Topics · Your car, road-ready

Your car, road-ready: DMV test questions

Tires, lights, dashboard and checkups. Here are 31 questions like the ones on the written test, with answers and explanations.

Video lessonThe Penny TestWould your tires pass the penny test?

31 questions with answers

1. 1. Before you get in the car, what's worth checking with a quick walk around it?

   1. Only the gas level and the oil change sticker
   2. Tires, lights, glass, and nothing behind it
   3. Only that the radio and the A/C both work
   4. Nothing, the shop checks all that once a year
   Show answer

   Answer: Tires, lights, glass, and nothing behind it

   A quick lap around the car, kiddo. Tires, lights, glass, and no kid or pet behind it.

2. 2. Where do you find the right air pressure for your tires?

   1. The maximum number printed on the tire's sidewall
   2. Whatever looks right when you kick the tire
   3. Whatever the gas station air machine suggests
   4. On the label in the driver's door frame
   Show answer

   Answer: On the label in the driver's door frame

   The door label says what your car needs, checked cold. The sidewall only shows the maximum.

3. 3. You're about to start an automatic car. How do you do it?

   1. In reverse, so it can't roll forward
   2. Foot on the gas, shifter in Drive
   3. In neutral while pressing the gas
   4. Foot on the brake, shifter in Park
   Show answer

   Answer: Foot on the brake, shifter in Park

   Foot on the brake and in Park. That way the car can't get away from you.

4. 4. What's smart to always keep in the car in case you break down?

   1. Triangles, a flashlight, jumper cables, water
   2. Just your phone, that's all you'll ever need
   3. Nothing, the tow truck brings everything
   4. An extra can of gas inside the passenger area
   Show answer

   Answer: Triangles, a flashlight, jumper cables, water

   A small kit can save your night: triangles, flashlight, cables, water, and first aid.

5. 5. You put a penny head-first into the tread and see ALL of Lincoln's head. What does it mean?

   1. The tire just needs a little more air
   2. The tire is brand new and in perfect shape
   3. You should rotate them, but they're fine for now
   4. The tread is worn out; replace the tire
   Show answer

   Answer: The tread is worn out; replace the tire

   See all of Lincoln? That's under 2/32 of an inch. Time for a new tire, kiddo.

6. 6. Why are bald tires dangerous in the rain?

   1. They aren't; smooth tires grip pavement better
   2. They can't clear water, so you may hydroplane
   3. They make your brakes get wet a lot faster
   4. They overheat and burst when they get wet
   Show answer

   Answer: They can't clear water, so you may hydroplane

   Tread channels the water away. No tread, and your tire floats like a boat.

7. 7. Your front tires are wearing more on one side than the other. What does it suggest?

   1. The tires are the wrong brand for the car
   2. The car may need an alignment
   3. You're carrying too much gas in the tank
   4. You drive too slowly around town
   Show answer

   Answer: The car may need an alignment

   Uneven wear usually means alignment or pressure. Fix it before it eats another tire.

8. 8. When you brake, the car pulls to one side and the pedal feels spongy. What do you do?

   1. Press harder on the brake to make up for it
   2. Get the brakes checked soon
   3. Wait until your next oil change
   4. Nothing, it's normal for high-mileage cars
   Show answer

   Answer: Get the brakes checked soon

   Squealing, a soft pedal, or a pull to one side is the car asking for help. Listen to it.

9. 9. In many states, when must your headlights be on?

   1. Only once it's completely dark and you can't see
   2. From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise
   3. Only in thick fog, heavy rain, or falling snow
   4. Only on the highway, never in the city
   Show answer

   Answer: From 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise

   At dusk it's hard to see and be seen. The exact times vary by state, so check your manual.

10. 10. Besides at night, in many states you turn on your headlights when you can't see about…

    1. 50 feet ahead
    2. A full mile ahead
    3. 1,000 feet ahead
    4. The car right in front of you
    Show answer

    Answer: 1,000 feet ahead

    If rain or fog cuts your view, lights on. The exact distance varies by state.

11. 11. Can you drive at night with only your parking lights on?

    1. Yes, in the city at low speeds
    2. Yes, as long as your hazards are on too
    3. No, you need your headlights to drive
    4. Yes, if the street has good lighting
    Show answer

    Answer: No, you need your headlights to drive

    Parking lights help others see you parked, not drive. Headlights, kiddo.

12. 12. When you signal, the dashboard arrow blinks much faster than usual. What's going on?

    1. A turn signal bulb has probably burned out
    2. A rear door isn't completely closed
    3. The car is warning you that you're speeding
    4. The battery is fully charged and ready
    Show answer

    Answer: A turn signal bulb has probably burned out

    Fast blinking almost always means a burned-out bulb. Replace it so others know where you're going.

13. 13. Why does it matter that both of your brake lights work?

    1. They help the car stop faster on the road
    2. They warn the driver behind you that you're slowing
    3. They only matter for passing an inspection
    4. They light up the street behind you when you back up
    Show answer

    Answer: They warn the driver behind you that you're slowing

    With no brake lights, the driver behind finds out when they hit you. Have someone check them.

14. 14. Your windshield has a big crack right in your line of sight. What do you do?

    1. Lean over and look around it while you drive
    2. Cover it with clear tape so the crack doesn't spread
    3. Nothing, as long as the glass doesn't fall out
    4. Repair or replace it, because it blocks your view
    Show answer

    Answer: Repair or replace it, because it blocks your view

    Anything that blocks your view hurts your driving. And many places will ticket you for it.

15. 15. Your wipers leave streaks and don't clear the glass. What do you do?

    1. Replace the blades and refill the fluid
    2. Wait for them to get better with use
    3. Wipe the glass by hand while you drive
    4. Only use them when it rains really hard
    Show answer

    Answer: Replace the blades and refill the fluid

    Wiper blades are cheap. Not seeing in a downpour costs a lot more.

16. 16. The windows fog up on the inside. What helps clear the moisture fastest?

    1. Turning up the radio to shake the glass
    2. The defroster with the A/C turned on
    3. Wiping the glass with your sleeve as you drive
    4. Turning off all the fans and waiting it out
    Show answer

    Answer: The defroster with the A/C turned on

    The A/C dries the air, even when it's cold. With the defroster, it clears in no time.

17. 17. You wake up to snow and ice covering your car. Before you drive…

    1. Clear the snow off all windows, lights, and the roof
    2. Drive off and let the wind blow it all away
    3. Scrape just a small hole in the windshield to see
    4. Pour boiling water on the windshield to melt the ice fast
    Show answer

    Answer: Clear the snow off all windows, lights, and the roof

    Clear it all. Roof snow slides onto your windshield when you brake, or flies at the car behind.

18. 18. Your horn doesn't work. How much does it matter?

    1. Not at all, a horn is just for being angry
    2. It only matters if you drive on the highway
    3. A lot, it's safety equipment that must work
    4. Not much, if your lights work you're fine
    Show answer

    Answer: A lot, it's safety equipment that must work

    The horn warns of danger. If it's dead, fix it. It's required equipment.

19. 19. Your exhaust is very loud and you smell fumes inside the car. What's the danger?

    1. Just getting a ticket for making noise
    2. Running out of gas a lot faster than usual on the highway
    3. Carbon monoxide can get in, and it can kill you
    4. None, the noise helps others notice you
    Show answer

    Answer: Carbon monoxide can get in, and it can kill you

    Carbon monoxide has no color or smell. Fix the exhaust, and never run the car in a closed garage.

20. 20. A RED oil pressure or temperature light comes on in the dashboard. What do you do?

    1. Speed up to get home faster
    2. Turn up the A/C and keep driving
    3. Pull over somewhere safe and shut off the engine soon
    4. Keep driving and have it checked at your next oil change
    Show answer

    Answer: Pull over somewhere safe and shut off the engine soon

    Red means stop soon. Keep going and it could cost you the whole engine.

21. 21. The YELLOW «check engine» light comes on and the car drives normally. What does it mean?

    1. Stop right away in your lane
    2. You've run completely out of gas
    3. Have the car checked soon
    4. Nothing, that light comes on by itself
    Show answer

    Answer: Have the car checked soon

    Yellow means check me soon, not panic. But don't ignore it for months either.

22. 22. Your load sticks out well past the back of your car. In most states you must…

    1. Tie it down and put a red flag on the end
    2. Nothing, as long as it doesn't touch the ground
    3. Turn on your hazards and drive very slowly
    4. Leave the trunk open so it fits better
    Show answer

    Answer: Tie it down and put a red flag on the end

    Tie it down, red flag by day (red light at night). The exact feet vary by state.

23. 23. What's wrong with keeping things on the dashboard or piled high in the back?

    1. It makes the car burn more gas
    2. They block your view and fly in a hard stop
    3. Nothing, as long as they're small and light
    4. Only that they might get dirty or break
    Show answer

    Answer: They block your view and fly in a hard stop

    In a hard stop, even a phone flies like a rock. Stow everything and keep your view clear.

24. 24. How dark can you tint your car's windows?

    1. Only the rear window's tint counts
    2. It depends on your state; dark windshields are rarely allowed
    3. As dark as you want on every window, even the windshield
    4. The same limit everywhere in the country
    Show answer

    Answer: It depends on your state; dark windshields are rarely allowed

    Each state sets its limits, mostly on the windshield and front windows. Check your manual.

25. 25. Does your car need a safety or emissions inspection?

    1. It depends on your state, sometimes your county
    2. Only if the car is over 30 years old or a classic
    3. No, no state requires inspections at all
    4. Yes, every month in every state
    Show answer

    Answer: It depends on your state, sometimes your county

    Some states require one every year, others never do. Check your state's rules, kiddo.

26. 26. You get a recall letter from your car's maker. What do you do?

    1. Take it to a dealer; the repair is free
    2. Sell the car before it breaks down
    3. Ignore it, it's always just an ad to sell you something
    4. Pay for the repair at any shop you like
    Show answer

    Answer: Take it to a dealer; the repair is free

    A recall is a known safety problem, and the dealer fixes it free. Take advantage of it.

27. 27. You're driving on a small «donut» spare tire. How do you drive?

    1. Slowly and not far, as its label says (about 50 mph)
    2. Fast, so you get to the tire shop sooner
    3. The same as always, it's a regular tire
    4. Only on the highway, where there are no potholes or curbs
    Show answer

    Answer: Slowly and not far, as its label says (about 50 mph)

    The donut just gets you out of a jam. Follow its label and replace it soon.

28. 28. While pumping gas, what's the right thing to do?

    1. Smoke only if you're far from the hose
    2. Turn off the engine, don't smoke, and don't get back in
    3. Leave the engine running so the battery stays charged
    4. Sit in the car while it fills so you stay warm
    Show answer

    Answer: Turn off the engine, don't smoke, and don't get back in

    Getting in and out builds static, and a spark near gas is no joke. Stay outside.

29. 29. You're driving a very quiet electric or hybrid car in a parking lot. What do you keep in mind?

    1. You have the right of way because you don't pollute
    2. Pedestrians may not hear you coming
    3. You must honk at every person you see
    4. You can go faster because it makes no noise
    Show answer

    Answer: Pedestrians may not hear you coming

    If they can't hear you, they won't move. Watch for kids, blind people, and folks on their phones.

30. 30. On the freeway your car starts to fail and won't speed up. What do you do?

    1. Turn on your hazard lights and pull onto the shoulder
    2. Get out and check the engine right there
    3. Stop in your lane
    4. Keep going to the exit even though you're very slow
    Show answer

    Answer: Turn on your hazard lights and pull onto the shoulder

    If your car breaks down, get it off the road: turn on your hazard lights and steer onto the shoulder while it's still rolling. If you can't get it off the road, everyone should get out of the car and off the road.

31. 31. Your car died on the railroad tracks and won't start. No train is coming and the lights aren't flashing. What do you do?

    1. Turn on your hazards and wait inside for help
    2. Stay inside and keep trying to start it
    3. Push it off by yourself without telling anyone
    4. Get out, move away, and call the number on the crossing's blue sign; then call 911
    Show answer

    Answer: Get out, move away, and call the number on the crossing's blue sign; then call 911

    Get out of the car and away from the tracks. Call the number on the crossing post or the blue and white sign: give them the crossing number and tell them a vehicle is on the tracks, so they can warn the train. Then call 911. If a train is coming or the lights start flashing, get out right away and run diagonally toward the direction the train is coming from.