Michigan Permit Practice Test

Correct answer: Only after you are convicted of a moving violation

Each traffic violation has a point value set by the Michigan Vehicle Code, but points are placed on your record only after you are convicted of the moving violation. Once posted, points remain on your record for two years from the date of conviction.

Correct answer: The first half hour, before oil is washed away

Roads are most slippery during the first half hour of rain, because oil dropped from passing vehicles has not yet been washed away. Slow down, be especially cautious at intersections, and allow at least twice the normal following distance.

Correct answer: At least 14 years, 8 months old, with parent or guardian permission

A teen must be at least 14 years, 8 months old and have a parent or guardian’s permission to start Segment 1 of driver education. Segment 1 is the classroom-and-road course that begins Graduated Driver Licensing.

Correct answer: Slow down and look both ways before crossing

Slow down and look both ways at every railroad crossing. Trains can take a mile or more to stop, and an approaching train is closer and moving faster than it appears.

Correct answer: The vehicle on the right — you should yield to it

At a four-way stop, the driver who arrives and stops first has the right of way. If two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on its right.

Correct answer: Illegal, including reading, texting, or making or answering a call

Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal in Michigan, including reading, texting, or making or answering a call. Limited exceptions exist for reporting crashes, crimes or other emergencies.

Correct answer: 400 feet

Because of their size and weight, commercial vehicles cannot stop or maneuver as quickly as a car. A truck traveling 55 mph takes about 400 feet to stop — roughly three times the distance a passenger car needs.

Correct answer: Stop — come to a complete stop and yield before proceeding

The octagon shape is used only for the STOP sign. Its distinctive eight-sided shape lets you recognize it even from behind or when snow covers the face. Come to a complete stop and yield to traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.

Correct answer: Drive at a careful and prudent speed that lets you stop within the clear distance ahead, never faster than the posted limit

The Basic Speed Law means you must drive at a "careful and prudent" speed for conditions — one that always lets you stop within the clear distance ahead. This is never faster than the posted limit and may be slower when conditions are poor.

Correct answer: Have a clear, unobstructed view of the left lane with any oncoming traffic far enough away

On a two-lane highway you should have a clear, unobstructed view of the left lane, and any oncoming traffic should be far enough away to give you the distance and time to pass safely.

Correct answer: 12 or more points (or six or more one-point violations)

If you have six or more one-point violations, or 12 or more points on your driving record within a two-year period, you will be required to undergo a driver assessment reexamination.

Correct answer: Your tires ride up on top of the water on a wet road

Hydroplaning occurs when your tires ride on top of the water on a wet road, which can cause a loss of control. Worn tires, low tire pressure and driving too fast all make hydroplaning more likely.

Correct answer: A minimum of 70 percent

Segment 1 requires at least 24 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, 4 hours of observation, and a minimum of 70 percent on the Segment 1 state exam. Teens under 18 take this in-course exam rather than the adult office test.

Correct answer: No more than 50 feet and no less than 15 feet from the nearest rail

When a train is coming, all vehicles must stop no more than 50 feet and no less than 15 feet from the tracks. Trains overhang the tracks by at least three feet on each side.

Correct answer: The vehicle that arrived and stopped first

The driver who arrived at the intersection and stopped first has the right of way to proceed through it. When drivers arrive at the same time, the one on the left yields to the one on the right.

Correct answer: $100

Drivers face a fine of $100 for a first hand-held cell phone offense and $250 for subsequent violations.

Correct answer: "No zones"

Large trucks have blind spots, or "no zones," directly in front, alongside and close behind the vehicle. If you linger in a no zone, the driver cannot see you and may hit you when changing lanes or turning.

Correct answer: You are in a no-passing zone — do not pass

The pennant is a long, pointed triangle used for the No Passing Zone sign. It is posted on the left side of the road and cautions you not to pass because conditions make passing hazardous.

Correct answer: 55 mph

Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 55 mph on all streets that are not designated freeways and on all highways. Watch for posted signs, as limits vary in business districts, parks and school zones.

Correct answer: You can see the entire vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror

After you begin passing, do not cut back into the right-hand lane until you can see the entire vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror. Returning too soon can clip the vehicle you just passed.