Drivers License & Learners Permit – Latest Blog Posts

Traffic laws define the orderly movement of vehicles, pedestrians and other road users of public highways. They exist for your safety. Failure to obey the Driving rules results in crashes that may kill you and others. So it’s important to learn about traffic rules and regulations and to follow them properly in order to have safe road travel. Every state has its own set of laws regarding stopping, driving speed yielding the right of way, passing other vehicles and parking. Following are the rules regarding stopping.

The DMV requires you to:

• Stop before the stop line or cross walk at any intersection posted with a stop sign.
• Stop for the steady red traffic light; remain stopped behind the stop line. If there is no stop line, stop before entering the crosswalk.
• A flashing red signal also is the same as a stop sign. You must stop for any flashing red signal.
• Stop at a railway crossing when a train is coming or when the signals, gate, or watchman indicates the approach of a train. Remain stopped until it’s safe to proceed.
• Stop before entering a sidewalk in urban areas. If there is no sidewalk stop at a point nearest the street or roadway where there is a view of approaching traffic.
• Stop at the request of any police officer.
• Stop for emergency police vehicles; remain stopped until the vehicle has passed or the police officer has indicated you may proceed.
• Stop for a school bus which is loading and unloading students.  The traffic must stop and remain stopped as long as the red lights near the top of the bus are flashing or the stop arm on the left side of the bus is extended.
• Stop if you are involved in an accident.
• Stop and stay stopped for a pedestrian crossing the roadway.

When you slow down or stop, always remember to give a signal to other drivers, you may use arm signal or signal lights on the rear of your vehicle. Obey traffic laws; ensure the safety of all.

Safe driving practices include keeping a safe distance around your vehicle. When another driver makes a mistake you need time to react. Give yourself this time by keeping a space cushion on all sides of your vehicle. This will give you enough room to brake or maneuver if you need the space.

SAFE DRIVING PRACTICES

If your rear view mirror shows another car is too close to you, it is sure that you are with an unsafe driver. Still you should keep a safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead of you. This may prevent you from being pushed into the vehicle ahead, in case of a crash. Rear end crashes usually occur because of drivers following too closely. Follow these safety tips to keep enough space around your vehicle while driving.

• If you are tailgated, slow down and allow the driver behind you to pass.
• Keep your doors locked and keep a space cushion to the sides to have enough room to react to the sudden movements by other drivers.
• Avoid driving alongside other cars in multi-lane streets.
• Drive in the center of your lane to keep space between you and oncoming cars.
• If following a motorcycle, allow even more distance than you would for other vehicles.
• Allow extra space between your car and heavy equipment.
• Don’t cut in front of heavy equipment, as they need much more space to stop safely.
• Never tailgate another vehicle.
• Allow an extra cushion for problem drivers and problem situations like- Drivers backing out of parking spaces or drive ways, blind drive ways, obstructed-view drive ways, and children playing near the road side.
• Make enough room for vehicles entering interstate highways. If there is no one next to you move over a lane.
• Follow the Two-Second rule: The recommended following distance for safe driving is two seconds. This allows you to see clear the vehicle ahead and keep a safe distance in case of emergency or unexpected traffic situation.

During bad weather or driving on wet pavement, increase the rule to 3 or 4 seconds. It will allow you more room to cope with any factors adversely affecting the driving task. If another vehicle moves into the space between your car and the vehicle ahead of you, drop back to a safe following distance.

Finally try to keep clear space on both the sides when you drive on a multi lane road. In all the situations it’s a good idea to leave more of a space cushion between all vehicles. With this space cushion you’ll be far less likely to end up in a minor or major collision; and another driver’s bad driving will never have a negative impact on you.

The law requires you to have your vehicle inspected for safety and emissions every year.  Always follow the routine maintenance procedures recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.  Before you start driving, ensure that your car is in proper working order.  It may help you to avoid an accident or breakdown.  A vehicle in good condition can give you an extra safety margin when you need it.  You may need the help of a mechanic to correct the problem of your vehicle; but the safety check you can perform yourself.

Check the condition of the following items whenever you drive:

Lights and glasses:
Clean the lenses and replace the burned out bulbs of headlights; it may cut your night vision by more than half.  Signal and brake lights should work properly for good communication with other drivers.  Replace the bulbs when necessary.  Keep windows and wind shields clear, inside and out, to reduce glare and for good visibility.

Brakes and tires:
Notice the changes in how your vehicle responds when braking.  If there is a problem, check the brakes immediately.  They may need adjustment or repair.  Check your tires for proper inflation and wear.  Look for signs of worn treads and check air pressure.  Keep them in good shape, or you’ll have less control, use more gas and risk a blow out.

Steering:
Your steering wheel should not feel loose; there will be a delay between when you turn the wheel and your tires respond.  If it’s power steering, check the fluid level regularly.  Inspect the power steering if your vehicle makes a high pitched noise while turning.

Exhaust system:
 A leaky muffler improperly discharges poisonous fumes.  So get the exhaust system checked by a mechanic, if you notice loud noises or rattles on the muffler or tail pipe.

In spite of these you should also check,

• Emissions.
• Gauges.
• Suspension.
• Oil level.
• Engine coolant.
• Transmission fluid.
• Brake fluid level.
• Fan belt tightness and wear.

Preventive maintenance is important to keep your car safe.Driving will be pleasurable if it is with awell maintained car . With proper care it will last longer and some of the possible problems can be avoided.  A well maintained car is not only safer, it’s more economical and produces less pollution.  Moreover if the car is well maintained, you can expect higher price when you sell it.

Riding a motorbike safely requires both skill and judgment. The successful use of these abilities makes us feel good and we are keen to be the best. The rider should be alert, relaxed, in control, confident and assertive. Do not ride a motorcycle when you are angry, upset, distracted, sick, tired or drunk. Motorcyclist also, with other drivers, must be jointly responsible for the welfare of one another while operating their vehicles.

Every motorcycle must pass an annual safety inspection and every motorcycle should have safety equipment items in good working order. It is required by the law and the DMV . They include a horn, rear view mirror, fenders, a muffler, and brakes. Two mirrors are recommended for a motorcycle; one is required by the law. It should have a properly aimed headlight, and when it is attached, a sidecar must have a white, forward facing light. For the motorcycle the law also requires a rear, red tail light, a stop light and a white light to illuminate the license plate. The seat of your motorcycle must be secured, and when you are seated properly the handle bars must not be above your shoulders.

Safety tips for motorcyclists

• You should dress for comfort and protection. Riding gear provides protection and can reduce the chances of serious injury in a crash.
• Every motorcyclist and their passengers must wear helmets that meet the current US DOT’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218.
• If the motorcycle hasn’t a wind shield or screen, you must use eye glasses, goggles, or a protective face shield. (You and your passengers should always wear eye protection.)
• Wear long sleeves and full trousers; it will help maintain body heat and moisture, protect against sunburn, and reduce skin abrasion in case of a crash.
• Use retro reflective tape to brighten darkly colored riding gear; it will make you visible to other drivers.
• Wear full fingered leather gloves to protect your hands and better grip the motorcycle’s hand controls.
• Use sturdy, over-the-ankle shoes; boots provide the best protection and ankle support.
• Carry a passenger with you only if you have enough experience and confidence.

Lack of experience and proper training are the major reasons of more than 90 percent motor cycle crashes. It’s strongly recommended that you should seek professional, licensed, motorcycle riding instruction before pursuing for class M driver’s license. Beginner and experienced rider courses are available in all the states, and are sponsored by the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The graduates of the courses are even exempt from the RMV’s road test for class M license.

Before you start driving, make sure that you are comfortable with your physical, mental and emotional state, your vehicle and the conditions in which you will be driving.  Don’t drive, if you have doubts about any of them.  Driving habits are formed because the same physical actions are required over and over again.  If you try to reduce these required actions, it will result in the formation of bad driving habits.  The following tips will help you to improve your driving skills.

Tips to improve driving skills

Walk around the vehicle before you enter; look around for any obstacle that might interfere with safe driving.  A child may be playing near your car or you may need to move some object.  Check your tires and make sure that there are no leaks under the car.  Make sure that the mirrors and lights are clean and not broken.  Now it’s safe for you to enter the vehiclehttp://drivingtestexperts.com/

Know your vehicle well before you drive it.  You should be familiar with all the automobile safety features and controls.  Once you are completely familiar with your vehicle, you are ready to begin.  Make sure you sit properly behind the wheel.  Sit high enough in the driver’s seat to see over the steering wheel and hood.  You should be able to see the ground four meters in front of the vehicle.  Adjust the seat so your feet reach the pedals easily.  If your vehicle has an adjustable headrest, you should make sure it is at the right height.  The back of your head should be directly in front of the middle of the headrest to protect you in a collision.

Before starting your engine,

• Remove anything that blocks your view.
• Make sure that you have enough room in the front seat to drive properly and safely.
• Make sure all doors are fully closed and locked.
• Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
• Make sure you and your passengers are correctly belted.
• Check gauges to assure they work and accurately reflect engine conditions.
• Make sure the wind shield wipers work; there is sufficient cleaning fluid in the reservoir.
• Look behind you when needed; using the mirrors is not enough. You should know the blind spot on your own vehicle.

Look around for pedestrians and oncoming traffic before you start moving; then signal and move into the traffic safely. Keep in mind the concepts of safe, responsible and defensive driving. Smooth driving is the mark of an experthttp://drivingtestexperts.com/

For a teenager the driver’s license is a ticket to freedom, a big step on their way to adulthood, and a first taste of independence. But the saddest reality is that the price paid by a new teen driver is all too often his own life and the life of his passengers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(drivingtestexperts.com), teens die in car accidents at a higher rate than any other age group. The major reasons are limited driving experience and risk-taking driving behavior.

It is ultimately up to the licensed teen to drive safely but there are a number of factors that lead to a higher rate of accidents and deaths among the age group.

Reasons for Teen accidents

• Inattentiveness: Inattentiveness/distraction is the most common contributing factor in vehicle crashes.
• Speed: Teens feel the need for speed. They find it difficult to adjust speed to suit current driving conditions.
• Failure to wear safety belts: Too many teens fail to use seat belts. Many lives could have been saved with the click of the buckle.
• Driving with other teens: When a teen passenger is with a teen driver, the risk of a crash is twice as high.
• Not checking traffic and DMV rules before pulling out: Most of the crashes occur at intersections because they are inexperienced in judging distance and speed.

Safety tips for Teen drivers;

• Always wear seat belts, and make the passengers wear it.
• Adjust the seats and mirrors for the best visibility while driving.
• Don’t try to adjust the radio or CD player while driving. Wait until you can pull over, because it is dangerous to take your focus off the road even for a few seconds.
• Don’t blast the radio while driving. There are chances that you may miss hearing a horn or siren.
• Don’t use mobile phones while driving.
• Don’t put on makeup, or comb your hair when you drive.
• Don’t take alcohol or drugs before you drive or don’t drive with anyone who has taken them.
• Avoid eating and drinking while driving.
• When the lights turn green, make sure the intersection is clear before you proceed; don’t run red lights.
• Obey the posted speed limits.

Parents also can set good examples for your teens. You can expose your teens to different driving conditions and unfamiliar roads. Take them for practice driving with you and take enough time to discuss driving rules, responsibilities, and consequences. Developing necessary skills for safe driving is a complex task and can be learned only after many hours of practice; but parents have a crucial role in it. Allow your teen to “graduate” to a higher level of driving responsibility. Encourage them to value human life. All accidents cannot be avoided, but many lives can be saved as a result of safer driving among today’s teens.

Yes, you got it right.  Distracted driving has become a major concern on the roads of America.  The major reasons for distracted driving are texting, cell phone use and other forms of distraction such as tuning a radio, eating etc, causing many fatalities which are reported every year while behind the wheel of a vehicle.  Many measures have already been enacted in a number of states across the country. To add, technology has also helped people a lot in a way to decrease the number of fatalities but still these measures don’t go far enough.  To cite an example, Ford has its voice-activated Sync system; a technology that can program everything from the radio to the navigation system through a touch screen by using steering wheel-mounted controls, or by using your voice.  The technology claims that the latter method sharply reduces driver distraction(drivingtestexperts.com).  Do you agree with it? Maybe, many of us will agree and disagree to some level.  But, this is not what this article intends to convey.  Despite all, the question still remains “Why do these traffic fatalities still occur time to time around?”  Don’t the many years of our driving experience count at all?

Causes of Distraction

Yes, I may be right in telling you here that it is basically the ignorance of people to follow the road rules which is a major factor to distracted driving.  Distracted driving has always paved the way for major accidents.  In spite of being repeatedly made aware by State DMVs who try to make people aware of the safe driving rules by including related questions in learners permit tests and driving license tests, still people lose themselves at some point of time.  Apart from this, I must add that there are also many sites online(drivingtestexperts.com) which offer valuable information that can make you more aware, safer and a better driver in the near future.  The importance of stressing on this point here is that, maybe, next time you don’t just browse the information but actually follow it.

I know, people are multi-taskers on road but don’t you agree that driving itself is multi-tasking and you should not lose your focus while driving.  To drive safely, a driver needs to give priority attention to the driving task.  You should improve your safety along with the others who share the road with you.  Even a momentary distraction can lead to a crash.  So keep driving and follow the safe driving techniques to avoid distractions when you are behind the wheels.  I’m sure that by now you do understand the importance of defensive driving as it gives you more confidence while you are on the road.  By following these best practices, you can prevent unforeseen disasters in the long run.

Many a times you must have come across a daredevil biker zipping around on his mean machine, carelessly cutting across lanes, throwing all caution to the winds right? Although the number of bikes on road in the U.S. is comparatively lower when compared to cars and other vehicles, motorcyclists are very much a part of the road users and have the same rights as any other vehicles. Therefore, it is important that you, as a fellow road user, have a good idea about sharing the road with motorcycles.

 Many of the driver’s manuals(@drivingtestexperts.com) and other training materials do have information on this topic, and having an overall knowledge about road safety and other details is important for you to get your drivers licence. Read on to know more about our safety tips and suggestion on sharing the road with motorcycles.
 

Safety Tips and Suggestions

•  Firstly, whenever you notice a motorcycle on the road while driving, respect its space and position in the traffic.

•  Be extra alert while sharing the road with motorcycles. You can easily miss a bike in traffic or on the road. One blink or a second’s loss of concentration and you could find the motorcycle right in front of you.

•  Avoid close overtaking or speeding when you pass a motorcycle. Compared to cars, bikes are much lighter. If you pass too fast or get too close while overtaking, it could startle the biker or cause the bike to go out of control.

•  If you intend to take a turn or stop your vehicle, give the signal and use your judgement to give enough time for the motorcyclist to adjust his speed and distance.

•  Always keep an eye out on your blind spots, especially while changing lanes.  In most cases, it is difficult to spot a motorcyclist when you are driving in a lane of cars.  Sudden changing of lanes may cause you to clip or hit an unsuspecting rider.

•  While driving, if you notice any road hazard ahead of you, allow enough room for the motorcyclist to adjust to the situation. Slow down if needed and signal the motorcyclist to pass or stop. In extreme cases, this might not be possible. Use your judgement then and keep the rider’s safety in mind.

•  A single headlight of motorcycle can be hard to spot at night or in foggy condition.  There is also a high possibility of misjudging the distance of the motorcycle from your vehicle or the headlight/taillight blending in with the lights of other vehicles. One solution – Stay extra alert!!

   

Additional information

 Intersections are hot spots for crashes and accidents.  Stop at intersections and wait till the rider’s intentions are clear (going straight or taking a turn).  If you spot a motorcycle in oncoming traffic, dim your headlights as you would normally do for other vehicles.  We hope that you have found this information helpful.  Respect other road users and drive safe for more information on driving refer to us at drivingtestexperts.com
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Drinking alcoholic beverage continues to be widespread among all masses irrespective of age and gender.  It has its own harm in biological way, but if you are driving under the influence of alcohol then it becomes crime instantly since a person’s driving ability is impaired by consumption of alcohol.  Not only it causes major accident, but can also be fatal.  The effect of alcohol can last for hours or even days, and vary from person to person.  Even a small amount, well below the legal limit, seriously affects the ability to drive safely.  While driving, consumption of alcohol not only weakens judgment by making drivers go overconfident and more likely to take risks on the road, it even slows down their reaction time, increases stopping distances, impairs judgment of speed and distance, and reduces the field of vision.

Driving comes with its own legal responsibilities, risks, and benefits, and therefore it is imperative to remember that it requires a very sound knowledge of driving (DMV driving test) and careful act of behavior on the road.  Keeping an alcoholic container is a dreadful crime and every state has very strict laws about carrying alcohol or drugs in a vehicle.  If you really have to carry them, then the container should be full, well-sealed, and must be placed in the trunk of the vehicle or in a place where passengers do not sit.  Keeping an open bottle of alcohol in the glove compartment is specifically against the laws.  An “open container” means its contents are immediately capable of being consumed, and you cannot justify enough.  To make things worse, if you are underage or do not have driving license then you are certainly going to be in more trouble whatsoever.  If you are driving in a group and unfortunately no one confesses the possession of the alcoholic container, then everyone in the vehicle is liable to get penalized.  The possession of an open alcohol is itself is a prime evidence irrespective of its consumption.  The police officer does not need to take a Breath Analyzer Test to penalize you.

Exception to the rule

However it is noteworthy that there is some exemption to the laws.  If you are working for someone with an off-site liquor sales license, then you may carry alcoholic beverages in closed containers.  Although, carrying any kind of alcohol is illegal whether it is open or closed.  If you are preparing a shipment of alcoholic beverages be careful of the rules and regulations of the driving permit regarding its origin and destination of the shipment.  The transport and distribution of alcoholic beverages is almost entirely controlled by the states, which often have different laws.

If there is any kind of celebration at your home and you are required to carry alcoholic beverages, then make sure the bottles are well-sealed and kept at the rear end of the car.

Common punishments for possession of alcohol in the vehicle:

According to any State law, no driver shall consume any alcoholic beverage or possess an open container while operating a motor vehicle on the road.  The punishments for possessing alcohol in a vehicle may have serious consequences of landing you to the jail for a minimum of six months apart from monetary fine.  Worse if you are underage of 21 years or your vehicle is registered to someone else name (get your drivers license), then more likely your vehicle will be confiscated at the owner’s expense for up to 30 days.

We must bring ourselves to realize that it is too dangerous to carry alcohol with us while we are driving to our destination.

Driving is a privilege, we all know this but many of us often violate this basic principle. As the rush on the roads is increasing with every passing day, so are the numbers of insensible drivers.  It is always assumed in a social sense that a driver must be:

• A sensible person.
• Have a certain level of maturity.
• Have a sense of consideration and responsibility towards others.
• Possess a valid license.

But in the present scenario, it’s very easy to find such drivers who have a valid license but lack the above mentioned attributes.  Such drivers, often referred to as ‘insensible drivers’ are the ones to watch out for.  Statistics show that rash driving by insensible drivers is a major cause of road accidents.

Who are Insensible Drivers?

Anyone who drives violating the rules and regulations of driving fall under the category ‘insensible drivers’. It is so because such people lack the basic sense to understand that ,rules are framed to maintain a proper road decorum and ensure safety.  They consider such rules and regulations as being fit just for the rule books and display a blatant disregard for the safety of others. They simply don’t care to adhere to such rules and standards.  Few instances of insensible driving are:

• Driving under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs.
• Driving beyond the prescribed Speed limit.
• Attending phone calls while driving.
• Driving even after knowing that one is sleep-deprived and may fall asleep while driving.
• Indulging in road-rage while driving.
• Driving without proper driving license.

These are very few instances amounting to insensible driving, so the ultimate definition of insensible driving can be “Any act while driving which violates the road rules or interferes with others driving privilege”.

Results of Insensible Driving

• Hazardous road accidents
• Irreparable damage to vehicles
• Damage and loss of public property
• Cancellation of driving license
• Imprisonment ranging from a few months to many years
• Legal convictions and penalties

Tips and Tricks to Tackle Insensible Drivers

• Allow a bigger space cushion for drivers who may be potentially dangerous.
• Always try to follow “Three second” rule.
• If you encounter an insensible driver on the road, let him pass. Do not mess with them.
• Allow the insensible drivers to move ahead and leave them space.
• Note down the vehicle details if possible and Call 911 to inform the concerned authority.
• You can also notify your nearest police station and report the vehicle details and register a complaint.

 Be a responsible driver and always understand and implement the road rules and regulations while driving.  Make a conscious effort to be a ‘sensible driver’ and not an ‘insensible one’.