Rhode Island permit test: speed and safe highway driving
Speeding and safe driving on the highway. 11 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember9 key speed and safe highway driving rulesShow the rules
- Velocitizing is feeling that you are going slower than you really are; watch for it when leaving a freeway and slow down for the exit. (p. 35, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Rhode Island law sets the speed limit at 25 mph in residential areas and 50 to 65 mph on most highways. (p. 35, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Motorists on long trips should stop and rest every 100 miles or every 2 hours to avoid highway hypnosis. (p. 35, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- The far-left lane is for passing, the middle lanes for through traffic, and the right lane for slower traffic and for entering or exiting. (p. 35, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- The three-second following-distance rule is the easiest way to judge a safe distance; wet or slippery roads need more seconds. (p. 35, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- If you must make repairs, move the vehicle so all four wheels are off the main pavement and turn on your hazard lights. (p. 35, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- A police report is required if someone is injured, property damage is over $1,000, you hit an unattended vehicle or a domesticated animal. (p. 65, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- After a collision, stop immediately, remain at the scene and make your identity known; leaving without identifying yourself brings severe hit-and-run penalties. (p. 65, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
- If you hit a parked vehicle, leave your name and address in writing, securely attached, and report the collision to police right away. (p. 65, Rhode Island Driver's Manual (April 2024) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample speed and safe highway driving questions
1.A driver is tailgating you on the highway. What should you do?
- ATap your brakes to warn them
- BSpeed up to open the gap
- CChange lanes or let them pass
- DSlow down sharply
Show the answer
✓ C. Change lanes or let them pass
If you are being tailgated, get out of the way by changing lanes or letting the driver pass; never speed up or slam on your brakes.
2.It is raining and the road is slippery. How should you change your following distance?
- AFollow closer to see brake lights
- BKeep exactly three seconds
- CUse one second at low speeds
- DAdd more seconds of space
Show the answer
✓ D. Add more seconds of space
If the roadway is wet or slippery, you need more following distance than the usual three seconds.
3.On a long highway trip, how often does the handbook recommend you stop and rest?
- AEvery 50 miles or every hour
- BEvery 100 miles or every 2 hours
- CEvery 200 miles or every 4 hours
- DOnly when you feel tired
Show the answer
✓ B. Every 100 miles or every 2 hours
Motorists on long trips should stop and rest every 100 miles or every 2 hours to avoid highway hypnosis.
4.Unless posted otherwise, what is the speed limit in a Rhode Island residential area?
- A20 mph
- B25 mph
- C30 mph
- D35 mph
Show the answer
✓ B. 25 mph
Rhode Island law sets the speed limit at 25 mph in residential areas and 50 to 65 mph on most highways.