Maine permit test: pavement markings and lane use
Yellow and white lines, lane restrictions, crosswalks, stop lines, shared center left-turn and reversible lanes. 15 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key pavement markings and lane use rulesShow the rules
- White lane markings are used on roads where all the lanes carry traffic in one direction. (p. 55, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- With three or more lanes in one direction, the middle lane is usually smoothest. (p. 56, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Never pass a vehicle by driving off the pavement or the main traveled part of the road. (p. 56, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- When a road has only two lanes in one direction, the right lane generally flows most smoothly. (p. 56, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Where the Maine Turnpike or I-95 has three lanes in a direction, trucks other than pickups may use only the two farthest right lanes. (p. 56, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- When turning left, turn into the leftmost lane going in your direction. (p. 57, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Broken white lines mark several lanes going the same direction and allow safe lane changes. (p. 58, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Stop lines leave pedestrians a walkway in front of stopped cars. (p. 59, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- A person with a white cane or guide dog always has the right-of-way. (p. 59, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Signals over reversible lanes show which lanes are open. (p. 59, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample pavement markings and lane use questions
1.You have pulled into the intersection and are waiting to turn left. How should your front wheels point?
- ATurned right, toward the curb
- BStraight ahead
- CTurned left, ready to go
- DIt does not matter
Show the answer
✓ B. Straight ahead
Wait with your wheels straight. If you are hit from behind with your wheels turned, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic.
2.On a two-way road, the center markings are a solid yellow line on your side and a dashed yellow line on the other. May you pass?
- AYes, the dashed line lets both sides pass
- BNo, only the side with the dashed line may pass
- COnly if the car ahead is going slowly
- DYes, if the road ahead looks clear
Show the answer
✓ B. No, only the side with the dashed line may pass
When the center markings combine solid and dashed yellow lines, passing is permitted only for traffic on the side with the dashed line.
3.On a three-lane section of the Maine Turnpike, which lanes may a tractor-trailer use?
- AAny of the three lanes
- BOnly the two right-hand lanes
- COnly the middle lane
- DOnly the left lane
Show the answer
✓ B. Only the two right-hand lanes
Where the Maine Turnpike or I-95 has three lanes in a direction, trucks other than pickups may use only the two farthest right lanes.
4.White lane lines separate lanes of traffic moving in which direction?
- AOpposite directions
- BInto a turn lane only
- CThe same direction
- DToward a stop line only
Show the answer
✓ C. The same direction
White lane markings are used on roads where all the lanes carry traffic in one direction. Yellow center lines separate opposite directions.