Maryland Driver's Manual - Permit Flashcards

Vision Requirements

• Binocular vision is necessary for driving.
• Minimum vision standard is 20/40 in each eye.
• Drivers must have a continuous field of vision of at least 140 degrees.

Corrective Lenses

• Drivers with corrective lenses must have a restriction on their license to wear them while driving.

Reportable Medical Conditions

• If diagnosed with a reportable medical condition, drivers must report to the MVA Driver Wellness and Safety Division.

Probation Before Judgment (PBJ)

• Refers to a legal option that allows certain offenses to not result in a conviction, under specific terms.

Graduated Licensing System (GLS)

• Provides driving experience gradually in low-risk environments.

Pre-Driving Preparations

• Ensure permit/license, vehicle registration, adjust seat and mirrors, and fasten seatbelts before driving.

Basic Safety Rule

• The primary rule is to do anything necessary to avoid crashing.

Right of Way Rules

• First vehicle to arrive has the right of way.
• When turning left, yield to opposing traffic.
• At a four-way stop, the driver on the right has the right of way if vehicles arrive simultaneously.
• Yield when entering from a highway or a T intersection.

Driving Speed Management

• Driving slower than traffic can create a higher likelihood of crashes by encouraging other vehicles to pass.
• Best driving speed is to match the speed of traffic up to the maximum speed limit.
• Speed limits indicate the maximum speed allowed in ideal conditions.

Adjusting Speed for Road Conditions

• Reduce speed for sharp curves, hilly terrain, slippery roads, and areas with potential pedestrians or animals.
• In residential areas, shopping centers, downtown areas, and during traffic congestion, drivers should also reduce speed.
• Be cautious near narrow bridges, tunnels, toll plazas, schools, playgrounds, and railroad crossings.

Following Distance

• Maintain a following distance of 3-4 seconds under ideal conditions.
• Increase to 4-5 seconds if vehicle stopping is frequent.

Stopping Distance Influencers

• Factors affecting stopping distance include reaction time and the condition of the road, tires, and brakes.

Lane Positioning

• Generally, keep the vehicle to the right of the center of the roadway.

Turning Procedures

• Look for signs and signals, plan your turn, activate turn signal, check surroundings, and adjust speed before turning.

Signal Interpretations

• Flashing red signal requires stopping and proceeding only if the way is clear.
• Flashing yellow signal indicates to slow down and proceed with caution.

Passing Protocol

• Use turn signal before passing and pass generally on the left unless in designated lanes.
• Check for both headlights of the passed vehicle in the rearview mirror before returning to the lane.

Headlight Usage

• Headlights must be used in inclement weather.
• Use high beams on open roads without streetlights, but switch to low beams within 300 feet of another vehicle.

Driving Distractions

• Minimize distractions in work zones; speeding fines may be doubled.

Stopping on Highways

• If stopped on a highway, stay in your vehicle and turn on hazard flashers.

Funeral Procession Rights

• Vehicles in a funeral procession with headlights on or hazard lights must be given the right of way.

Slow-Moving Vehicles

• Vehicles displaying a slow-moving emblem travel at 25 mph or less.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

• BAC of 0.08 or higher is considered Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV)

• HOV lanes are designated for vehicles with multiple occupants.

Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS)

• Driving under the influence of CDS is illegal.

Alcohol Offenses with Minors

• Penalties, including fines and jail time, double when alcohol is involved with minors.

Wireless Communication Restrictions

• Drivers under 18 are prohibited from using wireless communication devices while driving.

School Bus Regulations

• When a school bus is stopped with alternating red lights, other vehicles must stop at least 20 feet away from the front and back of the bus.

Bicycle Safety

• Bicyclists are considered vehicles; drivers should not honk, maintain a 3-foot clearance, and avoid passing on the right.