A 4-minute lesson from the South Dakota course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Safe drivers keep their eyes moving: far ahead, to the sides, and behind. Searching early gives you time to change speed or position instead of braking hard at the last moment. Avoid staring at one spot.
Looking well ahead saves fuel and helps the drivers behind you, because you can slow gradually or change lanes instead of braking suddenly. How far you can see depends on where you drive; don't follow large vehicles too closely.
Intersections are any place traffic merges or crosses, including side streets, driveways, and shopping center or parking lot entrances. Look left and right before entering, and again just before you move from a stop.
Before turning right, check for traffic from the left, oncoming drivers turning left into your path, and crossing pedestrians. You may turn right on red unless prohibited.
Back up as little as possible (choose a drive-through space), look through the rear window instead of depending on mirrors, back slowly, and use a helper outside the vehicle when possible.
Your light turns green. Before rolling, look left and right, because this is exactly when cross-street drivers try to beat their red light. Then go when the path is clear.
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.
How far before an intersection must you signal a turn or lane change?
At least 20 feet
At least 300 feet
At least 500 feet
At least 100 feet
Answer: At least 100 feet
Drivers must signal at least 100 feet from an intersection before turning or changing lanes.