A 4-minute lesson from the Pennsylvania course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Being fit to drive starts before you turn the key. A quick routine (tires, fluids, seat, mirrors, belts, loose items) makes the car safer and gives you a clear view. Several of these steps are actually required by Pennsylvania law.
Know the rule
Check tire pressure against the recommended psi in the owner's manual or on the driver's side door jamb, using a tire pressure gauge. Check tires cold: before driving or at least three hours after. Let air out or add air until it matches.
Check fluid levels (engine oil, windshield washer, fuel). Adjust the seat so you can easily reach the pedals and controls and see clearly out the windshield, then set your mirrors.
Set the rearview mirror to show traffic directly behind you. Set each side mirror so that when you lean left or right you can just barely see the side of your vehicle.
It is illegal to hang anything from the rearview mirror while moving, or to place anything on the windshield that blocks your view. Tags, permits and placards may hang from the mirror only when parked.
Secure loose items: in a crash they fly at the speed you were going. Put heavy objects in the trunk or buckle them in, and never store items on the rear window deck.
Fasten lap and shoulder belts on every trip, lock your doors (which also helps prevent carjacking), and keep fresh air flowing to stay alert and guard against carbon monoxide.
Your air freshener and parking permit hang from the rearview mirror. Before you pull out, take them down: nothing may hang from the mirror while the car is moving, and permits may hang there only when you're parked.
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.
What is the 'penny test' used to check?
Tire tread depth
Brake pad thickness
Windshield wiper wear
Headlight alignment
Answer: Tire tread depth
The penny test, using Lincoln's head, checks whether tire tread depth is still adequate.
What does Pennsylvania law say about hanging objects from your rearview mirror while driving?
It is legal only for air fresheners
It is legal if the object is under 2 inches
It is illegal while the vehicle is moving
Permits and placards may hang there while driving
Answer: It is illegal while the vehicle is moving
It is against the law to have any object hanging from the rearview mirror while moving; tags, permits and placards may hang there only when the vehicle is parked.