What Is Driver's Handbook? Here's What You Need To Know

What Is Driver's Handbook? Here's What You Need To Know 

Getting a driver's license opens up the whole world to exploration, discovery and free travel. However, it requires passing a test to ensure that you are able to operate a vehicle, not just for your own safety but for the sake of others who will be joining you on the open roads. There are two steps to passing a driver's license exam: a written portion and a practical portion where you'll take the wheel with an instructor or evaluator who will assess your driving ability in person. Even if you've been driving before and are good at it, you still need to prove you know the important, foundational facts of what's on the road. That's where a driver's handbook can help you.

What is a driver's handbook?

A driver's handbook, or driver's manual, is a booklet which includes all of the essential safety information on traffic signs, laws and safe practices involved in driving on the roads across the country.

Driver's Handbook: What's In It?

The content of a driver's handbook goes over all the necessary safety related and essential information for driving on the road. Things that, once learned, can become second-hand nature, but to a brand new driver on the road might still be unknown. This includes things like:

● Traffic signs and signals. A handbook will have illustrations of what the most common signs are and what they mean, as well as how they can be spotted easily even at a distance. Things like stop signs, yield signs, traffic work signs, traffic light signals, road markings, road and route signs.

● Speed limit laws. This will help you understand the meaning and implementation of speed limit laws, how to safely assess speed limits in areas without signage, safe practice during changing weather and so on.

● How to safely pass or overtake cars. This is something worth learning before practicing in order to prevent future accidents. Being able to pass a car on a multi-lane road and then insert yourself into the same lane ahead of them is a necessary skill with many safety checks and procedures to fulfill in the moment.

● Drunk driving (DUI) laws. The most frequent cause of vehicle accidents and deaths in vehicles comes from driving while under the influence (DUI). A driver's handbook will go over the fines and punishments for getting caught with an emphasis on never driving while under the influence of alcohol or any other impairment related drug. It may also go over additional information like how to deal with someone else drunk driving, how to safely prevent drunk driving and alternatives to drunk driving.

● Important road safety information. This covers everything from what to do during road closures, how to pass through a construction site, how to avoid accidents or what to do if you get in an accident.

Ultimately, the driver's handbook will give you all of the information you need to pass the written test, which will only cover a brief portion of what is included in the handbook. The handbook is meant for the reader to get familiar with all of the rules of the road so they can be followed.

Traffic Signs In Driver's Handbook

Traffic signs can differ from country to country, and in some cases from state to state. Generally, road signs exist across the world with some degree of uniformity so that drivers from any country can safely travel on local roads.

● Stop Sign: Red octagon, usually has the word STOP written on it. Additional instructions may be present, some signs permit traffic to continue if moving in a certain direction.

● Warning Signs: Many signs that are YELLOW in color indicate the need to slow down or be aware of an upcoming change in the flow of traffic. Merging Lane or Road Narrow signs can indicate that the width of the road will be reduced ahead, Slippery Road signs indicate that a road may not be treated for winter weather. The majority of signs are Yellow and either triangles or diamond shapes.

● Signal Signs: These signs are often WHITE squares with prints indicating changes or rules to the flow of traffic that must or must not be performed. Things like No U Turn indicate that a U-turn maneuver is not allowed, or Do Not Pass which prohibit overtaking vehicles on a stretch of road. Speed Limit Signs are also White and indicate the maximum speed a vehicle is allowed to travel safely.

● Guide Signs: These indicate the approximate distance to new locations on a longer road such as a highway or freeway in miles or will indicate immediate turns which can be taken to reach a destination.

How to Download

Driver's handbooks are offered free at any DMV where you can get the test. They are there to help you pass and can be retrieved at any time ahead of the test. You can also download PDF copies from the website related to the state you will be taking your test in.

FAQ about Driver's Handbook

1.How many mistakes can I make on my test?

It depends on the test itself. States all have different qualifications for passing. Most states require at least 80% correct answers to pass.

2.Can I retake a test if I fail?

Yes. Some states may allow you to retake a written test the same day. Others may require you to wait a certain period before they allow you to take the practical test.

3.Is a commercial driving license (CDL) the same test and handbook?

No. If you want a CDL, there are unique handbooks with their own sets of rules and regulations to understand and a unique test to take.

4.Can I use the handbook during the test?

Generally, no. You must read it and be tested on your memory.

5.Do I need a handbook to get a permit?

No. Depending on the state you will need proof of identity and residency. Some require attending a safety program which could be a class or instructed driving course.

6.Can I get a driver's handbook for a different state/country?

Yes. They are available for free to download from the respective local DMV websites.