Driving Test Practice

Kentucky: Cheat Sheet

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Road signs

  • A diamond sign with one arrow up and one arrow down warns of two way traffic.
  • You should follow the route signs during the trip to prevent getting lost in an unfamiliar area.
  • Guide signs give information on intersecting roads, help direct you to cities and towns, and show points of interest along the highway.
  • The Traffic Signal Ahead warning sign tells you a traffic signal is ahead.
  • The Workers Ahead work zone sign tells you workers are on or near the roadway ahead.
  • Warning signs tell of possible danger ahead and alert the driver to slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary.
  • A yellow sign with circling arrows warns of a roundabout or traffic circle.

Sign shapes and colors

  • Regulatory signs are white with black, red, or green letters or symbols.
  • Green indicates movement permitted and directional guidance.
  • Horizontal rectangles are generally used for guide signs.
  • Work zone signs are generally diamond or rectangular shaped and orange with black letters or symbols.
  • The shape, color, symbols, and words of a sign give clues to the type of information it provides.

Traffic signals

  • Traffic control devices include signals, signs, pavement markings, and directions provided by law enforcement, highway personnel, and school crossing guards.
  • A green arrow pointed upward means you may go straight ahead.
  • If you have started through an intersection when the light changes, keep going, because last-second changes can cause collisions.
  • A flashing red light means you must come to a full stop and proceed only when it is clear.
  • A green arrow means you may go in the direction of the arrow, if you are in the proper lane.
  • A flashing yellow light means you must slow down and watch for others.

Right-of-way and turning

  • Violating the funeral procession law may bring a $250 fine or 90 days in jail.
  • In a roundabout you proceed to the appropriate exit, signal intent, and exit.
  • If crosswalks are not apparent, you must stop before entering the intersection.
  • A lane change is made only after you have finished your turn and when the traffic is clear.
  • You never pull out to pass unless you know you have enough space to return to your lane.
  • Yielding rules are a guide, and the situation and circumstances at the intersection must always be considered.
  • You must not drive between the vehicles of a funeral procession unless a police or safety officer authorizes it.

Alcohol and drugs

  • The manual lists color distinction among the things alcohol and other impairing drugs reduce, meaning your ability to distinguish colors.
  • Every offender convicted of DUI must be assessed in a program licensed and certified by the Cabinet for Human Resources (CHR).
  • The manual says that under Kentucky's implied consent law a driver is required to take any test lawfully requested by a law enforcement officer.
  • The manual says that on conviction you will receive a credit toward any other ignition interlock requirement arising from the arrest.
  • All drivers under 21 are subject to “Zero Alcohol Tolerance,” defined as .02 Blood Alcohol Concentration.
  • Refusing to take a chemical test when lawfully asked by a law enforcement officer is a listed reason.

Speed and following distance

  • The manual gives ¾ second to 1 second as the average driver reaction time.
  • In areas with reduced vision you should always reduce your speed and be prepared to stop.
  • When towing in rain, snow, or fog, you should allow even more space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
  • You must be closer to an object to see it at night than during the day. The manual says never to drive so fast that you cannot stop within the distance you can see with your headlights.
  • Searching helps you see situations that could cause a problem and gives you time to change speed or roadway position.
  • The manual says you can help keep the driver behind you at a safe distance by keeping a steady speed, signaling in advance, and keeping more space to the front before reducing speed or turning.
  • Traction is reduced on gravel or dirt roads, so you should reduce speed, increase following distance, and realize you may skid when stopping.

Licensing basics

  • The proof of identity is an original birth certificate or a certified copy.
  • Good causes for driving between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. include emergencies, school, or work-related activities.
  • The passenger compartment, seat, and floor area must be clean or the vehicle may be rejected.

Aging drivers

  • The manual lists a doctor or other health caregiver advising you to restrict or stop driving as a warning sign.

Signals and vehicle controls

  • A muffler reduces noise and annoying smoke while protecting the occupants from poisonous fumes.
  • The manual says to check your blind spots by looking over your shoulder.
  • The manual says animals should also be properly secured.
  • If you have trouble seeing another vehicle, chances are the other driver is having trouble seeing yours, so headlights should be on.

Pavement markings

  • You may pass if there is a solid yellow line on the left side of the broken yellow line, and only if there are no oncoming vehicles.
  • Two solid yellow center lines on a two-direction roadway mean passing is prohibited in both directions.
  • A broken white line between lanes on a one-direction roadway means passing is permitted.
  • Pavement markings are lines, arrows, words, or symbols painted on the roadway to give you directions or warnings.

Freeway driving

  • The middle lane or lanes of a road with three or more lanes in one direction are for through traffic.
  • The acceleration lane is used to reach the speed of other vehicles before pulling onto the roadway.

Parking rules

  • You continue to check traffic and move straight back until your front bumper clears the vehicle parked beside you.
  • When parked on a hill, the wheels are turned so the vehicle will touch the curb if it begins moving.
  • If there is a curb you park as close to it as possible.
  • You are responsible for making sure that your vehicle is not a hazard when it is parked.

Railroad crossings

  • Crossing a railroad track after the warning lights are flashing or the crossing gates are down is against the law.
  • Not all crossings with more than one track have signs, so it is important to check for more than one track, train, or railroad vehicle.
  • You stop, and proceed only after the red lights stop flashing and you determine that no train is approaching.

Pedestrians

  • A blind person cannot tell who is being honked at and may be startled by the noise.
  • When turning on red, a driver must be prepared to yield the right of way to pedestrians.
  • You must yield to pedestrians entering or in a crosswalk.

Sharing the road

  • Before pulling in front of a large vehicle you have passed, you should see the whole front of it in your rear-view mirror and then maintain speed.
  • A person who operates an ATV on a public highway must have a valid operator’s license and comply with all traffic regulations.
  • A motor vehicle’s brakes are more powerful than a bicycle’s, so slowing or stopping quickly could cause a crash.
  • Bicyclists must obey traffic control signals and signs and stop at stop signs and stop lights just like a motor vehicle.

Seat belts and child safety

  • The manual says safety belts should be worn even if the vehicle is equipped with air bags.
  • Kentucky law requires a child under 8 years who is between 40 and 57 inches tall to be in a child booster seat.

Distracted and drowsy driving

  • The manual suggests a 15-to-20-minute nap at the next exit or rest area.
  • The manual says not to retaliate or engage in an argument with the enraged driver, because doing so will only worsen the problem.
  • When driving, avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers.

Emergencies

  • If the parking brake does not work, you turn off the engine and look for a safe place to slow to a stop.
  • A written report is required for property damage exceeding $500 when no law enforcement officer investigates.
  • You steer smoothly, brake gently, and pull off the roadway.

Emergency vehicles and work zones

  • You must immediately drive to the right side of the road or to the curb, clear of any intersection, and stop.
  • Lane position should be adjusted to allow space for workers and construction vehicles.
  • If a lane change is unsafe, you should slow down and proceed with caution while maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions.

Insurance and registration

  • Failure to maintain liability insurance is a listed reason for suspension or revocation.

Points and losing your license

  • The primary purpose of State Traffic School is to promote safe and responsible driving.
  • Leaving the scene of a crash, failure to stop and disclose identity or render aid, is a listed reason.

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