Florida Driver’s Handbook – Flashcards

Move Over Law states that drivers must slow down for law enforcement officers, emergency workers and tow truck drivers stopped along roadways. Requirements: -On a two-lane roadway, you are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit -If the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, you must slow down to five miles per hour - If you are driving on an interstate or roadway with multiple lanes of travel in the same direction, and you approach an emergency or law enforcement vehicle parked along the roadway, you must vacate the lane closest to that vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you are not able to safely move over, you must slow down to a speed of 20 MPH below the posted speed limit unless directed otherwise by a law enforcement officer

An area where 50% or more of the land next to the road is used for businesses.

Every vehicle propelled solely by human power.

The act of declaring a driver's license void and terminated.

A copy which is marked in some official way to show that it is a true copy of the original document. To get a certified copy of a document, you must contact the agency that issued the original document.

Infant carriers or removable car seats specially designed to keep babies and young children from being injured in car crashes. A lap belt may be used as a restraint for children four years old or older

A judgment of guilt in a court. In a driver's record, suspended sentences, forfeiting/entreasures of bonds, and pleas of no contest count against the driver just as a conviction does.

A special authorization which permits a person to drive certain types of vehicles, transport certain types of property or transport a number of passengers

Any criminal offense that is punishable under the laws of this state, or that would be punishable if committed in this state, by death or imprisonment in a state penitentiary. "State penitentiary" includes state correctional facilities.

A "Permanent Resident Alien" who is admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. Immigrants are legally accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the United States and are issued immigrant visas or adjusted to permanent resident status by the USCIS.

Where two streets meet or cross

Any self-propelled vehicle not operated upon rails or guide way, but not including any bicycle, motorized scooter, electric personal assistive device, swamp buggy, or moped. as defined in section 316.003, Florida Statutes.

Any motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, but excluding a tractor or a moped.

An alien who seeks temporary entry to the United States for a specific purpose and who has declared ones intention to stay only for a temporary period of time.

Any person afoot

A person, who has his principal place of domicile in this state for a period of more than six consecutive months, has registered to vote, has made a statement of domicile pursuant to section 222.17, Florida Statutes, or has filed for homestead exemption on property in this state.

An area where most of the land next to the road is used for homes.

A prohibition against operating certain types of motor vehicles or a requirement that a driver comply with certain conditions when driving a motor vehicle.

The termination of a licensee's privilege to drive a motor vehicle.

The temporary withdrawal of a licensee's privilege to drive a motor vehicle.

A person born in the U.S., Naturalized, or one who has obtained a Certificate of Citizenship from the Department of State.

Every device, in, upon, or by which any person is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

Turn your car around in a 30' to 40' space

Allow pedestrians to cross, pull over and stop for emergency vehicles and do not enter an intersection where you will interfere with other traffic.

Park your vehicle inside the parking space straight-in. When properly parked, the vehicle should be centered inside the space with no part of the vehicle extending out in the traffic lane. This maneuver gives the examiner/agent the opportunity to observe your ability to: a) handle the vehicle in close quarters b) judge distance c) maintain control of the vehicle as you turn into a straight-in parking space

If there is no hill on your driving test, this maneuver is simulated when the car is in the straight-in parking space or when the car is pulled over to the side of the road before the turnabout maneuver. You will be instructed to show or tell the examiner/agent what you would do if you were going to leave the vehicle parked up or down a hill, with or without a curb.

Back for a distance of 50 feet at a slow speed. Do not use the rear-view mirror or rear-view camera when backing. Look to the rear instead.

Give the proper signal if turning, approach in the proper lane, come to a complete stop before reaching the pedestrian crosswalk*or stop line, and remain stopped until you can move safely without interfering with cross traffic or pedestrians.

Get into the proper lane and approach the light at a speed that will allow you to stop if the light should change. When you must stop, stop before the pedestrian crosswalk or stop line. When the light turns green, do not move forward until the other traffic has cleared the intersection. Give the correct signal for stopping and turning. Watch for "no turn" and "one way" signs.

Get into the proper lane and signal your turn for the last 100 feet. You may use either hand signals or mechanical signals. Slow before reaching the crosswalk and turn into the proper lane.

Always look ahead and behind to make sure you can pass safely. Pass on the left, unless the car ahead is about to make a left turn or is in the left turn lane on a street with more than one lane in each direction. Do not pass on the shoulder (side of the road).

right lane

Do not follow too closely behind other cars. Keep a minimum following distance of three to four seconds with an additional second for any unusual weather or traffic conditions

Keep both hands on the steering wheel and do not rest your elbow in the window.

A person who holds a Learner's license must be accompanied by a licensed driver, 21 years of age or older, who occupies the front passenger seat closest to the right of the driver. Drivers can only drive during daylight hours the first three months from the original issue date and must be accompanied by a person 21 years of age or older, holding a valid driver license, occupying the front passenger seat. After the first three months, drivers may operate a vehicle from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a person 21 years of age or older, holding a valid driver license, occupying the front passenger seat. Drivers with a Learner's license are ineligible for a motorcycle endorsement.

Make a fraudulent driver license application. • Allow your license to be used for a purpose that is against the law. • Are convicted in a traffic court and the court orders that your license be suspended. • Refuse to take a test to show if you are driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Misuse a restricted license. • Earn a certain number of points for traffic offenses on the point system. • Break a traffic law and fail to pay your fine or appear in court as directed. • Fail to pay child support. • Fail to carry insurance on your vehicle. • Fail to stop for a school bus. • Use tobacco if you are under age. • Commit retail theft. • Education Non-Compliance (School Dropout).

Driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other controlled substances. • A felony in which a motor vehicle is used. • Not stopping to give help when the vehicle you are driving is involved in a crash causing death or personal injury. • Lying about the ownership or operation of motor vehicles. • Three cases of reckless driving within one year. Forfeiting bail and not going to court to avoid being convicted of reckless driving counts the same as a conviction. • An immoral act in which a motor vehicle was used. • Three major offenses or 15 offenses for which you receive points within a 5-year period. • A felony for drug possession. • Vision worse than the standard minimum requirements. • Racing on the highway. A court may also order that your license be revoked for certain other traffic offenses.

• Your license was issued in error. • You giving false information or identification. • You failed to complete a required school. Section 322.0261 and 322.091 Florida Statutes

12 points within a 12-month period .......................................................... 30 days 18 points within a 18-month period .......................................................3 months 24 points within a 36-month period ............................................................ 1-year

Any driver under the age of 18 who accumulates six or more points within a 12 month period is automatically restricted for one year to driving for "Business Purposes ONLY". If additional points are accumulated the restriction is extended for 90 days for every additional point received.

Any driver under 21 years of age who is stopped by law enforcement and has a breath or blood alcohol level of .02 or higher will automatically have their driving privilege suspended for 6 months. Any driver under 21 with a breath or blood alcohol level of .05 or higher is required to attend a substance abuse course. An evaluation will be completed and parents or legal guardians will be notified of the results for all drivers under the age of 19.

You will be issued a Florida Insurance I.D. Card from your insurance company. You must have this paper or electronic card ready to show to any law enforcement officer to prove that you have the required insurance. If not, you may receive a ticket for not having proof of insurance. If your driver license or license plate(s) are suspended for not obeying either of these laws, you cannot get a temporary license for any reason, not even for work purposes only. Any person who makes a false statement or commits forgery about their motor vehicle insurance can be guilty of a second degree misdemeanor.

Call law enforcement If you are in a crash while driving, you must stop! Call the local police, the Florida Highway Patrol, or the county Sheriff's office. If the crash involves a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) or results in death, injury, or property damage to the extent a wrecker must tow a vehicle, the officer will fill out a report. If the crash is investigated by an officer, the driver need not make a written report. If property damage appears to be over $500 and no report is written by an officer, you must make a written report of the crash to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles within 10 days. The officer will provide you with a copy of the form for your records. 2. Remain calm 3. Attain vehicle, witness and driver information You must be ready to give your name, address, and vehicle registration number, as well as show your driver license to others involved in the crash. 4. Sketch the scene, showing vehicle crash locations. 5. Help the injured. If you're involved in a minor crash and your vehicle is blocking the flow of traffic, you must move it. If you cannot move it yourself, you must get help or call a tow 43 Official Florida Driver's Handbook • 2014 truck. This is true anytime your vehicle os blocking the flow of traffic whether it has been involved in a crash or not.

Crash Involving an Unattended Vehicle If, while driving, you hit a vehicle with no one in it or if you damage any object that belongs to someone else, you must tell the owner. Give the owner your name, address, and tag number in person or in a note that is easily seen. Report the crash immediately to the proper law enforcement agency

What does Florida law say? • The driver must immediately stop and remain at the scene, must exchange information and render reasonable assistance to any injured persons. • Leaving the scene of a crash involving a death commits a felonyof the first degree and carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in a state correctional facility and/or a fine of up to $10,000. • Leaving the scene of a crash involving injuries commits a felony of the third degree and carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in a state correctional facility and/or a fine up to $5,000. • Leaving the scene involving property damage commits a misdemeanor of the second degree and carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in a county jail and/or fine of $500.

Section 322.0261(1)(c) requires that if you were convicted of or pleaded nolo contender to your third traffic offense that caused a crash within 36 months, you must complete a department approved driver improvement course that includes behind-the-wheel training and an assessment of your driving safety. DHSMV notifies you of this requirement based on a qualifying third at fault crash occurring on or after January 1, 2010.

Littering is a crime. People who throw trash on public streets and highways can be fined up to $500 or jailed up to 60 days. You can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor and fined up to $1,000 if dumping more than 15 pounds of trash.

It is against the law to damage the roads by driving on the rim of a flat tire or by any other means.

illegal

Before you start your engine: • Make sure all windows are clean. • Remove anything that blocks your view of the road. • Adjust the seat so you can reach all controls. • Adjust the inside and outside rearview mirrors. You should not have to lean forward or backward to use them. • Lock all car doors. • Put on your safety belts. Ask all passengers to do the same. • Make sure your car is in park or neutral gear before starting the engine. Never move your car until you have looked in front, behind and to the side for pedestrians and oncom- ing traffic. Then, signal and pull into traffic when safe.

Defensive driving means doing all you can to prevent crashes.

Act in time. Once you have seen a dangerous situation, act right away to prevent a crash. Use these defensive driving tips if you see that you are about to be involved in a crash: • It is better to swerve right instead of toward oncoming traffic to prevent a crash. • Hitting a row of bushes is better than hitting a tree, post or solid object. • Hitting a vehicle moving in the same direction as you are is better than hitting a vehicle head-on. • It is better to drive off the road than skid off when avoiding a crash. • It is better to hit something that is not moving instead of a vehicle moving toward you.

Check your brake lights often to make sure they are clean and working properly. • Know what is going on around you. Use your rearview mirrors. • Signal well in advance for turns, stops and lane changes. • Slow down gradually. Avoid any sudden actions. • Drive with the flow of traffic (within the speed limit). Driving too slowly can be as dangerous as driving too fast. • To avoid striking the vehicle in the front of you, keep at least three to four seconds following distance with an additional second for any unusual weather or traffic conditions.

Check behind your vehicle before you get in. Children or small objects cannot be seen from the driver's seat. Place your right arm on the back of the seat and turn around so that you can look directly through the rear window

Municipal Speed Areas .........................30 Business or Residential Area ................30 Rural Interstate......................................70* Limited Access Highways .....................70 All Other Roads and Highways..........55* School Zones...........................................20

If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer, pull off immediately to the extreme right, clear of traffic when possible. Turn off your engine. Reduce your headlights to the parking light position at night. Sit calmly and follow the instructions of the officer. You must follow any lawful order or direction of (1) any law enforcement officer or (2) any fireman at the scene of a fire who is directing traffic. If a law enforcement officer is directing traffic where there are signal lights, obey the officer - not the signals.

Look both ways and be ready to brake or stop. • Drive at the slowest speed just before entering the intersection, not while crossing. • Do not pass or change lanes. • Be aware of vehicles behind you.

After a complete stop, you must yield the right-of-way to all other traffic and pedestrians at stop signs. Move forward only when the road is clear. At four-way stops, the first vehicle to stop should move forward first. If two vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

An open intersection is one without traffic control signs or signals. When you enter one, you must yield the right-of-way if: • A vehicle is already in the intersection. • You enter or cross a state highway from a secondary road. • You enter a paved road from an unpaved road. • You plan to make a left turn and a vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction. When two cars enter an open intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

Drivers entering the roundabout must yield to traffic already in the circle and are directed in one-way, counterclockwise direction. For multi-lane roundabouts, stay in the left lane to turn left and the right lane to turn right, and all lanes to go through, unless otherwise directed by signs or pavement markings. Stay in your lane within the roundabout and use your right turn signal to indicate your intention to exit.

There are nine steps in making a good turn: 1. Make up your mind about your turn before you get to the turning point. Turn signals are required when changing lanes. Never make "last minute" turns. 2. If you must change lanes, look behind and to both sides to see where other vehicles are located before making your turn. 3. Move into the correct lane as you near the intersection. The correct lane for the right turn is the lane next to the right edge of the roadway. 4. On a two-lane road with traffic in both directions, an approach for a left turn should be made in the part of the right half of the roadway nearest the center line. 5. Give a turn signal for at least the last 100 feet before you make your turn. Let other drivers know what you are going to do. Be sure that the drivers around you have time to see your signal before you move. 6. Slow down to a safe turning speed. Pay attention to "no turn on red" or "stop here" when pedestrians are present/crossing. 7. When you are slowing to make a right turn, the bicyclist you passed may be catching up to you. Search over your shoulder before turning. Yield to bicyclists and pedestrians. After checking that traffic is clear, look in the direction of travel to avoid colliding with a vehicle or pedestrian in front of you. 8. Always scan for pedestrians before starting a left turn. Yield to pedestrians who may be crossing in your path when turning left. Only turn left when the path is clear of pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles. 9. Make the turn, staying in the proper lane. Yield the right-of-way to vehicles (including bicycles) coming from the opposite direction or vehicles lawfully passing on the left. 10. Finish your turn in the proper lane. A right turn should be from the right lane into the right lane of the roadway entered. A left turn may be completed in any lane lawfully available, or safe, for the desired direction of travel. See the diagrams for making left turns from or into one-way streets.

1. Move as far right as possible, check traffic, and signal a left turn. 2. Turn the steering wheel sharply to the left and move forward slowly. Stop at the curb, or edge of roadway. 3. Shift to reverse, turn your wheels sharply to the right, check traffic, and back your vehicle to the right curb, or edge of roadway.

On a two-lane highway, you are allowed to drive on the left half of the roadway when it is safe to pass and passing is allowed. If the road has four or more lanes with two-way traffic, drive in the right lanes except when overtaking and passing. Left lanes on some interstate roads are reserved for car pool vehicles with two or more occupants in the car - watch for diamond signs in the median. The center lane of a three-lane or five-lane highway is used only for turning left.

Stay a safe distance behind the vehicle you want to pass. The closer you get to the vehicle you want to pass, the less you can see ahead. This is especially true when passing trucks, trailers, and other large vehicles. • Before you pull out to pass, check your blind spots and make sure that you have plenty of time and room to pass. • On a two-lane road, tap your horn, or at night blink your headlights to let the other driver know you are passing. • Give your signal before you move into the left lane. Turn signals are required when changing lanes. Be sure that the drivers around you have time to see your signal BEFORE you move. • Do not return to the right side of the road until you can see the tires of the vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror. • You must return to the right side of the road before coming within 200 feet of any vehicle coming from the opposite direction. Passing on the right is only legal when there are two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction or the vehicle you are passing is making a left turn. Pulling off the roadway to pass on the right is against the law

Keep a minimum following distance of three to four seconds with an additional second for any unusual weather or traffic conditions. To determine your following distance: • Watch when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a sign, pole or any other stationary point. • Count the seconds it takes you to reach the same sign, pole, or any other stationary point ("Onethousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three, one-thousandfour").

When parking on hills: • Turn your wheels so that if your car starts to move, it will roll away from traffic or into the curb. Study the diagram provided. • Set the parking brake. • Place automatic gear shift in park. Shift manual gears to reverse (downhill) or first (uphill). • Turn vehicle off.

The rear markers represent the REAR corners of the parking space. The forward markers represent the approximate CENTER of the parking space. When properly parked, the vehicle should be centered inside the space with no part of the vehicle extending out into the traffic lane.

On the roadway side of another parked vehicle (double parking). • On crosswalks. • On sidewalks. • In bicycle lanes. • In front of driveways. • By curbs painted yellow or where "No Parking" signs are posted. • Within intersections. • Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. • Within 20 feet of an intersection. • Within 20 feet of the entrance to a fire, ambulance or rescue squad station. Down Hill turn wheels to curb Up Hill with curbturn wheels from curb Up Hill without curbturn wheels to right • Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing. • On the hard surface of a highway where parking spaces are not marked. • On any bridge or overpass or in any tunnel. • Within 30 feet of a rural mail box on a state highway between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. • Within 30 feet of any flashing signal, stop sign or traffic signal. • In such a way that you block or create a hazard for other vehicles.

Expressways - also called interstate highways, freeways, and turnpikes are multiple-lane roads with no stop signs, traffic lights, or railroad crossings. For these reasons, expressways can give you a fast, safe way to get where you need to go.

Follow these guidelines to enter an expressway safely: • On the entrance ramp, begin checking for an opening in traffic. Signal for your turn. • As the ramp straightens into the acceleration lane, speed up. Try to adjust your speed so that you can move into the traffic when you reach the end of the acceleration lane. • Merge into traffic when you can do so safely. You must yield the rightof-way to traffic on the expressway. You cannot always count on other drivers moving over to give you room to enter, but do not stop on an acceleration lane unless traffic is too heavy and there is no space for you to enter safely. When leaving an expressway: • Get into the exit lane. Posted signs will tell you which one. Most expressway exits are from the right lane. • Signal your intention to leave the expressway by using your turn signal. • Slow down as soon as you are off the expressway. Check the posted safe speed for the exit ramp. • Do not make last-minute turns into an exit. If you go past your exit, you must go to the next one.

Use your headlights (low beam or high beam) between the hours of sunset and sunrise. • Low beam headlamps are only effective for speeds up to 20-25 MPH. You must use special care when driving faster than these speeds, since you are unable to detect pedestrians, bicyclists and others. • High beam headlights can reveal objects up to a distance of at 450 feet and are most effective for speeds faster than 25 MPH. Don't use high-beam headlights within 500 feet of oncoming vehicles. • If you are behind other vehicles, use low beams when you are within 300 feet of the vehicle ahead. • When leaving a brightly lit place, drive slowly until your eyes adjust to the darkness. • Don't look directly at oncoming headlights. Instead, watch the right edge of your lane. Look quickly to be sure of the other vehicle's position every few seconds. • Drive as far to the right as you can if a vehicle with one light comes toward you.

Drive with lights on low beam. High beams will only be reflected back off the fog and actually impair visibility even more. Your lights help other drivers see your vehicle, so be sure they all work. Keep your windshield and headlights clean, to reduce the glare and increase visibility. • Slow down - and watch your speedometer - before you enter a patch of fog. Be sure that you can stop within the distance that you can see. Fog creates a visual illusion of slow motion when you may actually be speeding. Speed is a major factor in fog-related crashes. • Watch out for slow-moving and parked vehicles. Listen for traffic you cannot see. Open your window a little, to hear better. • Reduce the distractions in your vehicle. Turn off the radio and cell phone. Your full attention is required. • Use wipers and defrosters liberally for maximum visibility. Sometimes it is difficult to determine if poor visibility is due to fog or moisture on the windshield. • Use the right edge of the road or painted road markings as a guide. • Be patient. Avoid passing and/or changing lanes. • Signal turns well in advance and brake early as you approach a stop. • Do not stop on a freeway or heavily traveled road. You could become the first link in a chain-reaction collision. If you must pull off the road, signal (people tend to follow tail lights when driving in fog), then carefully pull off as far as possible. After pulling off the road, turn on your hazard flashers(hazard lights should only be used when you pull over to show that you are parked on the side of the road). Move away from the vehicle.

If possible, park where the disabled vehicle can be seen for 200 feet in each direction. • Move the vehicle so all four wheels are out of traffic lanes. • Turn on your emergency flashers. • Get all passengers out on the side away from traffic. • Tie a white cloth on the left door handle or antenna. • Raise the hood. • Call * FHP or other law enforcement agencies for assistance.

Tire Blowout • Do not use brakes. • Concentrate on steering. • Slow down gradually. • Brake softly when the car is under control. • Pull completely off the pavement.

Test brakes lightly after driving through deep water. • Brakes may pull to one side or may not hold at all. • Dry brakes by driving slowly in low gear and applying brakes.

Take your foot off the gas pedal. • Hold the wheel firmly and steer in a straight line. • Brake lightly. • Wait until the road is clear. • Turn back on the pavement sharply at slow speed.

Sound your horn. • Brake sharply. • Steer for the side of the road or the ditch.

Keep your eyes on the road. • Tap the gas pedal with your foot. • Try to pry the pedal up with the toe of your shoe. • Shift into neutral. • Turn off the ignition. (Do not turn the key to lock, or your steering will lock.) • Use your brakes.

Pump the brake pedal hard and fast, except for vehicles with anti-lock brakes. • Shift to a lower gear. • Apply the parking brake slowly and make sure that you are holding down the release lever or button. This will prevent your rear wheels from locking and your vehicle from skidding. • Rub your tires on the curb to slow your vehicle, or pull off the road into an open space.

• Take your foot off the gas pedal. • Do not use your brakes, if possible. • Pump the brakes gently if you are about to hit something. • Steer the car into the direction of the skid to straighten the vehicle out. Then steer in the direction you wish to go.

• If the fire is small and you have a portable extinguisher, you should attempt to extinguish the fire. • If you cannot extinguish the fire and it continues to get larger, get away from the vehicle, due to the presence of toxic fumes and the possibility of explosion. • Never apply water to a gasoline or diesel fire.