KY Permit Practice Test 18

All 20 questions in test 18

Every question below comes from the Kentucky 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 is a child booster seat designed to do for a child passenger?

   1. Elevate the child to properly sit in a federally approved lap and shoulder belt system
   2. Replace all seat belts with a padded cushion
   3. Face the child rearward until age eight
   4. Attach the child directly to the vehicle frame
   Show answer

   Elevate the child to properly sit in a federally approved lap and shoulder belt system. A child booster seat is a child passenger restraint system meeting the specified federal standards. It is designed to elevate a child so the child can sit properly in a federally approved lap-and-shoulder belt system. The vehicle belt still restrains; the booster positions it. The manual defines a booster by its role in elevating the child for the lap-and-shoulder belt, not by rear-facing use until age eight.

   Study this in the handbook: Required equipment, safety belts, air bags and child seats

2. 2. May an interpreter ride in the vehicle during the Kentucky road test?

   1. Yes, interpreters may ride and translate throughout
   2. Yes, but only in the back seat
   3. No; interpreters are not permitted in the vehicle during the test, though one may help before and after
   4. Only if the examiner requests translation help
   Show answer

   No; interpreters are not permitted in the vehicle during the test, though one may help before and after. Interpreters are not permitted in the vehicle during the road test. An interpreter may be present before and after the test to assist as needed. Riding along to translate throughout, sitting in the back seat, and waiting for an examiner request each place an interpreter in the vehicle during the test. Help from an interpreter is allowed before and after the test instead.

   Study this in the handbook: License classes and the tests

3. 3. To start the engine, where should your right foot be and what should you check on the gear selector?

   1. On the accelerator, with the selector in drive
   2. On the clutch only, without checking gauges
   3. On the floor, with the selector in neutral
   4. On the brake pedal, checking that the selector shows park, then turning the switch to on and checking lights and gauges
   Show answer

   On the brake pedal, checking that the selector shows park, then turning the switch to on and checking lights and gauges. Check the vehicle owner’s manual for starting instructions. Place your right foot on the brake pedal and check that the gear selector is in park. Turn the ignition switch to on and check indicator lights and gauges, including fuel, ABS, and air bags. The manual says to put your right foot on the brake and check the selector for park. Neutral with a floor foot omits the brake and park checks.

4. 4. What horn equipment must every motor vehicle and bicycle in use on a Kentucky highway have?

   1. A warning device that cannot make an abrupt sound
   2. A horn or other device capable of making an abrupt sound loud enough to be heard under ordinary traffic conditions
   3. A horn audible only inside the vehicle
   4. No horn is required for bicycles
   Show answer

   A horn or other device capable of making an abrupt sound loud enough to be heard under ordinary traffic conditions. Every motor vehicle and bicycle used on a highway must have a horn or other device capable of making an abrupt sound loud enough to be heard under ordinary traffic conditions. A warning device that cannot make an abrupt sound fails the stated capability, and a horn audible only inside the vehicle cannot warn others under ordinary traffic conditions. Bicycles used on highways are included in the rule rather than exempt from it.

   Study this in the handbook: Required equipment, safety belts, air bags and child seats

5. 5. After taking the requested DUI test or tests, when may you have independent blood testing performed, and who pays?

   1. Within a reasonable time of arrest, at state expense
   2. No independent test is allowed beyond the officer's test
   3. At the next license renewal, at the driver's expense
   4. Within a reasonable time of arrest, at the driver's expense
   Show answer

   Within a reasonable time of arrest, at the driver's expense. If you take the requested test or tests, you have the right to independent blood testing within a reasonable time of arrest at your own expense. The person you choose must be a physician, registered nurse, phlebotomist, medical technician, or medical technologist not otherwise prohibited by law. The expense falls on the driver, not the state. Renewal timing misses the reasonable time window after arrest.

   Study this in the handbook: Implied consent and DUI penalties

6. 6. How should following distance change for night driving and for unfamiliar roadways at night?

   1. Add at least one additional second for night driving and at least two additional seconds on unfamiliar roadways at night
   2. Subtract one second at night to stay closer to taillights
   3. Keep the daytime gap unchanged in all night conditions
   4. Add five seconds only when the road is familiar
   Show answer

   Add at least one additional second for night driving and at least two additional seconds on unfamiliar roadways at night. Increase your following distance by at least one additional second for night driving and by at least two additional seconds for unfamiliar roadways at night. The manual explains that nighttime visibility ahead is limited by the light from your headlights. Closer following at night shrinks reaction time when vision is shortest. An unchanged daytime gap ignores the added night risk. The larger addition belongs on unfamiliar roads, not familiar ones.

   Study this in the handbook: Headlights, turn signals and night driving

7. 7. Why must a driver not stop in the middle of a crosswalk when yielding near a blind pedestrian?

   1. It forces the blind pedestrian to go around the car and into traffic outside the crosswalk
   2. It blocks the driver's own view of signals
   3. It prevents other drivers from hearing the vehicle
   4. It keeps the pedestrian from hearing traffic sounds
   Show answer

   It forces the blind pedestrian to go around the car and into traffic outside the crosswalk. Stopping in the middle of a crosswalk forces a blind pedestrian to go around the car into traffic outside the crosswalk. At a stop light or stop sign, do not stop more than five feet from the crosswalk unless there is an advanced stop bar; a blind pedestrian uses vehicle sound as a guide. Do not honk, because the pedestrian may not know whom you are honking at and may be startled. Stepping back and pulling in the cane signals that you should go.

   Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians and blind pedestrians

8. 8. What minimum field of vision must a Kentucky driver have to the sides and above or below fixation?

   1. At least 120 degrees across and 80 degrees up and down
   2. At least 35 degrees to each side and 25 degrees above and below fixation
   3. At least 20 degrees to each side and 10 degrees above and below
   4. At least 90 degrees to each side with no vertical minimum
   Show answer

   At least 35 degrees to each side and 25 degrees above and below fixation. The horizontal field must be at least 35 degrees to both the left and the right, and the vertical field at least 25 degrees above and below fixation. The 120 by 80 pairing belongs to the bioptic driving program's better eye standard, a separate program with its own training. Twenty degrees and 90 degrees do not appear in either standard. Cue: ordinary driving uses the smaller 35 and 25 pairing, while the triple digit numbers signal the bioptic program.

9. 9. For applicants age 18 to 20, how long is the instruction permit valid, and may it be renewed?

   1. Valid one year and not renewable
   2. Valid five years and renewable once only
   3. Valid three years and renewable
   4. Valid 180 days and not renewable
   Show answer

   Valid three years and renewable. Applicants age 18 to 20 receive a temporary paper permit first, and the credential that follows is valid for three years and may be renewed. One year understates the validity window. Five years overstates it and adds a renewal cap that is not stated. One hundred eighty days confuses the holding period before the road test with the life of the credential itself. Keep those clocks apart: 180 days to test eligibility, three years of permit validity.

10. 10. Why is squeezing between a turning truck or bus and the curb so dangerous?

    1. The truck horn cannot be heard near the curb
    2. The driver may swing wide left to turn right, then close the gap at the curb
    3. Curb lanes are reserved for buses only
    4. The truck will stop before completing the turn
    Show answer

    The driver may swing wide left to turn right, then close the gap at the curb. A truck or bus may swing wide to the left to make a right turn and clear a curb or obstruction, sometimes using space from other lanes. Do not move between the turning vehicle and the curb; you could be squeezed and suffer a serious crash. Wait until the truck or bus completes its turn. Horn sound near the curb is not the hazard described for wide turns.

    Study this in the handbook: Emergency vehicles and school buses

11. 11. Kentucky seat belt law is described as primary. What does that mean for enforcement?

    1. Belts are required only after another violation is found
    2. Officers can stop drivers observed driving while not wearing seat belts
    3. Belts are required only on interstate highways
    4. Only passengers can be cited for belt violations
    Show answer

    Officers can stop drivers observed driving while not wearing seat belts. Primary status lets a belt violation start the traffic stop. Kentucky law requires properly adjusted and fastened belts, and officers may stop a driver observed operating without one, without needing any other offense first. Waiting for a second violation describes secondary enforcement, the opposite arrangement. Highway only coverage would leave city streets unprotected and contradicts statewide wording. Drivers themselves are plainly within the law, not just passengers. Click the belt before the wheels roll; an officer who spots an unbelted driver across an intersection already has grounds to light up.

    Study this in the handbook: Required equipment, safety belts, air bags and child seats

12. 12. Once a court has referred a Kentucky driver to State Traffic School, what happens if the driver does not comply with the order to attend?

    1. The referral expires with no consequence
    2. Only a late fee is charged
    3. The court must issue a second referral first
    4. The driver's driving privileges will be suspended
    Show answer

    The driver's driving privileges will be suspended. Once a court refers a driver to Kentucky State Traffic School, attendance becomes a court order. Failure to comply with the order suspends the driver’s driving privileges. The Division of Driver Licensing mails enrollment instructions to the address on the license, and the driver should follow those instructions carefully. Noncompliance brings suspension, not quiet expiration. Suspension follows noncompliance without a guaranteed second referral. The consequence is suspension, not only a fee.

    Study this in the handbook: The point system and losing your license

13. 13. An out of state permit holder transfers to Kentucky but does not submit out of state test scores. What happens before a Kentucky license can issue?

    1. The old permit converts automatically
    2. No testing of any kind is needed
    3. Only a vision screening is needed
    4. The Kentucky road test must be taken
    Show answer

    The Kentucky road test must be taken. Out-of-state permit holders transferring to Kentucky must exchange their permit for a Kentucky permit before applying for a Kentucky license. If their out-of-state test scores are not submitted, they must take the Kentucky road test. Skipping testing of any kind and relying on vision screening alone both ignore the road test triggered by missing scores. The old permit does not convert automatically, because it must first be exchanged for a Kentucky permit.

14. 14. Before starting to drive in winter conditions, what must be cleared from the vehicle?

    1. Snow, ice, and frost from all windows
    2. Snow, ice, and frost from the windshield only
    3. Snow from the roof only, if the windows are clear
    4. Nothing, if the defroster is running
    Show answer

    Snow, ice, and frost from all windows. Snow, ice, and frost must be removed from all windows before starting to drive. Clearing only the windshield leaves side and rear views blocked at exactly the moments lane changes and backing demand them. A cleared roof with frosted windows still fails the requirement. A running defroster does not replace removing the buildup before moving. Keeping the windshield clean matters for the same reason: bright sun or headlights on dirty glass decrease vision. Cue: every window clear before the vehicle moves.

15. 15. You are leaving a parallel parking space. When may you move forward into the traffic lane?

    1. As soon as your door opens without hitting the vehicle ahead
    2. After backing as far as possible, regardless of traffic
    3. When the door post of your vehicle clears the rear bumper of the vehicle parked ahead
    4. Once the vehicle behind honks
    Show answer

    When the door post of your vehicle clears the rear bumper of the vehicle parked ahead. Exiting a parallel space takes a sequence: check traffic in all directions, place a foot on the brake, shift to reverse, and back as much as possible toward the vehicle behind, then check and signal before moving forward. Forward movement into the lane fits when the door post of your vehicle clears the rear bumper of the vehicle parked ahead. Door clearance says nothing about whether your front swings clear. Backing room alone ignores traffic approaching from behind. A honk from another driver is not a clearance signal. Confirm the bumper geometry, then steer smoothly into the lane.

16. 16. For how long before a turn must a bicyclist give a signal, and by what means?

    1. Intermittently for the last 50 feet, by hand signals, signal lamps, or mechanical devices
    2. For the last 10 feet, by shouting only
    3. For the last 100 feet, by motor vehicle turn signals only
    4. No signal is ever required for bicycles
    Show answer

    Intermittently for the last 50 feet, by hand signals, signal lamps, or mechanical devices. A bicycle turn signal may be given by hand signals, signal lamps, or mechanical signal devices. Give the signal intermittently during the last 50 feet before the turn. Drivers should remember that bicyclists may be unable to signal when road or traffic conditions require both hands on the handlebars. The manual specifies intermittent signaling for the last 50 feet and allows hand signals, lamps, or mechanical devices.

    Study this in the handbook: Pedestrians and blind pedestrians

17. 17. You park on a hill where a curb is present. How should the wheels be turned?

    1. Straight ahead with the parking brake set
    2. Away from the curb so it rolls into the street
    3. So the vehicle will touch the curb if it begins moving
    4. Toward the downhill side only on steep grades
    Show answer

    So the vehicle will touch the curb if it begins moving. When parking on a hill with a curb, turn the wheels so the vehicle will touch the curb if it begins moving. If there is no curb, turn the wheels so the vehicle will go off the road should it roll. Straight wheels provide no curb contact if the vehicle starts to roll. Rolling into the street is the outcome the wheel turn is meant to prevent.

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement markings, crosswalks and lane use

18. 18. What does Kentucky law require after a non-injury accident regarding the damaged vehicles?

    1. Leave the vehicles where they stopped until photographs are sold
    2. Push the vehicles into the nearest intersection for visibility
    3. Move the damaged vehicles to the shoulder of the roadway
    4. Abandon the vehicles and leave the scene
    Show answer

    Move the damaged vehicles to the shoulder of the roadway. For a non-injury accident, the manual says Kentucky law requires moving the damaged vehicles to the shoulder of the roadway. Stop at or near the scene, remain until the responding officer has questioned everyone, and collect the required collision information. The manual directs drivers in a non-injury accident to move damaged vehicles to the shoulder. Move the damaged vehicles to the shoulder, not into an intersection.

    Study this in the handbook: Skids, pavement drop offs and collisions

19. 19. The engine shuts off while you are driving. How should you brake?

    1. Brake as hard as possible and hold the pedal down
    2. Brake hard in short pumps until the vehicle stops in its lane
    3. Do not brake at all until the engine restarts
    4. Brake with steady pressure on the pedal, slow down, and then pull off the roadway
    Show answer

    Brake with steady pressure on the pedal, slow down, and then pull off the roadway. Keep a strong grip on the steering wheel; it may be difficult to turn, but you can turn it. Look for an escape path. Do not brake hard: use steady pressure, slow down, and pull off the roadway. Stop and try to restart the engine. If unsuccessful, raise the hood, turn on emergency flashers, and call for help. Hard braking is the move the power failure guidance rejects; steady pressure replaces it.

    Study this in the handbook: Brake failure, blowouts and other vehicle failures

20. 20. You approach a flashing yellow light at an intersection. What does it require?

    1. Stop fully, then proceed when clear
    2. Slow down and watch for others
    3. Proceed at normal speed without scanning
    4. Treat it as a green light
    Show answer

    Slow down and watch for others. A flashing yellow light means you must slow down and watch for others, a caution instruction found at intersections, in construction areas, and on some vehicles like tow trucks. A full stop belongs to flashing red, which demands stopping and proceeding only when clear. Rolling through at normal speed discards the warning the flash exists to give. Green grants movement after yielding inside an intersection, also a different message. Yellow flash equals ease off and look around.

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic lights and arrows