Rhode Island: Distractions, drowsiness and emotions — Part 5 Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “Why does the manual say many traffic situations are frustrating?” · “When is a driver under 18 permitted to use a cell phone?”
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Rhode Island Driver’s Manual" (April 2024), Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
All 19 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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Why does the manual say many traffic situations are frustrating?
- Other drivers deliberately block us
- Roads are too narrow
- Speed limits are set too low
- We fail to allow enough time for trips
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Correct answer: We fail to allow enough time for trips
The manual says failing to allow enough time for trips makes many situations frustrating, so planning helps.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 23
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The more you drive, the more you will realize what about other drivers?
- All drivers make mistakes
- Most drivers never make mistakes
- Mistakes are made only by new drivers
- Mistakes are always made on purpose
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Correct answer: All drivers make mistakes
The manual tells drivers to expect other drivers to make mistakes.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 23
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What does the manual say can be spread among drivers just as easily as frustrations and anger?
- Fatigue and boredom
- Impatience and speed
- Smiles and courtesy
- Caution and delay
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Correct answer: Smiles and courtesy
Emotions are contagious, and the manual says smiles and courtesy spread as easily as anger does.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 23
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What should you remember about other drivers’ goals?
- Other drivers share your goals and travel at your pace
- Other drivers do not know your goals or have anything against you
- Other drivers want to delay you on purpose to annoy you
- Other drivers always know when you are in a hurry
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Correct answer: Other drivers do not know your goals or have anything against you
The manual says other drivers do not know your goals or have anything against you.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 24
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If you must drive when emotionally upset, what does the manual say to wait for?
- The heavy traffic to clear completely
- Nightfall
- A passenger to calm down
- The strength of the emotion to fade
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Correct answer: The strength of the emotion to fade
Most emotional upsets are temporary, so waiting for the emotion to fade helps you drive safely and courteously.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 24
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When an upset occurs while you are driving, what does the manual say to do?
- Find a place to stop and take a short walk and a few deep breaths
- Keep driving at a steady speed until the feeling passes
- Find a place to stop and play loud music
- Speed up to reach your destination sooner
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Correct answer: Find a place to stop and take a short walk and a few deep breaths
The manual says to stop somewhere, take a short walk and take a few deep breaths.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 24
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How long may emotional upsets such as grief and anxiety last?
- A few minutes
- About one hour
- Several days
- One afternoon
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Correct answer: Several days
The manual says such upsets may last several days, so it may be wise to have another person drive.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 24
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May a driver under the age of 18 use a hands-free device or speakerphone while operating a motor vehicle?
- Yes, if the call is made with a hands-free device
- Yes, if only the speakerphone is used for the call
- Yes, if a licensed adult is riding in the vehicle
- No, the ban includes hands-free devices and speakerphones
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Correct answer: No, the ban includes hands-free devices and speakerphones
The ban for drivers under 18 covers hands-free devices and speakerphones too.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 36
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When is a driver under 18 permitted to use a cell phone?
- Only in an emergency
- Only when the vehicle is in a travel lane with no traffic
- Only to place a call, not to take one
- Only when using a speakerphone
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Correct answer: Only in an emergency
The only time a minor is permitted to use a cell phone is in an emergency.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 36
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If you are under 18 and have an emergency, what does the manual say to do?
- Keep driving and call 911 on speakerphone
- Text 911 while driving carefully
- Pull to a safe location and call 911
- Ask a friend to call after the trip
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Correct answer: Pull to a safe location and call 911
You should pull to a safe location and call 911.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 36
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Which of these is a precaution the manual lists if you do use a cellular phone?
- Hold the phone at eye level while you dial
- Have a passenger place the call or dial when stopped
- Place calls only while you are on a freeway
- Keep the phone in your lap so it is within reach
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Correct answer: Have a passenger place the call or dial when stopped
One listed precaution is to have a passenger place the call or dial the device while stopped.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 36
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What does the manual say about hands-free wireless devices?
- Hands-free devices remove the risk of using a phone
- Hands-free devices are riskier than hand-held phones
- Hands-free devices are forbidden for all drivers
- Hands free is not risk free
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Correct answer: Hands free is not risk free
The manual warns that hands free is not risk free.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 36
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Who is prohibited from using a wireless handset to compose, read, or send a text message while operating a motor vehicle?
- Drivers of every age
- Only drivers under 18
- Only drivers under 21
- Only drivers with a learner permit
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Correct answer: Drivers of every age
The manual says that no matter the age, drivers may not use a wireless handset to text.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 37
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What is the fine for a first offense of a driver under 18 using a cellular phone while driving?
- $50
- $75
- $100
- $125
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Correct answer: $100
The first offense carries a $100 fine.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 37
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What is the penalty for a third and subsequent offense of a driver under 18 using a cellular phone while driving?
- A $250 fine and loss of license for 30 days
- A $250 fine and loss of license until 18 years of age
- A $150 fine and loss of license until 21 years of age
- A $500 fine and loss of license for one year
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Correct answer: A $250 fine and loss of license until 18 years of age
A third or later offense brings a $250 fine and loss of license until age 18.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 37
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What is the fine for a second texting offense while operating a motor vehicle?
- $100
- $200
- $300
- $150
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Correct answer: $150
A second texting offense carries a $150 fine.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 37
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What is the fine for a third and subsequent texting offense while operating a motor vehicle?
- $250
- $150
- $350
- $500
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Correct answer: $250
Third and later texting offenses carry a $250 fine.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 37
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Under the list of laws you must know, what is the rule on wearing earphones or headsets while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway?
- It is not allowed
- It is allowed if the volume is low
- It is allowed if only one ear is covered
- It is allowed on roads with no traffic
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Correct answer: It is not allowed
Drivers in Rhode Island may not operate a motor vehicle on a public highway while wearing earphones or headsets.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 58
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Which of these is listed as a distracting activity you should refrain from in a work zone?
- Changing radio stations
- Watching for workers and equipment
- Reading the posted speed limit sign
- Looking for flaggers' hand signals
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Correct answer: Changing radio stations
The manual tells drivers in work zones to refrain from distractions such as changing radio stations.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 73