Maine permit test: safe driver habits
Fitness to drive, drowsiness, distractions and phones, aggressive driving, emotions, seat belts, air bags and child restraints. 20 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key safe driver habits rulesShow the rules
- Micro-sleeps last only four to five seconds, but at 55 mph even that short nap can be fatal. (p. 24, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Schedule a break every two hours or 100 miles, and stop sooner if you notice signs of fatigue. (p. 25, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Forgetting the last few miles, constant yawning and drifting from your lane are danger signs. (p. 25, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Short glances at instruments, mirrors or installed devices can be done safely if each is under one second and related to driving. (p. 26, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Aggressive driving includes speeding, following too close, unsafe lane changes, not signaling and ignoring traffic controls. (p. 27, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Leave 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel so the air bag has room to open in a crash. (p. 39, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Air bags work along with safety belts, not instead of them. (p. 41, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Maine law requires a child who weighs less than 55 pounds to be secured in a child safety seat. (p. 42, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Infants under age 2 should always ride in the back seat, facing the rear. (p. 42, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
- Maine law requires every passenger 18 or older to be secured in a seat belt, in any seat. (p. 43, Maine Driver License Manual (unknown) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample safe driver habits questions
1.You are driving while very worried about an exam tomorrow. What type of distraction is this?
- AManual
- BCognitive
- CVisual
- DMechanical
Show the answer
✓ B. Cognitive
Cognitive distractions are thoughts and feelings, such as anger, anxiety or worry, that pull your attention away from the road.
2.Which worker is NOT required by Maine law to wear a seat belt while doing their job?
- AA pizza delivery driver
- BA rural mail carrier delivering mail
- CA school bus driver on a route
- DA taxi driver carrying a fare
Show the answer
✓ B. A rural mail carrier delivering mail
Maine exempts a rural mail carrier from wearing a seat belt while delivering mail. Newspaper delivery people also have an exemption.
3.Which habit helps you use your hearing to stay safe while driving?
- AUsing noise-cancelling headphones
- BKeeping the radio down and skipping ear buds
- CWearing one ear bud for music
- DPlaying the radio loud to stay awake
Show the answer
✓ B. Keeping the radio down and skipping ear buds
Hearing warns you of horns, sirens and vehicles in your blind spot. Keep the radio low and never wear headsets or ear buds while driving.
4.A 7-year-old who weighs 60 pounds is riding in your car. What does Maine law require?
- AA regular seat belt is enough
- BNo restraint if seated in the back
- CA rear-facing child safety seat
- DA federally approved child restraint system
Show the answer
✓ D. A federally approved child restraint system
A child who weighs 55 to under 80 pounds and is under 8 must be secured in a federally approved child restraint system, which raises the child to fit the belt.