CT Permit Practice Test 5

All 20 questions in test 5

Every question below comes from the Connecticut 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. What condition does a STOP AHEAD sign warn you to expect?

   
   1. The current stop sign has ended
   2. A stop sign is ahead, so slow down and prepare to stop
   3. Stopping is prohibited until the next signal
   4. A railroad gate will stop traffic immediately
   Show answer

   A stop sign is ahead, so slow down and prepare to stop. STOP AHEAD gives advance notice that a stop sign is coming. Slow down early and prepare for a complete stop at the later stop sign or its marked stopping point. The warning does not end a restriction, prohibit stopping, or identify a railroad gate. Look beyond the warning for the stop sign, the stop line, a crosswalk, and traffic that may require you to wait after stopping. Early preparation prevents a hard last-second brake application.

   Study this in the handbook: Warning, School and Guide Signs

2. 2. A curved arrow appears before the roadway bends. What does the warning identify?

   
   1. A change in road direction or a curve ahead
   2. A lane reserved for turning at a signal
   3. A mandatory detour around construction
   4. A one-way road beginning at the sign
   Show answer

   A change in road direction or a curve ahead. A curved-arrow warning identifies a change in direction or a curve ahead. Slow before entering the bend so the vehicle remains stable and you can respond to hazards that are hidden around it. The sign is not a traffic signal instruction, a construction detour, or proof that the road becomes one-way. Look for an advisory speed plaque below the warning, but remember that the posted advisory figure is not a replacement for judging weather and traffic.

3. 3. Your brakes stop working while you are driving. How should you use the parking brake to help stop?

   1. Pull it abruptly and hold it through a skid
   2. Pull its handle slowly, ready to release it if the vehicle skids
   3. Use it only after switching off the engine
   4. Never use it while the vehicle is moving
   Show answer

   Pull its handle slowly, ready to release it if the vehicle skids. If repeated pumping does not rebuild brake pressure, the parking brake is the next option described in the emergency procedure. Pull its handle gradually rather than making a sudden application. A sharp pull can lock the rear wheels and start a skid, so be prepared to release the brake if that happens. Turning off the engine first is not part of this step. The key cue is a brake pedal that still fails after pumping, followed by careful use of the separate parking brake.

   Study this in the handbook: Headlights, Horn and Turn Signals

4. 4. What can the shape and color of a route-number sign tell you?

   1. The number of open lanes ahead
   2. The exact traffic speed at that moment
   3. The age of the road surface
   4. Whether the road is interstate, U.S., state, city, or county
   Show answer

   Whether the road is interstate, U.S., state, city, or county. Route markers use shape and color to identify the roadway system, including interstate, U.S., state, city, and county roads. This helps you follow a planned route when different road systems meet. The marker is not a report of traffic speed, pavement age, or available lanes. Look for the combination of the route number and the marker’s appearance so you follow the intended road instead of assuming every sign carrying the same number belongs to the same system.

   Study this in the handbook: Warning, School and Guide Signs

5. 5. At this red eight-sided sign, what action is required?

   
   1. Slow and continue if the intersection appears empty
   2. Come to a complete stop, then yield before proceeding
   3. Stop only when another vehicle is approaching
   4. Yield without stopping if pedestrians are absent
   Show answer

   Come to a complete stop, then yield before proceeding. An octagonal STOP sign requires a complete stop followed by yielding to approaching vehicles and pedestrians. Merely slowing and looking for traffic does not satisfy the stop instruction, even when the intersection appears empty. The octagon shape always means stop, and a stop line, if present, marks where the vehicle should halt. After the vehicle stops, check the crossing area and proceed only when it is safe.

   Study this in the handbook: Sign Shapes and Regulatory Signs

6. 6. A steady yellow X appears above a reversible lane you are using. What should you do?

   1. Remain in the lane and speed up
   2. Continue until an officer orders you out
   3. Use the lane only for parking
   4. Move out of that lane as soon as it is safe
   Show answer

   Move out of that lane as soon as it is safe. A steady yellow X warns that the reversible lane’s permitted use is changing. Leave that lane as soon as you can do so safely rather than waiting for someone to direct you out. A sudden move into occupied space is not required; check for a safe opening. The symbol does not authorize parking or continued high-speed travel. Watch overhead lane controls because a lane that was available earlier may be changing direction or purpose.

   Study this in the handbook: Pavement Markings and Special Lanes

7. 7. What fine can a Connecticut driver face for speeding or endangering a highway worker in a work zone?

   1. Up to $1,000, plus possible points and retraining
   2. Up to $100
   3. A flat $25
   4. No fine, only a warning, if no worker is hurt
   Show answer

   Up to $1,000, plus possible points and retraining. Anyone convicted of speeding, disobeying traffic control devices, using an improper lane, or endangering a highway worker in a work zone could face fines of up to $1,000. Points can also be assessed and the driver may have to complete the retraining program. The $100 and $25 figures are far too low, and the manual does not limit the penalty to cases where a worker is hurt. In any work zone the manual tells drivers to slow down, obey posted limits, and follow the instructions on warning signs and those given by flaggers.

   Study this in the handbook: Railroad Crossings and Work Zones

8. 8. A 16 year old in Connecticut has a learner's permit and is practicing with a qualified trainer. Which extra passengers may ride along?

   1. Any friends who hold learner's permits
   2. Up to two siblings
   3. Only the teen's parent or legal guardian
   4. Anyone wearing a seat belt
   Show answer

   Only the teen's parent or legal guardian. For the whole time a 16 or 17 year old holds a learner's permit, no passengers are allowed except a licensed driving instructor and people with that instructor, or one qualified trainer who is at least 20 and has held an unsuspended license for four consecutive years. Parents or a legal guardian may accompany the instructor. Friends with permits, siblings, and anyone else are not allowed, and wearing a seat belt does not create an exception. Breaking permit rules can lead to a permit suspension.

   Study this in the handbook: Teen Training, Passengers and Curfew

9. 9. When an emergency vehicle approaches from any direction using a siren or flashing lights, where should you stop?

   1. At the next intersection, without pulling over
   2. In the left lane so the emergency vehicle can use the shoulder
   3. Along the right edge of the road, or as near to the right as possible
   4. On the center line until the vehicle passes
   Show answer

   Along the right edge of the road, or as near to the right as possible. Connecticut requires a driver to yield to police vehicles, fire engines, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles using a siren, air horn, or red or blue flashing lights. Pull to the right edge, or as close to the right as possible, and stop. Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed unless an officer or firefighter directs otherwise. Stopping in the left lane or center line can obstruct the response path. If you are in an intersection, clear it first and then perform the pull-over maneuver.

   Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians, Bicyclists and Horses

10. 10. Two vehicles reach a four-way stop at the same time. Which one proceeds first?

    
    1. The vehicle with more passengers
    2. The vehicle on the left
    3. The vehicle going straight
    4. The vehicle on the right
    Show answer

    The vehicle on the right. When vehicles arrive simultaneously at a four-way stop, the vehicle on the right proceeds first. The ordinary first-arrival rule does not settle a tie, so the right-side rule resolves it. A vehicle going straight does not automatically outrank a turning vehicle in this circumstance, and passenger count has no bearing on the order. Come to a complete stop, confirm the tie, let the right-side vehicle move, then proceed when the intersection is clear.

    Study this in the handbook: Right of Way at Intersections

11. 11. While circulating in a roundabout, should you stop to invite waiting traffic to enter?

    1. No, continue around rather than stopping to admit entering traffic
    2. Yes, alternate one circulating car with one entering car
    3. Yes, whenever the waiting vehicle signals
    4. Yes, at every entrance even if no vehicle is waiting
    Show answer

    No, continue around rather than stopping to admit entering traffic. Traffic already in the circular roadway should keep moving instead of stopping to invite a vehicle in from another leg. An unnecessary stop interrupts the flow and can surprise a following driver. Alternating with entering cars may seem polite, but the manual says not to stop for that purpose. Continue toward your exit while staying alert to the roadway ahead. This instruction concerns stopping merely to admit entering vehicles; it does not mean ignoring a person or hazard in your path.

    Study this in the handbook: Roundabouts, Traffic Circles and U-Turns

12. 12. If the gas pedal sticks and the engine keeps speeding up, which sequence is recommended?

    1. Turn the ignition to lock while the vehicle is moving
    2. Pump the accelerator while staying in the lane
    3. Shift to neutral, pull off safely, then turn off the engine
    4. Apply the parking brake suddenly and steer into traffic
    Show answer

    Shift to neutral, pull off safely, then turn off the engine. A stuck accelerator requires the driver to reduce the engine's connection to the drive wheels and regain a safe stopping path. Keep looking at the road, shift quickly to neutral, pull off when it is safe, and turn off the engine. Turning the ignition to the lock position while moving can lock the steering, while pumping the pedal does not address the fault. Jerking the parking brake and steering into traffic is not part of the listed steps and puts other vehicles at risk. The order matters: neutral first, a controlled move away from traffic second, and engine shutdown after reaching a safe position.

    Study this in the handbook: Vehicle Emergencies and Equipment Failure

13. 13. Before crossing railroad tracks, what must a driver make sure of?

    1. That the vehicle can stop on the tracks if traffic changes
    2. That there is room for the vehicle on the far side
    3. That a train was not recently seen at the crossing
    4. That the driver can shift gears while crossing
    Show answer

    That there is room for the vehicle on the far side. The driver must slow down, look and listen for a train, and confirm that the far side has enough room for the entire vehicle. Entering without an exit space can leave the vehicle stopped on the tracks, which creates a severe hazard even when no train is immediately visible. A prior empty crossing proves nothing about the next approach. The manual also advises against shifting gears on the tracks because the vehicle could stall. The cue is never enter until the vehicle can clear the rails completely.

    Study this in the handbook: Railroad Crossings and Work Zones

14. 14. What does a first street racing conviction bring a Connecticut teen driver?

    1. A 30 day suspension
    2. A $100 fine
    3. A six month suspension, a $175 restoration fee, and court fines or up to one year in jail
    4. No penalty beyond points
    Show answer

    A six month suspension, a $175 restoration fee, and court fines or up to one year in jail. Street racing under section 14-224(c) brings a 16 or 17 year old a six month suspension, a $175 license restoration fee, and court fines or imprisonment of not more than one year or both, and a second offense brings a one year suspension. The same table lists reckless driving at six months and speeding 20 over at 60 days. Every entry also requires the $175 restoration fee before the license is returned.

    Study this in the handbook: Teen Suspensions and Operator Retraining

15. 15. Before driving after taking an unfamiliar medicine, what should you check?

    1. Whether coffee removes its side effects
    2. Only whether the medicine was prescribed
    3. The label for driving warnings, and ask a doctor or pharmacist if unsure
    4. Whether the package is small enough to carry
    Show answer

    The label for driving warnings, and ask a doctor or pharmacist if unsure. Medicines for ordinary problems such as colds or allergies can cause drowsiness and affect driving. Read the warning label before taking a drug when you plan to drive. If its effect is uncertain, ask a doctor or pharmacist about side effects. Having a prescription does not establish that driving is safe, and medicines sold without a prescription can also affect judgment, vision, reflexes, and alertness. A warning about drowsiness is a reason to investigate before starting the vehicle.

    Study this in the handbook: Alcohol, Testing and DUI Suspensions

16. 16. You have just passed a bicyclist and plan to turn right. What should you do?

    
    1. Turn immediately because passing has already been completed
    2. Slow down and let the bicyclist clear the intersection before turning
    3. Sound the horn and turn across the bicycle's path
    4. Move into the bicycle lane and stop beside the bicyclist
    Show answer

    Slow down and let the bicyclist clear the intersection before turning. A vehicle that has passed a bicycle can reach the corner before the rider has cleared it. Connecticut guidance says to slow down and allow the cyclist to get through the intersection before making the right turn. Immediate turning creates a crossing conflict, while a horn does not give permission to cut across the rider. The safest cue is to check the bicycle's position again after passing, then turn only when the cyclist is clear.

    Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians, Bicyclists and Horses

17. 17. If an officer's hand signal conflicts with a traffic light, which instruction controls?

    1. The signal given by another driver
    2. The traffic light
    3. The last signal a driver noticed
    4. The officer's hand signal
    Show answer

    The officer's hand signal. A driver must obey signals given by a law enforcement officer, even when those signals contradict the traffic signal. Do not choose the light merely because it normally controls the intersection, and do not follow another driver's gesture or whichever signal you noticed last. Reduce speed, watch the officer's position and gestures, and proceed only as directed. This rule appears first in the manual's list of right-of-way rules, ahead of the rules for pedestrians and turning vehicles.

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic Lights, Arrows and HAWK Signals

18. 18. How far behind a truck can its blind spot stretch, according to the Connecticut manual?

    1. About 20 feet
    2. About 50 feet
    3. About 1,000 feet
    4. About 200 feet
    Show answer

    About 200 feet. Truck drivers cannot see cars directly behind or beside them, and the manual says their blind spots may stretch up to 20 feet in front of the cab and about 200 feet behind the truck. The 20 foot figure is the zone in front of the cab, not behind. Fifty feet understates the rear zone and 1,000 feet overstates it. If you cannot see the driver's face in the side view mirror, the driver cannot see you.

    Study this in the handbook: Motorcycles, Trucks and Slow Vehicles

19. 19. Before entering an intersection, what should you check first?

    1. Both left and right for approaching vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians
    2. Only the lane directly ahead
    3. Only the traffic signal above the intersection
    4. The rear seat before looking outside
    Show answer

    Both left and right for approaching vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. An intersection can contain crossing traffic, bicycles, or pedestrians arriving from either side. The manual calls for checking both left and right before entering, then checking again just before moving if you were stopped. Looking only ahead misses a vehicle approaching from the side, while relying on a signal ignores people who may disobey it. Make the side-to-side scan a routine cue whenever a road, driveway, shopping center entrance, or parking lot entrance crosses your path. That habit gives you information before your vehicle reaches the conflict point and leaves more time to stop.

    Study this in the handbook: Railroad Crossings and Work Zones

20. 20. What does a flashing yellow X above a reversible lane mean?

    1. Every vehicle must stop in the lane
    2. The lane is open for unrestricted through travel
    3. The lane is reserved for stopped emergency vehicles
    4. The lane may be used only for turning
    Show answer

    The lane may be used only for turning. An overhead flashing yellow X limits the reversible lane to turning. It does not give through traffic the same permission as a green arrow over a lane. The flashing indication is also different from a steady yellow X, which warns that lane use is changing. Read the overhead symbol before entering, and use the lane only for the movement it allows. Stopping there or treating it as an unrestricted travel lane would misread the control.

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement Markings and Special Lanes