AZ Permit Practice Test 15

All 20 questions in test 15

Every question below comes from the Arizona question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. A solid white line marks the right edge of an Arizona highway. When may you cross it?

   1. Only in an emergency or to avoid a road hazard
   2. Any time you need to pass a slow vehicle
   3. Whenever you want to stop and make a phone call
   4. When traffic behind you is moving faster than you
   Show answer

   Only in an emergency or to avoid a road hazard. The solid white line on the right edge of the roadway marks the edge of the travel lanes. The manual says to cross it only in case of emergency or to avoid a road hazard. Passing slow traffic, stopping to make a call, or letting faster drivers go by are not good reasons. Staying inside the line keeps your vehicle in the lane and keeps the shoulder clear for emergencies.

   Study this in the handbook: Parking rules, hills and painted curbs

2. 2. On a slippery Arizona surface, why does steering work better than braking?

   1. Brakes stop working entirely on ice
   2. Steering adds extra engine power output too
   3. Rolling front tires keep the most control
   4. Rolling tires melt a path through ice
   Show answer

   Rolling front tires keep the most control. A rolling front tire can still bite sideways and guide the vehicle, while a locked sliding tire loses directional grip. That is why the vehicle answers steering better than hard braking on slick surfaces. Brakes still function and gentle pressure matters, but locking throws away control. Rolling tires do not melt a path. The technique is gentle braking below lockup and calm steering corrections. On packed snow that behaves like ice, slowing before the turn matters more than any mid turn correction.

   Study this in the handbook: Stopping distance, bad weather and night driving

3. 3. A faster vehicle behind you honks or flashes lights to pass on an Arizona road. What should you do?

   1. Speed up to keep your position
   2. Brake firmly to warn the driver
   3. Move right when safe and let it pass
   4. Stay centered and ignore the vehicle behind
   Show answer

   Move right when safe and let it pass. A driver who wants to pass has judged a gap ahead, and blocking that move creates tailgating and risky passing attempts. Moving right when safe lets the pass finish quickly and restores space around both vehicles. Speeding up lengthens the pass and can push the other driver into oncoming traffic. Hard braking invites a rear crash. After the vehicle passes, rebuild a normal following cushion. Giving way in this routine moment is part of sharing the road rather than losing any lawful right.

   Study this in the handbook: Signaling, passing and U turns

4. 4. After driving through water in Arizona, what should the driver check?

   1. Check the tire pressure, since water raises it a lot
   2. Check the brakes, since wet brakes may grab or pull
   3. Check the idle speed, since water slows the engine
   4. Check the wipers for water damage
   Show answer

   Check the brakes, since wet brakes may grab or pull. After you leave deep water, test your brakes while moving slowly to see if they will stop the car. The manual warns that wet brakes may suddenly grab or pull to one side, which can send the vehicle off course. Dry them by pressing the pedal lightly while driving until they work normally again. Other checks, such as tire pressure or idle speed, are not the risk the manual describes.

   Study this in the handbook: Stopping distance, bad weather and night driving

5. 5. Why is driving in Arizona most slippery right after rain begins?

   1. New rain washes the oil away at once
   2. Oil and grime mix with water early on
   3. Rain cools tires for a stronger grip on wet roads
   4. Wipers spread a grip coating on tires
   Show answer

   Oil and grime mix with water early on. The first half hour of rain lifts months of oil and grime into a slick film before runoff can wash it away. Grip drops just when drivers still carry dry road speeds. Cooling tires and wiper action do not create the film or remove it instantly. Extra care during that opening window means slower speed, longer following distance, and gentle steering or braking. As rain continues, the surface rinses cleaner, though standing water and hydroplaning risks remain on Arizona roads.

   Study this in the handbook: Stopping distance, bad weather and night driving

6. 6. Where must drivers and bike riders never travel near Arizona light rail?

   1. In station parking lots
   2. On streets beside the tracks
   3. In the area where the train operates
   4. In signalized crosswalks
   Show answer

   In the area where the train operates. The train operating area belongs exclusively to light rail vehicles, which are quiet, heavy, and unable to swerve or stop quickly. Driving or riding a bike inside that area puts a small vehicle on a collision path with no escape room. Streets beside the tracks and signalized crosswalks are the lawful shared spaces. Station areas still demand care near platforms and crossings. Staying out of the trackway entirely removes the most severe light rail risk before signals or warnings are even needed.

7. 7. A tow truck with flashing lights is stopped on the shoulder of an Arizona highway. Does the Move Over Law apply?

   1. No, it applies only to police vehicles
   2. No, it applies only to ambulances and fire trucks
   3. Yes, but only if a worker is outside the vehicle
   4. Yes, it applies to tow trucks and private vehicles too
   Show answer

   Yes, it applies to tow trucks and private vehicles too. Arizona's Move Over Law pertains to all vehicles pulled over with flashing lights, including emergency-response and law-enforcement vehicles, tow trucks, highway maintenance vehicles, and private vehicles. It does not depend on whether a worker is visible outside. When you see flashing lights on the side of the road, move over if it is safe, and slow down and use caution if you cannot move over.

   Study this in the handbook: Right of way, pedestrians and roundabouts

8. 8. A bicycle symbol is painted on the lane ahead on an Arizona street. What should drivers do?

   1. Treat the lane as a parking zone for bicycles
   2. Exercise caution because bicyclists may be present
   3. Stop until the symbol is clear of riders
   4. Honk to warn bicyclists to leave the lane
   Show answer

   Exercise caution because bicyclists may be present. A bicycle painted on the road indicates the potential presence of bicyclists, and drivers should exercise caution. That means slowing down, checking mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes, and giving riders room to move. The symbol is not a parking space and does not require a full stop. Honking at a rider can startle the person and cause a fall, so a calm pass with extra room is safer.

   Study this in the handbook: Pavement markings and turning lanes

9. 9. A school bus is stopped with its lights flashing on the opposite side of an Arizona road with a concrete median. May you continue?

   1. No, you must always stop on any roadway
   2. Yes, but only if you slow to 15 mph
   3. No, unless the road has paint stripes at the center
   4. Yes, because the roadway is divided by a barrier
   Show answer

   Yes, because the roadway is divided by a barrier. You are not required to stop for a school bus on a divided roadway when traveling in the opposite direction. A divided roadway is one in which the road is separated by physical barriers such as a fence, curbing, or separation of the pavement. A concrete median is a physical separation, so traffic on the other side may continue with caution, while painted stripes alone would not qualify.

   Study this in the handbook: Right of way, pedestrians and roundabouts

10. 10. You are approaching a school crossing and a child is in the crosswalk. What does Arizona law require?

    1. Come to a complete stop until the crosswalk is clear
    2. Slow to 15 mph and drive through the crossing carefully
    3. Stop only if a crossing guard is present
    4. Pass on the left if the lane beside you is clear
    Show answer

    Come to a complete stop until the crosswalk is clear. The law requires vehicles to come to a complete stop at any school crossing when the crosswalk is occupied by any person. It does not depend on a guard being there, and slowing or steering around the person does not satisfy it. Remain stopped until everyone has cleared the crosswalk, and do not pass any vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian.

    Study this in the handbook: Signaling, passing and U turns

11. 11. You see a worn gap in the median of an Arizona freeway. What does the law say about driving across it?

    1. Driving over or across a median or divided highway separation is prohibited
    2. It is allowed for a turnaround when no traffic is close
    3. It is allowed when the median is only gravel or grass
    4. It is allowed if you cross at the speed of traffic
    Show answer

    Driving over or across a median or divided highway separation is prohibited. Arizona's freeway rules list driving over or across any median or divided highway separation as prohibited. A gap, worn spot, or soft surface does not create permission. Traffic on the other side of the median travels at freeway speed in the opposite direction, so a crossing puts you in its path with little warning. Use the next exit and a legal route to change direction.

    Study this in the handbook: Parking rules, hills and painted curbs

12. 12. Where should a driver place a vehicle that must be left parked on an Arizona highway or street?

    1. Partly in the travel lane for visibility
    2. On the shoulder as far from traffic as possible
    3. Beside the center line
    4. Across the gore area near a ramp
    Show answer

    On the shoulder as far from traffic as possible. Distance from moving traffic is the main protection for a stopped vehicle and anyone near it. Pulling fully onto the shoulder, as far from the lane as the surface allows, reduces the chance of a sideswipe and gives room to exit away from traffic. A vehicle partly in the lane or near the center line invites a high speed strike. Gore areas near ramps are unlawful and sit in merging paths. After stopping far right, the driver secures the car and uses warning signals.

    Study this in the handbook: Parking rules, hills and painted curbs

13. 13. At an Arizona diverging diamond interchange, what does traffic on the cross street briefly do?

    1. Switches to the left side of the roadway
    2. Merges onto the freeway without signals at ramps
    3. Turns around at the crossover point
    4. Uses the shoulder to pass queues
    Show answer

    Switches to the left side of the roadway. A diverging diamond moves cross street traffic to the left side for a short stretch between signal controlled crossovers. That shift lets left turns flow without crossing opposing through traffic in the usual way. Drivers do not merge onto the freeway at the crossover and never use the shoulder as a travel lane. Turning around defeats the design. Signals, signs, and pavement markings guide each crossover, so the key habit is to follow the lane and signal facing the driver rather than expecting the usual right side pattern.

14. 14. A special lane signed or marked for left turns exists in Arizona. From where must left turns be made?

    1. From any lane with a signal
    2. From that special lane only
    3. From the right lane for a wider arc
    4. From the two-way center lane only at night
    Show answer

    From that special lane only. When a special left turn lane is signed or marked, it becomes the only lawful place to turn left there. Other lanes continue straight or right under their own markings. Turning across from a through lane surprises drivers who expect that lane to proceed. The special lane separates waiting turners from through flow and aligns the vehicle for the gap judgment. Enter it fully, signal, and wait near the front where opposing traffic and pedestrians can be judged before committing to the turn.

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and red light running

15. 15. A bicyclist ahead moves left away from the right edge in Arizona. What should a driver expect?

    1. The rider is always breaking the law
    2. The rider must be passing a parked car
    3. The rider may legally move left for a lawful reason
    4. The rider is signaling a full stop
    Show answer

    The rider may legally move left for a lawful reason. Bicyclists normally ride with traffic near the right side, yet several lawful reasons let them move left: turning, avoiding hazards, passing others, or a lane too narrow to share safely. A driver who assumes illegality may crowd a rider who is avoiding glass or a drain grate. The safe response is patience, space, and a pass only with at least three feet of clearance when traffic allows. Watching the rider path rather than demanding the edge prevents a side swipe at the hazard point.

    Study this in the handbook: Bicycles, motorcycles, trucks and light rail

16. 16. A skid starts and you are tempted to push the brake pedal harder. Why should you not?

    1. The pedal will lock the steering wheel in place
    2. The pedal will stay down until you have stopped
    3. Pressing the brake harder will make the skid worse
    4. Brakes only work on dry pavement and not wet roads
    Show answer

    Pressing the brake harder will make the skid worse. In a skid, do not press on the brake any further because this will only make the skid worse. The tires have already lost grip, and more braking force can lock the wheels and prolong the slide. Ease off the pedal, steer in the direction you want the car to go, and apply the brakes again once the vehicle is back under control and the tires are gripping the pavement.

    Study this in the handbook: Stopping distance, bad weather and night driving

17. 17. You have passed a motorcyclist on an Arizona road and want to return to the lane. What risk does returning too soon create?

    1. It can make the rider's engine stall
    2. It can block the rider's turn signal
    3. It can cause the rider's lights to glare
    4. It can force the rider to swerve into traffic
    Show answer

    It can force the rider to swerve into traffic. Returning to the original lane too soon can force the rider to swerve into traffic or off the road. A motorcycle needs more room to stop or maneuver, and a cut-off leaves little space. Wait until you can see the motorcycle in your mirror with a comfortable gap before moving back, so the rider can keep a steady speed and position.

    Study this in the handbook: Bicycles, motorcycles, trucks and light rail

18. 18. You see orange cones and drums along an Arizona road. What does the color tell you?

    1. A school zone begins at the next intersection
    2. A bicycle lane is closed to riders
    3. The devices mark a work area ahead
    4. An emergency stopping area is available ahead
    Show answer

    The devices mark a work area ahead. Orange is the basic color for alerting and controlling devices in Arizona work areas. When you see orange cones, drums, signs, or barricades, expect road construction or maintenance ahead. Slow down, watch for workers and equipment close to the lanes, and follow the devices through the zone. Other colors and shapes mark school areas, bicycle lanes, or other roadway conditions, so the orange color is the cue that road work is under way.

19. 19. During heavy rain in Arizona, at what speed does the manual say your tires can lose all contact with the road?

    1. 25 mph
    2. 50 mph
    3. 35 mph
    4. 70 mph
    Show answer

    50 mph. The manual warns that in a heavy rain your tires can ride on a film of water, and at 50 mph your tires can lose all contact with the road. That is hydroplaning, and when it happens steering and braking stop working. Slowing down in rain keeps the tread in contact with the pavement. The wet road can be dangerous well below the posted limit.

    Study this in the handbook: Stopping distance, bad weather and night driving

20. 20. What practice does Arizona urge to avoid DUI death, injury, and penalties?

    1. Drink only before short trips
    2. Drive slowly after any drinking
    3. Count drinks against body weight only each time
    4. Zero tolerance: no alcohol before driving
    Show answer

    Zero tolerance: no alcohol before driving. Zero tolerance removes the guesswork of counting drinks, body weight, and elapsed time at the moment judgment is already fading. Short trips crash as readily as long ones, and slow driving cannot restore reflexes or recognition. Weight charts ignore food, medication, and fatigue interactions. The practice pairs with planning: a designated driver, rideshare, taxi, or staying put after drinking. Under 21 drivers face the same message with added license consequences. No alcohol before driving is a decision made while sober and kept while tempted.

    Study this in the handbook: Alcohol, drugs and DUI penalties