Virginia Driver Education
Module One
Licensing Responsibilities
Topic 1
Goals of Virginia’s Driver
Education
Topic 2
A Virginia Driver’s License
Topic 3
Understanding the Virginia Driver’s
Manual
1
2
PROGRAM
GOALS
OUR GOAL is to guide the learning process…
School Staff

Administrative support

Program coordinator
Instructional Staff

Classroom staff

Simulator staff

Range staff

In-car staff
3
PROGRAM
GOALS
OUR GOAL is to guide the learning process…
Classroom
Requirements
Activities

Lectures/Discussions (large group activity)

Individualized Activities (small groups or individually)
Assessments
4
PROGRAM
GOALS
OUR GOAL is to guide the learning process…
Behind – the - Wheel
•
Scheduling
•
Requirements
•
Activities
•
Assessment
•
Range
•
Road Skills Tests
•
Simulator
•
On-Street
5
PERSONAL GOALS
YOUR GOAL
Becoming a Safe User of Virginia’s Roadways…
Why does Virginia have graduated licensing?
What are some of the risks of driving?
How does a driver learn to manage risks?
6
PERSONAL GOALS
BECOMING A SAFE NOVICE ROADWAY USER
7
PERSONAL GOALS
A safe novice driver is a person capable of:

Demonstrating a working knowledge of the



Using visual search skills to



rules of the road
procedures for operating an automobile
obtain information about the driving environment
manage risks
Demonstrating divided attention skills to


search for problems in the path of travel
avoid common driver distractions
8
GOALS
A safe novice driver is a person capable of:
Demonstrating abilities to manage space by adjusting


position and/or
speed to avoid conflicts and reduce risk
Interacting with other roadway users in a positive manner


using appropriate communication skills and
recognizing and accepting personal responsibilities
Maintaining balanced vehicle movement by



steering,
accelerating, and
braking in a precise and timely manner
9
GOALS
A safe novice driver is a person capable of:
Protecting self and others by properly using occupant
protection systems
Displaying responsible actions and understanding of

physical, and

psychological conditions affecting driver performance
Participating in adequate supervised driving practice with
a licensed parent, guardian, or mentor to develop

proficient driving skills, and

effective driving habits
10
GETTING STARTED
Next Lesson…..
A Virginia Driver’s License
The Licensing Process

Learner’s Permit

Driver’s License
11
Virginia Driver Education
Module One
Topic 1
Goals of Virginia’s Driver Education
Topic 2 A Virginia Driver’s License
Topic 3
Understanding the Virginia Driver’s
Manual
12
VIRGINIA DRIVER’S LICENSES
 Learner’s Permit
 Driver’s License
 Motorcycle License
Vertical
 CDL
Virginia Driver's License
for persons under 21
years of age
Horizontal
Virginia Driver's License
for persons 21 years of
age and older
13
Virginia License
Requirements
Requirements for a Learner’s Permit
Applicants for a Virginia learner’s permit must
 be at least 15 years and six months old
 complete a DL 1P learner’s permit and driver’s license
application form
14
Providing Identification Information
License Applicants Must Provide
One Proof of Identification - applicants age 19 or
older must provide 2 identification documents


Birth Certificate
U.S. Passport
One Proof of Social Security Number
 Social security card
 W2 form
 Income tax return
15
Providing Identification Information
License Applicants Must Provide (cont’d)
One Proof of Virginia Residency
 Parents may verify residency of applicants less than 19
 DMV-issued ID card
One Proof of Legal Presence


Birth certificate
Legal passport
Visit https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/pdf/dmv141.pdf for a
complete list of acceptable documents
16
Virginia License Requirements
Requirements for a Learner’s Permit
Successfully complete
 signs test (100%)
 general knowledge test (80%)
 vision test
 correctable vision (20/40)

day-time only driving (between 20/40 & 20/70)
Have a digitized photo taken at DMV
17
Virginia License Requirements
If you fail the learner’s permit test
Applicants less than 18 must
 Wait 15 days to retake
Applicants 18 or older must
 Pay $2 or wait 15 days
Applicants who fail the learner’s permit test 3 times must
complete a driver education course SUBSEQUENT to the third
failure
18
Virginia License Requirements
Requirements for a Driver’s License for
Applicants less than 19 years old must

be at least 16 years and three months old

hold a learner’s permit for at least nine months and

successfully complete an approved driver
education program
19
Virginia License Requirements
(cont.)
Additional Requirements for Applicants
less than 18 Years Old Must
 have parent/guardian permission, and

have parent/guardian certify the applicant has
driven a motor vehicle for 45 hours, at least 15 of
which were after sunset
Note: the 180-day provisional license issued by your in-car driver
education teacher is a valid driver’s license when accompanied by a
valid Virginia learner’s permit.
20
Virginia Provisional Driver’s
License Restrictions
Driving Curfew
• Licensed drivers under age 18 cannot drive
between midnight and 4 am
• Exceptions
• Emergency
• To and from work or school activity
• Accompanied by parent or guardian
• Responding to and emergency call (EMS/Fire) by
authorized personnel
21
Virginia Provisional Driver’s
License Restrictions
Passenger Restrictions
Licensed drivers under age 18 are restricted to
• one passenger under age 21 for the 1st year of
licensure
• after 1st year, three passengers under age 21
until the licensee turns 18
Passenger restriction does not apply to immediate
family members
22
Virginia License Renewal
A Virginia Driver’s License Expires
on the Licensee’s Birthday
•License must be renewed every 8
years
23
Virginia License Renewal
Licensees Receiving First Driver’s
License at Age 16 or 17
•
License expires on 20th birthday

Applicants 20 years of age or less will be
required to retake the signs and general
knowledge tests if they have any traffic
convictions.
24
Specialized Virginia Licenses
Motorcycle License
Motorcycle Only License or Class M (Motorcycle)
Designation added to a License
You must pass the:

driver’s license signs & knowledge tests

motorcycle knowledge exam; and

motorcycle road skills test
If less than 19 years old, you must also
• complete a driver education program, and
• have a motorcycle learner’s permit for a
minimum of 9 months
25
Specialized Virginia Licenses
Commercial Driver’s License
CDL
What is a Commercial Vehicle?
•Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more
•Any vehicle designed to carry 16 or more
passengers including the driver
•Any vehicles that transport hazardous
materials and requires a federal placard
26
Specialized Virginia Licenses
Commercial Driver’s License
CDL
Requirements
•Must be at least age 18 to obtain an INTRA-State
CDL
•Must be at least age 21 to obtain CDL
27
Specialized Virginia Licenses
Commercial Driver’s License
CDL
SCHOOL BUS OPERATOR
•16 + passengers (including driver) requires a
CDL
• 16 passenger or less (including driver)
•
No CDL required, but must pass CDL and
school bus tests
28
Virginia License Suspensions/Revocations
Suspension

Your privilege to drive has been withdrawn
temporarily

Judge may grant restricted driving privileges to
and from work, school, or VASAP class
Revocation

Your privilege to drive has been terminated

Must reapply for a driver’s license after revocation
period has passed
29
Virginia License Suspensions/Revocations
Administrative License Suspension (ALS)
Your driver’s license will be suspended for a
minimum of seven days if you

register a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of
0.08 or higher

are under age 21 and register a BAC of 0.02 or
higher

refuse to take the field sobriety test
30
Virginia License Suspensions/Revocations
Individuals under 21
 Zero Tolerance
 Use and Lose
 Traffic/Seat Belt Violations
 1st offense
 2nd offense
 3rd offense
31
Virginia License Suspensions/Revocations
Ten Consecutive Unexcused Absences
10 consecutive unexcused absences may result in license
suspension

As a part of the driver’s license application for minors, parents
authorize the school principal to notify Juvenile & Domestic
Relations Court if a student has 10 or more consecutive unexcused
absences

The court issues a “show cause” to the parent asking why the
license should not be suspended

The court may suspend the license for any period of time up to age
18
32
Virginia License
Suspensions/Revocations
CONSEQUENCES OF DRIVING WHILE
YOUR LICENSE IS SUSPENDED
First Offense (Maximum)

6 month jail sentence
 $1000 fine
 Suspension for the same period of time for which it had
previously been suspended
33
Virginia Identification Card
Requirements for an Identification Card
ID cards have no age restrictions and are available
for adults or children who do not hold a learner’s
permit or driver’s license
• Applicant must be a resident of Virginia
 Must present:
 identification document(s)

proof of social security number

proof of Virginia residency; and

proof of legal presence
An ID card costs $10 and expires five years from date of issue.
34
PREPARING FOR THE LEARNER’S
PERMIT TEST
Next Topic…..
The Virginia Driver’s Manual
 Rules of the Road
 Good Driving
Practices
35
Virginia
Driver Education
Module One
Licensing Responsibilities
Topic 1
Goals of Virginia’s Driver Education
Topic 2
A Virginia Driver’s License
Topic 3
Understanding the Virginia Driver’s
Manual
36
Virginia Learner’s Permit
What Does a Learner’s Permit Allow?
 Practice Driving with a LICENSED driver
who is legally able to drive, AND
 is at least 21 years old
or
 an immediate family member who is
at least 18 years old
37
Review of the Requirements for a
Learner’s Permit
 Be at least 15 years and six months old
 Complete a DL 1P learner’s permit and
driver’s license application form
 Furnish proof of
 identification;
 social security number;
 residency; and
 legal presence.
38
Review of the Requirements for a
Learner’s Permit
Successfully complete:

a signs test (100%)

a general knowledge test (80%)

a vision test

20/40 corrected vision

day-time only – 20/40 - 20/70
Have a digitized photo taken at DMV
39
Virginia Learner’s Permit
What Do I Need to Know?
Traffic Signs and Signals

100% is required on this test to move to the
general knowledge test

Review Section 2 of the Virginia Driver’s Manual


Or
visit http://www.dmvnow.com/webdoc/pdf/manual/manual.pdf
40
Traffic Controls
Lesson 1
Understanding
Traffic Signs and
Signals
41
Traffic Signals
Steady lights

Red –stop and remain stopped
as long as the signal is red

Yellow - a steady yellow light or
arrow indicates that the light is
about to change
 Clear the intersection

Green – go IF the way is clear
42
Traffic Signals
Flashing Lights
Flashing Red
STOP before entering the
intersection
Flashing Yellow - Caution
dangerous intersection
43
Traffic Signals
Arrows
You may proceed in the direction of
the green arrow
You may NOT proceed in the direction
of the red arrow
44
Testing Your Knowledge
When this traffic light is RED
a. STOP and remain stopped
until the light changes
b. Slow down and proceed
with caution
c. Yield to traffic in the
intersection
45
Testing Your Knowledge
a. STOP and remain stopped until the
light changes
Correct!
When the traffic light is RED, you must stop and remain stopped
until the light turns GREEN.
You may turn right on red after stopping unless there is a sign
prohibiting it.
You may turn left on red after stopping if you are on a one-way street
and moving to another one-way street unless there is a sign
prohibiting it.
46
Traffic Signs
Right Turn on Red
At some intersections you may turn right
while the traffic light is red
 BEFORE turning STOP
 Check for traffic and pedestrians
You may NOT turn right on red if one of
these signs is present
47
Traffic Signs
Left Turn on Red
Left turn on red is permitted from one one-way
street to another one-way street
You must:
• Stop
and
• Yield to other traffic and pedestrians
You may NOT turn left on red if there
is a sign prohibiting it
48
Testing Your Knowledge
You are allowed to turn
right or left at a red light
after stopping at all
intersections
a. True
b. False
49
Testing Your Knowledge
b. false
Correct!
Right turn on red can be made at an
intersection that does NOT have a
prohibitive sign or a red arrow.
Left turn on red can only be made from
one one-way street to another one-way
street.
50
Traffic Signs
Signs - Colors have Meaning
Red — prohibitive or stop
Blue — motorist services
Green — guide information, such as
direction or guidance signs
Yellow —general warning
51
Traffic Signs
Signs - Colors have Meaning
Orange — construction and
maintenance work
White — regulatory signs
Brown —recreational and cultural interest
Fluorescent Optic Yellow —school zones,
school crossings and pedestrian crossings
52
Testing Your Knowledge
Red on a sign indicates:
a. caution
b. prohibitive
c. construction zone
53
Testing Your Knowledge
b. Prohibitive
Correct!
RED – means stop or prohibited
Examples:
 Stop
 No Right Turn
 Do Not Enter
54
Testing Your Knowledge
A sign with a White background
a. warning sign
b. traffic law
c. guide sign
55
Testing Your Knowledge
b. Traffic law
Correct!
Signs with a white
background are regulatory
and state traffic laws
56
Testing Your Knowledge
Orange on a sign indicates:
a. Construction/road work
b. Regulatory (the law)
c. Services
57
Testing Your Knowledge
a. Construction/road work
Correct!
The color orange lets the driver
know there is construction ahead
or you are entering a work zone
58
Testing Your Knowledge
A Yellow sign indicates
a. construction
b. services
c. general warning
59
Testing Your Knowledge
c. General warning
Correct!
Yellow signs are general warning signs.
Drivers should proceed with caution
Merge
Pedestrian
Crossing
60
Traffic Signs
Signs - shapes Having Meaning
Octagon —Stop signs
Triangle —Yield signs
Diamond — Warning
Pentagon — School and School Crossings
Pennant — Advance warning of No Passing
Zones
61
Traffic Signs
Signs - shapes Having Meaning
Rectangle — Regulatory or Guide
Vertical indicates Regulatory
Horizontal indicates directions or information
Round - advance warning of Railroad Crossing
Crossbuck – Railroad Crossing (same as a yield
sign)
62
Testing Your Knowledge
Because this sign is diamond
shaped, we know it means
a. school zone
b. the law (regulatory)
c. caution
63
Testing Your Knowledge
c. caution
Correct!
A diamond shaped sign
does indicate a general
warning!
Deer Crossing
64
Testing Your Knowledge
A round sign indicates
a. warning
b. yield
c. rail road crossing ahead
65
Testing Your Knowledge
c. rail road crossing ahead
Correct!
A round sign is an advanced
warning of a RR crossing
The crossbuck should be
treated as a yield sign at a RR
crossing
66
Traffic Signs
Warning Signs
Give advance warning of hazards to allow drivers time to
safely minimize risks
Yellow General
Warning
Orange
Construction/
Work Zone
67
Traffic Signs
Note the difference between these signs!
A school crossing sign is 5 sided (pentagon)
A pedestrian crossing sign is a diamond shaped sign
Winding road
Slippery when wet – slow down when road
surface is wet
68
Traffic Signs
Guide Signs
Green
GUIDE drivers to their destination by
identifying routes well in advance
69
Traffic Signs
Information Signs
INFORM drivers of motorist services and
recreational facilities
Services - Blue
Recreation/Historical
Landmarks- Brown
70
Traffic Signs
Regulatory Signs
REGULATE the speed and movement/direction of
traffic
Red – Stop or
Prohibitive
White Regulations
71
Testing Your Knowledge
The orange cone indicates
a. construction
b. warning – intersection ahead
c. services ahead
72
Testing Your Knowledge
a. construction
Correct!
The color orange indicates construction
or work zone
These cones are used to channel traffic
thru the work zone
73
Testing Your Knowledge
This sign indicates
a. no left turn
b. left turn only
c. sharp curve to the left
74
Testing Your Knowledge
a. no left turn
Correct!
This is a NO LEFT TURN sign
The shape (rectangle) and color (white)
of this sign identify it as a regulatory
sign.
The RED slash indicates the action
shown is prohibited.
75
Traffic Signs
What does the sign mean?
Review the Virginia Driver’s Manual
Divided highway
begins
Right curve- side
road
Divided highway ends
Right and left
curves
Slippery when wet
SHARP right and left
curves
Winding Road
Low clearance
76
Traffic Signs
What does the sign mean?
No passing
zone ahead
LEFT
LANE
HOV-2
ONLY
6-8 AM
Lane reserved for
high occupancy
vehicles
Slow moving vehicle
travels 25 mph or less
Crossbuck/gate down Stop and remain stopped
until the gate goes up
MON-FRI
Construction
work zone ahead
77
Testing Your Knowledge
This sign indicates
a. two-way traffic/ keep right
b. divided highway begins
c. divided highway ends
78
Testing Your Knowledge
a. two-way traffic
Correct!
This is a warning sign
indicating two-way traffic
The driver should keep right
79
Testing Your Knowledge
If you see this sign, you know
a. it is a warning sign
b. only vehicles with at east
two occupants are allowed
in this lane between 6:30
am and 9:30 am
LEFT
LANE
HOV-2+
ONLY
6:30-9:30 AM
MON-FRI
80
Testing Your Knowledge
b. only vehicles with at east two
occupants are allowed …
Correct!
This sign is a regulatory sign that indicates it is
against the law to be in that lane between
6:30 – 9:30 AM, Monday through Friday if
there are not at least 2 occupants in your
vehicles
LEFT
LANE
HOV-2+
ONLY
6:30-9:30 AM
MON-FRI
81
Virginia Learner’s Permit
General Knowledge Test
80% needed to pass (20 out of 25 correct)
Virginia Driver’s Manual -Sections 2, 3 & 4
Topics

Pavement Markings

Sharing the Road

Safe Driving

Parking

Speed Limits

Use of Lights

Right of Way

Dangerous Driving Behaviors

Changing Lanes/Passing

Aggressive Driving

Turning

Distracted

Alcohol/Drugs & Driving

Drowsy


Signals
Maintaining Space

Safety Belts, Air Bags & Child
Safety Seats
82
Pavement Markings
Lesson 2
Understanding
Pavement Markings
83
Pavement Markings
Yellow Line = Two-way Traffic
White Line = One-way Traffic
Solid Line = No Passing
Broken Line = Pass With
Caution
Is this a one-way or two-way road?
Would passing be allowed?
84
Pavement Markings
Yellow Line
Two way traffic pass
with caution
Traffic Flow
Traffic Flow
Two way traffic no
passing
85
Pavement Markings
White Lines
One-way traffic
Broken - pass with caution
Traffic Flow
Traffic Flow
Stop line
Left turn only - arrow
No passing - solid line
86
Pavement Markings
Multi-Lane
ONE WAY – pass
with caution
TWO WAY – no passing over solid
lines
87
Pavement Markings
Triangles painted on the
pavement show that you
must yield
88
Pavement Markings
Arrows Indicate the Flow of Traffic
This lane may continue
straight or turn left
This lane must turn
left
89
Pavement Markings
Shared Left Turn Lane
 Traffic from both directions
uses this lane to turn left
 Do not travel more than 150
feet in this lane
90
Pavement Markings
Diamond Shaped Pavement Marking
 HOV
 Bus Lanes
 Bicycle Lanes
91
Testing Your Knowledge
When approaching this
pavement marking
a. stop
b. yield
c. proceed with caution
92
Testing Your Knowledge
b. yield
Correct!
Triangles painted on the
pavement mark an area in
which you must yield
93
Testing Your Knowledge
If you are driving in this
lane, you must
a. turn left
b. turn right
94
Testing Your Knowledge
a. turn left
Correct!
This is a shared left
turn lane –
Vehicles in this lane
must turn left
95
Testing Your Knowledge
This roadway is
a. one way – no passing
b. one way – passing
allowed
c. two way – passing
allowed
96
Testing Your Knowledge
b. one way – passing allowed
Correct!
White lines indicate one-way traffic
and broken lines indicate passing is
allowed
97
Understanding the Virginia
Driver’s Manual
Lesson 3
Right of Way
98
Right of Way Concepts
 Right-of-Way is not a right or privilege –
it must be given!
 Right of Way is determined by a set of
rules
 Drivers must understand right-of-way
rules governing
 Intersections
 Merges
 Special conditions
99
Right–of–Way Concepts:
Intersections
Determine Who Should YIELD In The
Following Situations
 Controlled Intersections
 Uncontrolled Intersections
 Single or two-lane roads
 intersecting with multiple-lane roads
 When turning left
 “T” Intersections
 Railroad grade crossings
100
Right–of–Way Concepts:
Intersections
Controlled Intersections
A controlled intersection has signs or signals to
regulate the flow of traffic
 Signs and/or signals

determine who should
yield

regulate the flow of traffic
and pedestrians
101
Uncontrolled or 4-Way Stop
Intersections
 An uncontrolled intersection has NO signs or
signals to regulate the flow of traffic
 A 4-way stop has a stop sign at each corner
First Car Rule
Same Time Rule
Vehicles approaching an
intersection must yield to
vehicles already in the
intersection
When two or more vehicles
approach an intersection at
approximately the same time, the
driver of the vehicle on the left shall
yield the right-of-way to the vehicle
on the right
102
Uncontrolled or 4-Way Stop
Intersections
In these illustrations,
the Blue
Car must yield the right-of-way
103
Testing Your Knowledge
If both of these vehicles
arrive at this uncontrolled
intersection at the same
time, who must yield?
a
a. Car a
b
b. Car b
104
Testing Your Knowledge
a. Car a
Correct!
At and UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTION or 4WAY STOP if two vehicles approach at the same
time, the vehicle on the left must yield
105
Right–of–Way Concepts:
Intersections
T-Intersections
At a T-intersection, the vehicle on
the side street must stop and yield
right of way
Traffic Circles
Vehicles entering the traffic
circle shall yield to vehicles
already in the intersection
106
Right–of–Way Concepts:
Intersections
T-Intersections
In the illustration above, the
Blue Car must yield the rightof-way
Traffic Circles
In the illustration above, the
White and Yellow Cars must
yield the right-of-way
107
Testing Your Knowledge
Who must yield at a traffic
circle (roundabout)?
a. Vehicles in the circle
b. Vehicles entering the
circle
108
Testing Your Knowledge
b. Vehicles entering the circle
Correct!
Vehicles entering a traffic circle must yield
to vehicles already in the circle
109
Right–of–Way Concepts: Emergency
Vehicles
Yield the Right-of-Way to
Emergency Vehicles
Vehicles must yield the right-of-way to
police, fire, and rescue vehicles using a siren
and/or flashing lights

If traffic is congested and prevents moving to the right edge of the road, adjust
lane position and leave a clear path for the emergency vehicle to pass

On an undivided highway, all traffic must pull over to the edge of the road and
allow the emergency vehicle to pass
110
Right–of–Way Concepts:
Pedestrians
Yield the Right-of-Way to Pedestrians
 Intersections
 Crosswalks
 Making Right Turns
 Making Left Turns
111
Right–of–Way Concepts: School Bus
Yield the Right-of-Way to School Buses
All traffic must stop for a school bus
with flashing red lights and an
extended stop sign
UNLESS
the vehicles are traveling on the
opposite side of a highway separated
by a physical barrier or unpaved
median area
112
Right–of–Way Concepts: School Bus
If a School Bus is loading or unloading students on a two lane road,
traffic from both directions must stop
At an intersection, all traffic must stop
In these illustrations, the RED cars must STOP and YIELD Right-of-Way
113
Right of Way Concepts:
School Bus
Vehicles traveling on the
opposite side of a divided
highway separated by a
barrier or unpaved median
do not have to stop
In this illustration, the RED cars must STOP and YIELD Right-of-Way
114
Railroad Crossings
Railroad crossings are specialized intersections
Passing and overtaking is not permitted
Virginia law requires certain vehicles
(e.g., school buses, oil tankers, etc.) to
stop at all railroad crossings
If you follow one of these “Must STOP
Vehicles”, be prepared to stop, since you
cannot pass or overtake them at an
intersection
115
Railroad Crossings
Advance warning signs – a round, yellow sign with a black “
RR” indicates a highway-rail crossing is ahead - be prepared
to stop
Pavement markings – “RR” painted on the pavement - be
prepared to stop
Crossbuck signs are like yield signs – drivers must YIELD to
trains
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when you see
the crossbuck sign.
• A sign below the crossbuck indicates the number of
tracks drivers must cross
116
Railroad Crossings
Flashing red lights and warning bells
 STOP - if you see flashing red lights or hear warning bells
 Gates - flashing red lights and/or bells
STOP
Never go around the gates, it’s against the law
 Flag operator - Proceed only when given the “all clear”
signal
 Train whistle - STOP if you hear a train whistle, or see a
train
Cross when the gates are up, the lights and bells stop, and all tracks are clear in both
directions!
117
Testing Your Knowledge
You must always stop for a stopped
school bus with it flashing lights and stop
arm unless
a. You are at an intersection
b. There are no children
or unloading
loading
c. There is a median between you and the
bus
118
Testing Your Knowledge
c. There is a median between you and the
bus
Correct!
You must always stop for a school bus with
flashing lights and a stop arm unless there is
a median between you and the bus
119
Testing Your Knowledge
When you approach this sign, you should
a. stop
b. proceed with caution
c. slow down, look and listen
for trains
120
Testing Your Knowledge
c. slow down, look and listen for trains
Correct!
The crossbuck should be regarded as
a yield sign
Drivers should slow down, listen and
look for trains and be prepared to
stop
121
Safe Driving Practices
Lesson 4
122
Hand Position
 If the steering wheel were a
clock, your hands should be
at the 8 o’clock and 4
o’clock positions.
 Hold the wheel with your
fingers and thumbs.
 Avoid gripping it with your
palms.
123
Speed Limits
A speed limit is the maximum legal speed you can travel
on a road under ideal conditions
Basic Speed Limits
• School, Business or Residential Zones
25 MPH
• Rural Expressway (Interstates)
65 MPH
• Rustic Roadways
35 MPH
• All other roadways
55 MPH
UNLESS OTHERWISE POSTED
124
Speed Limits
The 2010 Virginia General Assembly raised the
maximum allowable speed limit in Virginia to 70 MPH.
 These 70 MPH speed zones will only apply to
roadways specifically designated by VDOT.
 Driving above 80 MPH will still constitute reckless
driving.
125
Headlights
When should headlights be used?
 Low Beam?
 High Beam?
126
Headlights
When MUST headlights be used?
 Sunset to sunrise
 Inclement weather
Whenever the windshield wipers are
used for inclement weather, the lights
must be used.
Use of headlights whenever the vehicle is in
motion is recommended as it helps others to see
you.
Headlights
When should high beam (bright) lights be used?
 When no other vehicle is approaching within 500 feet and
 You are not following another vehicle within 200 feet
When should low beam (dim) lights be used?
 When driving in cities or towns with street lights
 When approaching another vehicle within 500 feet
 When following another vehicle within 200 feet
 Fog
 Rain
Testing Your Knowledge
If you approach a school zone and there is no
speed limit sign, you should assume the
speed limit to be
a. 25
b. 35
c. 55
Testing Your Knowledge
a. 25
Correct!
The speed limit in school, business
and residential areas is 25 MPH
UNLESS OTHERWISE POSTED
Turn Signals
Before you make a turn or change position,
you must signal your intentions with either a
hand signal or mechanical signals.
 Signal 100 feet ahead if the speed limit is
35 or more
 Signal 50 feet ahead if the speed limit is
less than 35
SIGNAL AT LEAST 4 SECONDS BEFORE
THE TURN
Signals
Right Turn
Vehicle Signal — move the signal lever all the way up.
Hand Signal — extend your left arm out the driver’s
side window and bend it at the elbow so that your left
hand points upward at a 90 degree angle.
Left Turn
Vehicle Signal — move the signal lever all the way
down.
Hand Signal — extend your left hand and arm straight
out of the driver’s side window.
Signals
Slow or Stop
Hand Signal — extend your left arm
out the driver’s side window and
bend it at the elbow so that your left
hand points down at a 90 degree
angle.
Testing Your Knowledge
Headlights must be
used
a. From sunset to sunrise
b. Whenever the windshield wipers
are in use for inclement
weather.
c. Both a and b.
Testing Your Knowledge
c. Both a and b
Correct!
Virginia law requires the use of
headlights from sunset to sunrise and
during inclement weather.
Testing Your Knowledge
This hand signal indicates
a. Right turn
b. Left turn
c. Slow or stop
Testing Your Knowledge
b. Left turn
Correct!
The left arm extended is the hand
signal for a left turn.
137
Testing Your Knowledge
If the speed limit is 45, you must
signal ___ ahead of the turn.
a. 50 feet
b. 100 feet
Testing Your Knowledge
b. 100 feet
Correct!
If the speed limit is 35 or more, you
must signal 100 feet ahead of the turn.
Testing Your Knowledge
The basic speed limit on a rural
expressway is
a. 55
b. 65
c. 75
Testing Your Knowledge
b. 65
Correct!
The speed limit on rural expressways
is 65
UNLESS OTHERWISE POSTED
Testing Your Knowledge
You must dim your
headlights when an
approaching vehicle is
within ___ feet.
a. 20
b. 350
c. 500
Testing Your Knowledge
c. 500
Correct!
You are required to dim your headlights when
an approaching vehicle is within 500 feet.
They should also be dimmed when driving in
fog or rain.
Changing Lanes
Procedure
Check side and rearview mirrors for
traffic
 Signal
 Recheck traffic
 Quickly check mirror blind zone
 Steer into new lane
Passing Another Vehicle
Procedure
 Check traffic ahead, behind and in your blind
zone
 Signal
 Accelerate to pass (it is illegal to exceed the
speed limit as you pass)
 Return to your lane when you can see the front
of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror
Passing
Passing is NOT Allowed
 On hills or curves
 At intersections or RR
crossing
 When a solid line is on your
side
Parking
You may NOT Park
 Beside another parked vehicle
 On crosswalks or sidewalks
 By curbs painted yellow
 Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
 Within 20 feet of an intersection
 Within 15 feet of the entrance to a fire or rescue
station
 Within 500 feet of a fire truck answering a call
 Within 50 feet of a RR crossing
Parking
Parking on a Hill with a Curb
Turn the front wheels of your vehicle to prevent it
from rolling into the street.
Parking
downhill —
with curb
Turn front
wheels right
Parking
downhill —
with curb
Turn front
wheels right
Parking
Parking on a Hill without a Curb
Parking
downhill — no
curb
Turn front
wheels right
Parking uphill
— no curb
Turn front
wheels right
Testing Your Knowledge
Virginia Driver Responsibilities
You must not park within
____ feet of a fire hydrant.
a. 10
b. 15
c. 25
Testing Your Knowledge
b. 15
Correct!
Parking is not allowed within 15 feet of a
fire hydrant.
Maintaining a Space Cushion
Space around your vehicle gives you time to react
in emergencies and avoid a crash.
Establishing a Safe Following Distance
At these posted speeds and on dry surfaces, the following
intervals allow the driver to steer or brake out of a problem areas.
 2 seconds - Up to 35 MPH
 3 seconds - 36-45 MPH
 4 seconds - 46-70 MPH
Maintaining a Space Cushion
Establishing a Safe Following Distance
Use the two-three-four-second rule to determine if you have
allowed enough space in front.
To check your following interval
 Watch the rear of the vehicle ahead as it passes a fixed
object
 Begin counting off seconds
 If you reach the object before you count the
recommended seconds, you are following too closely.
Safety Belts, Air Bags and
Child Safety Seats
Virginia Safety Belt Law
 The driver and front-seat passengers must wear a
safety belt.
 All passengers through age 17 must be properly
secured in a safety belt.
Safety Belts, Air Bags and
Child Safety Seats
 All children under age 8 must
be secured in a child safety
seat or a booster seat.
 The safest place for a child safety
seat is the center of the back seat
 Never place a rear facing infant
seat in the front seat of a vehicle
with a passenger-side air bag.
Drinking and Driving
DUI – Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
 If you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08
or above, you are considered to be driving under the
influence
Implied Consent – Anyone using Virginia’s roadways must
submit to a BAC breath test if requested by police
ALS –Administrative License Suspension
 If you have a BAC of .08 or more or you refuse to take
the breath test, your license will automatically be
suspended for a minimum of 7 days
Drinking and Driving
BAC = Blood Alcohol Concentration
BAC is a measurement of the amount of alcohol
in the blood
The ONLY way to reduce the BAC (“get sober”) is the passage
of time
 Exercise, food, cold showers (etc) will NOT reduce the
BAC
 The body MUST OXIDIZE THE ALCOHOL THROUGH THE
LIVER and that takes
TIME
Testing Your Knowledge
The recommended following interval at
50 MPH in good weather is
a. 2 seconds
b. 3 seconds
c. 4 seconds
Testing Your Knowledge
c. 4 seconds
Correct!
The recommended following interval at 50
mph in good weather is 4 seconds.
Increase this interval when following motorcycles
or trucks or in inclement weather.
159
Testing Your Knowledge
A driver is automatically considered to be
driving under the influence if he/she has
a BAC (blood alcohol concentration)
a. .04
b. .05
c. .08
Testing Your Knowledge
c. .08
Correct!
If your Blood Alcohol Concentration
is .08 or above, you are automatically
considered guilty of DUI in Virginia.
161
Testing Your Knowledge
You may refuse to submit to the breath
test for DUI without consequences.
a. True
b. False
Testing Your Knowledge
b. False
Correct!
Under the implied consent law, anyone who drives
on Virginia’s roadways has given permission to be
tested for alcohol.
Refusal to submit to the test, will result in an
automatic loss of license for a minimum of 7 days
and you may still be charged with DUI.
163
Testing Your Knowledge
Virginia requires seat belt usage for
a. All front seat occupants
b. All occupants less than 18 years of age
c. Both a and b
Testing Your Knowledge
c. Both a and b
Correct!
Virginia law does require seat belt usage for all front
seat occupants and any occupant less than 18 years of
age.
Also occupants less than 8 years of age must be in a
child restraint system or booster seat.
Financial Responsibility
Financial responsibility is
proof of the ability to pay
for any damages or
injuries you cause.
Anyone registering a vehicle in
Virginia MUST show proof of
financial responsibility.
Financial Responsibility
Two Ways To Satisfy The Financial
Responsibility Law
Proof of Financial Responsibility
 Liability Insurance
 Uninsured motorist fee
Financial Responsibility
Liability Insurance
Pays others for damage you caused
 Minimum requirements to meet
financial responsibility law.
 $25,000 for injury to one person
 $50,000 for injuries to all persons involved
 $20,000 for property damage
Financial Responsibility
Uninsured Motorist Fee
 $500 paid to DMV
 Does NOT provide any insurance
 Allows you to drive UNINSURED at your own risk
 Expires with your registration and must be paid
again at renewal
Testing Your Knowledge
The $500 uninsured motorist fee
provides minimum insurance if you are
involved in a crash.
a. True
b. False
Testing Your Knowledge
b. False
Correct!
You must purchase liability insurance to cover
damages caused by your vehicle.
The uninsured motorist fee only allows the
vehicle owner to register an uninsured vehicle.
171
Virginia Driver Education
Go to:
http://www.dmvnow.com/dmvweb/kats
/sne_intro.asp
and take the general
knowledge practice test.