Pennsylvania Driver's Manual
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Bureau of Driver Licensing PUB 95 (4-21) English Version www.dmv.pa.gov Sharing the Road with Motorcycles and Vehicles Today’s motorcycle riders are friends, relatives and neighbors. The motorcyclist has the same rights and responsibilities on the roadway as drivers of other vehicles. Motorists should recognize this and not attempt to crowd motorcycles or take the right-of-way from motorcyclists. CRASHES ARE MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR Approximately 4,000 motorcycle crashes occur on IN THESE HIGH-RISK SITUATIONS: Pennsylvania roads each year. Half of these involved a crash between a motorcycle and Left turns another type of vehicle. And almost two-thirds of Approximately one-half of all motorcycle crashes these crashes are caused not by the motorcyclist involve another motor vehicle. Nearly 40 percent but by the driver of the other vehicle. were caused by the other vehicle turning left in front of the motorcyclist. Look out for motorcyclists Be aware that motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. Vehicle’s blind spot Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than other Remember, motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicles, which can make it more difficult to judge vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due the speed and distance of an approaching to their smaller size. Always make a visual check motorcycle. for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic Anticipate a motorcyclist’s maneuver. Road and at intersections. conditions, which are minor annoyances to vehicle drivers, pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Hazardous road conditions Motorcyclists may change speed or adjust their Allow more following distance Leave three or position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road four seconds when following a motorcycle, so the and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad in an emergency. In dry conditions, motorcycles crossings and grooved pavement. can stop more quickly than a vehicle. Weather conditions Signal your intentions Before changing lanes or When the road surface is wet or icy, motorcyclists’ merging with traffic, signal your intentions allowing braking and handling abilities are impaired. the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position. Strong winds A strong gust of wind can move a motorcycle Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a across an entire lane if the rider is not prepared for motorcycle – motorcycle signals usually are not it. Wind gusts from large trucks in the other lane self canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn can be a real hazard. them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed. Large vehicles A large vehicle, such as a van or truck, can block Respect a motorcycle A motorcycle is a full-size a motorcycle from a driver’s view. The motorcyclist vehicle with the same privileges as any vehicle on may seem to suddenly appear from nowhere. the roadway. Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem as though there is enough Sharing the roadway is a good indication motorists room in the traffic lane for a vehicle and a and motorcycles both recognize the importance of motorcycle, remember the motorcycle needs room cooperation. By curbing aggressive behavior and to maneuver safely. Do not share the lane. operating vehicles in accordance with common sense, courtesy and the law, motorists and motorcyclists can ride together on the road. Information taken from NHTSA’s Share the Road Program. Introduction PA Driver’s Manual INTRODUCTION This manual is designed to help you become a safe driver. It presents many of Pennsylvania’s laws governing driving. It should be used as a general guide to the laws but not as a substitute for the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, which contains the laws affecting Pennsylvania’s drivers and vehicles. It should also be noted that the information contained in this manual is subject to change. The purpose of this manual is to prepare you to take the driver’s examination and to obtain a Pennsylvania driver’s license. However, the rules of the road and traffic operation princi ples presented in this manual apply to the three types of vehicles recognized by Pennsylvania law: bicycles, horse-drawn vehicles and motor vehicles. For example, all bicyclists, just like motorists, are required to stop at red lights. If you are learning to drive, this manual will give you all the information you need to study for the driver’s examination. If you already have a Pennsylvania driver’s license, you can use this manual to review some of the rules of the road you may have forgotten or to learn about some of the rules that may be new or have changed since you received your license. IMPORTANT Before taking your Knowledge Test, you must complete the Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (DL-180). If you are under the age of 18, your parent or guardian must complete the Parent or Guardian Consent Form (DL-180TD) Both forms can be found on our website at www.dmv.pa.gov under the Forms and Publications link at the top of the page Driving is a privilege and not a right. This privilege comes with many responsibilities. One very important responsibility is that you never mix drinking and driving. For the days and hours of operation of a Driver License Center nearest you, to download the most current forms, publications, and fact sheets or to access PennDOT’s online services, including scheduling your On-the-Road Skills Test, visit PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website at www.dmv.pa.gov Please read this manual carefully, learn and practice the rules of the road in order to become a safe driver and enjoy your driving privilege in our beautiful state. THIS PUBLICATION IS NOT FOR SALE - i - Table of Contents PA Driver’s Manual Table of Contents Chapter 1 – Non-Commercial Special Circumstances and Emergencies. 54 Learner’s Permit Information. 1 Work Zones . 54 Applying for a Learner’s Permit . 1 Railroad Crossings . 55 Organ Donor Designation . 2 Sharing the Road with Pedestrians, Veterans Designation . 2 Bicyclists, Motorcyclists/Moped Drivers . 55 Social Security Number Information . 3 Sharing the Road with Trucks and Buses. 56 Pennsylvania Vision Standards. 3 School Buses . 58 Who Needs a Pennsylvania Driver’s License . 3 Emergency Vehicles/Situations. 59 Junior Learner’s Permit Information . 3 Move Over Law . 59 Junior Driver’s License Information. 3 Horse-Drawn Vehicles & Horseback Riders 59 What Class of Driver’s License Do You Need. 4 Passengers in an Open-Bed Truck . 59 Classes of Driver’s Licenses. 4 Snow Plows. 60 Tests . 5 Dealing with Road Rage . 60 Knowledge Test. 5 Dealing with Driving Emergencies . 60 Road Test . 5 Funeral Procession . 64 Chapter 3 Review Questions . 65 Chapter 2 – Signals, Signs and Chapter 3 Review Answers. 78 Pavement Markings . 7 Chapter 4 – Driving Signals . 7 Record Information. 79 Red, Yellow and Green Traffic Lights Pennsylvania’s Point System . 79 and Arrows . 7 What To Do If You Are Stopped By Police . 80 Flashing Signals . 8 Crashes . 81 Non-Functioning Traffic Lights . 8 Fleeing or Eluding Police . 81 Ramp-Metering Signals. 8 Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Lane Use Control Signals . 8 or a Controlled Substance. 81 Pedestrian Signals . 9 Underage Drinking . 84 School Zone Signals . 9 Driver’s License Compact (DLC) . 84 Railroad Crossing Signals. 9 Chapter 4 Review Questions . 86 Signs . 10 Chapter 4 Review Answers. 88 Regulatory Signs. 10 Warning Signs . 13 Chapter 5 – Laws and Related Issues . 89 Guide Signs. 19 Required Notification for Change in Pavement Markings . 22 Name or Address . 89 Chapter 2 Review Questions . 23 Seat Belt Law . 89 Chapter 2 Review Answers. 30 Child Restraint Law. 90 Safety Tips for Children and Pets. 90 Chapter 3 – Learning to Drive . 31 Air Bag Safety Information . 91 Choosing Safety First . 31 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) . 91 Vehicle Checks: Preparing to Drive . 31 Parking Areas for Persons with Disabilities . 92 Driver Factors . 32 Anti-Littering Law . 92 Inattention . 32 Vehicle Safety and Emissions Inspection . 92 Health Factors. 33 Safe Passing (bicycles) . 92 Alcohol and Driving . 33 Texting. 93 Drugs and Driving . 34 Obedience to Traffic-Control Devices Warning Everyday Driving Skills . 35 of Hazardous Conditions Law. 93 Managing Space . 35 Chapter 6 – References. 94 Managing Speed . 38 Road Test and Special Point Examination Turning, Merging and Passing . 45 Appointments . 94 Negotiating Intersections. 48 Non-CDL Third Party Testing Program . 94 Negotiating Curves . 51 Departmental Forms and Publications . 94 Negotiating Highways and Interchanges. 52 Statewide and County Maps. 94 Parking . 52 Other Information . 94 Parallel Parking Tips . 53 511PA . 94 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. 95 - ii - Chapter 1 - Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Information PA Driver’s Manual CHAPTER 1: NON-COMMERCIAL LEARNER’S PERMIT INFORMATION This chapter will provide the information you need to know about obtaining a Pennsylvania learner’s permit. The areas addressed include: • Applying for a Learner’s Permit • Tests APPLYING FOR A LEARNER’S PERMIT You must obtain a learner’s permit before you operate a motor vehicle in Pennsylvania. You will need to take and pass the Vision, Knowledge and Road Tests to get your driver’s license. The Non-Commercial Learner’s Permit Application (DL-180) is valid for one (1) year from the date of your physical examination; however, the physical examination date may not be more than six (6) months prior to your 16th birthday. When you are 16 years of age or older, please follow the steps listed below in order to get your non-commercial learner’s permit.