Rhode Island: Signals and vehicle controls — Part 3 Practice Test
Questions in this part include: “How should the steering wheel feel when you turn it?” · “Under Rhode Island's noise limit law, what is the maximum noise a vehicle may make in speed zones of more than 35 mph?”
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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 20 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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How should the steering wheel feel when you turn it?
- No play, and it does not feel loose
- Slightly loose, with some play
- Heavy, with some noise
- Loose at low speeds only
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Correct answer: No play, and it does not feel loose
The manual says there should be no play in the steering wheel and it should not feel loose.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 68
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According to the manual, noises when you turn the steering wheel may indicate you need which fluid?
- Brake fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Engine coolant
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Correct answer: Power steering fluid
The manual says noises when turning the wheel may mean the power steering fluid is low.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 68
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What does the manual say about checking some of your vehicle's lights?
- Some must be checked with another person's help
- All lights can be checked from the driver's seat
- Only a mechanic may check them
- They need checking only at inspection
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Correct answer: Some must be checked with another person's help
The manual notes that certain lights can only be checked with the assistance of another person.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 68
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What does the manual say is a good idea as you inspect the lighting system?
- Replace all of the bulbs every single year
- Tint the lenses to cut down on glare
- Cover the lights whenever you park
- Clean the grime, dirt, and salt from all lights
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Correct answer: Clean the grime, dirt, and salt from all lights
The manual suggests cleaning grime, dirt and salt from the lights while you inspect them.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 68
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What can happen to a car's safety sensors when snow, ice, or salt grime gathers on the vehicle in winter?
- They melt the ice automatically
- They can become blocked and shut down
- They send a warning to the DMV
- They work better in the cold
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Correct answer: They can become blocked and shut down
The manual warns that sensors key to advanced safety systems can be blocked and shut down, so you should check them for obstructions.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 68
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Which group is named as other equipment that must be maintained and serviced regularly?
- Radio, antenna, and floor mats
- Mirrors, mufflers, horn, and wipers
- Heater, seat covers, and cup holders
- Sunroof, trunk latch, and bumper stickers
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Correct answer: Mirrors, mufflers, horn, and wipers
The manual lists mirrors, mufflers, the horn and wipers as important equipment to be maintained and serviced regularly.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 68
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In the manual's list of instrument panel warning lights, what does the SRS indicator light stand for?
- Secondary Roadway Safety System
- Steering Response and Stability
- Standard Rear Suspension Setting
- Supplemental Restraint System (airbag)
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Correct answer: Supplemental Restraint System (airbag)
The warning light list says SRS stands for Supplemental Restraint System, the airbag.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 68
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In the manual's list of instrument panel warning lights, what does the ABS indicator light stand for?
- Anti-lock Brake System
- Automatic Braking Signal
- Advanced Brake Sensor
- All-wheel Braking System
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Correct answer: Anti-lock Brake System
The warning light list says ABS stands for the Anti-lock Brake System.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 68
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Rhode Island follows the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for window tint. What total visible light transmittance must a vehicle's windows have?
- Not less than 70%
- Not less than 50%
- Not less than 60%
- Not less than 80%
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Correct answer: Not less than 70%
Rhode Island follows the federal standard of a total visible light transmittance of not less than 70 percent.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 72
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What is the fine for violating Rhode Island's law against nontransparent windshield and windows (unlawful tint, film or window application)?
- $75.00
- $150.00
- $250.00
- $500.00
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Correct answer: $250.00
The manual states the fine for a violation of the nontransparent windshield and windows law is $250.00.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 72
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Under the Rhode Island law on altered vehicle height, a vehicle may not be raised or lowered by more than how many inches from the original manufacturer's specified height?
- 2 inches
- 4 inches
- 3 inches
- 6 inches
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Correct answer: 4 inches
The law prohibits altering a vehicle's height by more than four inches from the manufacturer's specified height.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 72
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The Rhode Island law against altered vehicle height applies to vehicles with an original manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of up to and including how many pounds?
- 6,000 pounds
- 8,000 pounds
- 12,000 pounds
- 10,000 pounds
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Correct answer: 10,000 pounds
The law covers vehicles with an original gross vehicle weight rating of up to and including 10,000 pounds.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 72
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Under Rhode Island's noise limit law, what is the maximum noise a vehicle may make in speed zones of 35 mph or less?
- 86 dbA
- 80 dbA
- 90 dbA
- 96 dbA
Show answer
Correct answer: 86 dbA
In speed zones of 35 mph or less the limit is not more than 86 dbA.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 72
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Under Rhode Island's noise limit law, what is the maximum noise a vehicle may make in speed zones of more than 35 mph?
- 80 dbA
- 86 dbA
- 90 dbA
- 100 dbA
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Correct answer: 90 dbA
In speed zones of more than 35 mph the limit is not more than 90 dbA.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 72
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Rhode Island's noise limits for vehicles are based on a measurement taken at what distance?
- 25 feet from the center of the lane of travel
- 50 feet from the center of the lane of travel
- 75 feet from the center of the lane of travel
- 100 feet from the center of the lane of travel
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Correct answer: 50 feet from the center of the lane of travel
The law bases the limits on a distance of fifty feet from the center of the lane of travel.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 72
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In Rhode Island's noise law, what does "dbA" mean?
- Decibels measured with the vehicle's engine idling in a closed garage
- A measure of exhaust pressure taken at the muffler outlet each year
- Decibels measured at the driver's ear with the windows rolled down
- Decibels measured with a calibrated sound level meter weighted to the "A" scale
Show answer
Correct answer: Decibels measured with a calibrated sound level meter weighted to the "A" scale
The law defines dbA as decibels measured with a calibrated sound level meter weighted to the A scale.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 72
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In addition to the state noise limits, what does Rhode Island's noise law also allow local cities and towns to do?
- Develop other means to deal with noise regulations
- Raise the state noise limit within their own boundaries
- Exempt town residents from the noise limits
- Collect the fines instead of the state
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Correct answer: Develop other means to deal with noise regulations
The law allows cities and towns to develop other means to deal with noise regulations.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 72
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Rhode Island's multiple beam lamps law requires head lamps to be arranged so that you can do what?
- Switch the lamps off automatically when the vehicle is stopped
- Aim the light at one fixed height that cannot be changed
- Select between distributions of light projected to different elevations
- Flash the lamps automatically when another vehicle approaches
Show answer
Correct answer: Select between distributions of light projected to different elevations
Head lamps must allow a choice between distributions of light projected to different elevations, such as high and low beams.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 72
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Who is authorized to approve or disapprove lighting devices on vehicles in Rhode Island?
- The Governor of Rhode Island
- The Administrator of the Division of Motor Vehicles
- The Director of the Department of Transportation
- The Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education
Show answer
Correct answer: The Administrator of the Division of Motor Vehicles
The manual says the Administrator of the Division of Motor Vehicles is authorized to approve or disapprove lighting devices.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 72
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Rhode Island's regulations on lighting devices must conform, as far as possible, to the standards and specifications of which organization?
- American Automobile Association
- National Safety Council
- Federal Highway Administration
- Society of Automotive Engineers
Show answer
Correct answer: Society of Automotive Engineers
The regulations are to conform as far as possible to the current standards of the Society of Automotive Engineers.
Source: Rhode Island Driver’s Manual (April 2024), page 72