Michigan DMV practice test

Official handbook

Key numbers from the handbook

Questions about the Michigan test

All 42 questions and answers

Read the bank before a mock test. Each answer names the handbook section and the printed page.

1. 1.What is the Michigan speed limit on streets that are not designated freeways, unless otherwise posted?

   Speed Limits

   • 55 mph

   Fifty-five mph applies to all streets that are not designated freeways and to all highways unless otherwise posted. Handbook: Standard Speed Limits, page 26.

2. 2.What is the Michigan speed limit on freeways unless otherwise posted?

   Speed Limits

   • 70 mph maximum and 55 mph minimum

   Freeways carry a 70 mph maximum and a 55 mph minimum unless posted otherwise. Handbook: Standard Speed Limits, page 26.

3. 3.What speed limit applies to school buses and trucks on Michigan freeways posted at 70 mph?

   Speed Limits

   • 65 mph

   School buses and trucks are restricted to 65 mph on 70 mph freeways, and to 55 mph on freeways posted below 70. Handbook: Standard Speed Limits, page 26.

4. 4.What is the Michigan speed limit in a platted subdivision?

   Speed Limits

   • 25 mph

   Platted subdivisions, where boundaries and easements of surveyed lots are shown, are posted at 25 mph. Handbook: Standard Speed Limits, page 26.

5. 5.What is the Michigan speed limit in mobile home parks and some municipal parks?

   Speed Limits

   • 15 mph

   Mobile home parks and some municipal parks are listed at 15 mph. Handbook: Standard Speed Limits, page 26.

6. 6.A work zone in Michigan is not posted for 45 mph. What limit applies?

   Speed Limits

   • The normal speed limit for that area

   If a work zone is not posted for 45 mph, the speed limit is the normal speed limit for that area. Handbook: Standard Speed Limits, page 26.

7. 7.What following distance does Michigan require so you can stop within your available space?

   Following Distance

   • A 3- to 4-second following distance

   Count from when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a sign or stationary point; passing it before one-thousand three means you are too close. Handbook: Following Distance, page 64.

8. 8.How much more following distance should you allow at higher speeds or in adverse driving conditions?

   Following Distance

   • Up to 6 seconds or more

   The handbook says to increase your following distance up to six seconds or more when speeds rise or conditions deteriorate. Handbook: Following Distance, page 64.

9. 9.Within what distance of an oncoming vehicle is it illegal in Michigan to use or flash high beams?

   Night Driving

   • 500 feet

   It is illegal to use or even flash high-beam headlights within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle, and you should dim for pedestrians and cyclists. Handbook: Night Driving, page 64.

10. 10.An oncoming driver does not dim their high beams. What should you do?

    Night Driving

    • Keep your eyes on the right edge of the road ahead

    Do not look directly into oncoming headlights; keep your eyes on the right edge of the road, and remember a dirty windshield makes glare worse. Handbook: Night Driving, page 64.

11. 11.What should you do when driving at night, according to the Michigan handbook?

    Night Driving

    • Drive within the range of your headlights

    At night it is critical to drive within the range of your headlights so you can stop within the distance you can see ahead. Handbook: Night Driving, page 64.

12. 12.What does Michigan's Move Over law require when you approach a stopped emergency vehicle?

    Move Over Law

    • Slow at least 10 mph below the posted limit and move over a lane if traffic and conditions allow

    You must slow by at least 10 mph below the posted limit and move over a lane; if you cannot move over, slow down and proceed with caution. Handbook: Move Over Law, page 28.

13. 13.Which vehicles does Michigan's Move Over law cover besides police cars and ambulances?

    Move Over Law

    • Tow trucks, state safety service patrol vehicles and other authorized service vehicles

    The law covers road service vehicles such as tow trucks and state-owned safety service patrol vehicles, along with utility and other authorized vehicles. Handbook: Move Over Law, page 28.

14. 14.A school bus ahead has its red overhead lights flashing and is picking up passengers. How far back must you stop in Michigan?

    School Buses

    • At least 20 feet

    Stop at least 20 feet from a school bus with its red overhead lights flashing. Handbook: School Buses, page 28.

15. 15.A school bus is stopped on the far side of a concrete median. What is the rule for you?

    School Buses

    • You need not stop, because the highway is divided by a barrier

    It is not necessary to stop for a school bus on the other side of a highway divided by a concrete or grass median, island or other separating structure. Handbook: School Buses, page 28.

16. 16.How are fines calculated if you fail to stop for a Michigan school bus?

    School Buses

    • Double what would normally be assessed for a moving violation

    Fines for failing to stop for a school bus are double the usual moving violation fine, with more for injury or death. Handbook: School Buses, page 28.

17. 17.How many points does Michigan assign for driving 6 to 10 mph over the limit?

    Points and Records

    • 2

    Two points cover 6 to 10 mph over; three points cover 11 to 15, and four points cover 16 or more. Handbook: Michigan's point system, page 14.

18. 18.How many points does Michigan assign for driving 11 to 15 mph over the limit?

    Points and Records

    • 3

    Three points cover 11 to 15 mph over the legal speed limit. Handbook: Michigan's point system, page 14.

19. 19.How many points does Michigan assign for driving 16 mph or more over the limit?

    Points and Records

    • 4

    Sixteen mph or more over is a 4-point violation, the same value as drag racing and impaired driving. Handbook: Michigan's point system, page 14.

20. 20.You are 20 and have any bodily alcohol content in your system. How many Michigan points is that?

    Points and Records

    • 4

    A driver younger than 21 with any bodily alcohol content gets 4 points, while refusal of the preliminary breath test by anyone under 21 is 2 points. Handbook: Michigan's point system, page 14.

21. 21.How many Michigan points does refusing the chemical alcohol test carry?

    Points and Records

    • 6

    Refusal of a chemical alcohol test is a 6-point offence, along with OWI, reckless driving and fleeing a police officer. Handbook: Michigan's point system, page 14.

22. 22.How many points within two years may trigger a Michigan driver reexamination?

    Points and Records

    • 12 or more

    A driver reexamination is one criterion, along with three or more injury crashes in two years and a fatality crash you were negligent in or drinking at. Handbook: Driver reexaminations, page 16.

23. 23.How long do Michigan points stay on your driving record?

    Points and Records

    • Two years from the date of conviction

    Points on your driving record remain there for two years from the date of conviction. Handbook: Your driving record, page 13.

24. 24.What must happen to you if you have six or more one-point violations within two years in Michigan?

    Points and Records

    • You must undergo a driver assessment reexamination

    Six or more one-point violations, or 12 or more points within a two-year period, require a driver assessment reexamination. Handbook: Your driving record, page 13.

25. 25.Does the Michigan Secretary of State have to act on the points an insurance company assigns for your rate?

    Points and Records

    • No, the state point system is separate from insurance points

    The system used to post points to your driving record is separate from the points an insurance company uses to set your rate. Handbook: Michigan's point system, page 14.

26. 26.In Michigan, until when must a child use a car seat or booster seat?

    Child Passengers

    • Until 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall

    Children must be buckled in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall, whichever comes first. Handbook: Buckle up, it's the law!, page 25.

27. 27.Where must a child younger than 4 ride in Michigan?

    Child Passengers

    • In a rear seat, if the vehicle is equipped with one

    Children younger than 4 must be positioned in a rear seat if the vehicle has one, unless all rear seats are taken by other children under 4. Handbook: Buckle up, it's the law!, page 25.

28. 28.Which of these is prohibited in Michigan?

    Child Passengers

    • Removing a child from a car seat to nurse while the vehicle is moving

    Removing a child from a car seat to nurse while the vehicle is moving is prohibited. Handbook: Buckle up, it's the law!, page 25.

29. 29.Which passengers must be buckled up in Michigan?

    Occupant Protection

    • All front seat passengers including the driver, and everyone younger than 16

    Michigan law requires all front seat passengers including the driver, all passengers younger than 16 in all seating positions, and children under 8 or under 4 feet 9 inches in a child-safety seat or booster. Handbook: Buckle up, it's the law!, page 25.

30. 30.Two drivers reach a four-way stop at the same time. Who has the right of way?

    Right-of-Way

    • The driver who stopped first; if simultaneous, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right

    The driver who stopped first goes first; with two vehicles arriving at the same time, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on its right. Handbook: Right of way at intersections, page 30.

31. 31.You are turning left at an intersection and the light turns red while you are still in the intersection. What should you do?

    Right-of-Way

    • Complete the turn as quickly and safely as possible

    If you are still in the intersection when the light turns red, complete your turn as quickly and safely as possible. Handbook: Right of way at intersections, page 30.

32. 32.The traffic light has just turned green but vehicles are still in the intersection. What must you do?

    Right-of-Way

    • Yield to them before proceeding

    If vehicles are still in the intersection when the light changes, you must yield to them before proceeding. Handbook: Right of way at intersections, page 30.

33. 33.There is no stop line or crosswalk at a stop sign in Michigan. Where do you stop?

    Right-of-Way

    • At a point that lets you see all approaching traffic without pulling into the intersection

    With no stop line or crosswalk, stop at a point that allows you to see all approaching traffic without having to pull into the intersection. Handbook: Right of way at intersections, page 30.

34. 34.What does Michigan law say about drinking and driving?

    Alcohol and Drugs

    • The only thing that sobers you up is time

    Consuming even one drink can impair driving, and many people wrongly believe coffee, a cold shower, exercise or fresh air can sober them up; only time does. Handbook: Alcohol and drugs, page 15.

35. 35.How much marijuana may a Michigan driver 21 or older legally transport?

    Alcohol and Drugs

    • 2.5 ounces or less, with no more than 15 grams of concentrate

    It is legal to transport 2.5 ounces or less if you are 21 or over, with not more than 15 grams of concentrate, but operating while impaired is illegal. Handbook: Alcohol and drugs, page 15.

36. 36.Does Michigan require a licence suspension for a drug conviction even if you were not driving?

    Alcohol and Drugs

    • Yes, Michigan requires suspensions for drug convictions even when you were not driving at the time

    Michigan law requires driver licence suspensions for drug convictions even if you were not driving at the time of the offence. Handbook: Alcohol and drugs, page 15.

37. 37.What colour are Michigan construction and maintenance zone warning signs?

    Work Zones

    • Diamond-shaped with black lettering on an orange or yellow background

    Warning signs in construction, maintenance or other designated work areas are diamond-shaped with black lettering on an orange or yellow background. Handbook: Construction zones, page 26.

38. 38.Who does Michigan hold most responsible for crashes in work zones?

    Work Zones

    • The motorist

    The handbook points out that motorists are more likely to be killed in work zone crashes than the workers, and attention and caution are the most important steps. Handbook: Construction zones, page 26.

39. 39.Which Michigan endorsement do you need to operate a motorcycle on Michigan roads?

    Licensing

    • A CY endorsement

    A CY endorsement is required for motorcycles, earned by a rider education course or the written test plus a skills test; a CY 3W restriction covers three-wheelers. Handbook: Michigan licenses, designators and endorsements, page 2.

40. 40.A Michigan commercial driver licence is required for a single vehicle with a GVWR of:

    Licensing

    • 26,001 pounds or more

    A CDL is required at 26,001 pounds GVWR or more, when towing over 10,001 pounds with a GCWR of 26,001 or more, for 16 or more people, or for placarded hazardous materials. Handbook: Michigan licenses, designators and endorsements, page 2.

41. 41.Which of these is TRUE of Michigan's marijuana law when driving?

    Licensing

    • It is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana, and to smoke it in a vehicle's passenger area on a public way

    It remains illegal to operate, navigate or be in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana, and smoking it in the passenger area on a public way is prohibited. Handbook: Alcohol and drugs, page 15.

42. 42.How should you react if glare from a following vehicle's headlights comes through your mirror?

    Night Driving

    • Use the night setting on your inside rearview mirror

    Switching the inside rearview mirror from its daytime to nighttime setting reduces the glare from headlights behind you. Handbook: Night Driving, page 64.

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