Overview
This lecture covers essential knowledge and rules for new drivers in Virginia, including testing, signals, safe driving practices, penalties, and licensing requirements.
Safe Driving Essentials
- Always wear your seat belt; more than half of crash fatalities in 2023 weren't belted.
- Plan ahead for a sober ride; never drink and drive.
- Avoid distractions; texting while driving is extremely dangerous.
- Follow posted speed limits; excessive speed causes numerous fatalities.
- Maintain a safe following distance using the two-, three-, or four-second rule.
Testing Requirements
- Knowledge exam includes traffic signs and general driving rules; must pass both parts.
- If you fail three times, you must complete a driver education course before retesting.
- Road skills test requires a vehicle meeting safety standards; required for new drivers without a valid out-of-state license.
- Vision screening is mandatory; corrective lenses must be worn if needed.
Traffic Signals, Signs, and Pavement Markings
- Red, yellow, and green lights control traffic movement; know turn-on-red rules and exceptions.
- Traffic sign colors and shapes indicate regulatory, warning, or informational purposes.
- Pavement markings like solid/dashed lines and sharrows indicate passing rules and lane use.
Safe Driving Practices
- Keep hands at 8 and 4 o’clock on the wheel.
- Always stop at stop signs, red lights, and for school buses.
- Yield right-of-way correctly, especially at intersections and for pedestrians.
- Use signals for all turns and lane changes; check blind spots.
- Follow special rules when interacting with bicycles, motorcycles, and large vehicles.
- Use headlights in reduced visibility or bad weather.
Dangerous Behaviors & Penalties
- Aggressive, drowsy, distracted, and impaired driving are major risks; all are against the law.
- DUI laws apply strict penalties, including immediate and long-term license suspension.
- Underage drinking has a zero-tolerance policy with severe consequences.
Licensing and Other Regulations
- Learner’s permit requires a licensed adult in the front seat; specific rules apply by age.
- Proper insurance, registration, and vehicle safety inspections are required.
- Address changes must be reported to DMV within 30 days.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Demerit Points — Points assigned for traffic violations that can lead to license suspension.
- No-Zone — Blind spots around large vehicles (trucks/buses/RVs) where crashes are more likely.
- Administrative License Suspension — Immediate suspension for DUI or test refusal.
- Shared Lane Marking (Sharrow) — Road marking for lanes shared by cars and bicycles.
- Zero Tolerance Law — Law prohibiting any alcohol consumption by drivers under 21.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review all road signs, signals, and pavement marking meanings.
- Study sample knowledge exam questions in the manual.
- Practice safe driving habits, including seat belt use and sober driving.
- Schedule required DMV tests and ensure all documentation is complete before test day.