Maine BMV Permit Practice Test 28
- Questions30
- Correct to pass24
- Passing score80%
- Minimum age15 years
-
1. Enhanced reference location markers differ from ordinary mileposts in that they
Show answer
Answer B: carry the route number and a mileage figure to the tenth of a mile
An enhanced reference location marker adds the route designation and carries the mileage to a tenth, so the point named is far more precise than a plain milepost.
-
2. A vehicle is sitting in your blind spot and you need to change into that lane. What should you do?
Show answer
Answer B: Adjust your speed to open a clear gap, then check again and move over
Changing your speed either drops the other vehicle behind you or lets it move ahead, which turns the blind spot back into open space.
-
3. You are circulating in the inner lane of a two-lane roundabout, your exit is next, and a vehicle is beside you in the outer lane. What should you do?
Show answer
Answer C: Keep circulating around the island and take that same exit on your next time around
You may not cut across a vehicle in the outer lane; if you cannot exit safely, continue around the circle and try again.
-
4. On the Interstate system, what do the odd-numbered one and two digit routes have in common?
Show answer
Answer D: They run mainly north and south
Odd numbers are given to north and south Interstates and even numbers to east and west ones, with the numbers rising toward the north and the east.
-
5. May you stop in a marked bicycle lane to let a passenger out?
Show answer
Answer B: No, stopping there forces riders into the traffic lane
A vehicle stopped in a bike lane pushes riders out into moving traffic, which is exactly what the lane exists to prevent.
-
6. A small plate under a stop sign reads CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP. What is it telling you?
Show answer
Answer D: Traffic on the cross street is not required to stop at all
The plate warns that the other road is uncontrolled, so you must wait for a gap instead of expecting anyone to take turns with you.
-
7. You are turning right from a one-way street onto a two-way street. Where should the turn end?
Show answer
Answer A: In the lane nearest the right curb of the street you are entering
A right turn starts and finishes as close to the right as practical, so you leave the one-way street from the right lane and arrive in the lane nearest the right curb.
-
8. A driver behind you on a two-lane road clearly wants to pass. Why should you not wave that driver past?
Show answer
Answer B: You cannot see the whole road ahead for them and they may rely on your signal
Waving another driver out invites them to trust your judgment of a road you cannot see well enough, and the decision to pass belongs to the driver making it.
-
9. The word SCHOOL is painted in large letters across the roadway. What is it doing?
Show answer
Answer D: Backing up the signs marking a school zone
Word markings on the pavement reinforce a message that is already signed, and a driver looking at the road ahead cannot miss them.
-
10. The signal ahead turns yellow while you are approaching it. What does the yellow light mean?
Show answer
Answer C: The red is coming; stop if you can do so safely
A steady yellow warns that the red is next. Stop if you can do so safely; enter the intersection only when stopping would be dangerous.
-
11. Your vehicle has broken down at night on a rural road and your phone has no signal. What is the safest thing to do?
Show answer
Answer C: Stay with the vehicle, keep the hazard lights on and wait for help
A lit vehicle is far easier to find than a person walking in the dark, and running the engine while you sleep risks carbon monoxide.
-
12. At highway speed, a large object suddenly appears in your lane and there is open space beside you. Which response is often the most effective?
Show answer
Answer B: Steer around it, since at speed you can often turn quicker than you can stop
Above roughly 25 mph, stopping distance is long while a lane change takes only a moment. When space is available, a controlled steer around the hazard avoids the impact.
-
13. You are following another vehicle down a long, steep grade. What should you do about the gap?
Show answer
Answer D: Make it longer, because both of you need more room to stop
Everything takes longer to stop on a downgrade, including the vehicle ahead, so the gap that works on the flat is no longer enough.
-
14. What is the safe way to carry a dog in a car?
Show answer
Answer C: In a secured crate, or in a harness attached to a seat belt anchor
An unrestrained animal distracts the driver and becomes a heavy projectile in a crash, so it should be crated or harnessed.
-
15. Why does a long downhill grade lengthen the distance you need to stop?
Show answer
Answer C: Because gravity keeps pulling the vehicle forward as you brake
On a downgrade gravity works with the vehicle and against the brakes, so the same speed needs noticeably more distance than it would on level ground.
-
16. You come to a place where a storm has dropped a power line across the road ahead. What should you do?
Show answer
Answer B: Stop well back, keep everyone away from it and report it to the police
A downed line may be live and can energize the ground around it, so keep well clear and let the utility or the police handle it.
-
17. A sign on a long descent points to a RUNAWAY TRUCK RAMP a mile ahead. What is that ramp for?
Show answer
Answer C: Stopping a vehicle whose brakes have failed
An escape ramp climbs into deep gravel or sand to bring a vehicle with failed brakes to a halt, so no one should stop or park in it.
-
18. How should a head restraint be adjusted?
Show answer
Answer D: So the top is at least as high as the back of your head and close behind it
A restraint set at head height and close behind limits how far the head snaps backward in a rear impact, which is what reduces neck injury.
-
19. Which headlight setting should you use in dense fog?
Show answer
Answer B: Low beams
High beams reflect off the water droplets in fog and bounce glare back at you, while low beams aim downward and light the road without that mirror effect.
-
20. Why is it often safer to back into a parking space than to back out of one?
Show answer
Answer D: Because you leave the space going forward, with a clear view
Backing into the space puts the difficult maneuver where you are stopped and looking around, and lets you drive out facing the traffic and pedestrians.
-
21. What is the minimum fine in Maine for failing to slow to a careful and prudent speed in an emergency zone?
Show answer
Answer B: 250 dollars
Maine's speed statute requires a careful and prudent speed when approaching an emergency vehicle displaying activated lights and sets a fine of at least 250 dollars for failing to do so.
-
22. You are passing a tractor-trailer on a wet freeway and its wheels throw heavy spray. What is the best technique?
Show answer
Answer B: Increase your wipers and pass steadily without hesitating
Spray blinds you for as long as you stay beside the truck, so prepare the wipers first and then spend as little time in the spray as possible.
-
23. Why are motorcycles so often missed by other drivers?
Show answer
Answer C: Their narrow shape is easily hidden in traffic
A motorcycle presents a narrow outline that disappears behind pillars, mirrors and other vehicles, and it is harder to judge its speed and distance.
-
24. On a two-lane road with a broken yellow center line, may you cross it to turn into a driveway on the left?
Show answer
Answer C: Yes, when it is safe and the oncoming lane is clear
A broken center line may be crossed for a pass or for a left turn into a road or a driveway, once the oncoming lane is clear.
-
25. You hear a bang and one of the front tires deflates while you are on the highway. What happens to the vehicle?
Show answer
Answer D: It pulls strongly toward the side that failed
The collapsed tire drags heavily on that corner, so the vehicle veers toward it. Hold the wheel firmly, keep your line and let the speed fall before leaving the road.
-
26. You are behind a slow vehicle on a two-lane road and a marked passing lane begins a mile ahead. What is the sensible choice?
Show answer
Answer D: Wait for the passing lane rather than using the opposing lane
A passing lane lets you overtake without ever entering the lane used by oncoming traffic, which is far safer than a pass a minute earlier.
-
27. You are making a U-turn at a signal on a green left arrow. Who must you still watch for?
Show answer
Answer D: People in the crosswalk you will cross as you come around
Even a protected arrow does not clear the crosswalk, and a U-turn sweeps across a crosswalk that pedestrians may already be using.
-
28. An orange sign reading END ROAD WORK is posted beside the highway. What does it mark?
Show answer
Answer C: The point where the work zone restrictions stop
The sign is installed at the downstream end of the temporary traffic control zone to tell drivers that normal conditions apply again.
-
29. You are inside a tunnel with no shoulder when an ambulance comes up behind you with lights and siren. What should you do?
Show answer
Answer D: Keep going at a safe speed and pull over once you are clear of the tunnel
Stopping in a tunnel or on a narrow bridge blocks the only lane, so continue at a safe speed to the first place where you can pull clear.
-
30. A pedestrian is crossing a wide four-lane street and has reached the lanes on the far side. When may you go on?
Show answer
Answer C: Only after the person has finished crossing the roadway
Waiting until the pedestrian has finished crossing is correct in every state and removes any doubt about how much clearance your state demands.