New Jersey: Right of way & turning
Intersections, roundabouts, turns, passing and who goes first. Split into 3 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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Right of way & turning — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “How does the speed of traffic affect when you should plan a turn?”
StartRight of way & turning — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “What makes an intersection "uncontrolled"?”
StartRight of way & turning — Part 3
Questions in this part include: “When preparing to turn left from a two-way road onto another two-way road, where should you position your vehicle?”
StartAll 52 Right of way & turning questions with answers
Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.
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If you miss the turn you wanted to make, what should you do?
- Turn sharply at the last moment
- Back up carefully to the missed turn
- Stop in the lane and wait to reverse
- Take the next turn; never back up
Show answer
Correct answer: Take the next turn; never back up
If a turn is missed, never back up; it is better to take the next turn than to risk a crash.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 55 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 55)
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How does the speed of traffic affect when you should plan a turn?
- Plan turns only once you reach the intersection
- The faster traffic moves, the later you should decide
- The faster traffic moves, the sooner you should plan
- Speed does not matter; always plan 50 feet ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: The faster traffic moves, the sooner you should plan
Decide well in advance where you want to turn; the faster the traffic is moving, the sooner you should plan your turn.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 55 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 55)
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Before turning, in what order should you signal and move into the proper lane?
- Signal first, then move into the proper lane
- Signal only after entering the intersection
- Move into the lane first, then signal
- Move over and turn; signal only if cars are behind
Show answer
Correct answer: Signal first, then move into the proper lane
Before turning, signal first (with turn signals or hand signals) and then move into the proper lane.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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When making a turn, when should you slow down?
- Only if a vehicle is ahead of you
- Before reaching the intersection
- After you complete the turn
- In the middle of the intersection
Show answer
Correct answer: Before reaching the intersection
Before turning, a motorist should slow down before reaching the intersection and then keep a steady speed.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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Which lane should you stay in while making a turn?
- Whichever lane is clearer halfway through
- The far lane, to make the turn wider
- The shoulder, if traffic is heavy
- The same lane until the turn is finished
Show answer
Correct answer: The same lane until the turn is finished
The manual says to always stay in the same lane until the turn is finished.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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Where should you start a 3-point turn (K-turn)?
- From the left edge of the road
- From the middle of an intersection
- From the right edge of the road
- From the center of the road
Show answer
Correct answer: From the right edge of the road
When turning a vehicle around, start from the right edge of the road at a safe spot.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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When choosing a place to make a 3-point turn (K-turn), what should you look for?
- A curve, where traffic has to slow down
- The narrowest part of the road
- A busy intersection controlled by a traffic signal
- A safe spot with good visibility in both directions
Show answer
Correct answer: A safe spot with good visibility in both directions
The manual says to choose a safe spot with good visibility in both directions.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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If there is no other traffic, what is the first move in a 3-point turn (K-turn)?
- Back up slowly with the wheel turned to the left
- Signal left and move forward slowly, turning the wheel left
- Signal right and back up, turning the wheel right
- Move forward slowly with the steering wheel turned to the right
Show answer
Correct answer: Signal left and move forward slowly, turning the wheel left
If there is no other traffic, signal left and move forward slowly while turning the steering wheel to the left.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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During the first step of a 3-point turn, where should you stop the vehicle?
- Several inches from the left curb
- Touching the left curb with the front tires
- In the middle of the opposite lane
- Several feet from the left curb
Show answer
Correct answer: Several inches from the left curb
After moving forward and turning left, the vehicle should be stopped several inches from the left curb or street edge.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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In a 3-point turn, after stopping near the left curb, what should you do next?
- Back up straight across the road to the right curb
- Move forward, turning the wheel to the right
- Back up slowly, turning the wheel to the right
- Back up slowly, turning the wheel to the left
Show answer
Correct answer: Back up slowly, turning the wheel to the right
The second step is to back up slowly while turning the steering wheel to the right, stopping several inches from the right curb or street edge.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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In a 3-point turn (K-turn), after backing up and stopping near the right curb, what is the next move?
- Move forward while turning the wheel to the right
- Back up again while turning the wheel to the left
- Back up straight until you reach the left curb
- Move forward while turning the wheel to the left
Show answer
Correct answer: Move forward while turning the wheel to the left
After backing up to the right curb, move the vehicle forward while turning the steering wheel to the left, then straighten the wheels as the vehicle faces the way you want to go.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 56 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 56)
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Under the basic right-of-way rules, which other vehicles must you yield to?
- Vehicles parked along the curb nearby
- Only vehicles larger than yours
- Vehicles traveling behind you
- Vehicles already in the intersection
Show answer
Correct answer: Vehicles already in the intersection
You must yield to other vehicles that are already in the intersection.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 66 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 66)
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How does the New Jersey manual define an intersection?
- Any stretch of road that has a traffic signal on it
- Where two or more roads cross or merge at angles
- Any place where a road crosses a railroad
- Any part of a divided highway with ramps
Show answer
Correct answer: Where two or more roads cross or merge at angles
An intersection is where two or more roads cross or merge at angles.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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According to the New Jersey manual, where do most crashes occur?
- On highway ramps
- In parking lots
- At intersections
- On rural curves
Show answer
Correct answer: At intersections
Most crashes occur at intersections, so drivers should know how to navigate them safely.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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How many types of intersections does the New Jersey manual say a motorist should be aware of?
- Six
- Three
- Two
- Four
Show answer
Correct answer: Four
The manual says a motorist should be aware of the four types of intersections and how to navigate them safely.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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What makes an intersection "controlled"?
- It lies inside a city or town limit
- Lane lines are painted on every one of its approaches
- A speed limit sign is posted just before it
- Signals, signs, or a police officer regulate it
Show answer
Correct answer: Signals, signs, or a police officer regulate it
A controlled intersection is one regulated by traffic signals, signs, or a police officer.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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At a multi-way stop, you and another driver arrive at the same time. Who must yield?
- The driver on your right yields to you
- You yield to the driver on your right
- The smaller vehicle yields to the larger
- The driver going straight yields
Show answer
Correct answer: You yield to the driver on your right
At a multi-way stop, a driver must yield to the motorist on the right if both arrive at the same time.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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You arrive at a multi-way stop where another vehicle has already stopped. What must you do?
- Yield to that vehicle
- Go first, since you are moving
- Honk and proceed at the same time
- Go first if you are turning right
Show answer
Correct answer: Yield to that vehicle
At a multi-way stop, you must yield to any vehicle already stopped at the intersection.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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When making a left turn at an intersection, whom must you yield to or stop for?
- Only vehicles that are waiting on the cross street
- No one, as long as you signaled first
- Only the vehicles traveling behind you
- Oncoming traffic and pedestrians in a crosswalk
Show answer
Correct answer: Oncoming traffic and pedestrians in a crosswalk
When making a left turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic and stop for pedestrians within a crosswalk.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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After stopping at a stop sign, when may you enter the intersection?
- Right away, because you already made a full stop
- Only once no other vehicle can be seen in any direction
- After yielding to pedestrians and close, hazardous traffic
- After you have waited a fixed three seconds at the stop line
Show answer
Correct answer: After yielding to pedestrians and close, hazardous traffic
You may enter only after yielding to any pedestrians and to any traffic close enough to be an immediate hazard.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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Before making any turn, especially a right turn on red, what must you do?
- Check only the inside rearview mirror once
- Scan left, right, and behind, including blind spots
- Tap the horn and turn without stopping
- Watch only the oncoming traffic that is ahead of you
Show answer
Correct answer: Scan left, right, and behind, including blind spots
Before any turn you must scan left, right, and behind, check mirrors and blind spots, and look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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According to the New Jersey manual, why do many crashes happen during turns?
- Drivers keep too close to the right-hand curb
- Drivers switch on their turn signal much too far ahead
- Drivers watch only oncoming traffic and miss others
- Drivers move through their turns much too slowly
Show answer
Correct answer: Drivers watch only oncoming traffic and miss others
Many crashes occur during turns when drivers focus solely on oncoming traffic and fail to check for other vulnerable road users.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 67 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 67)
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What makes an intersection "uncontrolled"?
- It has a flashing yellow signal
- A police officer directs traffic there
- It is regulated by nothing more than a yield sign
- It has no traffic signal or regulatory device
Show answer
Correct answer: It has no traffic signal or regulatory device
An intersection is uncontrolled when roads join and there is no traffic signal or regulatory device.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 68 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 68)
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As you near a crossroad that is not controlled, what must you do?
- Slow down and be ready to stop for cross traffic
- Keep your speed, because nobody there has to yield
- Speed up so you clear the crossing quickly
- Honk your horn and continue at the same speed
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down and be ready to stop for cross traffic
Near an uncontrolled crossroad you must reduce speed and be ready to stop if traffic is coming from the right or left.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 68 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 68)
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When you come out of a private road or driveway onto a main road, whom must you yield to?
- Only vehicles coming from your right
- Only vehicles coming from your left
- All traffic on the main road
- No one, if you signal first
Show answer
Correct answer: All traffic on the main road
A motorist coming from a private road or driveway must yield to all traffic on the main road.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 68 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 68)
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As a rule at an uncontrolled intersection, which vehicle should yield?
- The vehicle going straight yields to a turning one
- The slower vehicle yields to the faster one
- The one on the right yields to the one on the left
- The one on the left yields to the one on the right
Show answer
Correct answer: The one on the left yields to the one on the right
As a rule, the vehicle on the left should yield to the vehicle on the right.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 68 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 68)
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Buildings, parked vehicles, or bushes block your view of cross traffic at an intersection. What should you do?
- Speed up so you are exposed for less time
- Keep your speed and just tap your horn as you go through
- Trust cross traffic to yield the right-of-way
- Slow down or stop fully to check for cross traffic
Show answer
Correct answer: Slow down or stop fully to check for cross traffic
When your line of sight is blocked, always slow down or stop completely to make sure there is no cross traffic before proceeding.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 68 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 68)
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Are there set rules in New Jersey for driving into, around, and out of a traffic circle?
- No; common sense and caution must prevail
- Yes; traffic inside always has the right-of-way
- Yes; you must always stop before entering
- Yes; entering traffic always goes first
Show answer
Correct answer: No; common sense and caution must prevail
There are no set rules for traffic circles in New Jersey; common sense and caution must always prevail.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 68 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 68)
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In most New Jersey traffic circles, what decides who has the right-of-way?
- Whichever vehicle is moving the fastest
- The circle's established traffic flow pattern
- Whichever vehicle is larger or heavier
- Whichever driver turned on a turn signal first
Show answer
Correct answer: The circle's established traffic flow pattern
In most cases, the circle's historically established traffic flow pattern dictates who has the right-of-way.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 68 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 68)
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When a major highway flows into and through a New Jersey traffic circle, what usually happens?
- It must stop at the circle entrance
- It gives way to the side streets
- It commands the right-of-way
- It must yield to all circle traffic
Show answer
Correct answer: It commands the right-of-way
A major highway flowing through a circle usually dominates the traffic flow pattern and commands the right-of-way.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 68 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 68)
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Besides the traffic flow pattern, what also governs right-of-way at the entrances to a traffic circle?
- The color of the pavement
- The time of day
- The number of lanes that the circle has
- Stop or yield signs at the entrances
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop or yield signs at the entrances
Traffic control signs such as stop or yield signs at the entrances also govern who has the right-of-way.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 68 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 68)
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What should you do before entering a traffic circle?
- Sound your horn to warn drivers already inside
- Speed up to match the traffic already inside
- Check the signs and what drivers inside intend
- Stop fully even where the sign only says yield
Show answer
Correct answer: Check the signs and what drivers inside intend
Never enter a traffic circle without checking all signs and determining the intentions of the motorists already in it.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 68 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 68)
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How should you position your vehicle to make a right turn?
- Straddling the lane line on your left
- In the left lane for more room
- Swing out to the left first to widen the turn
- As far right as possible, near the curb
Show answer
Correct answer: As far right as possible, near the curb
Approach a right turn as far to the right as possible, keeping near the curb or parked vehicles, and do not swing outward.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 72 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 72)
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Why does keeping close to the right curb before a right turn help?
- It means you need not use your turn signal
- It leaves less room for a vehicle on your right
- It gives oncoming traffic more room to pass
- It lets you take the turn at a much higher speed
Show answer
Correct answer: It leaves less room for a vehicle on your right
Proper positioning before a right turn reduces the chance of another vehicle being in the space on your right as you turn.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 72 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 72)
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Two vehicles meet at an intersection and both have signaled to turn left. How should each driver turn, when safe?
- To the left of the center of the intersection
- Straight through the center point of the intersection
- By swinging wide into the far lane
- After backing up to make more room
Show answer
Correct answer: To the left of the center of the intersection
When two vehicles meet and both are turning left, each should turn to the left of the center of the intersection when safe, using extra caution.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 73 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 73)
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When turning left from a one-way road onto another one-way road, which lane should you turn into?
- The right lane of the road you enter
- Any lane that happens to be open
- The left lane of the road you enter
- The center lane of the road you enter
Show answer
Correct answer: The left lane of the road you enter
Approach in the left lane and turn into the left lane of the one-way road you are entering.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 73 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 73)
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When turning left from a two-way road onto another two-way road, where should your vehicle end up?
- To the right of the center line of the new road
- To the left of the center line of the new road
- Straddling the center line of the new road
- On the shoulder until traffic clears
Show answer
Correct answer: To the right of the center line of the new road
Keep to the right of the center line of the road you are entering, without crossing lane markings.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 73 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 73)
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When preparing to turn left from a two-way road onto another two-way road, where should you position your vehicle?
- Squarely in the middle of your own travel lane
- Close to the right-hand curb or edge
- Close to the line nearest the road's center
- Partly on the right shoulder of the road
Show answer
Correct answer: Close to the line nearest the road's center
Approach the turn as close as possible to the line nearest the center of the road.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 73 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 73)
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When turning left from a two-way road onto a four-lane highway, when should you make the turn?
- After pulling onto the far shoulder first
- After passing the center of the intersection
- After stopping in the middle of the intersection
- Before reaching the center of the intersection
Show answer
Correct answer: Before reaching the center of the intersection
Approach close to the center line and make the turn before reaching the center of the intersection.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 73 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 73)
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When turning left from a two-way road onto a four-lane highway, which lane should you turn into?
- The lane nearest the center line, on the right side
- The far lane on the left side of the road
- The lane nearest the right-hand curb of the highway
- The shoulder, until traffic clears
Show answer
Correct answer: The lane nearest the center line, on the right side
Turn into the lane nearest the center line on the right side of the other road, which is the passing lane of the four-lane highway.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 73 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 73)
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After turning left into the passing lane of a four-lane highway, what should you do?
- Slow down and wait right there for traffic to clear
- Stay in the passing lane until your exit
- Pull onto the shoulder right away to check
- Move right, out of that lane, when traffic allows
Show answer
Correct answer: Move right, out of that lane, when traffic allows
When traffic permits, move to the right, out of the passing lane.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 73 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 73)
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In New Jersey, what must you do when you are coming out of an alley, a private driveway, or a building onto the road?
- Come to a stop
- Slow to 10 mph without stopping
- Flash your headlights and keep going
- Sound your horn and keep going
Show answer
Correct answer: Come to a stop
The manual lists coming from an alley, private driveway, or building as a situation in which a motorist must stop.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 75 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 75)
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Which of these is a situation in which the New Jersey Driver Manual says a motorist must stop?
- When the vehicle ahead is towing a boat
- At a bridge span that is about to open for boat traffic
- When driving onto any bridge that crosses water
- When you pass a boat trailer that is parked on the road shoulder
Show answer
Correct answer: At a bridge span that is about to open for boat traffic
A motorist must stop at a bridge span that is about to open for boat traffic.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 75 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 75)
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How does the New Jersey Driver Manual describe failing to yield the right of way?
- A problem only at railroad crossings
- A common, but potentially fatal, mistake
- A minor error that rarely causes harm
- A mistake made only by commercial drivers
Show answer
Correct answer: A common, but potentially fatal, mistake
The manual calls failing to yield the right of way a common, but potentially fatal, mistake.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 91 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 91)
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According to the New Jersey Driver Manual, which lane should a motorist stay in when planning a turn?
- The lane that has the least traffic in it
- The center lane until the very last moment
- The lane that shows where they intend to turn
- Any lane at all, as long as they signal
Show answer
Correct answer: The lane that shows where they intend to turn
A motorist should always stay in the lane that shows where they intend to turn, which communicates their plan to other motorists.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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When approaching an intersection on city streets, the manual says you should:
- Glance to the right only, since traffic coming from the left must yield
- Keep your speed steady and look straight ahead at the traffic signal
- Speed up slightly so that you clear it before the light has a chance to change
- Reduce speed, glance left and then right, and keep your foot on the brake
Show answer
Correct answer: Reduce speed, glance left and then right, and keep your foot on the brake
When nearing an intersection, reduce speed, glance left and then right, and keep your foot on the brake.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 101 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 101)
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When you are in the middle of a city block, what does the manual tell you to do?
- Speed up before the next signal changes
- Move into the left lane so you are ready to pass
- Check intersections ahead for traffic controls
- Pull over and adjust your mirrors
Show answer
Correct answer: Check intersections ahead for traffic controls
One of the manual's city safety tips is to check intersections ahead for traffic controls when you are in the middle of a block.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 101 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 101)
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According to the New Jersey Driver Manual, what do many new motorists fail to see on city streets?
- Loading zones
- Intersections
- Bus stops
- Parking meters
Show answer
Correct answer: Intersections
The manual warns that motorists pass through intersections very often on city streets and that many new motorists fail to see intersections.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 101 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 101)
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At an intersection with no traffic signals or signs, the manual warns that:
- A wide, smooth or busy road is protected from cross traffic
- Drivers on the narrower road must always stop
- There is no traffic control; avoiding crashes is up to you
- The busier road always has the right of way
Show answer
Correct answer: There is no traffic control; avoiding crashes is up to you
Do not assume a road is protected because it is wide, smooth or busy; with no traffic signals there is no traffic control, and avoiding crashes is up to the motorist.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 102 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 102)
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What is a roundabout?
- A highway interchange with loop ramps
- A one-way circle around a center island
- A four-way stop with a traffic island
- A two-way circle where cars may go either way
Show answer
Correct answer: A one-way circle around a center island
A roundabout is a one-way, circular intersection in which traffic flows around a center island.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 218 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 218)
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Why is the occurrence of severe crashes substantially reduced at roundabouts?
- All vehicles must stop before entering
- Traffic signals control every entry
- Higher speeds help traffic clear the circle faster
- Traffic enters and exits only by right turns
Show answer
Correct answer: Traffic enters and exits only by right turns
Because roundabout traffic enters or exits only through right turns, the occurrence of severe crashes is substantially reduced.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 218 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 218)
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Roundabouts are designed to meet the needs of which road users?
- Drivers only, since pedestrians must go around
- All users: drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists
- Only drivers of cars, vans and pickup trucks
- Mainly large trucks, buses and farm vehicles
Show answer
Correct answer: All users: drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists
Roundabouts are designed to meet the needs of all road users: drivers, pedestrians, pedestrians with disabilities, and bicyclists.
Source: New Jersey Driver Manual (2026), page 218 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 218)