Ohio DMV Permit Test Safe Driving Practices Summary

Ohio law requires lighted headlights from sunset to sunrise. You must also use them when you cannot see people and vehicles 1,000 feet ahead, and when your wipers are on because of rain or snow.

Wrong choices

• Only when it is raining: Rain is one reason, but headlights are also required every night.
• Only on highways: The rule applies on every street and highway.
• Only after 10 p.m.: Waiting until 10 p.m. is too late. Headlights are needed from sunset.

Ohio law says a turn signal must be given continuously during at least the last 100 feet before you turn or move right or left.

Wrong choices

• At least 25 feet: 25 feet is too short. Ohio law requires at least 100 feet.
• Only when other cars are close: You must signal whenever a signal is required, even if you think no one is near.
• At least 50 feet: 50 feet is too short. Ohio law requires at least 100 feet.

Ohio law forbids driving through, around, or under a crossing gate while it is closed, opening, or closing, unless a police officer or flagperson signals you to go. Stop and wait until the gates are fully up.

Wrong choices

• Back up and cross at full speed: Rushing across while the gates are down is never safe.
• Drive around the gates carefully: Going around lowered gates is against the law and can be deadly. Trains come faster than they look.
• Honk and go under the gates when they start to rise: You must not go under the gates while they are moving.

Ohio law says that when crossing signals warn of a train, you must stop within 50 feet, but not less than 15 feet, from the nearest rail, and not go until it is safe.

Wrong choices

• At least 100 feet from the nearest rail: The law sets a stopping zone of 15 to 50 feet, not 100 feet.
• Within 5 feet of the nearest rail: 5 feet is too close. Stop at least 15 feet away.
• Right on the tracks so the train crew can see you: Never stop on the tracks.

Ohio law requires a child who is under 4 years old or who weighs less than 40 pounds to ride in a child restraint system (child safety seat) that meets federal safety standards, used as the maker directs.

Wrong choices

• On an adult's lap: Holding a child on your lap is never safe in a crash.
• With a regular adult seat belt: An adult seat belt does not fit a small child safely.
• In a booster seat with only a lap belt: Booster seats are for older children who no longer need a child safety seat.

Ohio law requires headlights whenever your windshield wipers are in use because of rain, snow, or other precipitation. Driving with only parking lights at these times is not allowed.

Wrong choices

• You may use parking lights only: Ohio law forbids driving with only parking lights when lights are required.
• You need them only if it is also dark: Using wipers because of rain or snow is enough, even in daylight.
• You need them only on the highway: The rule applies on every street and highway.

Ohio law requires headlights whenever, because of poor light or weather such as fog, people, vehicles, and objects on the road cannot be seen 1,000 feet ahead.

Wrong choices

• When you cannot see 100 feet ahead: 100 feet is far too short. The law uses 1,000 feet.
• Only when a sign tells you to: No sign is needed. The law applies whenever visibility is that poor.
• When you cannot see 500 feet ahead: 500 feet is not the distance in this rule. The law uses 1,000 feet.

Ohio law requires a child who is under 8 years old and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches, and who no longer needs a child safety seat, to ride in a booster seat that meets federal standards.

Wrong choices

• In the front seat with an adult belt: Moving to the front seat does not replace the booster seat rule.
• With a regular adult seat belt: An adult belt alone does not fit a child this size safely.
• With no restraint if riding in the back seat: Children must be restrained in the back seat too.

Ohio law says that when a motor vehicle passes a bicycle or electric bicycle, a distance of 3 feet or more is considered a safe passing distance. Pass only when you can give that space without crossing into danger.

Wrong choices

• At least 1 foot: 1 foot is far too close to a bicycle rider.
• At least 2 feet: 2 feet is less than the 3 feet the law names.
• At least 10 feet: 10 feet is not the distance named in the law.

Ohio law forbids backing on a freeway except in a rest area, for official work, or in an emergency caused by a crash or breakdown. If you miss your exit, go on to the next exit and turn around safely there.

Wrong choices

• Stop on the shoulder and back up to the exit: Backing on a freeway, even on the shoulder, is against the law and very dangerous.
• Make a U-turn through the median: U-turns through the median are dangerous and not allowed for regular drivers.
• Stop in your lane and wait for a gap to back up: Stopping in a freeway lane can cause a serious crash.