Delaware: Distracted driving and fitness
The hand-held device ban, distractions, drowsy driving, health and emotions behind the wheel. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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Distracted driving and fitness — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “Which of these is listed in the manual as something that may be more than you can manage safely while driving?”
StartDistracted driving and fitness — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “For how long at most should you take your eyes off the road at any one time?”
StartAll 45 Distracted driving and fitness questions with answers
Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.
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Under the Level One Learner’s Permit restrictions, what is the permit holder not allowed to do while operating a motor vehicle?
- Adjust the mirrors before moving off
- Use a cellular phone or text messaging device
- Listen to the radio
- Drive with more than one passenger in the rear seat
Show answer
Correct answer: Use a cellular phone or text messaging device
The permit holder shall not operate a motor vehicle while using a cellular telephone, text messaging device, or similar electronic device.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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According to driving instructors quoted in the manual, about how many decisions does a driver make for every mile of driving?
- 20
- 50
- 200
- 2,000
Show answer
Correct answer: 200
The manual says driving instructors estimate a driver makes 200 decisions for every mile of driving.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
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If you take your eyes off the road for 3-4 seconds while traveling 55 mph, how far does your vehicle travel, according to the manual?
- The length of two city blocks
- The length of an entire football field
- About the length of one car
- Half of the length of a football field
Show answer
Correct answer: The length of an entire football field
The manual says that at 55 mph, 3-4 seconds with your eyes off the road covers the length of an entire football field.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
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Which of these is listed in the manual as something that may be more than you can manage safely while driving?
- Using your turn signal to change lanes
- Checking your mirrors before a lane change
- Slowing down for a yellow traffic light
- Taking a selfie
Show answer
Correct answer: Taking a selfie
Taking a selfie is on the manual's list of things that may be more than you can manage safely while driving.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
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What does the manual say about driving an unfamiliar vehicle?
- Adjust the mirrors and seat and find the lights and wipers first
- Drive it slowly for the first mile and then adjust the mirrors
- Ask a passenger to find the lights and wipers while you drive
- Drive it only after getting a new license for that vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Adjust the mirrors and seat and find the lights and wipers first
Driving an unfamiliar vehicle without first adjusting and locating these controls is listed as a distraction.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
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Which of these is listed in the manual as a possible distraction while driving?
- Listening quietly to the sound of the engine
- Looking at the road far ahead of your vehicle
- Reading or responding to email on an electronic device
- Holding both hands on the steering wheel
Show answer
Correct answer: Reading or responding to email on an electronic device
Reading or responding to email or other communications on a laptop or other electronic device is on the manual's list.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
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What does "Highway Hypnosis" commonly refer to?
- Falling asleep while stopped at a red light
- The state of being unaware of surroundings
- A fear of driving on busy highways
- Seeing things that are not really on the road
Show answer
Correct answer: The state of being unaware of surroundings
The manual says it commonly refers to the state of being unaware of surroundings.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
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According to the manual, what causes "Highway Hypnosis"?
- Bright sunlight shining on the road ahead of the driver
- Heavy traffic and frequent lane changes on the road
- Driving for a long time after skipping a meal
- Monotony, such as the sound of the wind and the tires
Show answer
Correct answer: Monotony, such as the sound of the wind and the tires
The manual says it is caused by monotony, including the sound of the wind, the tires and the steady hum of the engine.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
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What does the manual say is best if you are tired while driving?
- Rest or change drivers
- Open the windows and keep driving
- Drive faster to reach your destination sooner
- Turn the radio up and keep going
Show answer
Correct answer: Rest or change drivers
The manual says it is best to rest or change drivers if you are tired.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
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What does being tired do to a driver, according to the manual?
- It sharpens your mind but slows your steering
- It speeds up your reactions but dulls your vision
- It dulls your mind and slows down your reactions
- It has little effect if the road is a familiar one
Show answer
Correct answer: It dulls your mind and slows down your reactions
The manual says being tired dulls your mind and slows your reactions, making driving hazardous.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
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Which of these is listed in the manual as a sign of a drowsy driver?
- You feel unusually alert and talkative
- You don't remember driving the last few miles
- You keep checking your mirrors every few seconds
- You can easily name every sign you passed
Show answer
Correct answer: You don't remember driving the last few miles
Not remembering the last few miles you drove is one of the signs of drowsy driving listed in the manual.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
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Which of these is listed in the manual as a sign of a drowsy driver?
- Your speed stays exactly the same
- You pass every exit early
- You turn the wheel only when needed
- Your speed becomes variable
Show answer
Correct answer: Your speed becomes variable
A variable speed is listed among the signs of a drowsy driver.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 53 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 53)
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How must a driver talk on a cell phone while driving in Delaware?
- With a hands-free device
- Holding the phone in one hand only
- Holding the phone, but only at low speed
- Using the speaker held near the ear
Show answer
Correct answer: With a hands-free device
Delaware's law prohibits hand-held cell phones, so drivers who want to talk must use a hands-free device.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 81 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 81)
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What are drivers permitted to do with a cell phone, as long as they then put the device down?
- Read a short text message on the phone screen
- Send a short voice message to a contact now
- Dial a number or activate/deactivate the equipment
- Check a map or directions for a full minute
Show answer
Correct answer: Dial a number or activate/deactivate the equipment
Drivers may dial a number or activate/deactivate their wireless equipment, and then must put the device down.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 81 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 81)
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Which rule applies to cell phone and electronic device use by drivers with a Graduated Driver License (GDL)?
- Hands-free use is allowed
- All use, including hands-free, is prohibited
- Use is allowed only to call a parent
- Use is allowed when the vehicle is stopped in traffic
Show answer
Correct answer: All use, including hands-free, is prohibited
The manual notes that all cell phone or electronic device use, including hands-free, is prohibited for GDL drivers.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 81 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 81)
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Besides hand-held phones, which of these has Delaware banned drivers from using while driving?
- A car radio tuned before the trip
- Reporting an emergency by phone
- A built-in navigation screen set before driving
- Using a laptop or portable computer
Show answer
Correct answer: Using a laptop or portable computer
The manual says Delaware has banned laptops, games or portable computers and other hand-held electronic communication devices while driving.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 81 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 81)
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Which driver is exempt from Delaware's ban on hand-held phones and devices?
- Anyone reporting an emergency
- A driver who is stopped at a red light
- A driver on a quiet rural road
- A driver sending a very short text
Show answer
Correct answer: Anyone reporting an emergency
Anyone reporting an emergency is listed among the exemptions to the hand-held device ban.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 81 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 81)
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Which of these operators is exempt from the hand-held device ban?
- A person driving a registered pickup truck on a farm road
- A person driving a school van with students on board
- A person driving a farm tractor or non-registered farm truck
- A person driving a rented truck on a highway
Show answer
Correct answer: A person driving a farm tractor or non-registered farm truck
The exemptions include a person driving or operating a farm tractor, non-registered farm truck or farm equipment.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 81 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 81)
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Which of these drivers is exempt from the hand-held device ban?
- Drivers over age 65
- HAM radio operators
- Drivers of rental vehicles
- Drivers who hold a learner permit
Show answer
Correct answer: HAM radio operators
HAM radio operators are listed among the exemptions to the ban.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 81 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 81)
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Which employees are exempt from the hand-held device ban when using a two-way radio mounted or attached to a motor vehicle?
- Any employee using the radio to call family members
- Any employee who is running late for a delivery
- Employees of private businesses only, never government
- Business or government employees talking with dispatch or a base
Show answer
Correct answer: Business or government employees talking with dispatch or a base
Business or government employees using a vehicle-mounted two-way radio to communicate with dispatch, base or other employees are exempt.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 81 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 81)
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Which of these drivers is exempt from Delaware's hand-held electronic device ban?
- Emergency vehicle operators performing their official duties
- Drivers of any commercial vehicle on a job-related trip
- Drivers of passenger cars with a work permit
- Employees driving to or from a job site every day
Show answer
Correct answer: Emergency vehicle operators performing their official duties
The exemptions cover law enforcement, firefighters, EMS technicians and other operators of authorized emergency vehicles in the performance of their official duties.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 81 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 81)
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According to the manual, what is the single biggest contributor to crashes?
- Driving with worn tires
- Driving too slowly in traffic
- Using the wrong lane at intersections
- Failing to see what is happening
Show answer
Correct answer: Failing to see what is happening
The manual says failing to see what is happening is the single biggest contributor to crashes.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 115 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 115)
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Where must you look to see well while driving?
- Only at the road directly in front of your hood
- At the vehicle ahead and your speedometer
- Mostly at your mirrors, with quick glances ahead
- Down the road, to the sides, and behind your vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Down the road, to the sides, and behind your vehicle
Seeing well means looking down the road, to the sides, and behind your vehicle, and staying alert for unexpected events.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 115 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 115)
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For how long at most should you take your eyes off the road at any one time?
- Up to ten seconds
- No more than a few seconds
- Up to half a minute
- As long as the road ahead is clear
Show answer
Correct answer: No more than a few seconds
The manual says not to take your eyes off the road for more than a few seconds at any one time.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 115 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 115)
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If you need to look at a map, what should you do?
- Glance at it only on straight, empty roads
- Hold it at the top of the steering wheel
- Pull safely off the road before you look at it
- Look at it quickly at low speed with hazard lights on
Show answer
Correct answer: Pull safely off the road before you look at it
The manual says to pull safely off the road before you try to look at a map.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 115 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 115)
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In many crashes with motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians, what did drivers report?
- They looked but did not see them
- They were blinded by oncoming high beams
- The other road users ran a red light
- They had been following too closely
Show answer
Correct answer: They looked but did not see them
Drivers in many such crashes reported that they looked but did not see the motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 116 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 116)
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What does the manual say about talking on a phone or radio with “hands free” equipment while driving?
- It is safe because both hands stay on the wheel
- It is safe as long as you drive slowly
- It still takes your attention away from driving
- It is harmless once you are used to it
Show answer
Correct answer: It still takes your attention away from driving
Even with hands free equipment, conversing on a phone or radio takes your attention away from driving.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 116 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 116)
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Why is it illegal in Delaware to drive with head or earphones that cover or go in both ears?
- It makes it hard to hear emergency horns or sirens
- It blocks the driver's view of the side mirrors
- It interferes with the vehicle's electronic systems
- It makes drivers pay less attention to the speed limit
Show answer
Correct answer: It makes it hard to hear emergency horns or sirens
Such headphones make it hard to hear emergency horns or sirens.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 116 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 116)
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What should you do when you pass a crash or other roadside activity?
- Slow down so you can see whether anyone needs help
- Slow to a crawl and glance at the scene once
- Stop on the shoulder to watch until traffic clears
- Keep your eyes on the road and get past it safely
Show answer
Correct answer: Keep your eyes on the road and get past it safely
The manual says to keep your eyes on the road and get past roadside activities as soon and as safely as you can.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 116 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 116)
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Why is it dangerous to slow down just to look at a crash (rubbernecking)?
- You could miss a turn and end up on a different road
- You could run into a vehicle ahead that has slowed or stopped
- Other drivers could think you are about to turn left
- Your headlights could shine into other drivers' eyes
Show answer
Correct answer: You could run into a vehicle ahead that has slowed or stopped
If you take your eyes off the road to look at something, you could run into a vehicle ahead that has slowed or stopped.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 116 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 116)
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Whenever there is a lot of activity along the side of the road, what is there a good chance of?
- The speed limit will be lowered
- Someone will cross or enter the road
- Other drivers will pull onto the shoulder
- Vehicles will stop to let you pass
Show answer
Correct answer: Someone will cross or enter the road
With a lot of activity along the roadside, there is a good chance that someone will cross or enter the road.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 117 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 117)
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How does being tired affect your decisions?
- It takes more time and you do not always decide well
- You decide faster but with less care
- Decisions are not affected, only your eyesight
- You decide better because you focus harder
Show answer
Correct answer: It takes more time and you do not always decide well
When tired, it takes you more time to make decisions and you do not always make good ones.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 134 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 134)
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What should you try to do before leaving on a long trip?
- Eat a large meal for energy
- Leave late at night when traffic is light
- Get a normal night’s sleep before leaving
- Plan to drive straight through without breaks
Show answer
Correct answer: Get a normal night’s sleep before leaving
To avoid getting tired on a long trip, try to get a normal night's sleep before you leave.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 134 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 134)
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You are already tired before a planned trip. What does the manual say to do?
- Leave as planned and rest if you feel sleepy
- Do not leave; plan to leave when you are rested
- Leave as planned and drink coffee on the way
- Leave only after eating a large meal
Show answer
Correct answer: Do not leave; plan to leave when you are rested
Do not leave on a trip if you are already tired; plan your trips so you can leave when rested.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 134 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 134)
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Why should you not eat a large meal before you leave on a long trip?
- Some people get sleepy after they eat a big meal
- Large meals make it hard to see at night
- Eating before driving is against the law
- Food in the stomach makes you drive too fast
Show answer
Correct answer: Some people get sleepy after they eat a big meal
The manual advises eating lightly because some people get sleepy after a big meal.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 134 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 134)
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How often should you take breaks on a long trip?
- Every three hours, or when the tank is low
- Every two hours, or when you need to
- Every hour or so, or when you need to
- Only after six hours of continuous driving
Show answer
Correct answer: Every hour or so, or when you need to
The manual says to stop every hour or so or when you need to.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 134 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 134)
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Why should you try not to drive late at night when you are normally asleep?
- Police stop more drivers late at night than by day
- Your body thinks it is time to sleep and will try to
- Speed limits are lower during late-night hours
- Other drivers cannot see your headlights well
Show answer
Correct answer: Your body thinks it is time to sleep and will try to
Your body thinks it is time to go to sleep and will try to do so.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 134 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 134)
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If you are sleepy, what does the manual say is better than taking a chance you can stay awake?
- Open the windows and turn up the radio
- Drive faster to reach your stop sooner
- Slow down and keep to the right lane
- Stop and sleep for a few hours
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop and sleep for a few hours
Never drive if you are sleepy; it is better to stop and sleep for a few hours.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 134 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 134)
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If you are not feeling well and need to go somewhere, what does the manual say to do?
- Drive slowly and avoid the highway
- Let someone else drive
- Drive only during daylight hours
- Open the windows and keep driving
Show answer
Correct answer: Let someone else drive
The manual says that if you are not feeling well you should let someone else drive.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 135 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 135)
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When should diabetics who take insulin not drive, according to the manual?
- Whenever it is raining or the road is wet at all
- Any time within one hour after eating a full meal
- When there is any chance of an insulin reaction or blackout
- Only when driving more than 50 miles from your home
Show answer
Correct answer: When there is any chance of an insulin reaction or blackout
The manual says insulin users should not drive when an insulin reaction, blackout, convulsion, or shock is possible.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 135 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 135)
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What does the manual say may be a good idea while your doctor is adjusting your insulin dosage?
- Having someone else drive for you
- Driving only short trips close to home
- Keeping a snack in your glove box
- Driving only with the windows open
Show answer
Correct answer: Having someone else drive for you
The manual suggests having someone else drive while your doctor adjusts your insulin dosage.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 135 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 135)
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Why does the manual say people with diabetes should have their eyes checked regularly?
- For possible color blindness and dry eyes only
- To renew their license every single year
- To qualify for a special restricted license
- For possible night blindness or vision problems
Show answer
Correct answer: For possible night blindness or vision problems
The manual says diabetics should have regular eye checks for possible night blindness or other vision problems.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 135 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 135)
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If you are being treated by a doctor for a heart condition, what does the manual say to ask?
- If you need to take a brand-new road test
- If it could affect your ability to drive safely
- If you must carry a doctor's note at all times
- If you should drive only at night from now on
Show answer
Correct answer: If it could affect your ability to drive safely
The manual advises asking the doctor whether a heart condition could affect your ability to drive safely.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 135 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 135)
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If you are angry or excited, what does the manual say you should do?
- Give yourself time to cool off and stay off the road
- Drive carefully with the windows down until calm
- Keep driving to a quiet area until you feel better
- Turn on the radio and drive slowly until calm
Show answer
Correct answer: Give yourself time to cool off and stay off the road
The manual says to cool off and stay off the road until you have calmed down.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 135 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 135)
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If you are worried or upset about something, what does the manual suggest?
- Driving faster so that you can arrive sooner than planned
- Taking one hand off the wheel to relax your arm
- Keeping your mind on your driving and listening to the radio
- Stopping on the shoulder of the road for a few minutes
Show answer
Correct answer: Keeping your mind on your driving and listening to the radio
The manual says to keep your mind on driving, and that some have found listening to the radio helps.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual (July 2026), page 135 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 135)