Stopping, turning and passing

Key points

1. It takes the average driver about three quarters of a second to apply the brake after seeing danger.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “After seeing danger, it takes the average driver about ¾ of a second to apply the brake.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

2. Perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance equals total stopping distance.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “The perception distance plus the reaction distance plus the braking distance equals the total stopping distance.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

3. Guard against hydroplaning with proper tire pressure, lower speed and care in the rain; avoid pooled water.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “Guard against hydroplaning by keeping tire pressure inflated to manufacturer’s recommended standard, reducing speed, and being careful while driving in the rain. Avoid areas where water pools.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 27

4. One sixth of all crashes happen when a vehicle is turning left.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “One-sixth (1/6) of all crashes happen when one vehicle is turning left.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

5. At a stop, cease all forward motion for at least three seconds, then look left, right and left again.

   Source: Handbook p. 31

   “When stopping, drivers should completely cease all forward motion for a minimum of three seconds. This gives the driver time to look left, look right, look left again, and proceed with caution.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 31

6. To turn around you need 500 feet of clear view each way and must be at least 200 feet from an intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 29

   “You have clear visibility in each direction for a distance of five hundred (500) feet. There are no hills or curves nearby which could obstruct your view of on-coming traffic. You are at least two hundred feet (200’) from an intersection.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 29

7. Before changing lanes or passing, check over your shoulder for blind spots the mirrors cannot show.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “Before making any lane changes or passing maneuvers, a motorist must check over his or her left or right shoulders to view the areas not visible in the mirrors.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 33

8. Return to the right after passing when you can see the passed vehicle's tires in your inside mirror.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “You should go far enough past the vehicle you are passing so that you are able to see the tires on the pavement of the vehicle you passed in your inside rear view mirror.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 33

9. Never pass more than 1 vehicle, and never go over the posted speed to pass.

   Source: Handbook p. 33

   “Never pass more than one (1) vehicle. 9. Never travel over the posted speed to pass a vehicle.”
   Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 33

10. If backing more than 30 feet, turn on your hazard lights.

    Source: Handbook p. 33

    “If you are backing up for a distance greater than 30 feet, it is recommended that you activate your hazard lights to warn other motorists of your maneuvers.”
    Rhode Island Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 33

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Rhode Island practice test

1. 1. Which adjustment helps prevent hydroplaning on a wet Rhode Island road?

   1. Brake hard whenever the roadway begins to shine
   2. Increase speed so water passes beneath the tires faster
   3. Reduce speed and keep tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommendation
   4. Steer toward areas where water has pooled
   Show answer

   Reduce speed and keep tires inflated to the manufacturer's recommendation. Hydroplaning begins when the front tires lose contact with a wet road, taking away steering capability. The manual recommends maintaining the manufacturer’s tire pressure, reducing speed, and being cautious in rain. Increasing speed works against those precautions, while pooled water is an area to avoid. Braking hard can also disturb control. Watch for standing water and ease off the accelerator before reaching it.

2. 2. When stopping at a Rhode Island intersection, how long should you completely stop before proceeding with caution?

   1. At least one second
   2. Until the vehicle behind you honks
   3. A minimum of three seconds
   4. Exactly ten seconds
   Show answer

   A minimum of three seconds. Rhode Island guidance calls for a complete stop that lasts at least three seconds. That pause gives you time to look left, look right, look left again, and then move only after checking for hazards. One second is too brief to perform that scan reliably. Waiting for a horn is not a traffic rule and could encourage another driver to pressure you into moving. Ten seconds is not required unless traffic conditions make a longer wait prudent. Use the three-second pause as a deliberate intersection routine, especially where pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles may be hidden by parked cars.

3. 3. Before changing lanes, which sequence best follows the manual’s guidance?

   1. Signal only after crossing the lane line
   2. Give a signal, check mirrors and over the shoulder, then move when clear
   3. Rely on the rearview mirror without checking beside the vehicle
   4. Turn on hazard lights and move immediately
   Show answer

   Give a signal, check mirrors and over the shoulder, then move when clear. Mirrors cannot show every area beside and behind a vehicle, so the driver must check over the appropriate shoulder for a blind spot. Signaling tells nearby drivers what movement is planned, but it does not give permission to move into an occupied lane. Complete the mirror and shoulder checks, signal in time, and change lanes only when the opening is safe. Keep scanning after the move because another vehicle may be approaching quickly.

Source: the Rhode Island Driver's Manual, III. Basic Driving Skills and Safety Rules. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.