A 3-minute lesson from the Massachusetts course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
A safe trip starts before you turn the key. You're responsible for being fit to drive, and for keeping your brakes, tires, steering, lights and plates in legal, working shape.
Know the rule
Have your eyesight checked every year or two and fix vision problems immediately; vision may worsen with age, especially at night. If your hearing has diminished, be even more visually alert.
Your passenger vehicle or motorcycle must be inspected for safety and emissions every year. Every time you get in, make a quick visual check for low tire pressure or damage.
Penny test: slide a penny into a tread groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tires are worn out. Driving on extremely worn or damaged tires is dangerous and illegal.
Your steering wheel shouldn't feel loose or lag before the tires respond. With power steering, check the fluid regularly, and have it inspected if it makes a high-pitched noise when you turn.
Check headlights, brake lights and turn signals regularly, keep lights clear of dirt, snow and ice, and change wipers that streak or don't clear the windshield.
You slide a penny into your tire's tread and can see the top of Lincoln's head. The tread is worn below about 2/32 of an inch, so the tire is worn out and illegal to drive on.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
From how far away must your license plate be visible at night?
30 feet
100 feet
60 feet
15 feet
Answer: 60 feet
Your license plate must be visible from 60 feet at night.