Arizona: Signals and vehicle controls
Turn and hand signals, headlights and high beams, tires, mirrors and the equipment your vehicle must have. Split into 3 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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Signals and vehicle controls — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “Which of these must be in working order before you drive?”
StartSignals and vehicle controls — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “What must a vehicle's windshield and wipers be like?”
StartSignals and vehicle controls — Part 3
Questions in this part include: “In the hand signals shown in the manual, how does a driver show a right turn?”
StartAll 48 Signals and vehicle controls questions with answers
Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.
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Which of these must be in working order before you drive?
- Speedometer
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- Radio
Show answer
Correct answer: Speedometer
The manual lists the speedometer among the equipment that must be in working order.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 19
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Before putting the vehicle in motion, what should you check to make sure they are in working order?
- Your radio and air conditioning
- Your cruise control and clock
- Your turn signals and brakes
- Your heater and washer fluid
Show answer
Correct answer: Your turn signals and brakes
The manual says to check your turn signals and brakes before the vehicle is put in motion.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 19
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Prior to starting your vehicle, what should you adjust?
- Your seat, headlights, windshield wipers and horn
- Your seat, steering wheel, rear view and outside mirrors
- Your seat belt, tire pressure and engine idle speed
- Your seat, the radio volume and the cruise control
Show answer
Correct answer: Your seat, steering wheel, rear view and outside mirrors
The manual says to adjust your seat, steering wheel, rear view and outside mirrors before starting the vehicle.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 19
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Where is the recommended tire pressure (psi) for your vehicle typically found?
- Under the hood on the battery
- On the back of the rear license plate
- Inside the glove box lid
- On the door jamb
Show answer
Correct answer: On the door jamb
The manual says the recommended psi is typically on the door jamb.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 19
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After you check your tire pressure with a gauge, what should you do if the reading is not the recommended one?
- Replace the tire right away
- Leave it until the next free inspection
- Only add air, never let air out
- Add air or let it out as needed
Show answer
Correct answer: Add air or let it out as needed
The manual says to use a gauge and either add air or let it out as needed.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 19
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For the penny test of your tire tread, where on the tire should you place the penny?
- Where the tread appears to be highest
- Where the tread appears to be lowest
- On the sidewall of the tire
- Beside the tire valve stem
Show answer
Correct answer: Where the tread appears to be lowest
The manual says to select a point where the tread appears lowest and place Lincoln's head in a groove.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 19
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In the penny test, what should you see if your tire tread is still good?
- Part of Lincoln's head covered by the tread
- All of Lincoln's head showing above the tread
- Only the edge of the penny touching the tread
- The tread worn flat against the penny
Show answer
Correct answer: Part of Lincoln's head covered by the tread
The manual says part of Lincoln's head should be covered by the tread; if not, it may be time to replace your tires.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 19
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If a vehicle does not pass an emission inspection, how long are you given to have the problem fixed and have a follow-up emission test re-check?
- 10 days
- 60 days
- 90 days
- 30 days
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 days
The manual gives 30 days to fix the problem and have a follow-up emission test re-check.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 21
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Who is responsible for making certain that a vehicle is safe to operate?
- The vehicle's registered owner only
- The driver
- The emission inspection station
- The Motor Vehicle Division
Show answer
Correct answer: The driver
The manual says it is the responsibility of drivers to make certain the vehicles they drive are safe to operate.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 21
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What does Arizona law require about the load of a vehicle driven on a highway, street or roadway?
- The vehicle must be built or loaded so no load can escape from it
- Only trailers, not trucks, must secure their load
- Loads must be secured only on highways, not on streets
- Loads only need to be covered when carrying loose dirt or sand
Show answer
Correct answer: The vehicle must be built or loaded so no load can escape from it
The law quoted in the manual requires the vehicle to be constructed or loaded to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking or otherwise escaping.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 21
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What brakes must cars and trucks have?
- A foot brake only
- A parking brake only
- Both a foot brake and a parking brake
- A foot brake and a hand-operated air brake
Show answer
Correct answer: Both a foot brake and a parking brake
The manual says cars and trucks must have both a foot brake and a parking brake.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 21
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Each set of brakes on a motor vehicle must apply to at least how many wheels?
- One
- Three
- Two
- Four
Show answer
Correct answer: Two
The manual says each set of brakes must apply to at least two wheels.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 21
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What is the minimum brake requirement for a motorcycle?
- At least one brake, applied by hand or foot
- A foot brake and a separate parking brake, like a car
- At least two brakes, with one applied to each wheel
- One brake, and it must be applied by foot only
Show answer
Correct answer: At least one brake, applied by hand or foot
The manual says a motorcycle must have at least one brake that may be applied by hand or foot.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 21
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What is a motor vehicle's muffler required to prevent?
- Engine overheating and oil leaks
- Fuel from evaporating in hot weather
- Tire wear and brake fade
- Excessive pollution or unusual noise
Show answer
Correct answer: Excessive pollution or unusual noise
The manual says the muffler must be in good working condition and in constant operation to prevent excessive pollution or unusual noise.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 22
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What does the manual say about using a muffler "cut-out," bypass or similar device?
- It is against the law
- It is legal if it is switched off in town
- It is legal when used only on motorcycles
- It is legal if the vehicle passes inspection
Show answer
Correct answer: It is against the law
The manual states it is against the law to use a muffler cut-out, bypass or similar device.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 22
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Motor vehicles of what model year and newer must be equipped with an exhaust emissions system?
- 1972
- 1975
- 1967
- 1980
Show answer
Correct answer: 1967
The manual says motor vehicles of 1967 model year and newer must have an exhaust emissions system.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 22
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What must a vehicle's windshield and wipers be like?
- A windshield without cracks, with wipers in good working condition
- A windshield with small cracks allowed, with working wipers
- A windshield that may be cracked on the passenger side only
- A windshield that is tinted, with wipers on the driver side only
Show answer
Correct answer: A windshield without cracks, with wipers in good working condition
The manual says a vehicle must have a windshield without cracks and wipers in good working condition.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 22
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Under what condition are sun screening tint materials on windows and windshields legal?
- Only on the rear window of the vehicle
- Only if the driver holds a tint permit
- Only within certain limits
- They are always legal on every window
Show answer
Correct answer: Only within certain limits
The manual says sun screening tint materials are legal only within certain limits.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 22
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Who should owners make sure complies with Arizona law on sun screening tint materials?
- The state emission inspection station staff
- The manufacturer or installer of the material
- The dealer who originally sold the vehicle
- The owner's insurance company agent
Show answer
Correct answer: The manufacturer or installer of the material
The manual says owners should make sure the manufacturer or installer of the material complies with Arizona law.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 22
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A vehicle made or loaded so the driver's view to the rear is blocked must have at least one outside driver side mirror showing the highway for at least how far to the rear?
- 100 feet
- 300 feet
- 500 feet
- 200 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 200 feet
The manual requires a mirror that shows the highway for at least 200 feet to the rear.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 22
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A vehicle must have a working horn that can be heard from at least how far?
- 100 feet
- 300 feet
- 500 feet
- 200 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 200 feet
The manual says a working horn that can be heard for 200 feet is required.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 22
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Besides a working horn, which warning devices may emergency vehicles have?
- A foghorn or a buzzer
- A siren, whistle or bell
- An air horn or a gong
- A klaxon or a loudspeaker
Show answer
Correct answer: A siren, whistle or bell
The manual says emergency vehicles may have a siren, whistle or bell.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 22
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Flashing red warning lights on the front of a vehicle are prohibited except on which vehicles?
- Authorized emergency vehicles, school buses and snow removal equipment
- Authorized emergency vehicles, tow trucks and utility vehicles
- Only disabled vehicles, tow trucks and construction vehicles
- School buses, taxis and any vehicle that has broken down
Show answer
Correct answer: Authorized emergency vehicles, school buses and snow removal equipment
The manual prohibits them except on authorized emergency vehicles, school buses and snow removal equipment, even for disabled vehicles.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 22
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When should hazard warning signal lights (emergency flashers) be activated?
- Whenever you are slowing down to make a right turn
- Whenever you drive slower than the surrounding traffic
- Whenever your vehicle is stopped on the roadway or shoulder
- Whenever you park in a parking lot for a short time
Show answer
Correct answer: Whenever your vehicle is stopped on the roadway or shoulder
The manual says to activate them whenever your vehicle is stopped on the roadway or shoulder of the road.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 22
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Which windows are on the list of equipment that must be in working order?
- Driver and front passenger side windows
- The rear window and rear passenger windows
- Every window, including the sunroof
- Only the windshield and rear window
Show answer
Correct answer: Driver and front passenger side windows
The equipment list names the driver and front passenger side windows.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 19
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According to the manual, which vehicle is the most dangerous one?
- The one directly ahead of you
- The one you do not see
- The one following you closely
- The one traveling over the speed limit
Show answer
Correct answer: The one you do not see
The manual says to use turn signals even when no vehicles are visible because the vehicle you do not see is the most dangerous one.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 26
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Which of these is listed as a time to use your turn signals?
- Driving straight through an intersection
- Pulling away from a curb
- Driving in a straight line on a freeway
- Stopping at a red light behind another car
Show answer
Correct answer: Pulling away from a curb
The manual lists changing lanes, turning, entering a freeway, pulling away from a curb and pulling off to the side of the road.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 26
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If you plan to turn beyond an intersection, when should you signal?
- At least 100 feet before the intersection
- As soon as you see the intersection ahead
- Only after you pass through the intersection
- Not until you are in the intersection
Show answer
Correct answer: Not until you are in the intersection
The manual says not to signal until you are in the intersection, because drivers there may pull into your path.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 26
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How far before you turn should you signal?
- At least 100 feet
- At least 25 feet
- At least 50 feet
- At least 200 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 100 feet
The manual says to signal at least 100 feet before you turn so other drivers have time to react.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 26
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After you complete your move, what should you be sure of regarding your turn signal?
- That it keeps flashing until the next intersection
- That it flashes for 100 feet more
- That it is off
- That a hand signal was given as well
Show answer
Correct answer: That it is off
The manual says to be sure your turn signal is off after you complete your move.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 26
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What is true about signaling?
- It does not give you the right-of-way
- It gives you the right-of-way over vehicles in the lane you enter
- It gives you the right-of-way only on freeways
- It gives you the right-of-way when you signal 100 feet ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: It does not give you the right-of-way
The manual says signaling lets others know your plan and gives them time to react, but it does not give you the right-of-way.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 27
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How may turns be indicated according to the manual?
- Using turn signals only, never hand signals
- Using hand signals only, never turn signals
- Using turn signals, hand signals, or both
- Using the horn together with the hazard lights
Show answer
Correct answer: Using turn signals, hand signals, or both
The manual says turns may be indicated using turn signals, hand signals, or both.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 27
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In the hand signals shown in the manual, how does a driver show a right turn?
- The arm extended straight out to the side
- The arm angled downward
- The arm moving in a circle
- The arm bent with the hand pointing upward
Show answer
Correct answer: The arm bent with the hand pointing upward
The manual's hand-signal picture labeled RIGHT TURN shows the driver's arm bent upward.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 27
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In the hand signals shown in the manual, how does a driver show a left turn?
- The arm bent with the hand pointing upward
- The arm angled downward
- The arm extended straight out to the side
- The arm moving in a circle
Show answer
Correct answer: The arm extended straight out to the side
The manual's hand-signal picture labeled LEFT TURN shows the driver's arm held straight out.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 27
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In the hand signals shown in the manual, how does a driver show slow down or stop?
- The arm angled downward
- The arm extended straight out to the side
- The arm bent with the hand pointing upward
- The arm moving in a circle
Show answer
Correct answer: The arm angled downward
The manual's hand-signal picture labeled SLOW DOWN/ STOP shows the driver's arm pointing downward.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 27
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Why is backing up or reversing your car dangerous?
- Cars have less steering control in reverse
- Brake lights do not work in reverse
- Other drivers expect you to move forward only
- It is hard for you to see behind you
Show answer
Correct answer: It is hard for you to see behind you
The manual says backing up is dangerous because it is hard for you to see behind you.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 30
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Before you get into your car to back it up, what should you do?
- Check behind the car, since children or small objects are hard to see
- Check that the engine is warm and that the parking brake is already on
- Make sure the rear window is clean and that both mirrors are adjusted
- Check the tire pressure on the rear wheels and the lights on the trunk
Show answer
Correct answer: Check behind the car, since children or small objects are hard to see
The manual says to check behind your car before you get in because children or small objects are hard to see from the driver’s seat.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 30
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How should you look when you back your car?
- Rely mainly on your mirrors and your backup camera, without turning around
- Watch only the side mirror on the driver’s side while you back up
- Look directly through the rear window instead of depending on mirrors or backup cameras
- Look at the backup camera first and then glance at the mirrors for a moment
Show answer
Correct answer: Look directly through the rear window instead of depending on mirrors or backup cameras
The manual tells you to turn around and look directly through the rear window instead of depending on mirrors or backup cameras.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 30
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At what speed should you back your car?
- Quickly, to clear the lane sooner
- At the speed of the traffic behind you
- Slowly
- At a speed that depends on the backup camera
Show answer
Correct answer: Slowly
One of the backing rules is to back up slowly.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 30
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When there is sun glare, rain, dust or any other condition that makes your vehicle hard to see, what should you do with your headlights?
- Turn on your high beams
- Use only your parking lights
- Turn them on, using low beam
- Leave them off in daylight
Show answer
Correct answer: Turn them on, using low beam
You turn on your headlights on low beam so other drivers can see you.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 57
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How do your headlights help on rural roads in low visibility?
- They show you the road edge much farther ahead
- They help drivers who may pass in your lane see you
- They let you see animals sooner than in daylight
- They warn slow farm equipment ahead to move over
Show answer
Correct answer: They help drivers who may pass in your lane see you
On rural roads, headlights help drivers who may consider passing in your lane see that you are approaching.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 57
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As the light begins to fade in the late afternoon, what should you turn on?
- Your parking lights only, to save the battery
- Your high beams, to see farther
- Your hazard flashers, to warn others
- Your headlights, not your parking lights
Show answer
Correct answer: Your headlights, not your parking lights
You turn on your headlights, not parking lights, to make your vehicle more visible to others.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 57
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When must you use headlights?
- From sunset to sunrise
- From sunset to midnight
- From one hour after sunset to sunrise
- Only when there are no street lights
Show answer
Correct answer: From sunset to sunrise
The manual says you must use headlights from sunset to sunrise.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 57
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Which beams should you use when driving on city or town streets?
- High beams
- Low beams
- Parking lights
- Fog lights
Show answer
Correct answer: Low beams
The manual says to use low beams on city or town streets.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 57
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You may use high beams on highways when no other vehicle is coming toward you within what distance?
- 200 feet
- 300 feet
- 1,000 feet
- 500 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 500 feet
Use high beams on highways when no other vehicle is coming toward you within 500 feet.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 57
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Why should you switch to low beams when you meet oncoming traffic?
- To avoid blinding the other driver
- To see the road edge better
- To save headlight bulbs
- To signal the other driver to dim
Show answer
Correct answer: To avoid blinding the other driver
You switch to low beams whenever you meet oncoming traffic to avoid blinding the other driver.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 57
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When following another car, you should use low beams whenever you are within what distance?
- 100 feet
- 300 feet
- 200 feet
- 500 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 200 feet
When following another car, use low beams whenever you are within 200 feet.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 57
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If the high beams of an oncoming car are not dimmed, where should you glance?
- Toward the center line
- Toward the right side of the road
- Directly at the bright lights
- Toward the left shoulder
Show answer
Correct answer: Toward the right side of the road
You avoid looking directly at the bright lights and glance toward the right side of the road.
Source: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide (Revised March 2026), page 57