Arkansas Driver Manual 2026

16 CHAPTER 2: ARKANSAS RULES AND REGULATIONS There are traffic laws, rules, and regulations that dictate where, when, and how fast you can drive, and each is designed to help keep traffic moving safely. Rules of the road include traffic controls, lane controls, right-of-way laws, and parking rules. The Arkansas driver’s manual provides valuable information on safety, rules of the road, and Arkansas traffic laws. CONSTRUCTION/MAINTENANCE/WORK ZONE SAFETY Highway construction and maintenance work can create temporary hazards for drivers traveling through work zones. These hazards don’t just affect drivers – construction and maintenance workers are also at high risk from vehicles moving through the area. From 2018 to 2021, Work Zone crashes rose by more than 70% in Arkansas, and in 2024 there were more than 1,600 crashes in Work Zones across the state, resulting in more than 53 serious injuries or fatalities. These injuries and fatalities impact the lives of real people – mothers, daughters, fathers and sons – and many of those injured are not the workers, but the people driving the car. Testimonial: Jonathan Williams was struck and killed in 2025 while working on Interstate 30 at night while part of a construction crew installing reflective markers. His story serves as a harsh reminder for drivers to limit distractions, follow the speed limit, and move over if there’s someone working on or near the roadway. “He was very selfless. He would do anything for anybody, and just his job alone speaks. He works overnight. He doesn’t work during the day. He works overnight to make sure that people can drive to work during the day without having to deal with construction workers and, you know, postponing their day to get to and from work. They took someone’s father. They took someone’s son. Nobody’s really doing that well. Your head should be on a swivel, because not only do you have your own life in your hands when you’re driving, you have to pay attention to everyone else.” –Patricia Abernathy, mother of Williams’ two oldest sons

51 CHAPTER 5: SEE AND BE SEEN Accidents often happen because one driver does not see another driver, or when one driver does something, the other driver does not expect. Some drivers do not always pay attention to what is going on around them. It is important that drivers let other road users know they are there, and what they plan to do. External Vehicle Lights Headlights help you see at night and help others see you. To alert other drivers flick your headlight if needed. Remember to turn on your headlights whenever you have trouble seeing others. • Use your headlights on rainy, snowy, or foggy days so others can see you. Arkansas law requires drivers to turn on their headlights when windshield wipers are needed. • Turn on your headlights a ½ hour (30 minutes) after sunset, a ½ hour (30 minutes) before sunrise, or anytime you cannot see a person or object clearly within 500 feet. • Parking lights are for parked cars. It is illegal in Arkansas to drive using only parking lights. Test High and Low Beam Headlights Here are some driving tips that can help you be seen: • Use your high beams whenever there are no oncoming vehicles. High beams let you see twice as far as low beams. If you are driving on unfamiliar roads, in construction zones, or where there may be others along the side of the road use your high-beam headlights to see approaching objects. • Dim your high beams whenever you come within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle. • Use your low-beam headlights when following another vehicle closer than 200 feet. • When driving in fog, snow, or heavy rain you should use your low headlight beams. The light from high beams will reflect, causing glare, making it more difficult to see the road. Some vehicles have fog lights that may be better suited to use in fog, rain, or snow.

9 CHAPTER 1: ARKANSAS LAW Arkansas Seat Belt Law Child Passenger Protection Act 27-34-104 Protection from Secondhand Smoke for Children Act • A child who is less than six (6) years of age and who weighs less than sixty (60) pounds shall be restrained in a child passenger safety seat properly secured to the vehicle. • All children under the age of fifteen (15) must wear appropriate safety restraints while the vehicle is in motion. • Several organizations will loan you a child safety seat if you are unable to afford one. §20-27-1903 – Tobacco Use A person shall not knowingly smoke tobacco in any motor vehicle in which a child who is less than fourteen (14) years of age is a passenger. Beginning June 30, 2009, Arkansas’ seat belt law changed to permit a law enforcement traffic stop based on the primary violation of a motor vehicle driver or the front-seat passenger who is buckled up. Arkansas law makes it illegal to drive or to be a front-seat passenger, without wearing a safety belt. Any person who violates this law shall be subject to a fine not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25.00), and any court costs or fees. 10 ARKANSAS LAW ON LITTERING Arkansas is “The Natural State” and litter is unnatural. More than just an ugly, offensive nuisance that detracts from Arkansas’ scenic beauty; roadside litter is dangerous to motorists and negatively impacts the environmental quality. Litter is also expensive to control. Motorists must accept personal responsibility for keeping their waste items from littering Arkansas roadways. Please demonstrate pride while using your driving privilege. Don’t permit thoughtless or careless actions to litter our state’s roadways. Littering is also a violation of the law. Upon conviction, first offenders are subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and not more than eight hours of community service. Subsequent convictions can result in fines up to $2,000 and twenty-four hours of community service. UNATTENDED CHILDREN AND PETS Never leave children and pets unattended in a vehicle. Though we may think prior air-conditioning will help to keep the car cool after exiting, you should know that within five minutes on a 90-degree day, the temperature within a vehicle reaches that of the outdoors, and for every nine (9) minutes the interior temperature increases fifteen (15) degrees. Heat enters the vehicle through windows, causing objects within the car to heat up and trap the heat inside. Vehicle Temperature Outside Temp (F) Inside Temp (F) 10 minutes 30 minutes 70° 89° 104° 75° 94° 109° 80° 99° 114° 85° 104° 119° 90° 109° 124° 95° 114° 129° 11 MOVE OVER LAW Arkansas law requires motorists to “move over” for police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles using a siren or air horn, and a red or blue flashing light. Drivers should pull over to the right edge of the road, or near to the right as possible. Don’t hesitate to pull over when you hear sirens or see flashing lights in any direction. If you are in an intersection, go ahead and drive through the intersection before pulling over. Arkansas law requires any motor vehicle on a multilane highway to move over, whenever possible, to the farthest lane away from any stopped law enforcement vehicle with its lights turned on. This law protects police officers and individuals involved in the traffic stop from being injured or killed by traffic moving too close to the edge of the highway. If a driver is found guilty of violating this law, they can be fined up to $1,000, receive jail time or both. The court may order community service or suspend a person’s driver’s license up to six (6) months. When an emergency vehicle is approaching with flashing lights and sirens you should pull over to the right edge of the road or as near to the right as possible. 12 SCHOOL BUS LAW AND RULES When approaching a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing, a driver is required to make a complete stop until the lights are turned off. No matter where your vehicle is positioned with the bus whether it’s in the same lane of traffic, the opposing lane, or at an intersection, YOU MUST MAKE A COMPLETE STOP! The driver must never attempt to pass in any direction until the school bus has finished receiving or discharging its passengers and begins moving without its red lights flashing. Drivers are not required to stop if the school bus is approaching along an opposite lane of travel separated by a median twenty (20) feet or more in width. School buses are required to stop at all railroad crossings. 13 Drivers passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing will be charged with a Misdemeanor and upon conviction, fined a minimum of $250, not to exceed $1,000, up to ninety (90) days in jail, and/or both. Drivers who fail to obey this law and cause the death of a person will be charged with a felony. Test Question: The school bus danger zones: Isaac’s Law (§5-10-105): A person who violates this law is subject to Class C Felony, for negligent homicide if he or she negligently causes the death of another person. Median must be 20 feet or more. If the median is less than 20 feet, all lanes of traffic must stop. 20 ft 14 AR GOVERNOR’S COMMISSION ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES APRIL 2007 Handicap parking is often referred to as “Accessible Parking”. The marked handicapped parking spaces should be used by persons with a mobility disability or other disability as defined under state law not by persons without a handicap. Accessible Parking spaces were created to help individuals with disabilities accomplish the same task(s) as other individuals without disabilities. The handicapped plate is granted to the registered owner of a vehicle. A Special Certificate is registered to the individual with the disability and can be transferred to other vehicles as long as the disabled owner of the special certificate is present in the vehicle. When a disabled person obtains a special certificate or special license plate, a photo identification card must be purchased for $5.00. This card should match the special certificate number on the back of the driver’s license or State I.D. card belonging to the disabled driver. Individuals with Special Certificates must: • Be present in the vehicle when parking in an accessible parking space. • The special certificate is to be displayed hanging from the rearview mirror or the dashboard. • The registered owner of the special certificate or vehicle with an appropriate license plate must exit the vehicle when utilizing a designated space. • The issued or endorsed photo identification card must be present on the person at all times when using an accessible parking space. Anyone who illegally uses another person’s special certificate has committed fraud and could be found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor according to Arkansas Code§27-15-305. The penalty for first (1st) offense is a minimum of $100.00 not to exceed $500. The second offense is a minimum of $250.00 not to exceed $1000.00, plus a six (6) month driver’s license suspension, owner is liable for towing, impoundment, attorney fees, court costs, and any other related fees. Special Certificates must be returned to the Department of Motor Vehicles, Special Division within thirty (30) days of moving or in case of death. In order to park in an accessible parking space, you must have either the appropriate license plate with the international symbol or the designated hang tag often referred to as a “Special Certificate.” 15 Approaching a Law Enforcement Vehicle with Emergency Lights Turned On Approaching a Law Enforcement Vehicle with Emergency Lights Turned On- Arkansas law requires any motor vehicle on a multilane highway to move over, whenever possible, to the farthest lane away from any stopped law enforcement vehicle (i.e., enforcement vehicle, Arkansas DOT, utility vehicle, or a towing vehicle) with its lights turned on. This law protects police officers and individuals involved in the traffic stop from being injured or killed by traffic moving too close to the edge of the highway. If a driver is found guilty of this law, they can be fined up to $500, receive jail time or both. The court may order community service or suspend a person’s driver’s license up to six (6) months. 17 Two driver behaviors that can be especially problematic in Work Zones are speeding and distracted driving. While not specific to Work Zones, the statistics below show the impacts of those behaviors: • From 2016 to 2020, 23% of traffic fatalities and 19% of serious injuries in Arkansas involved speeding and aggressive driving. • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 3,275 people were killed nationally in crashes caused by distracted driving in 2023. National research has found that distracted teens who are texting while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash. A compounding factor of these crashes are that they are often more serious due to the delayed or lack of driver reaction to hazards. Through many work zones, the speed limits may be reduced, and lane usage could be restricted for safety purposes. Any reduced speed will be clearly posted within the work zone. If there are no reduced speed limits posted, drivers should obey the normally posted speed limit. Remember to be prepared for the unexpected when traveling through work zones. Highway work zones are established according to the type of work underway along the roadway. “Standard” Work Zones for highway construction differ from “Mobile” Work Zones. A standard Work Zone generally identifies a construction site that may exist in one location for months or years, while a Mobile Work Zone exists where work is being performed for a short period of time. in one location. Many times, mobile work zones will travel at slow speeds with periodic stops to perform the necessary work. For instance, a highway maintenance crew may be painting stripes on the roadway, removing debris, or patching potholes. That would be considered a Mobile Work Zone. Testimonial: “In the past, we were most worried about drivers we could see coming whose cars were maybe moving a little fast or were swerving a little bit. Now, one of our biggest fears is looking out and seeing a driver’s head down looking at their phone, or at night the reflection of their phone’s light on their face.” –Hunter Lake, ARDOT District 6 Engineer 18 Green Lights in Work Zones- The Arkansas Legislature recently authorized the use of flashing green lights on roadway construction and maintenance vehicles. These lights, which can be used in addition to yellow or white lights, improve visibility in various weather conditions and enhance worker safety. The presence of these lights indicates an active Work Zone (either Standard or Mobile), and drivers should exercise caution and slow down when they are seen. Work Zone Signs- Signs in Work Zones serve as a warning that people are working on or near the highway. They may be diamond or rectangular shaped, and the background may be orange, white or black with white or black letters or symbols. Work Zone signs include reducing speed, detours, slow-moving construction equipment, and poor or suddenly changing road surfaces. In work areas, traffic may be controlled by a person with a sign or flag, known as a flagger. Traffic control devices, roadway markings, flaggers and even police officers are used to direct motorists safely through Work Zones to protect travelers and highway workers. Examples of Work Zone Signs: 19 THESE RULES APPLY WHEN WORKERS ARE PRESENT IN A WORK ZONE Fines Double- If a driver receives a citation for any moving traffic violation in a Work Zone, they will pay double the fine. A moving traffic violation includes speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, and more. Depending on the traffic violation, doubled fines can be as high as $5,000. Mobile Work Zones are treated the same as any other standard or stationary Work Zone, meaning fines double for violations in both types of Work Zones. Mobile Work Zones are marked using signage on the back of ARDOT vehicles. Leave Your Phone Alone- Does holding your phone to take a phone call, send a text message, look up directions, or scroll social media count as a moving traffic violation? Yes. If you can’t use a hands-free connection while driving, then don’t use your phone. Know the Work Zone Speed Limit- When approaching a Work Zone, you will see signs indicating you are entering a Work Zone, and there may be signs that show a reduced speed. When you see these signs, you should begin to slow down. Continue at a reduced speed until you see a posted speed limit sign. Additionally, speed enforcement cameras are used in Interstate Work Zones in Arkansas. The speed enforcement cameras allow an officer to be positioned at the end of a Work Zone, use the camera to observe violations within the Work Zone, and safely pull over the violator as they exit the Work Zone. The camera eliminates the need for an officer to be positioned within a Work Zone, enhancing safety. 20 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS QUESTION: How do I know what to do when coming up to a Work Zone? ANSWER: To safely navigate a Work Zone, reduce speed to the posted limits, eliminate distractions like cell phones, and stay alert to and obey signs and road crew instructions. Maintain a safe following distance to prevent rear-end collisions, and be prepared for unexpected changes in traffic flow. Always obey flaggers, watch for workers and equipment, and continue to pay attention to signs until you have exited the Work Zone. Before Entering the Work Zone: 1. Plan Ahead- Check for Work Zones on your route before you leave and consider taking an alternate route if available. 2. Minimize Distractions- Put your phone away, turn down the radio, and focus entirely on driving to be prepared for the unexpected. Entering the Work Zone: 1. Reduce Speed- Travel at the posted speed limit. Many times the speed limit is reduced through work zones due to temporary hazards. 2. Merge Early- If you see lane closures ahead, change to the correct lane as soon as it's safe to do so, ideally a mile or more before the closure. 3. Be Patient- Be prepared for delays and the possibility of sudden stops. While in the Work Zone: 1. Stay Alert- Watch for workers, equipment, construction barrels, cones, and changes in traffic patterns. 2. Maintain Distance- Keep a safe following distance, because rear-end collisions are common in Work Zones. 3. Obey Instructions- Obey all warning signs and traffic control such as flaggers, barrels, and cones. Mobile Work Zone: 1. There may be signs showing there is work ahead, and there will be work vehicles with flashing green, yellow, or white lights. 2. Work vehicles in a Mobile Work Zone will have signs on the back indicating “Work Zone – Fines Double.” 21 QUESTION: What is a “Move Over” law? ANSWER: The key aspects of Move Over laws are: • Purpose: To allow additional space for emergency responders, construction workers, utility workers, and tow truck operators to perform their duties safely and without fear of being struck by passing vehicles. • Action: o Move Over- If able, change to a lane not immediately adjacent to the stationary vehicle. o Slow Down- If moving over is unsafe or impossible, reduce your speed to a safe level for conditions or a legally mandated speed. • Vehicles Covered: While most laws cover police, fire, and ambulance vehicles, Arkansas has expanded the law to include other vehicles with flashing lights such as: o Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) vehicles o Utility vehicles o Construction vehicles o Tow trucks • Consequences: Violating a Move Over law can result in fines, imprisonment, community service, and suspension of a driver's license. Why the Move Over Law Is Important: • Reduces Fatalities: Move Over laws help prevent injuries and fatalities among roadside workers. • Increases Safety: They help prevent accidents by giving drivers more time to see and react to stopped vehicles and the people working around them. 22 QUESTION: What do I do when there is a flagger? ANSWER: When entering a Work Zone with a flagger, follow these actions: • Slow Down and Stay Alert: Immediately reduce your speed when you see Work Zone signs and remain attentive to your surroundings. • Follow Flagger Instructions: Always obey the flagger's signals or signs, such as a STOP/SLOW paddle. Their instructions overrule any other traffic signals or devices. • Stop Promptly: Stop at the designated location, or at least a car length away from the flagger, and wait for directions to proceed. • Maintain Distance: Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the flagger, workers, and equipment. • Avoid Distractions: Put your phone away and focus solely on driving and the Work Zone environment. Why Flaggers Are Important: • Safety: Flaggers are frontline workers whose primary role is to ensure the safety of both the work crews and the motoring public. • Authority: They are legally authorized to direct traffic in Work Zones and manage traffic flow through temporary conditions. • Communication: They use signals, stop/slow paddles, high visibility flags, and sometimes signs to communicate directions to drivers, guiding them through the temporary changes in the road. . What to Expect: • Unexpected Conditions: Be prepared for lane shifts, reduced speed limits, uneven road surfaces, and the presence of heavy machinery. • One-Way Traffic: You will experience traffic being held in one direction while the other direction is allowed to pass slowly, often guided by a flagger or pilot car. 23 A green light allows you to proceed through an intersection if there is no opposing traffic. If a driver is stopped at a controlled intersection on a green light, the driver must allow opposing traffic already in the intersection to clear before proceeding. A red light means the driver must stop. The driver cannot proceed until the light turns green and it is safe to go. TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS, SIGNS, AND PAVEMENT MARKINGS Traffic controls include traffic signals, traffic signs, and pavement markings. Other traffic controls could be law enforcement, highway personnel, or school crossing guards. Any traffic control must be obeyed when driving. Lighted Traffic Signals A yellow light means caution. A steady yellow light means the traffic signal is changing from green to red. You must stop if it is safe to do so. If you are already stopped at an intersection or a stop line, you may not proceed. A traffic light is a road signal for directing vehicular traffic. The lights inform the driver when to stop, where to stop and when to proceed. Traffic lights have three different color lenses (red, yellow, and green), a driver may approach an intersection with any one of these colors. 24 A steady red arrow means stop. Drivers turning left must stop. A red arrow on a traffic light means you may not turn in the direction of the arrow. A steady yellow arrow means the signal is getting ready to turn red. Drivers turning left should stop if it is safe to do so. A flashing yellow arrow means left turns are permitted. Drivers may turn left but must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, then proceed with caution. A light green arrow on a traffic light means you may turn in the direction of the arrow. Left turns are protected. Drivers may turn in the direction of the arrow. Opposing traffic must stop. If you are in a turn lane and there is a traffic arrow for your lane on the traffic light, you should make your turn after the green arrow has appeared and it is safe to do so. Flashing Lights Lighted Arrows There are four (4) types of lighted arrows used to control traffic. A flashing red light is the same as a stop sign. A driver must come to a complete stop, and then proceed only when it is safe. If you are approaching a flashing yellow light, you should slow down and proceed with caution. 25 A stop sign is red with white letters and has eight (8) sides or octagon shaped. RIGHT ON RED RULE Drivers must follow the rules before turning right on red. When approaching an intersection with a red light and the driver intends to turn right, a complete stop and a check for opposing traffic must be made before turning right. Drivers must always look for pedestrians in or about the crosswalks. You should never block or stop your vehicle within a crosswalk. TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNS Stop Signs Traffic signs display traffic rules, hazards, location, travel directions, and where services are located. The shape and color of these signs will determine the type of information that will be placed on the sign. A stop sign means a driver must come to a complete stop. The driver must wait until crossing vehicles and pedestrians have cleared the intersection. Streets or roadways may have a painted line next to a stop sign, at intersections, indicating where the vehicle must stop. If you are approaching a stop sign and obstacles are blocking your view, you should make a complete stop and pull forward to see. You may proceed when safe to do so. Speed Limit Sign The driver may turn right on red unless there is a sign prohibiting a right turn on red. A speed limit sign indicates the minimum and maximum speed allowed for a particular section of highway or street. The maximum speed should be used in ideal conditions and reduced as conditions arise such as slippery roads or poor visibility. 26 A reflective orange triangle bordered with red warns other road users that the vehicle is traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic. 27-51-216. Speed Limits and Traffic-Control Devices on County Roads – Penalty (a) As used in this section, “county road” means a public road that is not a state highway, interstate highway, or city street within the jurisdiction of a given county. (b) (1) Each county judge may establish speed limits on county roads within the jurisdictional boundaries of his or her county. (2) If a county judge has not established a speed limit on a county road within the jurisdictional boundaries of his or her county, then the speed limit shall be forty miles per hour (40 m.p.h.) on the county road. (c) (1) A person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of a violation of a speed limit on a county road established by a county judge or as provided under this section shall be assessed a penalty as provided under 27-50-3 (2) A person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of speeding in excess of fifteen miles per hour (15 m.p.h.) over the posted speed limit on a county road established by a county judge or as provided under this section is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. (d) A traffic-control device that is erected on a county road shall conform to the uniform manual on traffic-control devices adopted by the State Highway Commission. Do Not Enter Signs Yield Sign The yield sign means the driver must slow down or yield the right of way to traffic in the intersection, where the driver may be crossing or entering. When approaching a yield sign you must yield to other vehicles and stop when necessary. A driver who fails to yield could receive a fine of up to $1000 and suspension of their driver’s license for 180 days. Slow Moving Vehicle Sign A yield sign is a red and white or yellow and black that is triangular shaped displaying the word “YIELD” or “YIELD RIGHT OF WAY.” The do not enter sign is typically a red circle with a line running across or diagonal line through it, meaning something is not allowed. 27 ROADWAY SIGNS Warning Signs- These signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols, and most are diamond- shaped. These signs warn a driver to slow down and be prepared to stop, if necessary, or provide information about a special situation or a hazard that may be along the road ahead. The most common warning signs are shown below. Intersection Traffic Signal Merging Traffic Slippery When Wet Traffic Lane Ends School Zone School Crossing Pedestrian Crossing Regulation Signs There are signs on a white square or rectangle with black and/or red letters or symbols. These signs provide information on rules of traffic direction, lane usage, turning, parking, and other special instructions. Some of the signs have a red circle with a red slash over the symbol. This regulation sign indicates a driver is prohibited (not allowed) from executing a particular maneuver such as a turn toward a particular direction or no U-Turn. 28 This is a white “X” shaped sign with black letters. This sign marks the grade crossing and requires you to yield the right-of-way to the train. The round black-on-yellow warning sign is placed ahead of a public highway-rail intersection. The Advance Warning sign tells you to slow down, look and listen for the train, and be prepared to stop at the tracks if a train is coming. RAILROAD CROSSING SIGNS Railroad crossing warning signs are used to warn drivers of the possibility of a train. Drivers should obey all railroad crossing warning signs and never go around barriers or disregard the warning sign. Drivers should never attempt to beat an oncoming train or attempt to cross the tracks without enough room on the opposite side of the tracks. If your vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, it is wise not to shift gears when crossing the tracks to avoid the possibility of an engine stall. Common railroad crossing warning signs are illustrated below. Round Yellow Advance Warning Sign Pavement Markings Pavement markings mean the same as the Advance Warning sign. They consist of an “X” with the letters “RR” and a no-passing marking on two- lane roads. There is also a NO PASSING ZONE sign on two-lane roads. There may be a white Stop Line painted on the pavement before the railroad tracks. School buses are required to stop at all railroad crossings. Cross Buck Sign 29 NEVER attempt to go around crossing gates. At some crossings, along with a crossbuck sign, a driver will see parallel red lights that flash alternately. When the red lights are flashing, a train is present. Even if the red lights continue to flash and no train appears, do not cross. As red lights begin to flash the gates will lower which means a train is approaching. When the gates are down, it means a train is present and the road is closed. It is unsafe and illegal to cross. If the gates begin to come down as you begin to cross, keep going even if it means you will break the gate. If you are approaching a railroad crossing and there is no safety barrier you should cross the tracks after checking both directions. The purpose of the ENS sign is to provide the public with critical emergency contact information at every highway-rail grade crossing. The information contained on the ENS sign enables the public to reach the railroad responsible for the crossing and to identify the specific crossing in the event of an emergency. Gates and Lights EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS (ENS) AT HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSINGS Railroad (Exempt) Signs An EXEMPT sign means that the crossing has been abandoned or its use discontinued. Follow your local procedure about stopping. There are two (2) kinds of EXEMPT signs: A sign (below the advanced warning sign) with yellow background and black letters that says EXEMPT. A sign (below the cross buck) with white background and black letters that says EXEMPT. 30 Safety Tips: • Never Park or stop on railroad tracks. • When approaching a railroad crossing, look up and down the track to make sure a train is not approaching. • Always expect a train. Never assume a train is not coming even if you haven’t seen one at a particular crossing. • Never underestimate the speed and distance of a train. • Obey all crossing signals. NEVER TRY AND BEAT A TRAIN! Multiple Tracks There are warning signs that indicate sets of tracks or indicates the number of tracks. These signs warn a driver there is more than one track and there may be more than one train crossing. When there is more than one set of tracks at a crossing, there is a sign beneath the cross buck with a number indicating how many tracks are present. Watch for additional trains coming from either direction. When crossing more than one set of railroad tracks you should cross only when the train is well down the tracks.

31 CHAPTER 3: GENERAL DRIVING LANES OF TRAFFIC Pavement Markings- Lines and symbols marked on the roadway divide lanes, indicate to a driver when it is safe to pass other vehicles or change lane(s), which lane(s) to use for turns, where a driver must stop for signs or traffic signals, and define pedestrian walkways. Yellow Lane Markings Fog Line and Lane Lines- A solid white line along the side of the roadway that tells the driver where the outer edge is located. White Lane Markings- A dashed white line between lanes of traffic indicates a driver may cross the line to change lanes, when safe. These lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. A broken yellow line between opposing lanes of traffic indicates a driver may cross to pass if there is no opposing traffic. A solid line with a broken yellow line between opposing lanes, a driver may pass if there is no opposing traffic. A solid double yellow line separates lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions. The double yellow line in the center of the roadway means passing is prohibited for vehicles traveling in either direction. A driver may cross a solid yellow line to turn into a driveway if there is no opposing traffic approaching the planned turn site. 32 Shared Center Lane- In Arkansas, it is permissible for a vehicle making a left turn from an intersecting street or driveway to utilize a center turn lane as part of the maneuver to gain access or merge into traffic lanes, except it is not permissible to use the center left turn lane as an acceleration lane. Example: Unmarked Lanes- When there are no signs or markings to control the use of lanes, there are rules that indicate which lane is to be used. These rules cover general driving, passing, and turning. General Driving: • Never back a vehicle in any travel lane, it is illegal and unsafe. If you miss your turn or exit, do not back up; proceed to a safe turnaround area. • Never stop in travel lanes for any reason (e.g., confusion, breakdown, passenger drop off, etc.). Keep moving until you can safely pull off the road. • On a road with three or more lanes traveling in the same direction remain in the right lane except to pass. If there is a lot of merging traffic, then use the center travel lane. • Never drive on the shoulder of any street or road, unless directed by a police officer. Passing- On multi-lane roads, the leftmost lane is intended to be used to pass slower vehicles. Never pass on the shoulder, whether it is paved or not. Other drivers will never expect you to be there and may pull off the road without looking. Vehicle merges from the right lane into the left lane, to pass slower traffic. Shared center lanes are reserved for making left turns and can be used by vehicles traveling in either direction. The example will show markings on the pavement, left turn arrows for traffic in one direction and alternate arrows for traffic approaching from the opposing direction. 33 Turning- When there are no signs or lane markings to control turning, a driver should turn into the lane closest to the direction of travel. • Right Turns- When turning avoid crossing over into the opposite lane of traffic. A wide turn may cause the driver behind you to think you are changing lanes or going to turn left and may try to pass you on the right. • Left Turns- When turning left, avoid cutting the corners. Turning sharp could cause you to hit a vehicle approaching from the left. Always leave room for oncoming vehicles to turn left in front of you. 34 Multiple Lanes- On multi-lane highways, when driving beside another vehicle, you should move ahead of the vehicle next to you or drop behind the vehicle next to you. If you are being followed to close on a multi-lane roadway, you should move into the lane to your right when clear. When passing vehicles on multi-lane roads, the far-left lane is intended for passing slower vehicles. Crosswalks and Stop Lines Stop Line- When approaching a stop sign you must stop your vehicle at the stop line if one is present. Make a complete stop before the vehicle reaches the line. Crosswalks- Marked areas where pedestrians can cross the roadway. A driver must yield to pedestrians in or about to enter a crosswalk. Not all crosswalks are marked. Drivers should watch for pedestrians when crossing intersections that do not have marked crosswalks. Pedestrians carrying a white cane or using a guide dog must be given absolute right of way. 35 RIGHT OF WAY When there are no signs or signals to regulate traffic and pedestrians may be present, there are rules in which a vehicle must yield the right-of-way. The rules will determine which vehicle goes first and which vehicle must wait. Traffic laws determine which vehicle must yield the right-of-way and do not give a vehicle absolute right-of-way. As a driver, you must do everything possible to prevent striking a pedestrian or another vehicle, regardless of the circumstance. Intersections- Right of Way Pedestrians: • Drivers must yield, where necessary, to avoid striking pedestrians who are legally crossing the road. • Drivers crossing a sidewalk when entering or exiting a driveway, alley, or parking lot must yield to pedestrians. It is illegal to drive on a sidewalk except to cross it. • Pedestrians using a guide dog or carrying a white cane have absolute right-of-way. Do not use your horn as it could confuse or frighten a blind pedestrian. Left Turns: • Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming cars traveling straight ahead. • Drivers entering a traffic circle or rotary must yield to drivers already in the circle. 36 ROUNDABOUTS A roundabout is a circular intersection in which traffic travels around a central island. This simple design is becoming increasingly popular for its safety, mobility, and maintenance advantages. The next two pages give a more in-depth look at roundabouts. 37 38 39 Right of Way at Stop Signs At an intersection where there is no stop sign or traffic signal, drivers must yield to vehicles approaching from the right. At intersections with stop signs at all corners, you must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle that arrived first. 40 At “3 WAY,” “4 WAY,” and “ALL WAY” stop signs, the driver reaching the intersection first goes first, after making a complete stop. General Right of Way Rules • Drivers crossing a sidewalk when entering or exiting a driveway, alley, or parking lot must yield to pedestrians. It is illegal to drive on a sidewalk except to cross it. • Drivers entering a road from a driveway, alley or roadside must yield to vehicles already on the main road. • Drivers may not enter an intersection unless they can get through it without having to stop. You should wait until traffic clears so that you are not blocking the intersection. • Before entering an intersection, you should look left and right. Passing Drivers passing a vehicle traveling in the same direction must yield to the vehicle being passed, even if the vehicle is slowing or coming to a stop because the vehicle may be attempting to turn left or may be approaching a hazard the overtaking vehicle does not see. Example: Red vehicle must yield to blue vehicle being passed. Be aware of the vehicle you are passing and watch for any possible sudden turns or stops. 41 PARKING When parking a vehicle, drivers need to make sure their vehicle doesn’t become a hazard. You should always park your vehicle in a place that is (1) far enough from the street or highway to avoid interfering with traffic and (2) visible to cars approaching from either direction. When backing from a parking space or in a straight line you must always look for vehicles and pedestrians by looking through your mirrors and turning to look. Parking Tips: • Always Park in a designated area, if possible. • Always set the parking brake. Leave the vehicle in gear if it has a manual transmission or in “park” if it has an automatic transmission. • Check traffic before you open the door. Always exit the vehicle on the curbside, if possible. If you have no choice other than exiting on the street side, check traffic before getting out of your vehicle. • When parallel parking, your vehicle should be 18 inches or less from the curb. • If you park on the roadway, park your vehicle as far away from traffic as possible. If there is a curb, park as close to the curb as possible. • When parking on a hill, turn the wheels sharply away from traffic to prevent the car from rolling into traffic. • No driver, when standing on a distinct grade, will leave a vehicle unattended “without first effectively setting the parking brake and turning the wheels to the curb or side of the highway”. Curb Parking No Curb Parking No Parking Zones- There are areas where parking is restricted. Check for signs that may prohibit or limit parking. Colored curb markings may indicate a restricted parking area. 42 DO NOT PARK: • In an intersection • On a crosswalk or sidewalk in a construction area if your vehicle blocks traffic • Within twenty (20) feet of a crosswalk at an intersection • Within thirty (30) feet of a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign. • Within thirty (30) feet of a pedestrian safety zone • Within fifteen (15) feet of a fire hydrant • Within fifty (50) feet of a railroad crossing • More than eighteen (18) inches from the curb • Within twenty (20) feet of a fire station driveway on the same side of the street, or street where proper signs are posted. • Blocking a driveway, alley, private road, or area of the curb removed or lowered for access to the sidewalk. • On a bridge, overpass, tunnel, or underpass • Along a lane of opposing traffic • Designated handicapped zone without proper tag • Along the street or highway next to another parked vehicle (double parking) • On railroad tracks • Where signs indicate no parking zones Restricted Parking Zones Other restricted parking zones are indicated by painted curbs: • Red curb means fire zone. • Yellow curb means a loading zone or other restriction.

43 CHAPTER 4: SAFE DRIVING A driver’s manual cannot teach you how to operate a motor vehicle, but it can provide you with the necessary tools for learning the rules of the road and help you understand the importance of becoming a safe driver. Being a safe driver depends on you being alert to your surroundings. Driving requires a skill that can be gained through hours of instruction and practice. This section will provide you with safe driving tips before starting a trip. Operating the Motor Vehicle Seat Belt- “Buckle up before you start up”. Your safety belt should be fastened before the engine is started. Drivers should check the safety belt to ensure proper use. Follow these tips: • Wear a diagonal belt across the upper chest. Drivers often complain that this strap is uncomfortable, and they sometimes slip this behind their backs. However, when you do this, the belt's ability to protect you from injury is decreased. Seat belts are designed to distribute force upon two areas of the body. Without this diagonal strap in place, this is impossible. If the strap is uncomfortable for you or your children, purchase a padded seat belt cover. • Adjust the lower strap, so it fits across the upper thighs and not the abdominal region. This belt is designed to distribute force to the pelvic area and needs to sit properly on the upper thigh to accomplish this goal. • Sit up straight in your seat. Slouching or leaning in the seat can cause the seat belt to rest improperly on the body. By sitting all the way back in the seat, the belts will sit on the correct areas of the body. • Maneuver the position of the seat itself. The farther a driver is sitting from the dashboard, typically the safer he is in the case of a collision. Move the handle or knob on the side of your seat to move the seat forward, backward, upward, or downward, so it is a comfortable distance from the steering wheel, this will allow you to see well out of all windows. • Check that the seat belts are not twisted. The belts should lie flat across your upper chest and your upper thigh areas. If the belts become twisted, the pressure that would occur in a collision has less surface area on which to be distributed. • Click the seat belt latch into place by sliding the metal end of the belt into the latching device. You should hear a click. Test the belt by tugging on it. If the belt doesn't come unlatched, the seat belt is secure. 44 Acceleration- Acceleration (pressing the gas pedal) should be pressed slowly and smoothly. Depressing the gas pedal too fast can cause the drive wheels to spin or cause your vehicle to slide, especially if the pavement is wet. Drivers with manual transmissions need practice with the clutch and accelerator to avoid stalling the engine when shifting gears or over-accelerating the engine. Steering the Vehicle- Drivers should use a proper grip on the steering wheel. Hands should be placed on opposite sides of the steering wheel. By placing the hands-on opposite sides of the wheel, the driver will be more comfortable, and it will allow you to make turns without taking your hands off the wheel. Monitor Vehicle Speed- Be familiar with speed limits and adjust your speed according to the driving conditions. Always obey speed limit signs. Check your speedometer often to ensure you are within the speed limit. Speedometer Stopping- Be alert when driving your vehicle and be prepared to stop, you may have to stop suddenly. Stopping suddenly is dangerous and indicates a driver who is not paying attention. Braking quickly can cause your vehicle to skid and cause you to lose control. Losing control of your vehicle can make it difficult for others to avoid hitting your vehicle. Try to avoid sudden stops and scan the road ahead. Slowing down or changing lanes will help to avoid sudden stopping and allow more time to safely stop. When executing a sharp turn, such as around corners of an intersection, use the “hand-over-hand” technique to control the steering wheel. Do not turn the wheel in the palm of your hand. When you complete a turn, return the steering wheel to the appropriate position in the direction the vehicle should be moving. 45 DISTRACTED DRIVING (REQUIRED) Overview Distracted driving is dangerous, having claimed 3,308 lives and injuring 290,000 in 2022. Of those killed due to distracted driving, almost 20 percent of related crashes were people outside the vehicle – pedestrians, cyclists, and others on the road. NHTSA reports certain age groups having larger proportions of drivers distracted at the time of fatal crashes – drivers 15 to 34 years old and drivers 75 and older. To help keep young drivers off their phones, 36 states and the District of Columbia also ban new drivers from using cellphones behind the wheel. NHTSA leads the national effort to save lives by preventing this dangerous behavior. Get the facts, get involved, and help us keep America’s roads safe. www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving. What is Distracted Driving? Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving. Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing. *Source for the above information on distracted driving: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 46 Dangerous Distractions What is one of the most dangerous distractions for a driver? Texting or talking on a hand-held cell phone involves three different types of distraction that occur at the same time: The U.S. Department of Transportation is leading the fight to end distracted driving through a combination of: • Tough laws • Strong enforcement • Increased public awareness Distracted Driving Law Arkansas has joined the fight by passing laws against distracted driving. 27-51-1501 – No Texting Law 27-51-1601 – Fewer Distractions Means Safer Driving Act • Restricts Cell Phone Use (ONLY AN EMERGENCY) • Under eighteen (18) years of age cell phone use is not allowed. The use of hands-free devices is not allowed. • 18 years of age or older may use a hands-free device, even though it’s not recommended to a cell phone while driving. • 21 years or older may use a cell phone but drivers should be aware it is never safe to talk and drive. • Visual Taking your eyes off the road • Manual Taking your hands off the wheel • Cognitive Taking your mind off driving 47 What Can You Do? • Make a pledge to protect lives by never texting or talking on the phone while driving. • Be a good passenger and speak up if the driver in your car is distracted. • Spread the word to your family and friends about the dangers of distracted driving. Get Involved For more information on distracted driving visit, www.distraction.com to get more facts, take the pledge, and download materials to run your own distracted driving campaign. 48 STAY ALERT Being a safe driver depends on you staying alert to your surroundings. The leading cause of car crashes is inattention. Practice good defensive driving skills by being alert and by keeping your eyes fixed on the road ahead. Looking ahead- To avoid last-minute braking or the need to turn from interstate or highway, you should look down the road at least one (1) city block, when driving in the city or one-quarter mile when driving on highways and interstates. You should be looking at least fifteen (15) seconds ahead. . Here is how to figure if you are looking fifteen seconds ahead: 1. Find a stationary object (sign or telephone pole) near the road. Choose one as far ahead as you are seeing. 2. Start counting: one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three- one thousand, etc. until you reach the object. 3. The number of seconds you have counted is the number of seconds ahead from the object, you need to avoid. Intersections- Intersections are places where traffic merges or crosses. Intersections include cross streets, side streets, driveways, shopping centers, or parking lot entrances. • Before entering an intersection, you should look left and right. Look a second time in the direction of oncoming traffic before crossing. • Before turning right, check for approaching traffic from the left and check for oncoming traffic turning left in your path. Do not begin to turn without checking for pedestrians, who may be crossing where you are turning. You may turn right on a red light, after making a complete stop, unless there is a sign prohibiting “right on red”. • Make sure you can clearly see crossing traffic before entering an intersection. If stopped at an intersection and your view of a cross street is blocked, ease forward until you can see. Moving forward will allow the driver to see any approaching traffic. 49 Looking Behind- Checking traffic ahead of your route is important but you must also remember to check the traffic behind you. In heavy traffic, occasionally, watch your rearview and side mirrors to know where traffic is positioned. By checking your mirrors, you will be able to see rear traffic approaching too fast and vehicles following too close, which will allow you more time to react. Before making a lane change you should be sure it’s safe by using the rearview mirror, and side mirrors, and looking over your shoulder. CHANGING LANES Changing Lanes- A Lane change is moving from one lane of traffic to another, merging onto a roadway from an entrance ramp, turn lane, or roadway entrance from the curb or shoulder. When changing lanes, you must check for any vehicles that are in the lane you want to enter. This means you must check the side and the back of your vehicle before changing lanes. • Look in your rear-view and side mirrors. Make sure there are no vehicles in the lane you want to enter and make sure no one is about to pass you. • Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move. Your rearview and side mirrors will not allow you to see vehicles in your blind spots. Blind spots are the rear corners of your vehicle that block other vehicles not seen through your mirrors. • When checking your blind spot, turn your head and quickly glance over your shoulder. Don’t take your eyes off the road ahead for more than an instant. Traffic ahead could stop suddenly while you’re checking traffic to the sides, rear, or over your shoulder. • Remember to look carefully for motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians which can be especially hard to see when you are entering the roadway from the curb or driveway. 50 Slowing- Drivers should check behind them before slowing down. Allowing plenty of time to slow down will keep you from stopping suddenly or at points where the following driver would not expect you to slow, such as private driveways or parking lots. Backing- It can be difficult to get a clear view from behind your vehicle. When backing from a parking space or straight line you should: . • Check behind your vehicle before you get in. Children or small objects cannot be seen from the driver’s seat. • Place your right arm over the back of the seat and turn your body, so you can look directly through the rear and side windows. Do not depend on your rearview or side mirrors as you cannot see directly behind your vehicle. • Back slowly, your vehicle is much harder to steer while you are backing. • Whenever possible use a person outside the vehicle to help you back. Blind Spots- A blind spot in a vehicle is an area around the vehicle that cannot be directly observed by the driver while at the controls, under existing circumstances. Blind Spot Tips: • Do not drive on either side or slightly in the rear of other vehicles. • When passing another vehicle, do not stay in another driver’s blind spot. • Never stay alongside a large vehicle such as a tractor-trailer or bus. • Get out of the other driver’s blind spot as soon as possible by speeding up or slowing down. 52 • Warning Horn Your horn can get the attention of another driver. The horn should be used to alert other drivers of a dangerous situation such as an accident. Sound your vehicle horn when: • A person on foot or on a bike appears to be moving into your lane of travel. • You are passing a driver who starts to move or turn into your lane. • A driver is not paying attention and doesn’t see you. • Approaching a location where you cannot see what is ahead, such as a steep hill, a sharp curve, or exiting a narrow valley. If there is danger, sound a sharp blast on your horn. Sound a sharp blast when: • A child or older person is about to walk, run, or ride into the street. • Another car is in danger of hitting you. • You lose control of your vehicle, and you are moving into the lane of oncoming traffic or in the direction of pedestrians. Don’t use your horn: • To encourage other vehicles to speed up. • To inform other drivers of a mistake • To greet a friend on the road • Blind pedestrians Emergency Flashers/Hazard Lights If available, use your cell phone to notify authorities of a broken-down vehicle. Many roadways have signs indicating which phone number to call in an emergency. Emergency flashers or hazard lights are activated when a driver pushes the hazard light button/switch. The lights warn other drivers of an emergency, broken down vehicle, or that your car is parked on the side of the road. 53 LET OTHER DRIVERS KNOW YOUR INTENTIONS You should warn other drivers you are going to change direction or slow down. This will give them time to react, if needed, or at least not be surprised by what you do. Signaling to Change Directions- Proper signaling gives a driver time to react to your moves. Turn signals should be used before a lane change, a left or right turn, and each time you merge into traffic or park. • If possible, you should signal your intentions to turn at least 100 feet before the turn. • If you plan to turn beyond an intersection, the signal is just after you pass through the intersection. If you signal earlier, another driver may think you are turning at the intersection. • If another vehicle is about to enter the street between you and where you plan to turn, wait until you have passed to signal your turn. • After you have made a turn or lane change, turn your signal off. A false turn signal is unsafe. 54 ADJUSTING THE VEHICLE SPEED The faster your vehicle is going, the more distance it takes to slow or stop. The average passenger car traveling at 55 miles per hour can stop within a total of 225 feet. You can reduce the time it takes to stop your vehicle by following these rules: • Adjust your speed to road and traffic conditions. • Be aware of your surroundings. • Obey the posted speed limit signs. Adjust to Road Conditions- There are road conditions that make it necessary to slow down. Drivers should slow down before a curve, when there are slippery roadways or when standing water is on the road. If you are traveling at the maximum speed allowed and road conditions become unsafe you should reduce your speed to conditions. The only contact your vehicle has with the road is through the tires, so it’s important to know the condition of your tires. Tires with a degree of wear on the tread could be dangerous in wet or icy road conditions. Reduce your speed, below the posted speed limit. Curves- A vehicle can travel much faster in a straight line than it can in a curve. Traveling too fast around a curve will not allow your tires to grip the road, causing your vehicle to skid. Slow down before a curve, so you don’t have to brake in the curve. Braking in a curve can cause the vehicle to skid. 55 Adjust to Slippery Roads- Decrease your speed at the first sign of rain, snow, or sleet. These weather conditions can make the road extremely slippery, which will not allow the tires to grip the surface. On a wet road, you should reduce your speed to 10 mph. On packed, snow you should cut your speed in half. On the ice, you must slow to a coast. If possible, do not drive when the roads are icy. When the road you are driving becomes very slippery due to glare ice; you should stop driving as soon as you can safely do so. Here are suggestions to help you spot slippery road conditions: • On cold and wet days, ice may linger in shady spots along the roadway. These areas are the first to freeze and the last to thaw. • Overpasses and bridges can become some of the first sections of roadways to develop icy conditions. It is not unusual for bridges and overpasses to be ice covered and the stretches of roadway leading up to and away from the bridge or overpass to be clear. • Ice can be very wet when it first forms on the highway. When ice is near the freezing point it can be more slippery than at temperatures well below freezing. • When it starts to rain on a hot day, pavement can be particularly slippery for the first few minutes. Heat causes the oil in the asphalt to surface on the roadway. The oil makes conditions more slippery until the rain washes it from the roadway. Adjust to Water Over the Roadway- When it is raining, or the road is wet; most tires have good traction up to 35mph. In heavy rain, your tires can lose all traction with the road at 50 mph. The faster you move, your tires will start to ride up on the water, much like water skis. This process is called “hydroplaning”. The best way to keep from hydroplaning is to keep your speed down. Worn tires can cause your car to hydroplane. What should you do if your vehicle begins to hydroplane (lose traction): • Slowly take your foot off the gas pedal. • Keep the steering wheel straight. Only turn the wheel in case of an emergency. If you have to turn the wheel, do it slowly, or you will cause the vehicle to lose control or skid. • Do not try to stop or turn until your tires are gripping the road again. 56 ADJUSTING TO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC Vehicles moving in the same direction at the same speed are less likely to hit another vehicle. Crashes involving two (2) or more vehicles often happen when drivers go faster or slower than other vehicles using the same roadway. The safest speed to drive in traffic is the same speed as other vehicles. Keeping Pace- If you are going faster than other traffic, you will have to keep passing vehicles. Each time you pass another vehicle there is a chance of a collision. The vehicle you are passing may change lanes suddenly, or on a two-lane road, an oncoming car may appear suddenly. Slow down and keep pace with other traffic. Speeding does not save more than a few minutes an hour. Going much slower than other vehicles traveling in the same direction can be just as bad as speeding. It causes traffic to back up behind you. If vehicles are accumulating behind you, pull over and allow them to pass. Merging With Traffic-When you merge with traffic, try to enter at the same speed as other traffic. High- speed roadways generally have ramps to give you time to build up speed. Use the ramp to reach the speed of other vehicles before you pull onto the road. Do not drive to the end of the ramp and stop. Drivers watching the traffic on the main road may not have time to stop and may hit you from the rear. If you must wait for a space to enter the roadway, slow down on the ramp to allow room to speed up when it’s clear to merge. Always check your blind spots by taking a quick glance over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move into traffic. The same speed as other traffic. Exiting Traffic- You should drive at the same speed as other traffic. If the road you are traveling has exit ramps, do not slow down until you have moved onto the exit ramp. When you are traveling a high-speed, two-lane roadway, try not to slow down too soon if you have traffic following you. Tap your brakes and safely reduce your speed. Use your turn signals to let other drivers know your intentions. 57 Slow-Moving Traffic- Some vehicles are not designed to maneuver at highway speeds. Some may experience mechanical problems that force the driver to slow the vehicle. As you may approach this type of traffic, give yourself time to change lanes or slow down. Slowing suddenly can cause a traffic accident. • Watch for trucks and underpowered cars not designed to handle a steep grade. The slower vehicle can lose speed on long or steep hills, which will take longer to build speed when entering traffic. • Farm tractors, animal-drawn vehicles, and roadway maintenance vehicles usually travel 25 mph or less. These vehicles should have a slow-moving vehicle sign ( ) visible from the rear. Trouble Spots- Be prepared for situations that limit your maneuvering options. In locations where people and their vehicles are parked; the amount of space you have to maneuver will be limited. Reduce your speed to react in crowded spaces. Here are some of the places where you need to slow down: • Shopping centers, parking lots, and downtown areas. These are busy areas with vehicles stopping and starting, and vehicles moving in different directions. • Rush hour with heavy traffic. • Narrow bridges and tunnels. Vehicles meeting close together. • At toll booths (collect a fee to use the roadway) when changing lanes, stopping, and speeding up to exit a toll booth. • Schools, playgrounds, and residential streets. These areas have children present. Be alert for children crossing the street. 58 VISIBILITY AND REACTION If a hazard is in your path and you need to stop, allow time and distance. Stopping a vehicle takes much longer and further to stop even if you have good tires, brakes, and dry pavement: • At 40 mph, it can take about 124 feet total stopping distance. • At 55 mph, it can take about 225 feet in total stopping distance. If you cannot see a safe length ahead at the speed you are driving, you may not be driving at a safe speed. Traveling too fast will not allow time to stop for sudden objects on the roadway. Hazards that limit how well a driver can see: • Darkness- It is harder to see objects at night than during the day. You need the ability to stop within the distance you can see ahead with your headlights. Your headlights let you see about 400 feet ahead. You should drive at a speed that allows you to stop within this distance, which is around 50 mph. • Rain, Fog, or Snow- If you cannot see more than 200 feet ahead because of rain or fog, you should not drive faster than 30 mph. Any time you cannot see the road ahead pull over in a safe place and wait until the weather clears. • Hills and Curves- You may not know what is on the other side of a hill or just around a curve, be ready to stop. Adjust your speed so you can stop if needed. • Parked Vehicles- Vehicles parked along the side of the road may block your view. Be ready for a person(s) getting out of a car or walking out from parked cars. Give parked vehicles as much room as possible. • Sight-Distance Rule- Drive at a speed where you can safely stop. To determine if you are driving too fast for the conditions, use the “Four Second Sight Distance Rule.” Pick out a stationary object as far ahead as you can clearly see (e.g. a sign or utility pole). Start counting “one-one- thousand (1-1000), Two-one-thousand (2-1000), three-one-thousand (3-1000), four-one-thousand (4-1000).” If you reach the object before you finish saying “four-one-thousand (4-1000)”, you need to slow down, you are going too fast. Don’t drive faster than the distance you can see, otherwise, you could injure/kill yourself or others. Speed Limits- You must obey speed limits. Speed limits are based on the design of the road, the type of vehicles used on the road, and the road location. Speed limits are posted for ideal conditions. Drivers must adjust their speed to current road conditions such as ice or rain. When traveling in bad weather and you cannot see or if there is heavy traffic, slow down to a safe speed. Even if you are driving the speed limit, you can get a ticket for traveling too fast for the conditions. The “Four Second Sight Distance Rule” at night can help determine a safe distance. Use your headlights. 59 DISTANCE AND REACTION Because you share the road with other drivers keep more distance between you and other drivers. The more distance you allow, the more time you must react to a hazard. Ways to allow extra space: • Following Distance- Rear-end crashes are very common and caused by drivers following too close. Use the “two (2) second rule” to determine if you are following too close. Two Second Rule: There are situations where you need more space in front of your vehicle. You may need to use a four second rule to be safe. Slippery Roads- Slippery roads require more stopping distance; you need to allow space in front of you. If the driver in front of you suddenly stops, you need more room to safely stop. The Driver Behind You Wants to Pass- Slow down to allow room in front of your vehicle to allow the passing vehicle to safely merge. If you are being followed too closely on a multi-lane roadway, you should move into the lane to the right when it is clear. Following Motorcycles- Allow an extra cushion of space when following a motorcycle. Roads that are wet, icy or gravel and metal surfaces such as bridges, gratings, and streetcar and railroad tracks can increase the chance of falling. Following Drivers Who Cannot See Your Vehicle- Drivers of trucks, buses, vans, or vehicles pulling campers or trailers may not be able to see you behind them and could suddenly stop. Be prepared. Reducing your speed and fallback will allow more room to see ahead. Towing- The extra weight increases your stopping distance. Poor Visibility- If bad weather makes it hard for you to see you should increase your following distance. Following Emergency Vehicles- Police vehicles, ambulances, and fire trucks need room to work. Approaching Railroad Crossings- Allow space for vehicles, which are required to stop at railroad crossings such as transit buses, school buses, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Stopping on an Incline-Leave extra space when stopped on a hill. Vehicles in front of you could roll back, when taking off from an incline. • When the rear of the vehicle ahead passes stationary point, count the seconds it takes you to reach the same point. • Count “one-thousand-one (1-1,001), one-thousand-two (1-1,002).” • You are following too close if you pass the mark before you finish counting. • If you reach the mark before you finish counting, drop back and then count again. Repeat the process until you are following no closer than “two seconds.” 60 THE SAFETY CUSHION Traffic to the Rear- Maintaining a safe distance behind your vehicle isn’t always easy. You can help the driver behind you by keeping a steady speed and signaling in advance when you must stop or slow down, such as: • Stopping to pick up or let off passengers- Try to find a safe place to stop away from traffic. • Parallel Parking- If you want to parallel park and there is traffic from behind, turn on your signal, pull next to the space, and allow vehicles from behind to pass before parking. • Driving Slowly- If you drive slower than other vehicles, pull to the side of the road and let the vehicles pass. There are “turnout” areas on some roadways you can use. • Being Tailgated- if the car behind you is following too close or you are being “tailgated” move into the right lane, if possible. If there is no right lane, wait until the path ahead is clear and reduce speed. This will allow the tailgater to drive around you. Never slow down too quickly to discourage a tailgater, it will increase the risk of being hit from behind. Traffic to the Side- You need space on both sides of your vehicle, leaving room to turn or change lanes. • Avoid driving next to other vehicles on multi-lane roads. Other drivers may crowd your lane, try to change lanes, or even pull into your lane. Move ahead or drop behind the other vehicle. • Keep as much space as you can between your vehicle and oncoming vehicles. Do not crowd the center line on a two (2)-lane road, always drive in the center of your lane. • Make room for a vehicle entering a roadway with two (2) or more lanes. • Keep extra space between your vehicle and parked cars. A pedestrian could step out from a parked vehicle, between vehicles or a vehicle could be pulling out of a parking space. • Use the “split difference rule”. This is when you split the difference between two (2) hazards. For example: steer the middle course between oncoming and parked vehicles. If one appears more dangerous than the other, leave more room on the side of the vehicle that is more dangerous. If the vehicle is a tractor-trailer, leave more room on the side that will pass the truck. • When possible, take potential hazards one at a time. You are overtaking a bicycle and an oncoming vehicle is approaching, slow down and let the vehicle pass before you pass the bicycle. Give extra space to pedestrians and bicycles. Watch out for children, they can move quickly and without warning. Do not share a lane with a pedestrian or bicyclist; wait until it is safe to pass in the adjoining lane. 61 Merging- When merging with other traffic, you need a gap of about four (4) seconds. If you move in the middle of a four (4) second gap, your vehicle, and the vehicle behind you will have a following distance of two (2) seconds. When changing lanes, entering a roadway, or merging with another travel lane, you should keep a four (4) second gap. • Do not try to merge in a small gap. A small gap can quickly become even smaller. Enter a gap that gives you a large cushion of space. • If you are going to cross more than one (1) lane of traffic, take one lane at a time. Intersecting Traffic- When crossing traffic, you need a large gap to get across the road. When entering traffic, allow enough space to turn and get up to speed. • When crossing traffic, leave enough space to clear any hazards. Stopping halfway across the road is safe when there is a median divider large enough for your vehicle to enter. Never stop in a median divider too small for your vehicle, where your vehicle may be left sticking out in the line of other vehicles. • If you are turning left, make sure there are no vehicles or pedestrians blocking your path. You do not want to be halfway across a lane of traffic waiting for a clear path with oncoming traffic moving in your direction. • Even with a green light, do not start across the intersection until traffic is clear. You could get caught in the intersection when the light changes to red and block traffic. Drivers can be ticketed for blocking an intersection. • Do not turn because an approaching vehicle has a turn signal on. The driver may intend on turning beyond the street where you are sitting, or the driver may have forgotten to turn the signal off from a prior turn. A signal on a motorcycle does not automatically cancel. Wait until the driver starts to turn and then start your turn when it is safe. Passing Distance- Whenever signs and road markings allow you to pass, you will need to judge whether you have enough space and time to pass. Do not count on having enough time to pass several cars at once. Be safe. As a rule, only pass one vehicle at a time. 62 Oncoming Vehicles- At a speed of 55 mph, you need about ten (10) seconds to pass. This means you need a ten (10) second gap in oncoming traffic and sight distance to pass. When passing a vehicle you must judge whether or not you have enough space and time to safely pass. At 55 mph you and your oncoming vehicle(s) will travel over 800 feet in ten (10) seconds. This means a driver will need over 1600 feet or 1/3 of a mile to safely pass. It can be hard to judge the speed of oncoming vehicles at large distances. A vehicle too far away appears to be stationary (still). If you can see the vehicle coming closer, it may be traveling too fast to pass. When a driver isn’t sure whether or not there is enough time to safely pass, wait until there is more space before passing. Hills and Curves Intersections- It is dangerous to pass where a vehicle may enter or cross the road. Such places include intersections, railroad crossings, and shopping center entrances. When you pass a vehicle your view of other people, vehicles or trains can be blocked. Drivers turning right into an approaching lane will not expect you within their lane and may not look before turning. Drivers should not pass if you are within, 1/3 of a mile of a hill or curve. Anytime your view is blocked by a hill or a curve, you should always assume an oncoming vehicle could be coming toward you. Always expect an oncoming car and never pass within a 1/3 mile of a curve or hill. 63 Lane Obstructions- Before you pass, look ahead for road conditions and traffic that could cause other vehicles to move into your lane. Don’t think other drivers will make room for you when passing. Never pass unless you have enough space to return to the driving lane. Before you return to the driving lane, be sure to leave enough room between your vehicle and the vehicle you have passed. At night, when you can see both headlights of the vehicle you passed in your rear-view mirror, it is safe to return to the driving lane. LEFT LANE ON A MULTILANE HIGHWAY FOR PASSING ONLY Arkansas Code Annotated 27-51-301 states that a vehicle shall not be driven upon the left lane of a multilane highway, EXCEPT as follows: (1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing that movement. (2) When all other lanes for traveling in the same direction are closed to traffic while under construction or repair. (3) When all other lanes for traveling in the same direction are in disrepair or are in an otherwise undrivable or unsafe condition; or (4) When a vehicle is preparing to exit the multilane highway on the left You might lose your space for passing because of: • People or bicyclists near the road • A narrow bridge or other situation that causes reduced lane width. • A patch of ice, pothole, or object on the road

64 CHAPTER 6: TRACTOR-TRAILER RIGS – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (REQUIRED) It may appear obvious, but tractor-trailer rigs are not large cars. To reduce the chance of a crash with a large tractor-trailer, motorists must be familiar with a truck’s capabilities and common maneuvers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 72 percent of fatal crashes involving two or more vehicles, in which one of the vehicles is a tractor-trailer, the cause is usually attributed to a car. Braking Tractor-trailers take longer to stop than a car traveling at the same speed. The average passenger car traveling at 55 miles per hour can stop in about 225 feet. A fully loaded tractor-trailer traveling at 55 miles per hour may take more than 335 feet to come to a complete stop. That is the length of a football field. Turning Any turning vehicle’s rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels. A longer vehicle makes a greater difference when turning. That’s why the drivers of tractor-trailers must often swing out to the left as the first step in making a right turn. When following a tractor-trailer, watch the turn signals before trying to pass. If a left turn is imminent (going to happen), wait a moment to check and see which way the driver is signaling to turn before passing on the right. 65 AVOIDING THE TRACTOR-TRAILER “NO ZONE” It is important that your vehicle can be seen whenever you are driving. Many motorists assume truckers can see the road better because they sit higher than the driver of a car. While tractor-trailer drivers have a better forward view from the cabs of their trucks and have bigger mirrors, they still have serious blind spots. A car can disappear; up to 20 feet in front of the cab, on either side of the tractor-trailer (particularly alongside the cab), and up to 200 feet in the rear of the truck. 66 (REQUIRED) Motorists remaining in the blind spots along the sides and in the rear of a truck hinder the trucker’s ability to take evasive action in avoiding a dangerous situation and the possibility of a crash. An excellent rule for motorists sharing the road with a tractor-trailer is, “if you can’t see the truck driver in the tractor side mirror, the driver can’t see you.” Maneuverability Trucks are designed to carry many products and are not designed to be as maneuverable as cars. Trucks have longer stopped and acceleration distances, take wider areas to turn, and weigh much more than cars. The following list is the most common mistakes motorists must avoid when driving around trucks: • Cutting off a truck in traffic or on the highway to reach an exit or turn. Cutting into the open space in front of a truck removes the truck driver’s cushion of safety. Trying to beat a truck to a single-lane construction zone, for instance, represents a particularly dangerous situation. Take a moment to slow down and exit behind the truck, it will only take you a few extra seconds. • Don’t linger alongside a truck when passing. Always pass a tractor-trailer completely and on the left side. If you linger when passing a truck, your position makes it impossible for the truck driver to take evasive action if an obstacle appears in the road ahead. • When following behind a truck, if you can’t see the truck driver’s rear-view mirrors, there is no way the truck driver can see you. Tailgating a truck or car is dangerous because you take away your own cushion of safety if the vehicle in front of you stops short. Also, if the vehicle you are following hits something in the road, you will have no time to react before it hits the front of your car. • Never underestimate the size and speed of an approaching tractor-trailer. The size of a tractor-trailer can appear to be traveling at a slower speed than reality. A large number of car-truck collisions take place at intersections because the driver of the car does not realize how close the truck is or how quickly it is approaching.

67 CHAPTER 7: SHARING THE ROAD WITH BICYCLES AND MOTORCYCLES Bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities on the streets as other vehicles and must share lanes of traffic. Bicycles are required to travel on the right-hand side of the road with other traffic. Bicyclists are not allowed to travel facing oncoming traffic. They should ride as close to the right side of the road to avoid road hazards that could cause them to swerve into traffic. When you’re sharing the road with bicycles, you should always expect the rider to make sudden moves. Trash, minor oil slicks, a pothole or crack in the concrete, a barking dog, a parked car, or a car door opening, and other surprises can force a bicycle rider to swerve suddenly in front of you. When cyclists are passing parked cars, they tend to move away from the cars toward the center of the lane to avoid injuring – or being injured by – people getting out of cars. In such cases, the cyclist is operating the bicycle properly to avoid injury. Drivers should give the cyclist the entire lane, if possible. When road conditions prevent the entire lane, pass the cyclist with extreme caution. Cyclists who are not riding on the right side of the lane are not being careless but attempting to account for traffic conditions and/or preparing to make a left turn. Bicycles are hard to see. The riders are exposed and easily injured in a collision. Oncoming bicycle traffic is often overlooked. Safety Tips for Motor Vehicle Drivers: • The most common cause of a collision is a driver turning left in front of an oncoming bicycle or turning right, across the path of the bicycle. • Drivers often fail to pick the bicyclist out of the traffic scene or inaccurately judge the speed of the cyclist making a left turn. • Drivers overtaking a bicyclist and then making a right turn in front of the cyclist can cause an accident. Look left, then right and left again to make sure you see the cyclist and know his speed before you turn. • Merge with bicycle traffic when preparing for a right turn. Don’t turn directly across the path of a cyclist. • Watch for young bicycle riders turning in front of you, who may not look or signal, especially if the rider is a child. • Most bicyclists maintain eye contact with drivers around them when making a turn. Before turning, a driver should attempt to gain and maintain eye contact with the cyclist to ensure a safer turn. • Allow plenty of room when passing a bicycle rider. • A driver should never attempt to pass between a bicyclist and oncoming vehicles on a two-lane road. If you are overtaking a bicycle and an oncoming car is approaching, you should slow down and let the vehicle pass before you pass the bicycle. • Never pass a bicycle if the street is too narrow or you could force the bicyclist too close to parked vehicles. Wait until there is enough room to let you safely pass. • If you are about to pass a bicycle on a narrow road and you think the rider doesn’t know you’re coming, tap your horn gently and briefly as a signal that you’re going to pass. Don’t blast your horn or otherwise startle or try to intimidate the rider. 68 Residential Areas Are Danger Zones Bicyclists may ride in the middle of the street, and disregard stop signs and traffic signals. Be careful in all neighborhood areas where children and teenagers might be riding. • Children riding bicycles create special problems for drivers. Children are not capable of proper judgment in determining traffic conditions. Drivers should be alert to the possibility of sudden movement and sudden changes in direction when children or bicycles are present. • Watch out for bikes coming out of driveways, behind parked cars, or from other obstructions. • Bicyclists riding at night present visibility problems for drivers. At night, watch the side of the road for bicyclists. Bicyclists are required to have proper illumination, front light, and rear reflector. Drivers should be aware that bicyclists are not easily seen. Lights from approaching traffic may make them even harder to see at night. • If you see a bicyclist with a red or orange pennant flag attached to the bike, slow down; this is a symbol to indicate the rider has impaired hearing. Lane Positions for Bicycles When a bicycle rider and a vehicle share the same lane, they are required to ride side by side, in the same lane. Even then, there are certain times when a bicycle can take the full lane. A bicyclist should be allowed full use of the lane when: • The rider is overtaking and passing another vehicle going in the same direction. • If the lane is marked and signed for bicycle use only, drivers must NEVER use that lane as a turning lane, passing lane or for parking. • The bicyclist is getting in place for a left turn at an intersection or turning left into a private road or driveway. • There are unsafe conditions in the roadway such as parked cars, moving vehicles or machinery, fixed obstacles, pedestrians, animals, potholes, or debris. • The lane is too narrow for both a car and a bicycle to safely share the lane. In this case, it is safest to let the bicycle take the full lane. Bicycle Hand Signals 69 Sharing the Road with Motorcyclists Today’s motorcycle riders are often friends, relatives, and neighbors, but still many car drivers have not adjusted to motorcycles appearing in traffic. Traveling by motorcycle is appealing to some people; they are fuel and space efficient and can be just plain fun to ride, but there is a flip side. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injury than a car driver if involved in an accident. Research shows that over two-thirds of car/motorcycle accidents are the result of a car driver turning in front of a motorcyclist. Motorcyclists and cars need to mix in traffic without causing harm to each other. For various reasons, drivers may not always see the motorcyclist. Approximately one-third of all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. A few of the most common reasons are: 1. Many drivers tend to look for other cars – not for motorcyclists. 2. The profile of a motorcycle is much smaller than a car, making an approaching motorcyclist harder to see. 3. Estimating the distance and speed of a motorcycle is more difficult than estimating that of a car. 4. Motorcycle riding requires frequent lane movements to adjust to changing road conditions. Situations When Crashes Are Most Likely to Occur Left Turns - The most common crash between cars and motorcycles is at an intersection when the driver of a car is making a left turn in front of a motorcycle (Failure to Yield Right of Way). Over 40% of all motorcycle crashes occur at intersections. Nearly 60% of those crashes were caused by the other vehicles turning left in front of the motorcyclist. Changing Lanes and Car’s Blind Spots - Motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections. Hazardous Road Conditions - Road conditions that are a minor annoyance to you may pose a major hazard to motorcyclists. Motorcyclists may suddenly change speed or adjust their position within a lane in a reaction to the weather or road and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, railroad crossings, and wet or slippery surfaces which impair the motorcyclist’s braking and handling abilities. Expect and allow room for such actions by the motorcyclist. Strong Winds - A strong gust of wind can move a motorcycle across an entire lane if the rider isn’t prepared for it. Wind gusts from large trucks in the other lane can be a hazard. Obstructed View by Larger Vehicles - A large vehicle such as a van, bus, or truck can block a motorcycle from a driver's view causing the motorcyclist to suddenly appear from nowhere. How Can I Drive Aware? Look Twice for Motorcyclists - Although you may not see any cars coming, be aware there may be a motorcycle. Be careful at intersections and always take a second look for a motorcycle before turning at an intersection, particularly when making left turns. Special Note: If you drive aware of motorcyclists in these situations, you can help make the streets and roads safer for everyone. 70 Signal Your Intentions Always signal before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcycle to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position. Signal even if you don’t see cars or motorcycles. Be careful when making left turns across lanes of oncoming or approaching traffic. Look carefully in all directions for approaching motorcyclists. Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal. Motorcycle signals don’t automatically cancel, and riders forget to turn them off. Wait and see if the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed. Respect a Motorcycle Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem as though there is enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcycle, the motorcycle is entitled to a full lane and may need room to maneuver safely. Do not attempt to share the lane with a motorcycle. Allow Plenty of Space When Following a Motorcycle The slightest contact can mean a spill or injury for the rider. Allow more following distance, at least four (4) to six (6) seconds, when following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than a car. For more information on Motorcycles, see the online Motorcycle Endorsement Study Guide at https://www.dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/services-programs/driver- examination/ or contact the Motorcycle Safety Coordinator at (501) 618-8127.

71 CHAPTER 8: DRIVING FITNESS Drivers should take extra time to be safe. Operating a motor vehicle can injure or kill us. To be a safe driver, it takes a lot of skill and judgment. Your ability to be a safe driver depends on seeing clearly, not being tired, and driving without consuming alcohol or illegal drugs. In other words, stay in “shape” before driving. Vision Good vision is a must for safe driving. If you cannot see clearly, you will have trouble identifying traffic, and road conditions, spotting potential trouble and reacting in a timely manner. Arkansas requires that you pass a vision test before you get a driver’s license. You must have at least twenty-seventy (20/70) vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses. Other important aspects are: • Peripheral Vision – Take advantage of peripheral vision, the field of vision from the corner of your eye. This lets you spot vehicles and other potential trouble on either side of you while you look ahead. Because you cannot focus on things to the side, use your side mirrors and glance to the side. • Judging Distance and Speed – Even if you can see the road ahead, you may not be able to judge distances or speed at times. Many people have problems judging distances and speeds; it takes a lot of practice to do both. Judgment is very important in knowing how far you are from other vehicles, judging safe gaps when merging and when passing on two-lane roads. • Night Vision – Many people can see clearly in the daytime but have trouble seeing at night. All people have problems seeing at night. Some drivers have problems with glare while driving at night, especially with the glare of oncoming headlights. If you have problems seeing at night, don’t drive unless it’s necessary and if you do, be very careful. Because safe driving depends on how well you see, drivers should have their eyes checked every year by an eye specialist. You may not know you have poor vision unless your eyes are tested. If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses for driving, remember to: • Wear corrective lenses, if prescribed, when you drive. If you have a restriction “B” restriction on your driver’s license, you must drive with your eyewear. If stopped by law enforcement, a driver can be ticketed for failing to wear corrective lenses. • Keep an extra pair of glasses in your vehicle. This can be helpful if you forget or misplace your glasses. • Avoid dark or tinted glasses/contact lenses at night, even if it helps with glare. The problem is these types of lenses cut down too much light and light is needed to see the road ahead. Hearing Hearing can be helpful when driving. The sound of horns, sirens, or screeching tires can warn you of danger. Hearing problems can happen when you least expect them. Deaf or hearing-impaired drivers can adjust to conditions and be safe drivers by relying on their vision to stay alert. Studies have shown driving records for the hearing impaired to be as good as those with good hearing. 72 Fatigue You cannot drive safely when tired. A safe driver must be aware of their surroundings to avoid danger. Being rested can keep you from falling asleep at the wheel and crashing. There are things you can do to keep from getting tired on a long trip: • Try to get a good night’s sleep before you leave. • Do not leave on a trip if you are tired. Plan your trips so you can leave when you are rested. • Do not take any medicine that might make you drowsy. • Eat light meals prior to departure. Large, full meals tend to cause drowsiness. • Take breaks. Stop regularly or as needed to walk around, breathe fresh air, and refresh with coffee, soda, or juice. The few minutes spent on a rest break can save your life. Allow plenty of time to complete your trip safely. • Avoid long trips during hours your body is accustomed to resting. • Never drive if you are sleepy. It is better to stop and sleep for a few hours than take a chance you can stay awake. Health Many health problems can affect your driving- a bad cold, infection, or a virus. Even smaller problems such as a stiff neck, a cough, or a sore leg can affect your driving. If you are not feeling well and you have places to go; let someone else drive. Epilepsy- Epilepsy is usually not dangerous when under medical control. In Arkansas, you may drive with epilepsy, if you are under the care of a doctor and seizure free for one year. Diabetes- Diabetics, who take insulin, should not drive when there is a chance of going into shock. Diabetic shock could result from skipping a meal or snack, or from taking the wrong amount of insulin. You should have someone else drive when adjusting to insulin dosage. Remember to have your eyes checked regularly for possible night blindness and other vision problems. Heart Condition- People with heart disease, high blood pressure, or circulation problems may be in danger of blackouts, fainting, or a heart attack and should not get behind the wheel. If you are being treated for a heart condition, ask your doctor before driving. Emotional Distress- Emotions can have a great effect on your driving ability. You may not be able to drive if you are overly worried, excited, afraid, angry, or just “down.” • If you are angry or excited, give yourself time to calm down or cool off. Take a short walk but stay off the road until you have calmed down. • If you are worried or “down” about something, try to keep your mind on your driving. Some people find the radio helps. • If you are impatient, give yourself extra driving time. Leave a few minutes early. If you have plenty of time, you may not speed or do other things that could cause a traffic ticket or cause a crash. 73 DRINKING AND DRIVING Alcohol is involved in approximately thirty-eight (38) percent of traffic crashes in which someone is killed. If you drink alcohol, your chances of being in a crash are much greater than a person who does not drink alcohol. There is no safe alcohol concentration to operate a vehicle. Experienced drivers are affected by alcohol even if they have been driving for many years and new drivers are even more affected by alcohol because they are still in the learning process. Every driver is affected by alcohol; therefore, you should never drink and drive. Drinking alcohol and driving is dangerous, and the penalties are very severe. People who drink and drive risk being fined more than any other violation. These drivers will experience higher insurance rates, loss of license, possible ignition interlock devices, and jail sentences. Most importantly, drinking and driving can cause death or injury to yourself or others. Alcohol Impairment Alcohol reduces important skills you need to drive safely. After you drink alcohol, it goes from your stomach into the small intestine where most of it is absorbed into the blood, then transports the alcohol to all parts of the body. Alcohol in the bloodstream reaches the brain in fifteen (15) to forty (40) minutes. Once in the brain, alcohol affects areas that control judgment and skill. The first driving ability to be affected by alcohol is judgment. Good judgment is important to driving and one reason why drinking alcohol then driving is so dangerous. Judgment helps you to decide when to stop drinking. When people consume alcohol, they lose their ability to judge, until they’ve had too much to drink and it’s too late. By the time you begin to feel the effect of the alcohol, your judgment is severely affected. Alcohol slows your reflexes/reaction time, reduces your ability to see clearly, and makes you less alert. As the amount of alcohol in your body increases, it worsens your judgment and decreases your skills. This will cause drivers problems when judging distances, speeds, and the movement of other vehicles. An even more dangerous problem is not being able to control your vehicle. 74 Body Metabolism If you drink alcohol, do not drive. How many alcoholic drinks does it take to affect your driving, one drink? Two or more drinks may cause impairment, and you could be arrested. The first driving ability to be affected by alcohol is judgment. When drinking socially, arrange to go with two or more persons, where one of you can be the designated driver. If you do not have a designated driver, use public transportation or a cab. Never get behind the wheel if you have been drinking, the risk you are taking isn’t worth the consequences of killing yourself or others. Alcohol and the Law Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) is the alcohol in your breath and Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is the concentration of alcohol in the blood. Blood alcohol concentration can be determined by a blood or urine test. The law enforcement officer chooses which test (breath, urine, or saliva) to request. If a law enforcement officer instructs you to take an alcohol test you are compelled by law to do so. You can lose your driver’s license if you refuse to take an alcohol test. If you are found guilty of an alcohol violation and it is your first conviction, you will be fined from $150 to $1000, in addition to court costs. You could also be sentenced to one (1) year in jail, and your license could be suspended for 120 days. For second offense and convictions that follow the second offense the penalties are much worse, you could be sent to prison. 1.5-ounce (shot glass) 80 proof liquor 6-ounce glass of table wine 12-ounce can of beer A single drink is considered 1.5 ounces of (80) proof liquor (one shot glass) straight or with a mixer; a 6-ounce glass of wine or a 12-ounce container of beer. Specialty drinks can have more alcohol, and one drink may equal several normal drinks. The body rids itself of alcohol at a rate of one (1) drink per hour. There is no way to sober up quickly. Coffee, fresh air, exercise or a cold shower will not help. Remember: Food slows the rate at which alcohol enters the blood; it will not prevent you from getting intoxicated. The only thing that will sober you up is time. If you are arrested for drinking and driving, the penalties are severe. You will be arrested for driving while intoxicated with an alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more in the breath (grams/210 liters) or blood (grams/100 milliliters, the same as 0.08%). In Arkansas, if involved in a traffic crash or involved in a serious traffic offense, you can be charged with DWI with a blood alcohol content between 0.08% and 0.04%. 75 In Arkansas, you cannot buy or consume alcohol under the age of twenty-one (21). You can be arrested for Underage Driving Under the Influence if your alcohol concentration is 0.02%breath or blood alcohol concentration. If you are found guilty after the proper test(s), you could have your license revoked until you reach twenty-one (21) years of age and could be fined $2000. In addition, any person under twenty-one (21) years of age convicted of purchasing or being in possession of alcohol will have their driving privileges suspended, revoked, or disqualified. Other Types of Drugs and Driving There are many types of drugs, in addition to alcohol that affects a person’s driving ability. The effects of drugs are worse than those caused by alcohol. Many prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs (no prescription) such as drugs for headaches, colds, hay fever, or other allergies or drugs to calm the nerves can make a person drowsy and affect their driving skills. Pep pills, “uppers”, and diet pills can make a driver feel more alert for a short time. Later, these drugs can cause a person to be nervous, dizzy, unable to concentrate, and have poor vision. Other drugs can affect your reflexes, judgment, vision, and alertness in ways like alcohol. Other drugs cannot increase concentration and do not stop impairment. Some prescription drugs and nonprescription drugs may impair your driving. Check the label for warnings or ask your doctor or pharmacists for possible side effects before driving. Never drink alcohol while you are taking medications or other drugs. These drugs may multiply the effects of alcohol or have additional effects of their own. These effects not only reduce your ability to be a safe driver, but the effects could cause serious health problems or even death. Illegal drugs are not good for your health and affect your ability to be a safe driver. For example, studies have shown that people who use marijuana make more mistakes, have more trouble adjusting to glare, and get arrested for traffic violations more than other drivers. 76 ARKANSAS ORGAN & TISSUE DONOR INFORMATION Following the successful completion of driver testing, Arkansas license applicants will be asked whether they wish to register as organ or tissue donors. The words “Organ Donor” will be printed on the front of the Arkansas driver’s license for those individuals who choose to participate as registered organ donors. Arkansas driver license holders, identified as organ donors, will be listed in a state registry. The donor driver’s license and registry assist emergency services and medical personnel to identify the individuals who have chosen to offer upon death, their body’s organs to help another person have a second chance at life (i.e. the transplant of a heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, corneas, bone, skin, heart valves or tissue). It will be important, should you choose to participate in the donor program to speak with your family about the decision so that your wishes can be carried out upon your death. Please review some of the facts you should know about organ and tissue donations:  Thousands of people are on waiting lists to receive organ transplants.  Approximately 17 patients on average die each day while waiting on a suitable organ donation (one person every 85 minutes).  The decision to become an organ or tissue donor will not influence the quality of emergency care or medical treatment an organ donor might receive. Organ donations may only occur after every effort has been made to save the donor’s life.  Organ and tissue donations do not change the way the body may appear. Organ and tissue donors are treated with respect and dignity. Organ harvesting occurs through a sterile surgical process under the strict guidance of a physician.  The families of organ and tissue donors are not expected to pay for any medical bills associated with the organ harvesting process.  Organ and tissue donations are considered gifts and family survivors of a donor receive no compensation.  While many religious orders or denominations may not oppose the principles of human organ and tissue donations, specific questions relating to this matter should be directed to your family pastor, cleric, or religious leader. *Source material from Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency The Arkansas Organ Donor Registry is managed by the Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency (ARORA). For more information about organ and tissue donation, contact ARORA by calling (501) 907- 9150 or (866)660-5433, or log onto the ARORA website at www.arora.org.

77 CHAPTER 9: EMERGENCIES All drivers sooner or later find themselves in an emergency. Be careful and be aware of situations that could cause you driving problems. If you are prepared, you may be able to prevent any serious outcomes. Vehicle Emergencies There is always a chance of a vehicle problem while driving. You should follow the recommended maintenance schedule in the vehicle owner’s manual. Brake Failure If your brakes stop working: • Pump the brake pedal several times. This will often build up enough brake pressure to allow you to stop. • If that does not work, use the parking brake. Pull on the parking brake handle slowly or slowly press the emergency brake pedal so you will not lock the rear wheels and cause a skid. Be ready to release the brake if the vehicle does start to skid. • If that does not work, start shifting to lower gears and look for a safe place to slow to a stop. Make sure the car is off the roadway. Do not drive the vehicle without brakes. Blowouts If you have a sudden tire blowout: • Hold the steering wheel tightly and keep the vehicle going straight. • Slow gradually. Take your foot off the gas pedal and use the brakes lightly. • Do not stop on the road if possible. Pull off the road in a safe place. Engine Failure If your engine fails, you should: • Keep a strong grip on the steering wheel. Be aware that the steering may be difficult to turn, but you can turn it. • Pull off the roadway. The brakes will still work but you may have to push very hard on the brake pedal. Headlight Failure If your headlights suddenly go out: • Try the headlight switch a few times. • If that does not work, put on the emergency flashers, turn signals, or fog lights, if you have them. • Pull off the road as soon as possible. Faulty Accelerator The motor keeps running faster and faster: • Keep your eyes on the road. • Quickly shift to neutral. • Pull off the road when safe to do so. • Turn off the engine. 78 Avoiding Collisions When it looks as if a collision may happen, many drivers panic and fail to act. In some cases, they do act but do something that does not help to reduce the chance of the collision. There is something you can do to avoid the crash or reduce the results of the crash. In avoiding a collision, drivers have three options: (1) Stop, (2) Turn, and (3) Speed Up. Stopping Many newer vehicles have ABS (Antilock Braking System). Be sure to read the vehicle owner’s manual on how to use the ABS. The ABS system will allow you to stop without skidding if you need to stop quickly. With ABS – If you have an antilock braking system and you need to stop quickly: • Press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep pressing on it. • You might feel the brake pedal pushing back when the ABS is working. Do not let up on the brake pedal. The ABS system will only work with the brake pedal pushed down. Without ABS – If your vehicle does not have antilock brakes: • You can cause the vehicle to go into a skid if you brake too hard. • Apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking the brake. • If the brakes lock up, you will feel the vehicle start to skid. Quickly let up on the brake pedal. • As soon as the vehicle stops skidding, push down on the brake pedal again. Keep doing this until the vehicle has stopped. Turning In most cases, a driver can turn the vehicle quicker than it can be stopped. You should consider turning to avoid a collision. Make sure you grip the steering wheel with both hands. The best way to grip the steering wheel is to place your hands at 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions. Once you have turned away or changed lanes to avoid danger, you must be ready to keep the vehicle under control. Some drivers steer away from one collision only to end up in another. With ABS – One aspect of having ABS is you can turn your vehicle while braking without skidding. This is helpful for turning, stopping, or slowing down. Without ABS – If you do not have ABS, use a different procedure to turn quickly. Step on the brake pedal, then let up and turn the steering wheel. Braking will somewhat slow the vehicle, by putting more weight on the front tires for a quicker turn. Do not lock up the front wheels when braking or when turning so sharp that the vehicle can only plow ahead. Generally, it is better to run off the road than crash head-on into another vehicle. Accelerating Sometimes it is best or in some cases necessary to speed up to avoid a collision. You may want to accelerate when another vehicle is about to hit you from the side or from behind. Another case in which you might need to accelerate would be when there is space in front of you to get out of danger. Be sure to slow down once the danger has passed. 79 Skids Roads can be unsafe even under normal conditions; but even more dangerous when covered with water, snow, or ice. Driving at a high speed increases the possibility of a skid if you turn or stop suddenly. If your vehicle begins to skid: • Stay off the Brake – Your brakes will not work until the vehicle slows down. Your vehicle could skid more if you hit your brakes. • Steer – Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the vehicle to go. As soon as the vehicle begins to straighten out, turn the steering wheel back the other way. If you fail to turn the wheel back the other way, your vehicle may swing around in the other direction and start a new skid. • Continue to Steer – Continue to correct your steering, left and right, until you gain control of the vehicle. Skids (black marks on pavement) are caused when tires can no longer grip the road. You cannot control a vehicle when it is skidding. The vast majority of skids are caused by drivers traveling too fast for the conditions. 80 Traffic Crashes Do not stop at a crash unless you are involved, or emergency help has not arrived. Focus on your driving and keep moving, watch for people in or near the road. Do not drive to the scene of an accident, fire, or another disaster. Your vehicle could block the way for police, firefighters, ambulances, tow trucks, and other rescue vehicles. No matter how well you drive, there may be a time when you are involved in a crash. If you are involved in a crash, you must stop. Arkansas Law requires that if you are involved in a traffic crash you should, move the vehicle from the roadway; so, it doesn’t block traffic. In case you are involved in a crash with a parked vehicle, you must try to locate the owner. Any person injured, killed, or has property damage exceeding $1000; a driver must notify the police immediately. A driver cannot leave the scene of a crash with injury or death until police have talked with the driver(s) and collected all information they need about the crash. What should I do if I am involved in a traffic crash? • Stop your vehicle at or near the accident site. Move it off the road, if possible, so it does not block traffic. • Do not stand or walk in traffic lanes. You could be struck by another vehicle. • Turn off the ignition of wrecked vehicles. Do not smoke near a wrecked vehicle. Fuel could have spilled, and you could cause a fire. • If there are electrical wires down, do not go near the wires. • Make sure other traffic will not be involved in the crash. Use flares or other warning devices to alert traffic of the accident, but again, be aware of any spilled fuel or fuel leaks. 81 Assisting the Injured • Help anyone who cannot move or anyone unconscious. Check for breathing, and then check for bleeding. • Call for help. Make sure police are notified with a precise location of the crash scene and provide the dispatchers any warnings such as gas spills, fire, or downed electric lines, and follow up with the same information given to rescue and emergency medical personnel. • Do not move the injured unless they are trapped inside a burning vehicle or another immediate form of danger. • If there is bleeding, supply direct pressure to the wound. Even severe bleeding can almost always be stopped or slowed by using direct pressure on a wound. • Do not give the injured anything to drink, even water, until medical personnel is on the scene. • To prevent an injured person from going into shock, cover the individual with a blanket or warm clothing such as a coat or jacket. Keep a Record of Crash Information • Get the names and addresses of all the people involved in the accident and any witnesses. Make sure to get the names and addresses of any injured persons. • Exchange information with other drivers involved in the crash. (I.e., Name, address, driver’s license number, insurance company, policy number if available vehicle information such as license plate, make, model, and year of the vehicle. • Record any damage to the vehicles involved in the crash. • Provide information to the police or other emergency officials if requested. • You must report the accident to the Office of Driver Services division of the Department of Finance and Administration if there is an injury, a death, or property damage of more than $3000 to one person’s property. Accident forms are available at Office of Driver Services offices or from most insurance agents. You must file the report within thirty (30) days of the accident. If you are injured and unable to complete the report, someone may file on your behalf.

82 CHAPTER 10: SKILLS TEST GUIDELINES Inspecting Your Vehicle Take a moment before you drive to check the safety of your vehicle. A vehicle in poor operating condition is unsafe and could cause you to become disabled along the roadside or even cause an accident. Vehicles in sub-standard operating conditions may not respond well to a driver’s reaction in an emergency or collision. A vehicle in good operating condition will always provide a greater margin for safe driving. Follow these safety tips for inspecting your vehicle. • Vehicle Seats Since the risk zone for driver airbags is the first 2-3 inches of inflation, placing yourself 10 inches from your driver airbag provides you with a clear margin of safety. This distance is measured from the center of the steering wheel to your breastbone. • Vehicle Mirrors Good visual search habits require proper positioning and the use of mirrors located inside and outside a vehicle. Mirrors should be properly adjusted to detect objects and not for determining the position of other vehicles. Adjust your rearview and side mirrors before you start driving. Inside mirror  Adjust the inside mirror so you can see the entire rear window from the driver's seat. You should have to move only your eyes, not your head when using this mirror.  Drivers 6 feet tall or taller may find it helpful to reposition the mirror upside down, if possible. This usually raises the bottom edge of the mirror about 1 to 2 inches and can substantially reduce a major blind area to the front for tall drivers. Side-view mirrors  To adjust the driver's side-view mirror, place your head against the left side window and set the mirror so you can just barely see the side of the car on the mirror's right side.  To adjust the passenger's side-view mirror, position your head so that it is just above the center console. Set the mirror so you can just barely see the side of the car on the left side of the mirror. Before you drive, take time to assess your trip – especially if driving in hazardous weather. If traveling Arkansas roadways, visit https://idrivearkansas.com or call or text the Arkansas Department of Transportation at (501) 569-2374 for travel information on weather- 83 Do not hang items from your mirror or clutter up the view through the windshield with decals. These items could block a portion of your view. Any missing or damaged mirror(s), which obstruct your view, should be replaced. Drivers should remember objects may appear closer than the view in the mirror and mirrors do not display objects in blind spots. To properly check your blind spots, one should glance over the shoulder in the direction in which the vehicle is moving. • Braking System Only manufactured brakes can properly stop a vehicle. Your brakes should be in good working condition. If you suspect brake problems, you should take your vehicle to a licensed mechanic for an inspection. There are certain indicators to help alert you of a potential brake issue. 1) A noise from underneath the vehicle when the brake pedal is depressed. 2) Foul smell during heavy braking. 3) Depressing the brake pedal with little or any breaking action. • Lights Inspect turn signals, brake lights, taillights, and headlights for good operating conditions. To check your vehicle lights, turn them on from inside your vehicle, step outside the vehicle and look for any non-working lights. When inspecting your brake lights, you will need a partner to depress the brake while you inspect the rear of your vehicle for red lights on each side. • Windshield and Wipers The windshield of your car ensures your safety while driving, you should always keep your windshield clean, but it is also prone to chips and cracks. Damaged glass can break more easily in a minor collision or when an object hits the windshield. You should replace or repair damaged windshields as soon as possible. Wiper blades should be replaced every six (6) months to a year or as soon as you notice a difference in driving visibility. Use the guide below to help determine if your windshield is safe. Rule: Inspect for and Reject if: • Glass in the windshield, side, or rear window areas is damaged to the extent that the driver’s view to the front left, right or rear of the vehicle is obscured. • Not equipped with safety glass in all doors, windows, and windshields after July 1, 1951. • More than one crack or other visual impairment is present in an eight (8) inch-wide area running horizontally through the center of the windshield that falls under the wiper area on the driver’s side. (See Diagram). 84 • Tires Tire safety depends on maintaining proper tire pressure, observing tire and vehicle load limits (not carrying more weight in your vehicle than your tires or vehicle can safely handle), avoiding road hazards, and inspecting tires for cuts, slashes, and other irregularities. The recommended tire inflation pressure that vehicle manufacturers provide reflects the proper psi when a tire is cold. The term cold does not relate to the outside temperature. Rather, a cold tire is one that has not been driven on for at least three hours. When you drive, your tires get warmer, causing the air pressure within them to increase. Therefore, to get an accurate tire pressure reading, you must measure tire pressure when the tires are cold or compensate for the extra pressure in warm tires. The tire tread provides gripping action and traction that prevent your vehicle from slipping or sliding, especially when the road is wet or icy. In general, tires are not safe and should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch. A method for checking tread depth is to place a penny in the tread with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, you are ready for new tires. • Steering System If the steering system is not working properly, it may be difficult to control the direction of the vehicle. Any steering system that does not move when the steering wheel is first turned may need to be checked by a mechanic. • Exhaust System The exhaust system removes toxic gases from the engine and aids in the reduction of noise from the engine and helps cool the hot gases from the running engine. Fumes from a leaky exhaust can cause death in a very short time. Never allow the engine to idle in your garage or enclosed area without an open window. During the winter it is a good idea to occasionally open a window and allow fresh air to fill the cabin of the vehicle, which will reduce any risk of toxic exhaust fumes filtering into the moving vehicle. • Engine Starting the Engine- Be familiar with your vehicle. Use the Owner’s Manual to become familiar with basic operations. Always make sure your parking brake is set before starting the engine. Always follow the prescribed procedures for routine maintenance found in the vehicle owner/operator handbook. • Horn The horn is an important safety device that warns other drivers and could save your life. Your horn should always be in working condition. 85 The final stage of obtaining a driver’s license in Arkansas is to successfully complete a skills test. You will provide your own vehicle for this test. The applicant will be tested on his/her ability to locate vehicle controls and demonstrate their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle on the streets and highways. Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles will follow the same guideline. Preparing for the Skills Exam When you appear for testing, please bring your instruction permit, a valid licensed driver (not suspended or revoked) twenty-one (21) or older, current insurance (paper or electronic), and vehicle registration. Vehicle Inspection Applicants must be familiar with the location of vehicle controls (refer to the skills exam form) and must demonstrate their location. Examiners will also inspect the vehicle for mechanical defects. Make sure your vehicle doesn’t require maintenance and that no vehicle warning lights are displayed. A skills test will not be given if: • The vehicle interior is excessively dirty. • All lights do not work. • The windshield should be clean and free from any crack that obstructs the view. • The windshield should be clean • The muffler and exhaust system are not operating properly. • The horn does not work. • The speedometer does not work. • The tires are worn so badly as to be unsafe. No donut spares are allowed on the vehicle. • The windows are excessively tinted. • The examiner recognizes serious mechanical defects, such as defective brakes. • The vehicle is not properly licensed, and the license must be properly displayed. • The applicant is unfamiliar with the vehicle control mechanisms Performance Guidelines: The skills test will measure an applicant’s ability to operate the vehicle properly and legally. • Vehicle Controls: Refer to the skills test form for a list of required vehicle controls. o Grading: The applicant will be asked to identify each control. If the applicant cannot locate the control, the examiner will mark the missed control as an infraction. You are allowed three (3) missed controls before the test is failed. • Road Test: Applicants are graded on how well they know the rules of the road. o A total of two missed attempts in the same category will constitute a failed exam. For example, the examiner warns you on the first rolling stop, if you acquire another rolling stop, it’s a two-week penalty. o Automatic failures are imposed a thirty-day penalty. A violation of any law may result in a failing grade on the skills test. Skill guidelines have been promulgated and approved by the legislature. 86 Arkansas State Police Driver’s Testing 1-2-3 Skills Checklist Revised: June 24, 2025 Before a skills exam can begin, all applicants must have the following: 1. Original Driver’s License Permit • Do Not Photocopy or Laminate the Permit. 2. Valid Licensed Driver • Must present a hard copy license to the examiner. • License must be valid and not expired, suspended, or revoked. • Licensed driver must be twenty-one (21) years or older if the applicant is driving. • An unrestricted driver with a valid Class D, (16) years and older, may drive the applicant to the test center. 3. Current Proof of Insurance and Current Vehicle Registration • Proof of Insurance can be a paper or electronic card. • Valid vehicle registration. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: • Schedule an appointment for the driving portion. Visit: https://telegov.egov.com/aspdlskills • The permit is valid for two (2) years and cannot be renewed. • The skills exam must be completed, and a license purchased before the two (2) year expiration. Failure to complete the requirements will result in the applicant retaking all phases of the driver’s exam. • Permits cannot be extended for any reason, due to inclement weather. No Exceptions! • The permit allows the applicant to drive with a licensed driver, twenty-one (21) years or older, to practice driving. • If you have Immigration documents, please bring all documents with you each time. • Vehicles must be clean and in good mechanical condition. • Window tint darker than 25% on the front and darker than 10% in the back will be denied. • Any brow measuring more than 5 inches from the center of the windshield will be denied. • No window tint on the front windshield is permitted. • No cameras or recording devices are allowed. • A road test is not canceled due to rain. However, we do not administer the test in severe thunderstorms, fog, sleet, or snow. • If you wear contacts or glasses, please bring them with you on the day of your test. • Refer to page 76 in this manual for more detailed information.