots are areas your mirrors don't cover. (p. 63, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- If you will exit a rotary within two exits, the handbook suggests using the rightmost lane unless markings or signs say otherwise. (p. 63, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Always signal what you plan to do at least 100 feet before making the change. (p. 64, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Don't slow down on the main expressway. (p. 65, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Pull off the pavement as far as the shoulder allows and raise your hood. (p. 65, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- On an expressway, stay in the right-hand lane unless you are passing. (p. 65, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- At 50 to 55 mph you need 10 to 12 seconds to pass, so you must have plenty of clear road ahead. (p. 66, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- In 10 to 12 seconds you travel over 800 feet, and so does the oncoming car. (p. 67, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Treat a hill or curve like an oncoming car. (p. 67, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Add at least a second to your following distance at night, and at least two seconds at night on unfamiliar roads. (p. 112, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample lanes, highways and passing questions
1.You are driving at night on a road you have never driven before. How much should you add to your following distance?
- ANothing extra
- BAt least 1 second
- CAt least 5 seconds
- DAt least 2 seconds
Show the answer
✓ D. At least 2 seconds
Add at least a second to your following distance at night, and at least two seconds at night on unfamiliar roads.
2.An expressway entrance has no acceleration lane. How should you enter?
- AEnter and wait in the right lane
- BMerge slowly and let others adjust
- CDrive on the shoulder to build speed
- DStop, wait for a break, then speed up and merge
Show the answer
✓ D. Stop, wait for a break, then speed up and merge
Without an acceleration lane, stop before entering, wait for a break in traffic, then speed up and merge. Expressway traffic does not have to yield to you.
3.You want to pass a slow car, but an intersection is just ahead. What should you do?
- AHonk, then pass
- BPass quickly before it
- CPass on the right
- DWait until past the intersection
Show the answer
✓ D. Wait until past the intersection
Passing is dangerous at intersections, crossroads and shopping center entrances, because the car you pass blocks your view of people entering.
4.Your car breaks down on an expressway. After pulling off as far as you can, how do you signal for help?
- ARaise your hood
- BStand behind the car and wave
- CBack up along the shoulder to the exit
- DWalk along the lane to an exit
Show the answer
✓ A. Raise your hood
Pull off the pavement as far as the shoulder allows and raise your hood. Never back up, walk or stand on the traveled part of the expressway.