Mississippi Driver Education and Training Program Curriculum
Mississippi Administrative Code
Mississippi Driver Education and Training Program Requirements Office of Safe and Orderly Schools Division of Pupil Transportation
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 03 Introduction 04 Program Requirements 10 Program Procedures 12 Mississippi Content Standards and Benchmarks for Driver Education 14 Performance Phases for Driver Education 17 Appendix A: Required Forms for Public Schools Driver Education Programs 21 Appendix B: General Procedures for Obtaining a Mississippi Driver’s License 23 Appendix C: Scheduling for Classroom Instruction and Drives 24 Appendix D: Perceptual/Physical Screening 25 Appendix E: Accommodating Students with Disabilities in Driver Education 27 Appendix F: Guidelines for Behind-the-Wheel Instruction and Practice 29 Appendix G: Best Practices for Driver Education Programs 39 Appendix H: Definition of Terms 40 Appendix I: Driver Education and Training Statutes 44 Appendix J: Mississippi Driver’s License Statutes
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INTRODUCTION This document outlines the minimum program requirements and procedures necessary for Mississippi public school districts to offer the Mississippi Driver Education and Training Program (MDETP). Combined with school, community, and governmental involvement, MDETP provides the foundation for a systems approach to traffic safety that can start new drivers on a life-long career of safe and responsible driving. Traffic safety and driver education in Mississippi’s high schools is part of the basic education of all students. State-approved driver education must be scheduled so that enough courses are available, allowing every eligible student enrolled in the school district to take driver education pursuant to Mississippi Code Annotated 37-25-3 as amended. One-half unit credit can be given provided the course meets the minimum hours required and covers a full semester. School districts maintaining a secondary school shall establish and maintain a driver education program for all students enrolled in the secondary schools in that district or include it as part of an extended school day program on Saturdays or as a summer school program. Districts must employ qualified state-approved instructors to teach their state-approved program. Most districts charge students for driver education; however, excessive registration fees will prevent a percentage of students from enrolling. The Mississippi Department of Education’s annual reimbursement provides the support for Mississippi schools to deliver essential driver training and valuable public service to the students and the communities in which they drive. This document provides answers to questions about operating a school-based driver education program in Mississippi. For additional information and assistance, contact the Office of Safe and Orderly Schools, Division of Pupil Transportation, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, MS 39205 or call (601) 359-1028.
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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS A. The Driver Education Program An approved Driver Education Program for teen drivers: 1. Shall be provided by all school districts operating a high school with grades 9-12 2. Must be for students who are 14 years of age or above, a regularly enrolled student in the 9-12 grade, and a full-time student in the respective secondary school 3. Must be taught by driver education teachers with a professional teacher’s degree from an approved training institution and meet minimum requirements as established by the appropriate accrediting association 4. Must use a curriculum that meets the content standards and benchmarks and includes programs of study for distracted driving, alcohol and drugs, organ and tissue donation procedures, and litter laws as required by Mississippi Code Annotated 37-25-5 as amended. The Mississippi Driver’s Education and Training Program Curriculum (MDETP) is the state-approved curriculum for this course. 5. Must ensure all students meet the required minimum performance objectives identified by the local school district and fulfill the state-required 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel (BTW) instruction 6. Must use lesson plans that maximize student-centered learning, integrated with objective-based route plans for BTW instruction 7. Must determine the successful completion of driver education for each student based on criteria identified by the local school district, the minimum number of hours, and other applicable standards required 8. Must be scheduled so that enough courses are provided to allow every eligible student enrolled within the school to take the course 9. Shall consist of, at a minimum, 30 hours of structured learning experiences for each student, including no fewer than six hours of BTW, in-traffic driving instruction by an approved driver education teacher, which may consist of: a. Up to twelve (12) of the required 30 hours may be satisfied by in-vehicle observation of an approved teacher instructing another teen driver. b. For those schools having driver education simulator equipment approved by the Office of Safe and Orderly Schools, Division of Pupil Transportation, 12 hours of simulation may be substituted for three (3) hours of BTW instruction. c. For those schools having range instruction, six (6) hours of range instruction may be substituted at a 2-1 ratio with a minimum of two (2) hours of BTW instruction. 10. Must provide BTW instruction only to students who are currently participating in classroom instruction 11. Must use only dual-control vehicles that are equipped according to vehicle standards 4|Page
12. Must have property and liability insurance sufficient to protect the school, teachers, students, the public, the vehicle(s), and its owner 13. Must complete all reports and documents required by the Office of Safe and Orderly Schools, Division of Pupil Transportation and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau, in the time frames required Reimbursement requests will be made to school or school districts upon request for courses which meet the requirements stated herein.
B. Cooperative Driver Testing Program (CDTP) The Mississippi Department of Public Safety may authorize public school districts conducting the Mississippi Driver Education and Training Program (MDETP) to issue learner permits by administering standardized and road tests and certifying the test results through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, provided that: 1. Each of the school district’s teachers who teach all or part of the district’s driver education program curriculums are approved under this chapter as a driver education teacher by the Mississippi Department of Education. 2. The school district and its driver education teacher administer the program as outlined in the MDETP curriculum prepared by the Mississippi Department of Education and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau.
C. Driver Education Teacher All driver education teachers must be familiar with current driver licensing laws and best practices and be able to provide clear, correct, and appropriate information to driver education students. They must also be approved to teach driver education by the Mississippi Department of Education. 1. Approval is contingent upon the teacher having: a. A qualifying, valid Mississippi education license b. Evidence must be provided by each teacher of having satisfactorily completed the required courses (12 semester hours of New Teachers) in driver education at an approved teacher training institution. The teacher must contact the Office of Educator Licensure for guidance. c. A valid driver’s license issued by the State of Mississippi or any other state which the teacher has been licensed to drive, with a verified acceptable driving record. 2. The driving record shall be free from: a. More than one moving traffic violation within any 12-month period of the previous 36 months b. Any conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs under 63-1130 within the preceding 36 months, or any conviction for a violation of a 5|Page
substantially similar nature from any other jurisdiction within the preceding 36 months c. Any evidence of a refusal to take a test under an implied consent law in this or any other jurisdiction, or a test result under an implied consent law in any other jurisdiction that shows an alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more while operating a noncommercial motor vehicle, or an alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent or more while operating a commercial motor vehicle within the preceding 36 months d. A conviction resulting in mandatory revocation or suspension of a driver's license for any of the following offenses in the previous five years: • Negligent homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle • Fleeing from or eluding a police officer • Negligent vehicular assault • Any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used • Any judgment resulting in the imposition of civil liability for involvement in any fatal traffic accident during the previous five years • A declaration of habitual traffic offender status during the previous 10 years e. A teacher's failure to maintain the requirements for driver education teacher approval constitutes grounds for the immediate revocation of the approval to teach driver education.
D. Driver Education Vehicles Vehicles used for the BTW driving phase of driver education may be procured through a loan, lease, or purchase arrangement. Regardless of the method, it is essential that enough vehicles be available for instructional use. Each driver education vehicle must meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) applicable to the vehicle used and be equipped, maintained, repaired, identified, insured, stored, and used according to the following requirements and recommendations. 1. Required equipment: a. Dual-control brake capable of bringing the vehicle to a complete emergency stop b. Two exterior mirrors and a teacher's rearview mirror c. First aid kit with contents appropriate for possible minor injuries sustained during instruction d. Flares or reflector warning devices e. Fire extinguisher located in the passenger compartment; periodically inspected and operable f. Accident report forms 6|Page
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g. Operable safety belts for each occupant h. Headlights always in use, low or high beam, as appropriate Recommended equipment: a. Power steering and power brakes b. Split or bucket-type front seat c. Four-door sedan d. Air conditioning e. Tow cable f. Shovel, ax, and bucket g. Flashlight h. Rear window defogger i. Jumper cables j. Ignition cut-off switch Vehicle Maintenance The vehicles assigned for use in the MDETP shall be kept in safe operating condition. Maintenance and repair practices should conform to manufacturer’s recommendations and with the policy established by the school district and participating dealership. Vehicles shall be given a periodic safety inspection by a knowledgeable person. The periodic inspection shall be conducted at a minimum of once a year and prior to the annual commencement of BTW instruction. The district shall maintain a record of the safety inspections and make them available for review by the Office of Safe and Orderly Schools, Division of Pupil Transportation. A safety inspection record includes: a. The date of the inspection b. Items inspected c. Condition of items inspected d. Repairs made Vehicle Identification All vehicles used in the MDETP are to be identified with a minimum of two exterior signs, with text clearly visible and readable to pedestrians and other traffic, stating: a. Student Driver b. Driver Education c. Driver Education Car Restriction of Loan Vehicles Vehicles provided by dealers on a loan basis shall be used for driver education purposes only unless the dealer(s) gives written authorization to use the vehicles for other purposes. Insurance Each practice-driving vehicle must be covered by an amount of insurance that meets or exceeds minimum requirements of local and state financial responsibility statutes. 7|Page
7. Vehicle Use Agreements If several dealerships express a desire to provide practice-driving vehicles on a loan basis, the school district should either accept an equal number of vehicles from each dealership or should apply an annual rotation plan arranged with the dealer group or the local vehicle dealers’ association. 8. Vehicles Rented, Leased or Owned by the School Vehicles assigned for use in the MDETP must be readily available for use by driver education students participating in the program. Use of vehicles for other purposes must not conflict with the driver education instructional program. If a driver education vehicle is being used for purposes other than driving instruction, all identification as a driver education vehicle must be removed.
E. Student Enrollment and Learner’s Permit The local school board of any school district maintaining a secondary school shall establish and maintain driver education and training programs for students enrolled in the secondary schools in that district, provided that any student enrolled is fourteen years of age or above, a regularly enrolled student in the 9-12 grade, and a full-time student in the respective secondary school. A driver education student shall not be required to possess a learner’s permit or driver’s license while the student is under the direct supervision of a driver education teacher and is enrolled in an approved course of driver education as directed in Mississippi Code Annotated 37-25-7, as amended. 1. Driver Education Permit A Driver Education Permit (DEP) is valid from the date of issue until course completion as indicated by the expiration date, provided an approved driver education teacher accompanies the student while driving. These permits are issued by the high school and must be signed by the school principal. These permits shall not be given to the student but are kept by the driver education teacher and carried with the teacher in the motor vehicle when the student is receiving BTW instruction. 2. Mississippi Learner’s Permit A learner’s permit is authorized and prescribed in Mississippi Code Ann. 63-1-9. A driver with a learner’s permit must be supervised from the front passenger seat by a licensed parent, legal guardian, a qualified driver education teacher, or other licensed adult over the age of 21. A learner’s permit may be obtained while the student under age 16 is successfully participating in, or has successfully completed, the MDETP or through the local driver license office of the Driver Service Bureau of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety provided that: a. The respective school district personnel requests for instruction of permit issuance signed by the appropriate school district personnel(s) to the local driver license station. 8|Page
b. The student has paid the necessary fee and obtained the driver license receipt and application form. c. The student presents the completed, notarized application, and receipt for payment of the permit with proof of identity, proof of authorized presence, proof of Mississippi residency, and social security number to the examiner. d. The student is at least 14½ years of age. e. The student is successfully participating in or has successfully completed the MDETP. f. The student successfully completes all parts of the driver license examination other than the driving test; or through a school district participating in the cooperative driver testing program (CDTP), provided that: • The student is at least 14 years of age and is enrolled in an approved driver education program participating in the CDTP. • The student presents to the CDTP school district the completed, notarized application with proof of identity, certified birth certificate, proof of residency, and social security number. • The student successfully completes an eye exam and written knowledge test through the CDTP school district as authorized by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau. The learner’s permit is valid for one year from the date of successful completion of the written exam. • The respective CDTP school district personnel places the student's name on the DE-3A Student List form and transmits the student list, along with the DE3 Certification form signed by the appropriate school district personnel, with the driver license applications to the local driver license station within three days.
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PROGRAM PROCEDURES A. Application for Approval The DE-1 Application for a driver education program must be completed and submitted annually, every new school year, by the school district to the Office of Safe and Orderly Schools, Division of Pupil Transportation and approved before the school starts their driver education program. All driver education teachers teaching the program must have approval issued by the Office of Safe and Orderly Schools, Division of Pupil Transportation on or before the beginning of the program. Copies of the DE-1 and all other driver education forms can be obtained from the Office of Safe and Orderly Schools, Division of Pupil Transportation.
B. Reimbursement Requests 1. At the completion of each driver education course, the administrative official of the school district is responsible for submitting DE-3 Request for Reimbursement and DE3A Summary of Student List forms. These forms serve as a certified list of eligible students who have completed the MDETP and qualify the district for reimbursement. DE-3 and DE-3A are the official request forms for reimbursement and must be submitted to the Division of Pupil Transportation at the completion of each course conducted, or no later than July 10 of each year, for all students who complete the program during the preceding fiscal year (by June 30). 2. Reimbursement per student is based on course completion and minimum age requirements and is paid for each student who has completed the required 30 hours classroom instruction and 6 hours BTW instruction or its equivalent. The district shall not be reimbursed for students completing the course at a younger age or at age 19 years or older. 3. The Office of Accounting, Division of Accounts Payable and School Payments will disburse to school districts operating the MDETP the amount of money to which they are entitled. Reimbursement is based upon the total number of eligible students statewide and funds available for reimbursement in the state Driver Penalty Assessment Fund. 4. The State Superintendent of Education shall allot to each school or school district an amount per pupil to be determined by the Mississippi Board of Education but is in no case to exceed the actual cost per pupil completing the MDETP in that school or school district during the preceding fiscal year. This is in accordance with the regulations set forth by the Mississippi Board of Education regarding instructing pupils in the MDETP. All such funds made available for the purposes of this act shall be appropriated by the Legislature in the same manner as general funds. If the funds herein authorized by the 10 | P a g e
Legislature for the support of driver education shall exceed the funds which become available, each participating school or school district will have its funds reduced on a pro rata basis.
C. Driver Examination Procedures Students completing the MDETP should be advised to make an appointment at the driver license station they intend to visit. Students need to bring their required documents for proof of identity, authorized presence, and Mississippi residency. They must also present their social security card and notarized driver license application (or a parent/legal guardian may sign the application in front of one of the driver license officials) to the licensing official at the time they appear for examination. Upon satisfactory completion of the MDETP, students shall be issued a certificate of completion. A copy of the said certificate shall be delivered by the school to the Driver Service Bureau of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
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MISSISSIPPI CONTENT STANDARDS AND BENCHMARKS FOR DRIVER EDUCATION Driving is an activity that impacts the whole community. A successful program, therefore, requires the effective involvement of schools, communities, and government agencies. The purpose of this curriculum is to provide structured learning and guided practice for students to acquire and demonstrate legal and safe driving skills, habits, and responsibilities. Content standards outline the skills and knowledge expected of students from grade to grade and subject to subject. Benchmarks define the expectations for students’ knowledge, skills, and abilities. Content standards and benchmarks are required for curricula development, program approval, and student training.
STANDARDS 1. LAWS AND HIGHWAY SYSTEM Students must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the highway transportation system and the laws governing the operation of a motor vehicle. 2. RESPONSIBILITY Students must make a commitment to safe behaviors and good decision-making, by consistently demonstrating a positive attitude and respect for other roadway users and obeying roadway laws.
3. VISUAL SKILLS Students must demonstrate and analyze the importance of proper visual skills for the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
BENCHMARKS Upon completion of driver education, students will: 1.1 - Know the laws outlined in the Mississippi Driver's License Manual. 1.2 - Understand the laws outlined in the Mississippi Driver's License Manual. 1.3 - Consistently demonstrate knowledge and understanding by responsible adherence to highway transportation system, traffic laws, and control devices. Upon completion of driver education, students will: 2.1 -Recognize the importance of making safe and responsible decisions for owning and operating a motor vehicle. 2.2 - Demonstrate the ability to make appropriate decisions while operating a motor vehicle. 2.3 - Consistently display respect for other users of the highway transportation system. 2.4 - Develop positive habits and attitudes for responsible driving. Upon completion of driver education, students will: 3.1 - Know proper visual skills for operating a motor vehicle. 3.2 - Communicate and explain proper visual skills for operating a motor vehicle. 3.3 - Demonstrate the use of proper visual skills for operating a motor vehicle. 3.4 - Develop positive habits and attitudes for consistent proper visual skills.
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4. VEHICLE CONTROL Students must demonstrate skill in maneuvering and controlling motor vehicles smoothly, efficiently, and safely. 5. COMMUNICATION Students must communicate and interact with the highway transportation system and other roadway users utilizing prescribed, effective, and safe practices.
6. RISK MANAGEMENT Students must demonstrate and safely apply driver riskmanagement (defensive driving) strategies, behaviors, and habits, including measures to maintain distraction-free driving. 7. LIFELONG LEARNING Students must make a lifelong commitment to the skills, habits, and knowledge required for the driving task.
8. DRIVING EXPERIENCE Students acquire behind-the wheel driving experience under the direction of a Mississippiapproved driver education teacher.
Upon completion of driver education, students will: 4.1 - Demonstrate smooth, safe, and efficient operation of a motor vehicle. 4.2 - Develop positive habits and attitudes for safe, efficient, and smooth vehicle operation. Upon completion of driver education, students will: 5.1 - Consistently communicate their driving intentions (i.e., use of lights, vehicle position, and personal signals). 5.2 - Adjust their driver behavior based on observation of the highway transportation system and other roadway users. 5.3 - Adjust communication (i.e., use of lights, vehicle position, and personal signals) based on observation of the highway transportation system and other users. 5.4 - Develop positive habits and attitudes for effective communication. Upon completion of driver education, students will: 6.1 - Understand driver risk-management principles. 6.2 - Demonstrate driver risk-management strategies. 6.3 - Develop positive habits and attitudes for effective driver risk-management.
Upon completion of driver education, students will: 7.1 - Identify and use a range of learning strategies required to acquire or retain knowledge, positive driving habits, and driving skills for lifelong learning. 7.2 - Establish learning goals that are based on an understanding of one’s own current and future learning needs. 7.3 - Demonstrate knowledge and ability to make informed decisions required for positive driving habits, effective performance, and adaptation to change. Upon completion of driver education, students will: 8.1 - Acquire at least the minimum number of BTW hours over at least the minimum number of days, as required by law, with a Mississippi-approved driver education teacher.
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PERFORMANCE PHASES FOR DRIVER EDUCATION Driver education performance phases describe students’ knowledge, skills, and abilities in the driver education content area. These descriptions provide a profile of student achievement at the four performance levels: novice, nearing proficiency, proficient, and competent. These phases are not exhaustive indications of performance but demonstrate a range of skills and knowledge relative to the established standards and benchmarks.
Performance Phases NOVICE: Shows weak driving skills, must use full concentration, and is easily distracted NEARING PROFICIENCY: Shows inconsistent performance but still uses conscious effort PROFICIENT: Shows more consistent performance but still uses conscious effort COMPETENT: Shows consistent performance and behavior is largely automatic
NOVICE The novice student is beginning to attain the prerequisite knowledge and driving skills that are fundamental for work at each benchmark and is beginning to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for safe and responsible driving. The student: 1. shows weak driving skills, must use full concentration, and is easily distracted 2. struggles with traffic in various driving situations, even with assistance 3. rarely uses the risk-managing driving skills 4. has difficulty interacting with others in a safe, courteous manner 5. demonstrates limited understanding of the highway transportation system 6. rarely demonstrates the visual skills needed to operate a motor vehicle 7. shows little understanding of the local and state laws of Mississippi 8. with assistance, has begun to drive in rural, urban, and residential environments 9. has begun to learn signs, signals, and pavement markings 10. has difficulty in comprehending and applying vehicle laws while driving a motor vehicle within a supervised environment 11. demonstrates a limited proficiency of safe and responsible driving techniques and attitudes 12. performs at a beginning level after obtaining the minimum number of BTW hours with an approved driver education teacher
NEARING PROFICIENY The student nearing proficiency exhibits partial mastery of prerequisite knowledge and driving skills fundamental for proficient work at each benchmark and demonstrates a partial mastery of the knowledge and skills fundamental for responsible and safe driving. The student: 1. shows inconsistent performance and must use conscious effort 2. understands that the laws of Mississippi, counties, and cities can differ 3. demonstrates a limited ability to use risk-managing driving principles 4. shows limited knowledge of motor vehicle laws while driving
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5. most of the time shows proficiency of safe and responsible driving techniques and attitudes 6. performs in a limited manner after obtaining the minimum number of BTW hours with an approved driver education teacher 7. with assistance, can use basic skills needed to interact safely with the highway transportation system 8. with assistance, demonstrates the visual skills needed to operate a motor vehicle
PROFICIENT The proficient student exhibits solid academic and driving skill performance for each benchmark and demonstrates competency over challenging subject matter, including subject matter knowledge, application of such knowledge to real-world situations, and analytical skills appropriate to safe driving. The student: 1. shows more consistent performance, but still uses conscious effort to demonstrate responsible and safe driving behavior 2. demonstrates and consistently applies laws pertaining to driving 3. consistently uses risk-managing driving principles 4. demonstrates mastery of safe and responsible driving habits and attitudes 5. performs satisfactorily in obtaining the minimum number of BTW hours with an approved driver education teacher 6. consistently interacts appropriately with other operators and traffic in various driving situations 7. demonstrates basic skills needed to interact safely with the highway transportation system 8. demonstrates appropriate visual skills needed to safely operate a motor vehicle 9. demonstrates habits and attitudes necessary to communicate and interact with the highway transportation system utilizing effective, safe practices 10. understands the laws that pertain to owning and operating a motor vehicle
COMPETENT The competent student exhibits strong knowledge and driving skills related to safely navigating roadways and interacting with other roadway users; shows consistent performance and driving behavior that is largely automatic; and exhibits driving behaviors safely and correctly in various driving situations. The student: 1. knows and adheres to the laws governing driving in Mississippi as demonstrated by habitually and consistently following the laws while driving 2. knows and adheres to the highway transportation system as demonstrated by habitually and consistently following the guidelines set by the transportation system 3. always responsibly, properly, and smoothly operates a vehicle 4. consistently researches ideas and opportunities to increase personal knowledge of the vehicle, the highway transportation system, and the driving task 5. habitually and responsibly applies defensive driving principles
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6. has acquired BTW driving experience in various environments and road conditions for a period that exceeds the state minimum standards and MDETP requirements 7. resists peer pressure, which may negatively influence good and responsible driving behavior
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APPENDIX A: REQUIRED FORMS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS DRIVER EDUCATION PROGRAMS DE-1 Application for Approval as Teacher of Driver Education 1. The DE-1 Application for Approval as Teacher for Driver Education Program for Teen Drivers must be submitted to the Office of Safe and Orderly Schools, Division of Pupil Transportation and approved before the school starts their driver education program. The application includes the assigned driver education instructor(s) and driver education program dates for the fall, spring, and summer. Teachers must be approved to teach driver education. 2. If a teacher has not yet obtained their driver education endorsement, the school will need to contact the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Educator Licensure for guidance on required college courses and approved colleges or universities.
DE-2 School/Dealership Vehicle Use Agreement 1. This form, or an equivalent, may be used when a loan vehicle is obtained via a motor vehicle dealership.
DE-3 Certification/Reimbursement and DE-3A Student List Deadline: Submit at the end of the school year, prior to July 15 for the previous fiscal year 1. When a district has received approval of their DE-1 Application for the current school year, the DE-3/DE-3A Student List may be completed and submitted for each driver education class that ends between July 1 and June 30 of the current school year. 2. When the driver education permit (DEP) is issued to students, the Notice of Participation on the DE-3 Certification should be signed and copies of both the DE-3/DE-3A forms delivered to the local driver service bureau with students’ driver’s license applications within three days. 3. When the class concludes, the Notice of Completion and Reimbursement Request on DE3 Certification should be signed and submitted with the DE-3A Student List to the local driver service bureau. A driver education student shall be issued a Certificate of Completion. A copy of said certificate shall be delivered by the local school district to the driver service bureau of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. 4. Both the DE-3 and DE-3A forms must be submitted to the Office of Safe and Orderly Schools, Division of Pupil Transportation upon completion of course(s) or by July 15 to request reimbursement for eligible students.
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DE-4 Driver Education Year-End Report 1. The DE-4 report is completed by the district annually and provides program and budget information from the previous fiscal year. It must be submitted to the Office of Safe and Orderly Schools, Division of Pupil Transportation by July 15 to receive driver education reimbursement. Summer courses completed after June 30 will be reimbursed in August of the next fiscal year and need to be reported on that year’s DE-4 form.
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DRIVER EDUCATION VEHICLE INSPECTION FORM Name of School/District: Vehicle: Make/Model/Year
Odometer Reading: Date of Inspection:
Vehicle VIN: Checked for Operation/Condition
Inspected by: Satisfactory
Repair
Comments
Engine Oil Transmission Fluid Power Steering Fluid Brake Fluid Engine Coolant Window Washer Fluid Engine Belts Engine Hoses & Clamps Dashboard Gauges Interior Lights Head Lights (high & low beam) Parking Lights Turn Signals Hazard Lights Brake Lights Back-up Lights Foot Brake Operation Parking Brake Operation Dual Control Brake Operation Horn Windshield Wipers & Washer Windshield
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Checked for Operation/Condition
Satisfactory
Repair
Comments
Mirrors (interior & exterior) Seat Operation & Condition Doors (operation & locks) Windows Visors Heater/Defroster Air Conditioning Seat Belts/Air Bags Exterior Body Condition Trunk Operation Hood Operation Security Features Condition of Tires Condition of Rims Tire Pressures (including spare) Condition of Brakes (disc/drum) Condition of Exhaust System Condition of Suspension System Condition of Engine Running Condition of Vehicle Drivability Jack Components First Aid Kit Fire Extinguisher Accident Report Form Current Registration Current Insurance Proper License Plates
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APPENDIX B: GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A MISSISSIPPI DRIVER’S LICENSE Students should study and review the Mississippi Driver’s License Manual. Knowledge and vision tests are required to obtain a learner’s permit. The minimum age to receive a driver’s license is 16 years old.
All applicants must provide the following information: • • • • •
A completed and signed application Original Birth Certificate or any acceptable document SSN Card or an official government correspondence displaying full 9 digits Two proofs of residency (applicants under 21 years of age may use documentation that applies to their parent’s or legal guardian’s domicile) Legal Documents are required if going by new name
Additional Information •
•
•
• •
Applicants who are 16 years of age must have held the learner’s permit for twelve months or until their 17th birthday (whichever occurs first) before qualifying for a regular driver’s license. When the twelve months are complete to obtain a Regular (class R) driver’s license you must provide the following: o A valid learner’s permit o An up-to-date school attendance form o Waiver of Road-Testing Affidavit Applicants who are 17 years old and older are not required to hold the permit for twelve (12) months and may obtain both the learner’s permit and driver’s license on the same day. They must pass the knowledge and eye exam and present all applicable required documents. The Waiver of Road-Testing Affidavit is not required for applicants 17 years old and older. Applicants under 18 years old who have not graduated high school must present a valid school attendance form unless they are married. If married, a marriage license must be presented. If graduated, they must present a high school diploma or a GED certificate. School Attendance form is valid for only 30 days. Applicants with a valid out-of-state Learner’s Permit will be given credit for the months they held toward the required 12-month period before receiving a driver’s license. A new Mississippi resident who holds a valid out-of-state license is not required to take a knowledge exam. Any new Mississippi resident with an expired out-of-state license is required to take the knowledge exam.
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• •
If a Mississippi resident's driver's license has been expired for more than 60 months, they must retake the knowledge exam. A driver may renew their driver’s license any time within six (6) months of expiration.
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APPENDIX C: SCHEDULING FOR CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION AND DRIVES Scheduling can be challenging for driver education programs since most driver education classes are offered during normal school hours. Additionally, many school districts offering driver education are faced with financial limitations and time restrictions. The following principles are offered to assist in scheduling decisions: 1. Classroom instruction and BTW instruction should be offered on an integrated basis. This means scheduling driver education courses to include a blend of the classroom and associated BTW instruction for the duration of the course. 2. Driving in inclement weather, within the abilities of the student driver, is encouraged, as opposed to cutting back or canceling driving until the arrival of fair weather. 3. Schedule two students per vehicle, per hour; three and four persons may reduce instructional effectiveness and waste time during driver changes. Never schedule only one student as it leaves the various parties vulnerable to perceptions and accusations of improprieties. In-vehicle observation can help students learn from others’ mistakes and count for up to 12 hours of instruction. 4. School policy should govern which age-eligible students are accepted into the program first, second, and so on. They must be age 14 ½ by the completion of the driver education program and to take the knowledge exam for a learner’s permit. During signup, consider age (oldest first), need (students who must financially assist family), grades, or first-come, first-served. This policy must meet the criterion of being “equitable.” See definitions in Appendix H. 5. Driver education instruction must be provided for in the regular school day and can be offered before and after school, and in the summer, if student enrollment justifies. This will help ensure that all eligible students in the school’s geographic jurisdiction have an equal opportunity to enroll. 6. Issuance of a learner’s permit to all students must be carefully considered before invehicle practice is initiated. Consider issuance of the learner’s permit only after a student passes the halfway point in the MDETP.
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APPENDIX D: PERCEPTUAL/PHYSICAL SCREENING Driving decisions and performance depend on a clear, complete, and accurate picture of the immediate surroundings. Ninety percent of a driver’s decisions are based on perception. Perceptual/physical testing is a necessary part of a well-rounded driver education program because it gives the student and instructor insight into individual capabilities and how to compensate for any deficiencies. Vision tests are required for driver licensing. Students should be able to demonstrate an ability to observe and recognize, in an efficient manner, typical highway driving events and conditions for vehicle navigation along selected routes. Instructors must screen for visual acuity and some or all the following perceptual/physical characteristics before a student begins the BTW phase of the program: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Visual acuity Distance judgment Color recognition Night vision Glare vision and glare recovery Central vision Peripheral vision Reaction time
This screening can be accomplished with appropriate equipment. The instructor can divide the students into groups and use classroom activities to stress the effective use of vision related to peripheral vision, distance judgment, reference points, scanning for hazards, and reaction time.
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APPENDIX E: ACCOMMODATING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN DRIVER EDUCATION The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to driver education programs in Mississippi. The guidelines below are distributed by the Mississippi Department of Education.
Guiding Principles 1. All driver candidates, regardless of mental or physical attributes, must prove their ability to safely operate a vehicle in complex highway situations. 2. Many individuals with disabilities can learn to drive safely with appropriate accommodations, but not all. 3. Some individuals with severe and profound physical disabilities may be accommodated to drive safely using high tech solutions in specially equipped vehicles, but not all. An advanced rehabilitation center providing driver services is likely to be necessary. 4. All drivers must pass a vision test and meet a minimum threshold of knowledge for a driving permit and driver license to be issued. a. Reasonable learning accommodations are allowed to master the cognitive material. b. The only accommodation allowed for the knowledge test is for the test to be read aloud by the examiner or approved proctor. c. Medication may be a consideration. 5. All drivers must meet a minimum threshold of ability to be issued a permit and participate in BTW instruction and a minimum level of skill to subsequently be issued a license. a. Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals to safely operate a vehicle, which may, among other things, include hand controls, spinner knobs, and seat and pedal modifications. b. Higher tech and more sophisticated accommodations may require the expertise and training from a rehabilitation center. c. Medication may be a consideration.
Decision Authority 1. Special education experts facilitate decisions for learning and vehicle accommodations in consultation with driver education teachers and other involved professionals, including but not limited to, physical and occupational therapists and medical experts when appropriate. 2. Driver education teachers determine if the teen can operate a vehicle safely enough to participate in BTW training and successfully complete the MDETP. If the safety of the vehicle occupants is in doubt for BTW learning, prior to BTW, and after making appropriate accommodations, the instructor should make an in-vehicle assessment in a vacant parking lot with no passengers, evaluating the student’s ability to: 25 | P a g e
a. manipulate controls b. see and collect important information, including ability to stay on task and refrain from distractions c. ability to respond correctly and timely to instructor directions d. other operational issues that can reasonably be determined to put vehicle occupants and roadway users at undue risk 3. Medical professionals make decisions rooted in medical, psychiatric, and medication issues. 4. Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) examiners ultimately decide whether a teen will be issued a license based upon favorable medical evaluation(s), successful completion of state vision, knowledge, and skill tests, and other state-established mechanisms when appropriate.
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APPENDIX F: GUIDELINES FOR BEHIND-THE-WHEEL INSTRUCTION AND PRACTICE Maintain Clear Communication and Expectations 1. Before the practice sessions, a good system of communication and method of instruction should be established so that each person knows what to expect of the other. To aid in communication, a check-off plan can be used by both instructor and student so that each is aware of what the other is doing. 2. At the beginning of the practice session, the student should buckle their seat belt, start the vehicle, move it forward a short distance, and then stop a few times to adjust to the vehicle. 3. Before driving, the student should become familiar with the operation of all controls and safety devices since these differ from vehicle to vehicle. Also, the vehicle owner’s manual should be studied in advance. 4. Easy left and right turns in empty parking lots and on level streets can be practiced first, followed by various kinds of turning situations. Good timing and coordination, especially during the correction phase of the turn, should be emphasized. Lateral judgment can be developed by pulling parallel along a curb to within 6 inches. Practice more complex skills such as changing lanes and merging.
Stress Visual Habits 1. To ensure good perceptive driving, stress visual habits in BTW instruction. If the eyes keep moving throughout the entire 360 degrees of the driving environment, the driver can make the correct responses to clues and hazards which are vital to proper vehicle operation. 2. Steering control, lane position, and speed control can be taught by using lightly traveled rural roads; good visual habits are essential to the development of all three skills. Allow practice time for adjusting speed control to road and traffic conditions, vehicle limitations, and driver proficiency. 3. Gradually, as the student becomes proficient in the manipulative skills and visual habits, instructors can have the student progress into traffic, cross through streets, turn onto and off, and then travel on streets. Be aware of the traffic situations ahead of the student and give cues when necessary. 4. Occasionally, have the student verbalize what is seen ahead. If a hazardous situation should develop which the student is not prepared to handle, then it is best to pull over to the side and wait for the situation to clear up.
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Keep Sessions Short 1. A few short practice sessions (30 to 45 minutes) are generally more effective than one or two longer sessions. After considerable practice, a long drive (one to two hours) on the highway may suitably demonstrate the effects of fatigue and tension while at the wheel. 2. Beginning drivers usually need to take more time to see and evaluate what they see. They should not feel embarrassed because of their need for extra caution or because of an experienced driver’s lack of patience or understanding. The student driver will learn and perform best under conditions where mutual respect abounds. Research has found that driver education teachers and other licensed adults can reduce teens' crash risk in half by staying involved, setting rules, and being supportive.
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APPENDIX G: BEST PRACTICES FOR DRIVER EDUCATION PROGRAMS Developing Safe Driving Habits for Life 1. Driving a vehicle requires a complex set of skills and judgment. It takes months, even years, for new drivers to develop the skills and safe habits that allow them to interact with vehicles, other drivers, and the highway system at a level most drivers take for granted. Driving is a process that requires knowledge, perception of the senses, and physical action. There is so much occurring simultaneously that appropriate and safe responses need to become habits. Safe habits are formed through repeated practice of correct behaviors. 2. Mississippi’s teen driver education and training program provides this foundation for a systems approach to traffic safety. Assisted by professional instruction and guided practice, students start driving with less risk, more skill, and greater potential for thousands of crash-free miles. 3. Students must apply concepts learned in the classroom to the realities of driving behind the wheel. Teachers can help students meet or exceed minimum performance standards through a combination of classroom activities and in-car instruction that includes modeling, knowledge assessment, skill assessment, and guided observation. 4. Satisfactory completion of a driver education and training course qualifies the student to continue the process to obtaining a driver’s license.
Local Responsibility 1. The leadership of local school authorities and, particularly the school district superintendent, is of paramount importance in building community support for successful school-based driver education programs. It is recommended that a qualified and interested individual is assigned the responsibility of leading and coordinating the driver education program. 2. Evaluating the overall effectiveness of the driver education program is an indispensable means of improving instruction. School staff should work cooperatively in developing and applying an evaluation plan designed to reveal needs or new directions for improving driver education. Such an evaluation plan should be an integral part of planning for and continuing instruction. 3. School officials should work closely with teachers to prepare and arrange, in sequence, a series of clearly written objectives that describe expected performances; develop instructional modules or units which contain learning activities; and create accurate and realistic measurement procedures for determining whether an individual or group has achieved the objectives. 29 | P a g e
4. The MDETP curriculum provides objectives and benchmarks for a state-approved driver education program and a comprehensive teen driver curriculum with lessons plans, activities, presentations and quizzes designed to be taught concurrently with BTW instruction.
Planning for Instruction This section provides guidelines to assist the school district administrator in planning, implementing, and evaluating its driver education program. 1. Course Scheduling • The classroom and BTW phases of instruction should be integrated and correlated through appropriate assignment of students. Students should not be scheduled for dual-controlled vehicle instruction until they have acquired certain basic knowledge in the classroom phase and have experienced skill development exercises with classroom activities, simulation equipment, a multiple- vehicle driving facility, or an off-street driving area. • There are several different systems used in scheduling classes for driver education. Each administrator will need to apply sound judgment in selecting a system, which will allow inclusion of driver education in the curriculum of the school. • During the regular school year, each driver education program should be scheduled for a full semester. Driver education programs should be included in the regular school curriculum whenever possible. • Classes may be taught after regular school hours, on and weekends as well as on regular school days or as a summer school program. • Consider the following: o the number of students and how they will be accommodated o the number of days/weeks needed to complete the course o the amount of time to allocate to classroom instruction and BTW instruction o the number of qualified teachers available o the availability of dual-control vehicles 2. Classroom Instruction • The MDETP curriculum establishes the minimum requirements needed for teens to acquire the fundamentals of driving and fosters responsible attitudes and good driving habits. Emphasis is placed on relating visual search skills, space management, and balanced vehicle movement to reducing risky driving. Significant attention is given to risk awareness, driver alertness, and responsible actions for occupant protection, positive interactions with other roadway users, and the physical and psychological conditions that affect driver performance.
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•
•
While curriculum content is an important element for improved driver education and training, a quality delivery system is critical to effective student learning. Quality instruction requires engaging classroom and laboratory-learning experiences delivered to students over an adequate period so students can practice processes and skills and develop habits necessary for safe vehicle operation. To be successful, instruction needs to be delivered in short training sessions extended over a long period of time. This allows students to learn simple skills correctly while adding more complex skills to their experience. It is not adequate for students to merely know the correct response. They must repeat it often enough to generate correct automatic responses that can develop into effective driving habits. In the classroom, student instruction focuses on the personal and social factors affecting the safe and efficient movement of traffic. An overview of motor vehicle operation is introduced, including the roles played by all road users—drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists—anyone who uses the transportation system in their neighborhoods or on the highway. In planning for effective classroom instruction, approaches should be selected that result in desirable attitudes and behavior, and the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to operate a motor vehicle. Classroom experiences in driver education courses may be enhanced through activities that simulate in- vehicle skills.
BTW Instruction 1. The objectives developed for the BTW instruction phase should parallel and supplement classroom instruction. Students may apply and reinforce the knowledge and behavioral tendencies gained in the classroom as well as acquire skills and establish desirable habit patterns. Student experiences can include a combination of the following: • BTW practice in a dual-control vehicle, operated in traffic on a typical street with the supervision of a teacher seated in the front seat to the right of the student • In-traffic observation of the student’s experience in a dual-control vehicle • Simulated experience consisting of filmed or realistic computer-generated traffic events which provide students the opportunity to respond to realistic driving events under the close supervision of a teacher • BTW experience in a practice driving vehicle which is operated on an off-street multiple vehicles driving facility
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Minimum Time 1. Since experience has not demonstrated that time-based instruction offers reasonable or acceptable assurance of student accomplishment, programs are moving toward criterionreferenced or performance-based instruction. This means that for each aspect of the driver education program, careful study must be made to determine the desired performance levels of students and the alternate methods through which the performances may be attained. Until such time as minimum performance-based standards are determined and established as common practice, Mississippi law requires that the minimum schedule for student achievement of course objectives be 30 hours of structured learning experiences for each student and 6 hours of BTW training. 2. In a competency-oriented program, the amount of time needed by a group or an individual student for mastering a unit competency could vary. Students need experience in both classroom and BTW instruction. Emphasis should be placed on student achievement of high-level performance competencies and objectives instead of timebased exposure to specific units of instruction.
Types of Courses Dual-Control Vehicle Plan The dual-control vehicle plan consists of classroom instruction plus actual in-traffic driving experience and observation time in a dual-control vehicle. There is a ratio of one teacher to one student behind the wheel, with up to three students as in-vehicle observers. Within each group, students rotate from observation to BTW instruction. Most of the practice driving activity takes place on streets and highways accessible to the school site, using existing traffic conditions as the learning environment. Experience indicates that the low teacher-pupil ratio in a dual-control vehicle provides students with the amount and type of individual attention that meets their needs. Teachers can vary the method and the length of instruction to bring all students up to a satisfactory performance level. Another positive conclusion is that student observers learn quickly from both the mistakes and the accomplishments of the student behind the wheel. On the negative side, the low teacher-pupil ratio results in a relatively high cost of instruction per student per unit of instructional time. Another weakness is the failure to provide teachers with a means of determining either the student’s potential ability or performance level gained through previous experience in advance of scheduling for invehicle instruction. Also, this plan offers no safe, practical, and effective method for students to develop habitual responses to avoid collision-producing emergency situations. The practice driving activity is limited to streets and highways accessible to the school site. In rural Mississippi, this may represent minimal exposure to the varieties of traffic conditions and situations teens will be exposed to as they begin their driving career.
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Better results are obtained when student experiences in the classroom and BTW are closely correlated. One method of accomplishing this is to have teachers rotate assignments between the two phases, using course content and teaching strategies derived from careful planning by the entire instructional staff. Simulator Plan The simulator plan calls for regular classroom instruction, simulated practice driving experiences using approved electronic equipment, and BTW learning in a dual-control vehicle operated in traffic. The simulation equipment is located either in a classroom or in a mobile unit which can be moved from one location to another. Research has demonstrated that use of simulation equipment as a part of driver education can help students with scanning and anticipating hazards. The simulation medium permits teachers to assess the readiness of students before they are scheduled for on-street practice. Simulation experience can improve the student’s ability to identify and predict what other road users may do, make sound decisions, and carry out their decisions effectively. It offers them experience with a wider range of traffic situations than would be possible in many parts of Mississippi. Not only is the scope of instruction expanded but the order of exposure to more complex learning situations may be arranged progressively with the students' acquisition of advanced skills. The simulator plan gives the students practice, without undue risk, in recognizing common emergency situations and selecting the most appropriate response. The opportunity to learn proper responses to avoid collision-producing situations should be an integral part of all driver education courses. Additionally, the simulator plan can prepare students at a lower per- pupil cost when the equipment is used on a full-time basis and student enrollment is adequate. Weaknesses have been found with the simulator plan. Mastery of important manipulative skills in a simulator is not necessarily comparable to the learning potential a dual-control vehicle provides. In addition, simulation does not lend itself to developing more complex driving skills such as navigating intersections, controlling speed, skid control, and parallel parking. Multiple-Vehicle Driving Plan This plan consists of regular classroom instruction, BTW learning in a dual-control vehicle operated in traffic, and time spent at an off-street, multiple-vehicle driving facility. The multiple vehicles driving plan provides greater opportunities for students to practice basic maneuvers. Not only do the students have additional driving time, but they can benefit from the unique design of the facility which requires skillful maneuvering and less time steering the car straight down the road. Such a facility should consist of a hard-surfaced area on which any number of student-operated vehicles are used simultaneously under the direct supervision of one or more teachers. The area should include space for development of fundamental driving skills and decision-making processes, road surfaces 33 | P a g e
wide enough for two-way and multiple-lane traffic lanes, and an electronic or otherwise effective means of communication between teachers and students. The driving facility experience requires students to rely on their own learning rather than depending on a “patient” teacher, ready to remind them of all the necessary driving acts or to use the dual controls. Students often come better prepared for the scheduled learning sessions, form sound decision-making habits, and acquire self-reliance, confidence, and performance abilities at a faster rate. The multiple-vehicle plan also permits teachers to evaluate the level of motor skills achieved by students so they can give special attention to individual needs and determine student’s readiness to drive in actual traffic. With appropriate space and design features, this facility can provide students with an opportunity to practice certain emergency maneuvers. The advantages cited relate to the quality of instruction, but the per-student cost advantage for this type of laboratory instruction must not be overlooked. In dual-control vehicle instruction, the teacher-pupil ratio is one-to-one; for the multiple-vehicle facility, one teacher can work effectively with 12 or more students. The limited actual on-street driving in traffic is a disadvantage. Multiple-Phase Approach The multiple-phase approach may be the best possible framework for achieving the central purpose of driver education because it combines the advantages of developing basic skills through the dual-control vehicle plan, the simulator plan, and the multiplevehicle plan, and adds advanced skills training in an additional phase. Scheduled for up to 90 hours, a multiple-phase course may provide each student with up to 45 hours in the regular classroom, 12 hours of simulator instruction, 6 hours of multiple-vehicle instruction, and 4 hours of dual-control vehicle instruction. This approach enables each student to have observation experience in traffic and time for scheduled project activities. There is also time for the use of other innovative approaches as they become available. The principal disadvantage of the multiple-phase approach is the sizable investment required for the initial procurement of simulator equipment and facilities. However, when the useful life of the equipment and facilities and the improved teacher-pupil ratio are considered, per-student costs of the multiple-phase approach are at least comparable to those of the dual-control vehicle plan.
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Evaluation and Reporting To provide a basis for program improvement in driver education, school officials responsible for the program should conduct ongoing evaluations to determine the effectiveness of courses provided by its high school(s). The evaluation plan should include school and district recording of the name, birth date, and course completion date of each student completing the program, and the per-pupil cost for that instruction. A simple cost-effectiveness comparison can be made for a given type of driver education course in one school with that of other schools in the district or county in the state. High schools should have the following information available for reporting purposes: 1. A description of the driver education course offered, including documentation of established minimum Office of Public Instruction standards required for course approval 2. A roster of driver education teachers and administrators, along with their location of assignment and their qualifications and certification status 3. Accurate description of physical facilities and equipment made available at each school for driver education, including complete information pertaining to practice driving vehicles. 4. A record of students who have successfully completed each type of driver education course should be maintained for five or more years for possible research purposes.
Field Trips Field trips can present first-hand experiences not possible in the classroom. A field trip must be well planned. Students should be involved in the planning and have some objective to accomplish. Each student or group of students should have an assignment. Notify any person or business well in advance of the visit. Possible field trip destinations are: • • • • • • • •
Car dealership Emergency driving procedures workshop Driver license station Auto repair garage Highway department Large city Traffic court Service station
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Online Resources The websites below should be reviewed on a yearly or semester basis. Teachers should consider the advantages of taking their own photos, slides, and videos. This allows for better organization and the instructor can emphasize those things deemed important in rural and urban areas. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Insurance Institute for Highway Safety American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators Mississippi Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver Service Bureau
Community Relations Whether a person is a community leader, business owner, educator, student, or family member, help is always needed to ensure students in Mississippi graduate ready for college and careers. Driver education is an area of the total school program that is constantly in the public eye. For this reason, members of the media and public relations personnel are eager to cover trafficrelated stories. Teachers and school administrators should do everything possible to maintain the quality of the driver education course as an essential component of the total school program and an investment in community safety. After everything administratively possible is done to ensure that the best driver education instruction can take place, students, law enforcement officers, license personnel, representatives from civic clubs, governmental agencies, community leaders, and news media can be brought in to raise the awareness of the program. School-community cooperative endeavors should take place. For example, an off-street, multiple-vehicle driving facility can become a focal point of activity during non- school hours. Methods of continuously promoting the program to the public and its leaders include the following: 1. Examples of good teaching and safe driving practices exhibited on streets and highways as well as in classrooms and on special facilities 2. Providing the news media with regular and special news items 3. In-service work with the entire faculty 4. Open house 5. Proper care and exclusive use of practice driving vehicles for instructional purposes 6. Recognition by each teacher that, because he/she is known throughout the community, a good example for driving behavior must be made 7. Acceptance by teachers and administrators of every opportunity to appear before civic groups to present both accomplishments and to discuss the needs of driver education
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Safety Belts, Airbags, and Occupant Protection Safety or seat belts are preventive medicine. Buckling up is the single most effective act to protect an occupant in a crash. Mississippi law places responsibility on the driver to ensure each occupant is properly buckled or in a child safety restraint on every trip, every time. Seat belts with airbags and child safety seats provide the following major functions: 1. Seat belts prevent ejection from the vehicle in case of a crash. The risk of death is five times greater if an individual is thrown from the vehicle. 2. Seat belts hold the body in the seat during sudden stops and turns, giving the driver better control over the vehicle. 3. Seat belts along with airbags restrain and decelerate the body with the vehicle, thus minimizing injury. 4. Seat belts along with airbags lessen injury inside the vehicle. Unbuckled bodies can collide at crash force into other people in the same vehicle, seriously injuring or even killing them in a crash.
Nighttime Instruction Darkness is the most common and perhaps least regarded, visual handicap. Classroom discussion, videos, and other approaches should be used to make the student aware of the problem of night driving. Where possible, school districts are encouraged to provide vehicle instruction during hours of darkness. This provides students with supervised vehicle operating experience under conditions that are less than ideal—a very real part of everyday driving. Parents/legal guardians are required to provide their teens with a minimum of 50 hours of supervised practice driving with at least 10 hours at night. Parents should continue to set limits and drive with their teens even after the minimum of 50 hours is achieved.
Resource Personnel When a resource person is used, the timing of their appearance should be well planned. A list of questions could be developed by the students and sent to the guest speaker ahead of time. Where class periods are long (50-60 minutes), do not expect the resource guest to speak the entire time. Use of a film or demonstration can help to increase interest and produce a better discussion. Some suggested expertise areas for resource personnel are: • • • • •
Automobile dealer Doctor, nurse and emergency responders Highway Patrol Local police officer Insurance agent 37 | P a g e
• • • • • • • •
Judge/lawyer Mechanic and auto body repairman Traffic engineer Construction zone worker Motorcycle safety trainer Bicycle and pedestrian safety 911 dispatcher Operation Lifesaver (railroad safety) presenter
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APPENDIX H: DEFINITION OF TERMS Behind-the-wheel (BTW) – Driver training by a MDE approved driver education teacher in a vehicle. Cooperative Driver Testing Program (CDTP) – A joint program of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau and the Mississippi Department of Education that authorizes approved driver education teachers teaching in an approved driver education program to administer the written tests for a learner’s permit on behalf of the DPS. Training offered by the DPS is required for the CDTP. Concurrent scheduling – Scheduling the MDETP without an interruption in classroom instruction and BTW instruction. Equitable – Treating all eligible students fairly and without bias in the notification, enrollment, and class administration procedures associated with driver education. Integrated scheduling – Scheduling the MDETP to include a blend of classroom instruction and associated BTW instruction during the driver education course. In-traffic – Operator training on roadways and byways open to and with public traffic including up to 30 minutes of initial vehicle familiarization and training in little used parking lots.
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APPENDIX I: DRIVER EDUCATION AND TRAINING STATUTES § 37-25-1 Declaration of purpose The aims and purposes of driver’s education and training shall be to develop a knowledge of those provisions of the Mississippi Code of 1972 and other laws of this state relating to the operation of motor vehicles, a proper acceptance of personal responsibility in traffic, a true appreciation of the causes, seriousness and consequences of traffic accidents, and the knowledge, attitudes, habits and skills necessary for the safe operation of motor vehicles.
§ 37-25-3 Establishment and maintenance of driver education and training program Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, the school board of any school district maintaining a secondary school which includes any of the grades nine (9) through twelve (12) inclusive, shall establish and maintain driver education and training programs for pupils enrolled in the day secondary schools in that district.
§ 37-25-5 Promulgation of rules and regulations; contents of programs; budget; administration of program On or before July 1, 2025, the State Superintendent of Public Education and the Commissioner of Public Safety shall jointly prepare and recommend to the State Board of Education, and the board shall adopt rules and regulations governing the establishment, conduct and scope of driver education and training programs in secondary schools of this state, subject to the requirements and exceptions set forth in this chapter. Said program shall be established and maintained only in accordance with such rules and regulations. Said program shall include both classroom instruction and BTW instruction. The State Driver Education and Training Program in secondary schools of this state shall include a program of study for distracted driving, alcohol, drug and safety education as it pertains to driver and highway safety and shall also include instruction relating to organ and tissue donation and organ and tissue donation procedures, and shall include instruction on the litter laws of the state and the responsibilities of the driver and all passengers to dispose of litter in the proper container. The state driver education and training program in secondary schools of this state shall also include a program of study, developed by the Department of Public Safety under Section 37-25-29, on how persons should properly respond when stopped by law enforcement officers. The State Superintendent of Public Education shall prepare an administrative budget from funds made available under this chapter which budget shall be approved by the State Board of Education. It shall be the responsibility of the State Superintendent of Public Education to 40 | P a g e
administer this program in accordance with rules and regulations established by the State Board of Education and to appoint the necessary supervisors of safety education and the necessary clerical personnel. On or before July 1, 2025, the State Superintendent of Education and the Commissioner of Public Safety shall jointly prepare an estimated budget and fiscal report of the additional expenses and costs related to the implementation of mandatory driver education programs and present the same to the Legislature.
§ 37-25-7 Student eligibility for instruction; learner’s permits Any student receiving instruction under this chapter shall be: 1. Fourteen (14) years of age or above 2. A regularly enrolled student in the ninth, tenth, eleventh or twelfth grade 3. A full-time student in the respective secondary school Any driver education student shall not be required to possess a learner's permit or driver's license while the student is under the direct supervision of a driver education instructor and is enrolled in an approved course of driver education.
§ 37-25-8 Certificate of Completion Upon satisfactory completion of the State Driver Education and Training Program, a driver's education student shall be issued a Certificate of Completion. A copy of said certificate shall be delivered by the school to the Driver Service Bureau of the Department of Public Safety.
§ 37-25-11 Determination of cost of program A determination of the cost of a driver education and training program in a secondary school shall include, but by no means is limited to, the cost of the replacement of the automobile or machinery used in the instruction of pupils, the cost of the instructor’s salary, the upkeep and maintenance of said automobile, and the cost of such other equipment and classroom data as may be required in a driver education and training program operated in compliance with the rules and regulations of the state board of education.
§ 37-25-13 Allowances to districts for program The state superintendent of public education shall allow to each school district an amount per pupil to be determined by the state board of education, but in no case to exceed the actual cost per pupil completing the course in the driver education and training programs in that school district during the preceding fiscal year in accordance with the regulations set forth by the state board of education to the school districts for instructing pupils in driver education and training. All such funds made available for the purposes of this section shall be appropriated by the legislature in the same manner as general funds. If the funds herein authorized by the legislature 41 | P a g e
for the support of driver education shall exceed the funds which become available, each participating school district shall have its funds reduced on a pro rata basis. No allowance shall be made under this section for the instruction of pupils in driver education and training unless the respective school district has complied with the rules and regulations as set forth by the state board of education governing the establishment, conduct and scope of driver education and training.
§ 37-25-14 DPS Reporting Annual Statistics The Department of Public Safety shall report to the Department of Education annual statistics regarding crash and fatality data for the State of Mississippi and nationally, including, but not limited to, statistics involving teenage drivers.
§ 37-25-17 Driver Training Penalty Assessment Fund Such assessments as are collected under subsections (1) and (2) of Section 99-19-73 shall be deposited in the Driver Training Penalty Assessment Fund, which fund is hereby created, to be used exclusively as provided in this chapter.
§ 37-25-21 Waiver of driver training penalty assessment In any case where any person, convicted of any violation punishable by fine and the levy of the penalty assessment specified in this chapter, is imprisoned until the fine is satisfied, the judge may waive all or any part of the penalty assessment where, in his opinion, the payment of said penalty assessment would work a hardship on the person convicted or his immediate family.
§ 37-25-21 Purchase of necessary equipment, aids and devices and materials In addition to and supplementary of all other powers authorized by law, the State Board of Education is hereby authorized and empowered to promulgate reasonable rules and regulations deemed necessary to carry out the legislative intent of Chapter 341, Laws of the 1962 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature, being Sections 37-25-1 et seq., Mississippi Code of 1972. The State Board of Education is authorized to purchase for cash or by lease-purchase agreement all the necessary equipment, visual and training aids and devices, and related materials required to administer this act, upon competitive public bids as required by law for public purchases. The repeal of Chapter 387, Laws of 1968, authorizing the purchase of liability insurance upon driver training aids and devices and motor vehicles transporting the same, shall not affect any litigation or prosecutions pending on June 30, 1970, or prevent the filing of any litigation or commencement of any action accruing prior to said date.
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§ 37-25-27 Payment of funds expended under chapter Funds expended under authority of this chapter shall be paid by the state treasurer out of the driver training penalty assessment fund or other funds used in administering this chapter, upon warrants issued by the state auditor of public accounts. The said auditor shall issue his warrant upon requisition signed by the proper person, officer or officers in the manner provided by law.
§ 37-25-29 Driver education program to include instruction in how a person should properly respond when stopped by law enforcement officers; curriculum to include drivers’ constitutional rights. 1. The Department of Public Safety shall develop a program of study on how persons should properly respond when stopped by law enforcement officers to be taught to students as part of the state driver education and training program and as part of a driver education program taught to students attending nonpublic schools. 2. Any program developed by the Department of Public Safety under this section shall incorporate in that curriculum the constitutional rights that drivers have when encountering a law enforcement officer, including, but not limited to, consent to search and refusal to provide information not pertinent to the traffic stop.
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APPENDIX J: MISSISSIPPI DRIVER’S LICENSE STATUTES §63-1-9 Person prohibited from obtaining license, issuance of learner’s permits and driver’s license 1. No driver’s license or learner’s permit shall be issued pursuant to this article: a. To any person under the age of eighteen (18) years except as provided in this article. b. To any person whose license to operate a motor vehicle on the highways of Mississippi has been previously revoked or suspended by this state or any other state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia, if the revocation or suspension period has not expired. c. To any person who is a habitual drunkard or who is addicted to the use of other narcotic drugs. d. To any person who would not be able by reason of physical or mental disability to operate a motor vehicle on the highways with safety. However, persons who have one (1) arm or leg, or have arms or legs deformed, and are driving a car provided with mechanical devices whereby the person can drive in a safe manner over the highways, if otherwise qualified, shall receive an operator's license the same as other persons. Moreover, deafness shall not be a bar to obtaining a license. e. To any person as an operator who has previously been adjudged to be afflicted with and suffering from any mental disability and who has not at time of application been restored to mental competency. f. To any person under the age of eighteen (18) years who does not at the time of application present a diploma or other certificate of high school graduation or a general educational development certificate issued to the person in this state or any other state; or on whose behalf documentation has not been received by the Department of Public Safety from that person or a school official verifying that the person: i. Is enrolled and making satisfactory progress in a course leading to a general educational development certificate ii. Is enrolled in school in this state or any other state iii. Is enrolled in a "nonpublic school," as such term is defined in Section 37-1391(2)(i) iv. Is unable to attend any school program due to circumstances deemed acceptable as set out in Section 63-1-10 g. To any person under the age of eighteen (18) years who has been convicted under Section 63-11-30.
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h. Beginning on July 1, 2027, to any person who has not previously obtained a driver's license unless that person has successfully completed a Driver Education and Training Program certified by the State Board of Education or the Department of Public Safety; provided, however, a person under the age of eighteen (18) shall be able to receive a learner's permit as otherwise provided in this article. 2. All permits and licenses issued to an individual under the age of eighteen (18) shall be issued as follows: a. A learner's permit may be issued to any person who is at least fifteen (15) years of age who otherwise meets the requirements of this article. b. A driver's license may be issued to any person who is at least sixteen (16) years of age who otherwise meets the requirements of this article and who has held a learner's permit for at least one (1) year without any conviction under Section 63-11-30 or of a moving violation. Any conviction under Section 63-11-30 or of a moving violation shall restart the one-year requirement for the holding of a learner's permit before an applicant can qualify for a driver's license. c. An applicant for a driver's license who was unable to make timely application for a learner's permit may have the period in which he or she was eligible but unable to apply due to a hardship credited toward the one-year requirement for the holding of a learner's permit. The Department of Public Safety shall set forth the criteria for which a hardship exception may be granted, at the discretion of the department, to any individual who has completed a Driver Education and Training Program certified by the Board of Education or the Department of Public Safety. d. An applicant for a Mississippi driver's license who, at the time of application, is at least sixteen (16) years of age and who has held a valid motor vehicle driver's license issued by another state for at least six (6) months shall not be required to hold a learner's permit before being issued a driver's license. e. In addition to the restrictions set forth in Section 63-1-21(3), the commissioner may establish rules, regulations and restrictions for the operation of a motor vehicle during the first twelve (12) months that an individual under the age of eighteen (18) possesses a license. f. Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department of Public Safety shall establish a Driver Education and Training Program to be taught throughout the state and made available for home school students and adults who have not otherwise taken a driver's education course. Upon completion of the course, each participant shall be issued a Certificate of Completion, and a record of the certificate shall be delivered to the Mississippi Driver Service Bureau. 3. The commissioner shall ensure that the learner's permit and driver's license issued under this article are clear, distinct and easily distinguishable from one another.
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§ 63-1-10 Educational requirements for issuance of license to person under eighteen years of age; documentation; appeal of denial of license 1. Upon the written request of a parent or guardian of any applicant for a license under eighteen (18) years of age, the school district in which the applicant is enrolled shall submit documentation to the Department of Public Safety verifying that the applicant follows Section 63-1-9(1)(g). The verification shall be signed by the school principal or his designee, or, in the case of a home study program, the parent, or the adult education supervisor of the General Educational Development Program or his designee. If the student is enrolled in a nonpublic school, the school principal or his designee is encouraged to submit the verification on behalf of the student. Documentation of the applicant’s enrollment status shall be submitted on a form designed by the State Department of Education that includes the written signed and notarized parent or guardian’s consent authorizing the release of the applicant’s attendance records to the Department of Public Safety, as approved by the Department of Public Safety, in a manner that insures the authenticity of the form and the information or signature contained thereon, including via facsimile. The forms required under this section to provide documentation shall be made available to all public high schools, private schools accredited by the State Board of Education, adult education supervisors at school board offices and, upon request, to others through the Department of Public Safety. 2. Whenever an applicant or licensee who is under eighteen (18) years of age is unable to attend any school program due to acceptable circumstances, the school where the student last attended shall transmit documentation to the department to excuse such student from the provisions of Section 63-1-9(1)(g). The school principal or his designee shall determine whether nonattendance or absences are excused pursuant to Section 37-13-91. For purposes of this section, suspension or expulsion from school or incarceration in a correctional institution is not an acceptable circumstance for a person being unable to attend school. 3. Any person denied a license for failure to satisfy the education requirements of Section 63-19(1)(g) shall have the right to file a request within thirty (30) days thereafter for a hearing before the Department of Public Safety to determine whether the person is entitled to a license or is subject to the cancellation of his license under the provisions of this section. The hearing shall be held within ten (10) days of the receipt by the department of the request. Appeal from the decision of the department may be taken under Section 63-1-31.
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§ 63-1-33 Examination of applicant for license or learner’s permit; inspection of applicant’s automobile; certification of successful completion of driver education and training program at secondary school in lieu of examination; off-duty members of Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol authorized to teach; certification by parent, teacher or guardian of student’s motor vehicle operation proficiency in lieu of department’s skills test 1. Except as otherwise provided under subsections (6) and (7) of this section, it shall be the duty of the license examiner, when application is made for an operator’s license or learner’s permit, to test the applicant’s ability to read and understand road signs and to give the required signals as adopted by the National Advisory Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. 2. Except as otherwise provided under subsections (6) and (7) of this section, the commissioner shall have prepared and administer a test composed of at least ten (10) questions relating to the safe operation of a motor vehicle and testing the applicant’s knowledge of the proper operation of a motor vehicle. Every examination shall ensure adequate knowledge on the part of the applicant as to school bus safety requirements. 3. Prior to the administration of the test, the license examiner shall inspect the horn, lights, brakes, vehicle registration and proof of liability coverage of the motor vehicle which the applicant expects to operate while being tested, and if he finds that any of the aforementioned items are deficient, no license or endorsement shall be issued to the applicant until same have been repaired. 4. An applicant for a Mississippi driver’s license who, at the time of application, holds a valid motor vehicle driver’s license issued by another state shall not be required to take a written test. 5. Except as otherwise provided by Section 63-1-6, when application is made for an original motorcycle endorsement, the applicant shall be required to pass a written test which consists of questions relating to the safe operation of a motorcycle and a skill test like the “Motorcycle Operator Skill Test,” which is endorsed by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. The commissioner may exempt any applicant from the skill test if the applicant presents a certificate showing successful completion of a course approved by the commissioner, which includes a similar examination of skills needed in the safe operation of a motorcycle. 6. The Department of Public Safety shall accept the certification of successful completion of an individual’s training in the knowledge and skills needed for the proper and safe operation of a motor vehicle from a driver education and training program at a secondary school that meets the standards of the State Board of Education, in lieu of the department administering the examination of the individual for the purpose of obtaining a driver’s license. The school may employ teachers duly certified by the Department of Education to teach in such a 47 | P a g e
program. In addition, off-duty members of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol shall be authorized to teach in such a program without having to obtain a teaching certificate from the Department of Education. Instructors will be considered employees of the school, not of the Driver License Examining Bureau. The commissioner and the State Board of Education shall jointly promulgate rules and regulations for the administration of this subsection. 7. The commissioner shall develop an affidavit whereby a parent, teacher or guardian may certify that he or she has witnessed a student operate a motor vehicle for at least fifty (50) hours and attest to the student’s proficiency in the proper and safe operation of a motor vehicle and the Department of Public Safety shall accept such in lieu of a skills test conducted by the department.
§ 63-1-61 Causing or permitting child or ward under sixteen years of age to drive without authorization No person shall cause or knowingly permit his child or ward under the age of sixteen (16) years to drive a motor vehicle upon any highway if such minor is not authorized under the provisions of this article or is in violation of any of the provisions of this article. Any penalty imposed under the provisions of this section shall be in addition to any penalty imposed against the minor for a violation of this article.
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Mississippi Driver Education and Training Program Curriculum Office of Safe and Orderly Schools Division of Pupil Transportation
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 03 Acknowledgements 04 Mississippi Driver Education and Training Program (MDETP) 06 Mississippi Content Standards and Benchmarks for Driver Education 08 Unit Crosswalk: Standards, Benchmarks, and Drives 09 Performance Phases for Driver Education 12 Drives: In-Car Lessons 15 Unit 1: Driver Education Course Overview 16 Unit 2: Vehicle Control 18 Unit 3: Vision and Managing Spaces 21 Unit 4: Rural, Urban, and Highway Driving 24 Unit 5: Managing Driving Risks 26 Unit 6: Deadly D’s: Driver Fitness and Responsibilities 28 Unit 7: Driver License and Trip Planning 29 Program Enhancements 31 Student Competency Profile 33 Appendix: Law Enforcement Interaction Course
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Acknowledgements Lance Evans, Ph. D. | State Superintendent of Education, Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) Paula A. Vanderford, Ph. D. | Chief Accountability Officer, MDE Brian McGairty | Director, MDE Safe and Orderly Schools Darrell Latham | Program Specialist, MDE Safe and Orderly Schools Jonathan Tillman | School Transportation Administrator, MDE Safe and Orderly Schools Kasey Rather | Driver’s Education Program Coordinator, Department of Public Safety Major John Poulos | Director 10-34 Project, Department of Public Safety Katherine Hancock | Project Manager, Research and Curriculum Unit, Mississippi State University
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MISSISSIPPI DRIVER EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM (MDETP) General Requirements The Mississippi Driver Education and Training Program (MDETP) curriculum meets the content standards, benchmarks, and performance standards for state-approved teen driver education. Structured learning and guided practice are needed for students to acquire and demonstrate legal and safe driving skills, habits, and responsibilities. Beginning July 1, 2027, drivers must complete a certified Mississippi driver education and training program to obtain a Mississippi driver’s license before age 16. The units in this curriculum demonstrate what is needed to meet the standards and benchmarks and assist a teen driver in becoming proficient in their driver performance.
Introduction Driving safely requires developing a complex set of skills. It takes months, even years, for new drivers to gain the experience and informed decision-making that allows them to interact with vehicles, other drivers, and the highway system at an informed and responsible level. When a new driver receives a driver license and begins driving independently, the first six months are the most critical. New drivers need to think about their driving actions. Appropriate and safe responses need to become habits through repeated practice of correct behaviors. MDETP provides the foundation for students, assisted by teachers, parent/guardians or other supervising drivers, to develop the necessary skills and experience to become safe, competent drivers. Students must apply concepts learned at a desk to the realities of driving behind the wheel. Emphasis is placed on relating visual search skills, space management, and balanced vehicle movement to risk-reducing driving strategies. Significant attention is given to risk awareness, driver alertness, responsible actions for occupant protection devices, positive interactions with other roadway users, and the physical and psychological conditions that affect driver performance. While curriculum content is an important element for improved driver education and training, a quality delivery system is critical to effective student learning. Quality instruction requires engaging classroom and laboratory-learning experiences delivered to students over an adequate period, allowing students to practice skills and develop the habits necessary for safe vehicle operation. To be successful, instruction needs to be delivered in short training sessions over an extended period. This allows students to learn basic operational skills correctly while adding judgment and more complex skills to their experience. It is not adequate for students to merely know the correct response. They must do it often enough to generate correct automatic responses that can develop into effective habits. Learning to drive is a process that integrates knowledge and extended practice to perceive hazards, make decisions, and control the vehicle. 4|Page
State-approved driver education teachers help students meet or exceed minimum competency standards through a combination of classroom and in-car instruction that includes modeling, knowledge assessment, skill assessment, hazard recognition, and guided observation. Satisfactory completion of a driver education and training course qualifies the student to continue the Mississippi Driver Education and Training Program (MDETP).
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MISSISSIPPI CONTENT STANDARDS AND BENCHMARKS FOR DRIVER EDUCATION Driving is an activity that impacts the whole community. A successful program, therefore, requires the effective involvement of schools, communities, and government agencies. The purpose of this curriculum is to provide structured learning and guided practice for students to acquire and demonstrate legal and safe driving skills, habits, and responsibilities. Content standards outline the skills and knowledge expected of students from grade to grade and subject to subject. Benchmarks define the expectations for students’ knowledge, skills, and abilities. Content standards and benchmarks are required for curricula development, program approval, and student training.
STANDARDS 1. LAWS AND HIGHWAY SYSTEM Students must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the highway transportation system and the laws governing the operation of a motor vehicle. 2. RESPONSIBILITY Students must make a commitment to safe behaviors and good decision-making, by consistently demonstrating a positive attitude and respect for other roadway users and obeying roadway laws.
3. VISUAL SKILLS Students must demonstrate and analyze the importance of proper visual skills for the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
BENCHMARKS Upon completion of driver education, students will: 1.1 - Know the laws outlined in the Mississippi Driver's License Manual. 1.2 - Understand the laws outlined in the Mississippi Driver's License Manual. 1.3 - Consistently demonstrate knowledge and understanding by responsible adherence to highway transportation system, traffic laws, and control devices. Upon completion of driver education, students will: 2.1 -Recognize the importance of making safe and responsible decisions for owning and operating a motor vehicle. 2.2 - Demonstrate the ability to make appropriate decisions while operating a motor vehicle. 2.3 - Consistently display respect for other users of the highway transportation system. 2.4 - Develop positive habits and attitudes for responsible driving. Upon completion of driver education, students will: 3.1 - Know proper visual skills for operating a motor vehicle. 3.2 - Communicate and explain proper visual skills for operating a motor vehicle. 3.3 - Demonstrate the use of proper visual skills for operating a motor vehicle. 3.4 - Develop positive habits and attitudes for consistent proper visual skills.
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4. VEHICLE CONTROL Students must demonstrate skill in maneuvering and controlling motor vehicles smoothly, efficiently, and safely. 5. COMMUNICATION Students must communicate and interact with the highway transportation system and other roadway users utilizing prescribed, effective, and safe practices.
6. RISK MANAGEMENT Students must demonstrate and safely apply driver riskmanagement (defensive driving) strategies, behaviors, and habits, including measures to maintain distraction-free driving. 7. LIFELONG LEARNING Students must make a lifelong commitment to the skills, habits, and knowledge required for the driving task.
8. DRIVING EXPERIENCE Students acquire behind-the wheel driving experience under the direction of a Mississippiapproved driver education teacher.
Upon completion of driver education, students will: 4.1 - Demonstrate smooth, safe, and efficient operation of a motor vehicle. 4.2 - Develop positive habits and attitudes for safe, efficient, and smooth vehicle operation. Upon completion of driver education, students will: 5.1 - Consistently communicate their driving intentions (i.e., use of lights, vehicle position, and personal signals). 5.2 - Adjust their driver behavior based on observation of the highway transportation system and other roadway users. 5.3 - Adjust communication (i.e., use of lights, vehicle position, and personal signals) based on observation of the highway transportation system and other users. 5.4 - Develop positive habits and attitudes for effective communication. Upon completion of driver education, students will: 6.1 - Understand driver risk-management principles. 6.2 - Demonstrate driver risk-management strategies. 6.3 - Develop positive habits and attitudes for effective driver risk-management.
Upon completion of driver education, students will: 7.1 - Identify and use a range of learning strategies required to acquire or retain knowledge, positive driving habits, and driving skills for lifelong learning. 7.2 - Establish learning goals that are based on an understanding of one’s own current and future learning needs. 7.3 - Demonstrate knowledge and ability to make informed decisions required for positive driving habits, effective performance, and adaptation to change. Upon completion of driver education, students will: 8.1 - Acquire at least the minimum number of behind-thewheel hours over at least the minimum number of days, as required by law, with a Mississippi-approved driver education teacher.
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UNIT CROSSWALK: STANDARDS, BENCHMARKS, AND DRIVES The crosswalk below shows the corresponding units (in-class lessons) and drives (in-car lessons) to benchmarks and standards. Mississippi-approved Driver Education and Training Programs must include curriculum content plus six hours of in-car instruction. The combination of content knowledge and practical skills acquired through this instructional process satisfies the MDETP requirements.
UNITS
BENCHMARKS
STANDARDS
DRIVES
1: Driver Education Course Overview 2: Vehicle Control
1.1 – 1.3
1. Laws and Highway System 2. Responsibility 6. Risk Management 8. Driving Experience 1. Laws and Highway System 3. Visual Skills 5. Communication 8. Driving Experience 3. Visual Skills 4. Vehicle Control 8. Driving Experience 1. Laws and Highway System 2. Responsibility 5. Communication 6. Risk Management 8. Driving Experience 1. Laws and Highway System 2. Responsibility 3. Visual Skills 6. Risk Management 1. Laws and Highway System 7. Lifelong Learning 8. Driver Experience
N/A
3: Vision and Managing Spaces
4: Rural, Urban, and Highway Driving 5: Managing Driving Risks
6: Deadly D’s – Driver Fitness and Responsibilities
7: Driver License and Trip Planning
2.1-2.4 6.1-6.3 8.1 1.3 3.1-3.4 5.2-5.3 8.1 3.1-3.4 4.1-4.2 8.1 1.3 2.2 5.2-5.3 6.1-6.3 8.1 1.1-1.3 2.2 3.3 6.1-6.4 8.1 1.1-1.3 7.1-7.3 8.1
1, 2,
2, 3
3, 4, 5
1-6
1-6
1-6
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PERFORMANCE PHASES FOR DRIVER EDUCATION Driver education performance phases describe students’ knowledge, skills, and abilities in the driver education content area. These descriptions provide a profile of student achievement at the four performance levels: novice, nearing proficiency, proficient, and competent. These phases are not exhaustive indications of performance but demonstrate a range of skills and knowledge relative to the established standards and benchmarks.
Performance Phases NOVICE: Shows weak driving skills, must use full concentration, and is easily distracted NEARING PROFICIENCY: Shows inconsistent performance but still uses conscious effort PROFICIENT: Shows more consistent performance but still uses conscious effort COMPETENT: Shows consistent performance and behavior is largely automatic
NOVICE The novice student is beginning to attain the prerequisite knowledge and driving skills that are fundamental for work at each benchmark and is beginning to acquire the knowledge and skills needed for safe and responsible driving. The student: 1. shows weak driving skills, must use full concentration, and is easily distracted 2. struggles with traffic in various driving situations, even with assistance 3. rarely uses the risk-managing driving skills 4. has difficulty interacting with others in a safe, courteous manner 5. demonstrates limited understanding of the highway transportation system 6. rarely demonstrates the visual skills needed to operate a motor vehicle 7. shows little understanding of the local and state laws of Mississippi 8. with assistance, has begun to drive in rural, urban, and residential environments 9. has begun to learn signs, signals, and pavement markings 10. has difficulty in comprehending and applying vehicle laws while driving a motor vehicle within a supervised environment 11. demonstrates a limited proficiency of safe and responsible driving techniques and attitudes 12. performs at a beginning level after obtaining the minimum number of behind-thewheel hours with an approved driver education teacher
NEARING PROFICIENCY The student nearing proficiency exhibits partial mastery of prerequisite knowledge and driving skills fundamental for proficient work at each benchmark and demonstrates a partial mastery of the knowledge and skills fundamental for responsible and safe driving. The student: 1. shows inconsistent performance and must use conscious effort 2. understands that the laws of Mississippi, counties, and cities can differ 3. demonstrates a limited ability to use risk-managing driving principles 4. shows limited knowledge of motor vehicle laws while driving
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5. most of the time shows proficiency of safe and responsible driving techniques and attitudes 6. performs in a limited manner after obtaining the minimum number of behind-thewheel hours with an approved driver education teacher 7. with assistance, can use basic skills needed to interact safely with the highway transportation system 8. with assistance, demonstrates the visual skills needed to operate a motor vehicle
PROFICIENT The proficient student exhibits solid academic and driving skill performance for each benchmark and demonstrates competency over challenging subject matter, including subject matter knowledge, application of such knowledge to real-world situations, and analytical skills appropriate to safe driving. The student: 1. shows more consistent performance, but still uses conscious effort to demonstrate responsible and safe driving behavior 2. demonstrates and consistently applies laws pertaining to driving 3. consistently uses risk-managing driving principles 4. demonstrates mastery of safe and responsible driving habits and attitudes 5. performs satisfactorily in obtaining the minimum number of behind-the-wheel hours with an approved driver education teacher 6. consistently interacts appropriately with other operators and traffic in various driving situations 7. demonstrates basic skills needed to interact safely with the highway transportation system 8. demonstrates appropriate visual skills needed to safely operate a motor vehicle 9. demonstrates habits and attitudes necessary to communicate and interact with the highway transportation system utilizing effective, safe practices 10. understands the laws that pertain to owning and operating a motor vehicle
COMPETENT The competent student exhibits strong knowledge and driving skills related to safely navigating roadways and interacting with other roadway users; shows consistent performance and driving behavior that is largely automatic; and exhibits driving behaviors safely and correctly in various driving situations. The student: 1. knows and adheres to the laws governing driving in Mississippi as demonstrated by habitually and consistently following the laws while driving 2. knows and adheres to the highway transportation system as demonstrated by habitually and consistently following the guidelines set by the transportation system 3. always responsibly, properly, and smoothly operates a vehicle 4. consistently researches ideas and opportunities to increase personal knowledge of the vehicle, the highway transportation system, and the driving task 5. habitually and responsibly applies defensive driving principles
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6. has acquired behind-the-wheel driving experience in various environments and road conditions for a period that exceeds the state minimum standards and MDETP requirements 7. resists peer pressure, which may negatively influence good and responsible driving behavior
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DRIVES: IN-CAR LESSONS The program requirement for this course is 6 hours behind-the-wheel and 12 hours of observation. Teachers should develop routes that enable students to practice and demonstrate competencies. These hour-long drives can be combined to meet the required minimum of 6 hours behind-the-wheel.
Drive 1: Start, Steer, and Stop
Drive 2: Intersections and Turns
Environment: Parking Lot
Environment: Low-Speed, Low-Risk Traffic
• • • • • • • •
•
Entering, buckling up, and starting the vehicle Orientation to controls/adjustments Managing speed and wheel control Pressing the accelerator Practicing controlled and threshold braking Practicing vision control (on/off targeting) Turn head before turning wheel Tracking on a straight path Securing and exiting the vehicle
• • • • • • •
•
•
Locating reference points Selecting lane positions Responding to sign, signals, and markings Selecting gaps and searching and entering intersections Turning left and right from a stop and while moving Reversing on a straight path and while turning Eye searching habits and practices: o Checking mirrors every 6-8 sec o Checking over the shoulder o Looking left, right, straight ahead and left again o Looking through turns Selecting and performing turnabouts: o Mid-block U-turn o Intersection U-turn o Two-point turn, right and left o Three-point turn Parking: o Angle o Forward o Perpendicular o Parallel
Drive 3: Yield and Search
Drive 4: Space Management
Environment: Low-and Moderate Risk Traffic
Environment: Low to Complex Risk
• • • • • •
Responding to traffic signs, signals, and markings Yielding the right of way Selecting where to stop, lanes, and positions Evaluating sight distance Recognizing and searching intersection types Identifying LOS/POT restrictions Controlling space to the front:
• • • • • • •
Backing into an alley or driveway Making legal stops and staggered stops Using systematic search patterns to identify critical areas Communicating courteously with other drivers Recognizing rear zone changes Keeping 3-4 second space between your vehicle and others Navigating one-way streets 12 | P a g e
• • • • • • • • • •
•
Judging distance in seconds Establishing following time Changing lanes Reading instruments Evaluating target path Applying speed control Stopping with vehicle in front Using staggered stops for space management Delaying moving for two seconds Identifying open and closed zones Using share lanes
Drive 5: Curves, Passing, and Lane Changing
• • •
Driving at night (when available) Railway grade crossing Ten good driving habits review
Drive 6: Final Drive – Skill Assessment
Environment: Moderate speeds to Complex •
•
When navigating a curve or hill: o Adjusting for best speed o Adjusting for best lane position o Approach o Visual search o Speed control/trail braking o Lane position o Managing vehicle balance o Driving up and down hills o Selecting best lane position o Maintaining speed control o Stopping and starting on a hill o Parking on uphill and downhill grades When passing or changing lanes: o Gap selection o Passing and being passed on two-lane roads o Practicing anti-lock system braking (ABS) when available o Using systematic search patterns to identify critical areas o Entering, merging, lane changing and exiting limited access highways o Handling emergency situations
•
If the program is CDTP-certified* the instructor can give the road test.
* The Cooperative Driver Testing Program (CDTP), in cooperation with the Motor Vehicle Division of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, allows trained and certified driver education instructors to administer the driver license knowledge exam and issue learner permits to students. CDTP-certified instructors may also give the road test.
Best Practices for In-Car Lessons • Start out slow in low-risk traffic. 13 | P a g e
• Develop route plans for your lessons and community. • Encourage students and parents/guardians to practice the driving skills they are learning in class. • Have a cell phone policy for students to learn to manage their mobile device connectedness. • Use commentary driving to enhance the learning process and good driving habits. • Consider using an in-car camera.
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UNIT 1: DRIVER EDUCATION COURSE OVERVIEW Competencies and Suggested Objectives a. Describe the course structure, policies, and rules. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Discuss the teen driver education and training program goals. Discuss Mississippi’s graduated driver licensing law for teen drivers. Discuss the responsibilities of the instructor and student during the course. Complete the program registration process if needed (including driver’s license applications for the traffic education permit and/or CDTP traffic education learner license). 5. Examine the behaviors resulting in driver errors, and crash statistics statewide and nationally. 6. Recognize the risks associated with poor driving habits and how risk can be minimized.
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UNIT 2: VEHICLE CONTROL Competencies and Suggested Objectives a. Distinguish between vehicle alerts, warning symbols, and gauges displayed on the dashboard. 1. Locate and describe the function of alert and warning symbols and gauges found in the driver education vehicle and another vehicle.
b. Identify, describe, and demonstrate correct use of the following in the driver education vehicle and in another vehicle. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Steering wheel Brake Accelerator Safety Communication and convenience devices
c. Describe and demonstrate the pre-entry and entry tasks, vehicle compartment adjustments needed for driver control, and the securing and exiting tasks. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Enter and exit the vehicle properly and safely. Adjust seating, steering wheel, and restraints. Demonstrate traditional mirror adjustments. Explain and demonstrate enhanced side view mirror settings known as the “blind zone glare elimination settings” to reduce mirror blind spots and eliminate glare. 5. Describe and demonstrate the purpose and use of a vehicle owner’s manual.
d. Evaluate the dynamics of a crash and the effects on a restrained and unrestrained human body. 1. Describe the three collisions of a crash and their effects.
e. Investigate the use of occupant protection devices in motor vehicles. 1. Identify and describe locations and purpose of seat belts, airbags, belt adjusters, and head restraints and demonstrate proper adjustments and operation to provide crash survival protection for adults. 2. Identify and describe child restraint systems (infants car seat, forward-facing car seat, booster seats, and lap/shoulder devices) and proper installation and positioning within a vehicle to provide crash survival protection for children.
f. Demonstrate proper steering wheel adjustments to accommodate for airbags.
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g. Describe and perform basic maneuvers related to vehicle control. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Describe and demonstrate the pre-drive and starting tasks. Explain the four steering wheel control techniques and when each is used. Describe and demonstrate procedures for entering and leaving the roadway. Demonstrate acceleration control. Demonstrate controlled, threshold, and trail braking control. Demonstrate procedures for left and right turns from a stopped and moving position. 7. Demonstrate procedures for reversing straight and reversing while turning.
h. Describe and demonstrate the use of vehicle reference points to position the vehicle and adjust for precision lane placement and stopping positions. 1. Position the vehicle while giving attention to blind areas to the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle. 2. Demonstrate steering accuracy by targeting and developing a systematic searching habit. 3. Choose a visual reference point that will place the front bumper at a line or curb. 4. Choose a visual reference point that will place the right-side tires 3-6 inches, 3 feet, and 6 feet from a line or curb. 5. Choose a visual reference point that will place the left-side tires 3-6 inches, 3 feet, and 6 feet from a line or curb. 6. Choose a visual reference point for placing a vehicle in the center of a lane. 7. Describe and demonstrate lane placement and reference points for setup, entry to, and exiting from a turn.
i. Explain the purpose and use of roadway signs, signals, markings, rules of the road, and traffic laws. 1. Describe the needs and purpose for traffic control devices for signs, signals, and markings. 2. List and explain meanings of colors and shapes of roadway signs, signals, traffic lights, and markings. 3. Categorize roadway signs, signals, and markings into meaningful applications. 4. Demonstrate appropriate driver responses to roadway signs, signals, and markings.
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UNIT 3: VISION AND MANAGING SPACES Competencies and Suggested Objectives a. Analyze fields of vision and their use while operating a motor vehicle. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Identify fields of vision. Devise strategies for overcoming physical visual problems. Analyze the effect speed has on vision. Discover techniques to improve vision while driving.
b. Discuss the value of good driving habits and positive habit development. 1. Describe the steps to developing positive habits. 2. Identify the four levels of driver performance (novice, nearing proficiency, proficient, and competent) 3. Discuss the ten good driving habits, as developed by Fred Mottola, National Institute of Driver Behavior. • Get driver and vehicle ready to drive • See a clear path before moving the vehicle • Keep the vehicle in balance • Use reference points to know where your vehicle is • Search for line of sight and path of travel restrictions • Develop strategies for decision-making and action • Safely navigate intersections • Control the rear zone • Control the front zone • Drive with courtesy
c. Describe the components of organized time and space management systems. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Describe the components of a space management system. Describe the procedures for an orderly visual search pattern. Explain causes for line-of-sight restrictions and path of travel restrictions. Identify the six zone locations. Adjust vehicle position to maximize lane positions. Evaluate a gap for merging with traffic or crossing traffic lines. Evaluate and control vehicle space to the front, rear, and sides Use appropriate communication techniques to inform other roadway users of driver actions. 9. Discuss how knowledge and application of the space management components leads to reduced risk while driving. 18 | P a g e
d. Evaluate and apply components of time and space management systems using critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. 1. Perform an orderly visual search process for a safe response in the 20-30 second, 12-15 second, and 4-6 second response range. 2. Evaluate the projected target area for information that could affect speed, vehicle-direction, or driver communication. 3. Evaluate and respond to restrictions to the line of sight and path of travel. 4. Adjust lane positions and speed to control space around the vehicle. 5. Select a gap in traffic for a safe merge or crossing traffic lanes. 6. Demonstrate appropriate communication techniques to inform other roadway users of driver actions. 7. Describe the dangers of improper signaling. 8. Evaluate and respond to traffic to the sides and rear of the vehicle. 9. Calculate distance traveled with various speeds. 10. Identify and describe the vehicle control sequence of vision control, motion control, and steering control.
e. Determine who should yield the right of way on roadways. 1. Define right of way and demonstrate yielding the right of way at intersections, merging zones, and highway railroad crossings. 2. Assess and describe the consequences for failure to yield the right of way. 3. Describe reasons for yielding the right of way to emergency vehicles, funeral processions, school buses, and pedestrians.
f. Describe and demonstrate the legal requirements for intersection driving. 1. Identify and respond appropriately to different intersection types, traffic signs, signals, and markings. 2. Describe and respond to controlled and uncontrolled intersections. 3. Describe and respond to controlled and uncontrolled railroad crossings. 4. Demonstrate visual searching skills to all sides of the vehicle, selecting the best lane position, best speed, and communication. 5. Describe and respond to legal stop positions. 6. Demonstrate effective vision, motion, and steering control.
g. Describe and demonstrate compliance with the legal requirements for a lane change and passing. 1. Evaluate and demonstrate a safe gap selection for a lane change or passing. 2. Evaluate and demonstrate time and space requirements for pre-pass positioning, passing, and lane return. 3. Describe and demonstrate effective blind area checks and mirror use. 19 | P a g e
4. 5. 6. 7.
Describe and demonstrate appropriate lane positions. Describe and demonstrate effective speed adjustment. Describe and demonstrate effective vision, motion, and steering control. Describe and demonstrate appropriate communication techniques.
h. Describe and demonstrate the legal requirements and driver responsibilities for sharing the road with other vehicles, procedures for turnabouts, and parking maneuvers. 1. Describe and demonstrate procedures for sharing the road with pedestrians, bicyclists, oversized vehicles, farm machinery, and motorcycles. 2. Describe and demonstrate procedures for two-point turnabouts, three-point turnabouts, and U-turns. 3. Describe and demonstrate procedures for parking a vehicle, including: • Angle parking • Parallel parking • Street/curb parking • Perpendicular forward parking • Perpendicular backing into parking space • Parking on an uphill and downhill with and without a curb • Parking in restricted parking areas
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UNIT 4: RURAL, URBAN, AND HIGHWAY DRIVING Competencies and Suggested Objectives a. Define and describe gravity and energy of motion when operating a vehicle. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Describe the effect gravity and energy of motion have on friction and traction. Describe the effect of speed on energy of motion. Describe the forces of an impact. Describe the impact of tire condition and air pressure on traction. Describe the forces while in a curve. Discuss the factors that affect braking distance. Discuss the consequences of vehicle modifications on vehicle balance and traction. 8. Describe the forces of energy on vehicles of different weights and sizes.
b. Describe and demonstrate how to maintain vehicle balance. 1. Determine a vehicle’s maximum load and the effect of that load on vehicle balance. 2. Describe the cause and effect of vehicle load changes (balance) from side to side, front to rear, and rear to front. 3. Describe and demonstrate proper seating position, positioning of the hands, steering techniques, and foot positions to maintain vehicle balance and control. 4. Explain how aggressive steering, braking, and acceleration affects vehicle balance and control. 5. Describe and demonstrate acceleration and braking techniques to maintain vehicle balance and control.
c. Investigate vehicle braking systems, traction and steering control systems, and stability control systems to maintain vehicle control. 1. Describe traction loss and effect to both the front and rear wheels. 2. List conditions that can create traction loss and vehicle imbalance. 3. Describe how traction and vehicle balance are affected by steering, acceleration, deceleration, and roadway surfaces. 4. Identify the difference between two-wheel and four-wheel drive systems and explain their functions and disadvantages. 5. Identify vehicle braking systems and the proper braking techniques used for those systems. 6. Explain the purpose of variable-assist steering, stability control, and traction control systems.
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d. Describe and demonstrate navigating hills and curves using time and space management strategies. 1. Describe and demonstrate proper speed for ascending and descending hills. 2. Describe and demonstrate proper entry speed and lane positions for a hill or curves. 3. Describe and demonstrate proper speed and lane positions in a curves’ apex and for exiting curves. 4. Describe conditions that can affect traction and procedures to maintain traction in curves.
e. Demonstrate the time and space management strategies appropriate for driving in an urban environment. 1. List and describe the characteristics of urban driving environments. 2. Describe and respond to signs, signals, and markings specific to an urban environment. 3. Evaluate and respond to hazards associated with urban driving. 4. Describe and respond to diverse types of intersection and roadway configurations.
f. Demonstrate the time and space management strategies appropriate for driving in a rural environment. 1. List and describe the characteristics of rural driving environments. 2. Describe and respond to signs, signals, and markings specific to a rural environment. 3. Evaluate and respond to hazards associated with rural driving. 4. Explain Mississippi’s closed-range law as it pertains to operating a vehicle. 5. Describe and demonstrate good habits for passing and being passed on two-lane and multi-lane rural roads. 6. Demonstrate an appropriate response to slow moving vehicles.
g. Evaluate an individual driver’s role and impact within the Highway Transportation System (HTS). 1. Discuss the components of the HTS (federal, state, local, and individual) and how all cooperate to provide a safe and lawful driving environment. 2. Assess the impact and consequences of personal driving behaviors on other users in the HTS.
h. Demonstrate the time and space management strategies appropriate for driving on rural and controlled access highways. 1. Describe the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of limited access highways. 2. Recognize and respond to signs, signals, and markings specific to rural and controlled access highways.
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3. Recognize and respond to the types of expressway interchanges, including but not limited to, the cloverleaf, diamond, trumpet, and directional interchange. 4. Evaluate and demonstrate effective lane choice. 5. Evaluate and respond to problems due to congestion and plan alternate appropriate routes. 6. Describe and demonstrate good habits for entering and exiting limited access highways, lane changes, and passing. 7. Discuss how higher speed can affect vehicle control. 8. Describe and demonstrate strategies for steering control, speed control, and braking control on rural and controlled access highways.
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UNIT 5: MANAGING DRIVING RISKS Competencies and Suggested Objectives a. Demonstrate strategies for driving in reduced visibility conditions. 1. Describe sources for glare and procedures to protect from glare. 2. Describe and demonstrate driving strategies during low-light or darkness conditions. 3. Describe and apply laws regarding headlight use. 4. Analyze headlight projection and efficient and proper use of vehicle illumination. 5. Describe fog related reduced visibility conditions and procedures to reduce risk. 6. Describe winter driving conditions that reduce visibility and procedures to reduce risk. 7. Describe limited visibility conditions caused by smoke, dust, and procedures to reduce risk. 8. Describe rain related reduced visibility driving conditions and procedures to reduce risk. 9. Describe extreme weather driving conditions such as flooding, heat, cold, storms, blizzards, and strong wind. 10. Discuss risks associated with driving during extreme weather driving conditions. 11. Explain reduced risk strategies to compensate for extreme weather driving conditions.
b. Examine vehicle emergency response procedures. 1. Describe appropriate responses and prevention measures for sudden tire deflation, accelerator problems, engine, cooling, steering, electrical, lighting, brake failures, and vehicle fire. 2. Describe an emergency response to low traction conditions resulting in skids. 3. Describe an emergency response to conditions requiring emergency evasive steering. 4. Discuss the proper response to startle. 5. Discuss the good habits to safely return a vehicle to the roadway from an off-road condition.
c. Interpret driver responsibilities in the event of a collision or when given directions by emergency personnel. 1. Recite Mississippi’s Good Samaritan Law and requirements for reporting a collision. 2. Describe what to do at the scene of a collision. 3. Evaluate and classify the severity of a crash. 4. Describe how to respond to emergency personnel’s directions. 5. Identify how to meet insurance reporting requirements. 24 | P a g e
6. Demonstrate how to complete a collision report.
d. Investigate the crash survival features incorporated into highway and vehicular design. 1. Describe collision types and actions to control the consequences of a crash. 2. Discover how improved highway and vehicle technology helps minimize the consequences of a crash.
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UNIT 6: DEADLY D’S: DRIVER FITNESS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Competencies and Suggested Objectives a. Create a personal plan for managing physical, visual, and cognitive distractions while driving. 1. Define and describe the effects of distracted driving. 2. Describe potential distractions that could occur inside and outside the vehicle and their effects on the driving task. 3. Develop a plan to prevent distractions before getting behind the wheel and while driving. 4. Commit to being a safe, distraction-free driver and be able to identify ways to disseminate information regarding the dangers and consequences of distracted driving to other teens, their families, and the community.
b. Describe the effects of alcohol and drugs on the body and the driving task. 1. Explain the differing effects of legal and illegal alcohol and drugs on drivers. 2. Identify the amount of alcohol in various drinks. 3. Determine the relationship between blood alcohol content (BAC) and a person’s weight. 4. Connect BAC levels to consuming a certain number of alcoholic drinks in a given period. 5. Explain the synergistic effects of alcohol and/or drugs. 6. Describe the effects of alcohol and drugs on driver perception, vision, reaction time, and risk-taking. 7. Investigate the probability of being involved in a fatal traffic crash after drinking. 8. Develop a plan to intervene when someone is drinking and intends to drive. 9. Develop a plan to say no to peer pressure involving alcohol or other drug usage.
c. Relate the scope of the overall alcohol/traffic safety problem in Mississippi and the United States. 1. Describe why alcohol is the most used drug involved with driving. 2. Investigate facts about teenage drinking and driving in Mississippi and the United States. 3. Discuss excuses why people drink and drive or use drugs and drive. 4. Explore the effect alcohol-related crashes have on families and communities. 5. Explore rules, regulations, and penalties applicable for minors in possession, minors and adults while driving under the influence, and open containers.
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6. Explore rules, regulations, and penalties applicable to minors and adults for improper use of a driver license to obtain alcohol. 7. Explore rules, regulations, and penalties applicable to minors and adults for administrative license suspension and implied consent.
d. Examine the effect of fatigue on the physical and mental condition of drivers. 1. Describe the importance of sleep and its effect on driver performance and behavior. 2. Explore methods to prevent driving while fatigued and drowsy.
e. Develop an awareness of how emotions affect the driving task and strategies to manage emotional situations while driving. 1. Describe how the senses for touching, hearing, smelling, and seeing are used while driving. 2. Discover the effects of emotions on driver behavior and ways to control emotions while driving. 3. Identify temporary and permanent disabilities that may affect the driving task. 4. Determine actions drivers can take to compensate for disabilities while driving.
f. Describe aggressive driving behaviors that can lead to road rage and develop strategies to reduce conflict while driving. 1. Examine driver errors that can lead to aggressive driving behaviors. 2. Explain an individual’s anxieties that can lead to dangerous driving behaviors. 3. Develop and use anger management techniques to prevent aggressive driving and road rage.
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UNIT 7: DRIVER LICENSE AND TRIP PLANNING Competencies and Suggested Objectives a. Describe the process of obtaining and maintaining a Mississippi driver license. 1. Identify the types of driver licenses and instruction permits. 2. Describe licensing restrictions, suspensions, and revocations placed on driving privileges. 3. Explain the license renewal processes. 4. Compare what was covered in the course to what still needs to be reinforced and practiced. 5. Explain the requirements and consequences during an MDETP period. 6. Explain the purpose and use of parent resource materials and how they support practice during the learning phase. 7. Formulate ways to obtain guided behind-the-wheel practice. 8. Develop strategies to continue to accept personal responsibility for the lifelong learning process of reduced risk driving.
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PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS Competencies and Suggested Objectives a. Summarize Mississippi motor vehicle insurance requirements and demonstrate responsibility for immediate and long-term obligations of owning and driving a vehicle. 1. Describe how to comply with Mississippi’s vehicle insurance laws, coverage, and conditions. 2. Identify ways to establish and reduce automobile insurance rates. 3. Discuss reasons individuals have automobile insurance denied or revoked. 4. Describe how to report to insurance agents after a crash.
b. Analyze data and use critical thinking skills to purchase a new or used automobile. 1. 2. 3. 4.
Identify personal needs for purchasing or leasing a new or used automobile. Recognize the different types of vehicles and their safety features. List topics for a prepurchase inspection of a used automobile. Calculate the expenses associated with purchasing and owning a new or used automobile to include: • Repair and maintenance • Insurance • Gas mileage and expenses • Monthly payments and interest for the purchase or lease of an automobile • Other expenses 5. Describe the registration and titling process.
c. Assess vehicle operations to eliminate or prevent malfunctions by securing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance or repairs. 1. Identify dashboard warning symbols and respond to an activated warning symbol. 2. Explain the importance of under-the-hood vehicle maintenance checks. 3. Describe basic maintenance requirements of the steering, suspension, fuel, electrical, lighting, and braking systems. 4. Identify mechanical and tire malfunctions and the importance of securing maintenance and repairs to eliminate potential driving problems.
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d. Plan a trip. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Select routes for local trips and extended trips using local and state maps. Identify different technology resources that can help the trip planning process. Recognize when and how to plan alternative routes. Predict personal and vehicular needs for an extended trip. Calculate the cost of an extended trip. Describe how to prepare and load a vehicle for an extended trip.
e. Develop strategies to reduce litter Mississippi roadways and conserve fuel. 1. Explain driving practices that conserve fuel. 2. Define littering and analyze the costs linked to littering. 3. Create a list of personal and/or group strategies to reduce litter on Mississippi roadways. 4. Describe emissions and pollutants emitted by motor vehicles. 5. Describe maintenance tasks that keep vehicles from polluting. 6. Recognize the use of different automotive fuels and how they affect vehicle performance. 7. List motor vehicle fluids and parts that must and can be recycled. 8. Explain the personal and global benefits of conserving energy, reducing pollution, and recycling.
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STUDENT COMPETENCY PROFILE This record serves as a method of noting student achievement of the competencies in each unit. It can be duplicated for each student, and it can serve as a cumulative record of competencies achieved in the course. In the last column of the table, place the date on which the student mastered the competency.
UNITS
COMPETENCIES
1 2
Describe the course structure, policies, and rules. Distinguish between vehicle alerts, warning symbols, and gauges displayed on the dashboard. Identify, describe, and demonstrate correct use of the following in the driver education vehicle and in another vehicle. Describe and demonstrate the pre-entry and entry tasks, vehicle compartment adjustments needed for driver control, and the securing and exiting tasks. Evaluate the dynamics of a crash and the effects on a restrained and unrestrained human body. Investigate the use of occupant protection devices in motor vehicles. Demonstrate proper steering wheel adjustments to accommodate for airbags. Describe and perform basic maneuvers related to vehicle control. Describe and demonstrate the use of vehicle reference points to position the vehicle and adjust for precision lane placement and stopping positions. Explain the purpose and use of roadway signs, signals, markings, rules of the road, and traffic laws. Analyze fields of vision and their use while operating a motor vehicle. Discuss the value of good driving habits and positive habit development. Describe the components of organized time and space management systems. Evaluate and apply components of time and space management systems using critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Determine who should yield the right of way on roadways. Describe and demonstrate the legal requirements for intersection driving. Describe and demonstrate compliance with the legal requirements for a lane change and passing. Describe and demonstrate the legal requirements and driver responsibilities for sharing the road with other vehicles, procedures for turnabouts, and parking maneuvers. Define and describe gravity and energy of motion when operating a vehicle. Describe and demonstrate how to maintain vehicle balance. Investigate vehicle braking systems, traction and steering control systems, and stability control systems to maintain vehicle control.
3
4
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5
6
7
Describe and demonstrate navigating hills and curves using time and space management strategies. Demonstrate the time and space management strategies appropriate for driving in an urban environment. Demonstrate the time and space management strategies appropriate for driving in a rural environment. Evaluate an individual driver’s role and impact within the Highway Transportation System (HTS). Demonstrate the time and space management strategies appropriate for driving on rural and controlled access highways. Demonstrate strategies for driving in reduced visibility conditions. Examine vehicle emergency response procedures. Interpret driver responsibilities in the event of a collision or when given directions by emergency personnel. Investigate the crash survival features incorporated into highway and vehicular design. Create a personal plan for managing physical, visual, and cognitive distractions while driving. Describe the effects of alcohol and drugs on the body and the driving task. Relate the scope of the overall alcohol/traffic safety problem in Mississippi and the United States. Examine the effect of fatigue on the physical and mental condition of drivers. Develop an awareness of how emotions affect the driving task and strategies to manage emotional situations while driving. Describe aggressive driving behaviors that can lead to road rage and develop strategies to reduce conflict while driving. Describe the process of obtaining and maintaining a Mississippi driver license.
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APPENDIX: LAW ENFORCEMENT INTERACTION COURSE Law enforcement officers, as selected by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, will facilitate quality instruction and tasks designed to enhance public safety practices when encountering law enforcement officials at traffic stops. All instructors must be approved by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety leadership.
Instructors are selected based on the following criteria: • • •
Departmental executive recommendation and background Communication skills General content knowledge
Instructor Guidelines: • • •
This course is designed to be dialogue driven, therefore much of the content will be delivered and explored through group discussion. Encourage students to ask questions, express their views, and articulate their understanding and perception of law enforcement. Refrain from judging their respective experience/encounter and convey the concept of mutual respect.
Student Guidelines: • • • • •
Be kind and respectful to others. Use full sentences. Don’t use too much jargon. Treat others as you wish to be treated. Use language that supports others.
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SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT INTERACTIONS Objectives In this section, students will: •
Explore their overall understanding of law enforcement interactions, traffic safety, and safe practices when involved in traffic stops
Discuss (Group) 1. Why do you think law enforcement exists? 2. Describe any interactions you have had with law enforcement officers. What did you think or feel before, during, and after the interaction? 3. Review the following codes: • Miss. Code Ann. §63-1-41 o “Every licensee shall have the required license in his immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle and shall display the same, upon demand of a justice court judge, a peace officer or license examiner or other authorized employee of the commissioner.” • Miss. Code Ann. §63-3-201 - Breach as misdemeanor (See §63-3-203) o “It is unlawful and, unless otherwise declared in this title with respect to particular offenses, it is a misdemeanor for any person to do any act forbidden by this chapter or to fail to perform any act required in this chapter.” • Miss. Code Ann. §63-3-203 - Not complying with police officer's orders o “No person shall willfully fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of any police officer invested by law with authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic.” 4. Review the following terms and definitions: • Traffic Regulation – TR is a major job of the police. Police regulate the flow of vehicles, investigate accidents, and enforce traffic laws. Besides helping maintain order, enforcement of traffic laws educates the public by promoting safe driving habits and provides a visible service to the community. • Traffic Stop – A stop can occur when an officer observes a traffic violation, including defective safety equipment, or when there is a basis for reasonable suspicion concerning the involvement of the car, its driver, or its passenger(s) in a crime.
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•
•
•
Consent Search – A permissible warrantless search of a person, vehicle, home, or other location based on a person with proper authority or the reasonable appearance of proper authority voluntarily granting permission for the search to take place. Citation – A citation, or summons, to appear in court. Commonly referred to as a “ticket,” a citation is often issued to a person accused of committing a traffic offense or other minor violation. The Police Role – The primary roles of police are enforcing laws, maintaining public order, and managing public safety. The primary duties of police include the investigation, apprehension, and detention of individuals suspected of criminal offenses.
Reflect (Independent) 1. At the end of this section, Driver Education instructors can choose to assign a reflection for students to summarize: • What you understand to be the purpose of traffic safety • The roles of law enforcement • Safe practices for interactions between citizens and law enforcement officers
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SECTION 2: TRAFFIC STOP PROTOCOLS AND OPTIONAL TRAFFIC STOP SIMULATION Objectives In this section, students will: • • • • • • •
•
Discover the ideal actions to take during initial vehicle contact, stop, and information exchange. Explore recommended safety guidelines for traffic stops. Describe the importance of acknowledging emergency light activation by slowing the vehicle and initiating hazard lights. Understand the process for law enforcement equipment activation to initialize a stop. Discuss driver actions after slowing the vehicle and initiating hazard lights acknowledging the officer’s presence. Define a consensual search. Discuss finding safe areas and practices for parking your vehicle during a traffic stop, including: o Find a safe area to park within a reasonable amount of time o Stop at the most convenient and readily accessible site o Consider an area that provides adequate space for the driver and law enforcement vehicle (ex: a business location that is well-lit, such as a gas station) Identify and discuss contents of a citation. Instructors are encouraged to show a traffic citation from their respective agency as an example. o Contact numbers for court communications to contest o Agency contact information to file a compliment or complaint regarding their law enforcement interaction o Importance of including a guardian to contact the agency to remedy a complaint
Discuss (Group) 1. What should you do if a police vehicle initiates emergency lights behind you? 2. List safe locations and areas to stop your vehicle. 3. Why is it important to always know where your necessary documentation is located (license, registration, proof of insurance)? 4. Where are hazard lights typically located on a vehicle as well as its’ symbol indicator? 5. What are the aspects of a consensual search? 6. What should you do after receiving a citation? 36 | P a g e
7. How should you re-enter traffic following a traffic stop?
Traffic Stop Simulation Following discussion, students may voluntarily participate in a simulated traffic stop and consensual search with the course-assigned instructor. Instructors may use a desk in the classroom space for simulation. In this simulation, students should perform the following: 1. Stop your vehicle after being signaled to do so by law enforcement. 2. Once you have stopped your vehicle, turn off the ignition. 3. If it is dark outside, turn on the internal light of your vehicle so that the officer can see inside the vehicle and know you are not presenting a threat. 4. Roll down the window where the officer is approaching and place your hands on the steering wheel of the vehicle. 5. Avoid sudden movements and keep your hands where the officer can see them. 6. Before reaching for anything, such as your driver’s license, proof of insurance, or registration, advise the officer what you are doing.
Reflect (Independent) 1. At the end of this section, Driver Education instructors can choose to assign a reflection for students to summarize: • Driver actions and responsibilities during a traffic stop and consensual search • Law enforcement actions and responsibilities during a traffic stop and consensual search • Safe practices when participating in a traffic stop and consensual search • Overall thoughts, feelings, and reactions to participating in the simulation
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ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Driver education instructors may use the following questions and answers as additional material for discussion or writing assignments. Q. Why should you slow down below the speed limit and turn on hazard lights as you exit a highway prior to a traffic stop? A. For your safety. It indicates to the officer that you have seen their flashing lights and are pulling over or looking for a safe place to pull over. Q. Why should you place your hands on the steering wheel while an officer is approaching your vehicle during a traffic stop? A. For the officer’s safety and your own. It signals to the officer that you are not armed. Q. When should you retrieve your driver’s license, registration, and insurance? Why? A. After the officer has approached your vehicle. You should notify the officer of the location of your items and advise the officer that you are going to get them. Certain movements before the officer approaches the vehicle, such as reaching and searching for required documents, could be interpreted as a threat to the officer’s safety or indicate possible criminal activity. Q. What should you do once the officer has indicated that the traffic stop is complete? A. You should give the appropriate signal and re-enter traffic safely. Do not wait for the officer to re-enter traffic first. Q. What are your rights during a traffic stop initiated by law enforcement? A. You may exercise your right to remain silent, as guaranteed by the 5 th Amendment. The person exercising their right to remain silent should tell the officer, “I am exercising my right to remain silent.” Q. If you are involved in a traffic stop as a passenger, you may leave if you are not detained. A. TRUE or FALSE Q. An officer will always approach your vehicle from the driver side. A. TRUE or FALSE Q. You can be arrested for not stopping when the vehicle performing a stop is a marked law enforcement vehicle. A. TRUE or FALSE Q. Drivers can find a safe location to stop the vehicle after slowing and initiating a turn signal or hazard lights. A. TRUE or FALSE Q. What are your rights during a traffic stop initiated by law enforcement? A. You may exercise your right to remain silent, as guaranteed by the 5 th Amendment. You may continue to exercise your right to remain silent throughout the traffic stop. The person exercising their right to remain silent should tell the officer, “I am exercising my right to remain silent.” 38 | P a g e
Driver’s License Manual
Revised December 2024
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DRIVER SERVICE BUREAU
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Post Office Box 1459 Canton, Mississippi 39046 www.dps.ms.gov
PRICES AND LAWS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE The Driver Service Bureau reserves the right to overrule any information obtained from this manual; however, all efforts are made to keep information accurate.
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TATE REEVES GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI Operating a vehicle is an exciting privilege that should be taken seriously. Learning and following the rules of the road are the best ways to protect yourself and those around you from harm while traveling the roadways of our great state. Each year, thousands of motorists are injured or lose their lives. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents. Like I tell my girls as I teach them to drive, your focus should be on the road - do not text and drive. Keep yourself and others safe by learning, understanding, and obeying the traffic laws outlined in this manual. Make certain that you and your passengers buckle up your seat belts every time you travel in a motor vehicle. Seat belts have proven to save lives. Buckle up; it is the law. Also, take special care in school zones and when sharing the road with bicyclists. I wish you the best as you prepare to become a licensed, responsible driver. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol strive for “Courtesy, Service, and Safety,” and stand ready to assist you in any way.
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SEAN TINDELL MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSIONER Congratulations on taking the first step towards becoming a licensed driver in Mississippi. In this manual, you will find the rules that govern the operation of motor vehicles on our roadways. This manual will also help you prepare for the required examination. As a licensed driver, you will be able to travel freely and enjoy our great state and nation. However, driving is a privilege and should be taken very seriously. Lives are saved each day when drivers follow the rules of the road and practice safe driving habits. We encourage you to learn and obey the rules outlined in this manual. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the Mississippi Highway Patrol are committed to making your driving experience as safe as possible. We are here to assist if you have trouble on the roadways. If you need additional information, please visit our website at www.dps.ms.gov.
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Keep Mississippi Beautiful! Mississippi is one of the most beautiful states in the nation. Show pride in that beauty. Never toss litter from your vehicle, let trash blow out of your vehicle, or dump garbage on the roadside. Any person found guilty of littering on Mississippi’s roads, highways, interstates, or within their rights-of-way shall be fined. This offense is easily preventable: Keep a trash bag in your vehicle and dispose of your trash responsibly.
FEES FOR ORIGINAL & RENEWAL LICENSES Regular License, Class R Regular License, Class R (driver under 21 years old) Learner’s Permit
OTHER FEES
— 4 year — $24.00 — 8 year — $47.00
Duplicate License
$11.00
— 4 year — $24.00
Late Fee
$1.00
$7.00
Commercial License, Class D
— 4 year — $29.00 — 8 year — $57.00
Identification Card
— 4 year — $17.00 — 8 year — $33.00
Motorcycle Endorsement
— 4 year — $5.00 — 8 year — $10.00
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FEE PAYMENT All offices accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Credit/debit cards must be Visa/ MasterCard. NO CHECKS.
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Contents LICENSE REQUIREMENTS................................................................................................................................................................... 10 MILITARY PERSONNEL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS.................................................................................................................. 12 TYPES OF LICENSES & PERMITS ...................................................................................................................................................... 13 REGULAR LEARNER’S PERMIT ......................................................................................................................................................... 13 REGULAR DRIVER’S LICENSE (CLASS R) ...................................................................................................................................... 15 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS........................................................................................................................................................ 16 THE EXAMINATION ............................................................................................................................................................................... 17 COMMON TERMS.................................................................................................................................................................................... 18 VEHICLE EQUIPMENT .......................................................................................................................................................................... 19 SQUATTED VEHICLE LAW .................................................................................................................................................................. 20 SAFE DRIVING BASICS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 21 BEFORE YOU DRIVE .............................................................................................................................................................................. 22 PAVEMENT MARKINGS........................................................................................................................................................................ 25 TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SIGNALS ........................................................................................................................................................... 27 RAILROAD CROSSINGS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 35 TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTS .................................................................................................................................................................... 37 RULES OF THE ROAD & SAFE DRIVING ......................................................................................................................................... 41 LEGAL SPEEDS......................................................................................................................................................................................... 41 SIGNAL LIGHTS ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 42 ARM SIGNALS........................................................................................................................................................................................... 42 FOLLOWING ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 43 BRAKING .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 44 TRAFFIC LANES ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 45 PASSING OTHER VEHICLES................................................................................................................................................................ 47 TURNING AROUND ................................................................................................................................................................................ 49 TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS .......................................................................................................................................................... 50 INTERSECTIONS AND RIGHT-OF-WAY .......................................................................................................................................... 55 YIELDING RIGHT-OF-WAY TO SCHOOL BUSES ........................................................................................................................... 58 YIELDING RIGHT-OF-WAY TO PEDESTRIANS ............................................................................................................................. 59 PARKING .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 60 PARALLEL PARKING ............................................................................................................................................................................. 61 PARKING ON A HILL .............................................................................................................................................................................. 62 DRIVING AT NIGHT ................................................................................................................................................................................ 63 8
USING YOUR HEADLIGHTS.................................................................................................................................................................. 63 SEAT BELTS, CAR SEATS, AND CHILD RESTRAINTS ................................................................................................................ 64 HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS & EMERGENCIES.............................................................................................................................. 65 IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT .................................................................................................................................................................. 66 YIELDING RIGHT OF WAY TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES .......................................................................................................... 67 WHAT TO DO AND EXPECT WHEN PULLED OVER BY LAW ENFORCEMENT................................................................ 67 INTERSTATE HIGHWAY DRIVING ................................................................................................................................................... 69 LANE USE, PASSING, AND CHANGING LANES ............................................................................................................................. 70 SPEED LIMITS & FOLLOWING DISTANCE .................................................................................................................................... 70 ACCIDENTS & BREAKDOWNS ........................................................................................................................................................... 70 INTERSTATE INTERCHANGES (EXITS & ENTRANCES) .......................................................................................................... 71 ROAD SAFETY WITH LARGE VEHICLES ........................................................................................................................................ 72 SHARING THE ROAD WITH BICYCLES ........................................................................................................................................... 73 REQUIRED VEHICLE DOCUMENTATION....................................................................................................................................... 75 CERTIFICATE OF TITLE (CERTIFIED TITLE)............................................................................................................................... 75 WINDOW TINT CERTIFICATE & DECAL ......................................................................................................................................... 75 PROOF OF INSURANCE & SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY ACT...................................................................................................... 76 DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE & IMPLIED CONSENT ..................................................................................................... 77 LICENSE SUSPENSION, REVOCATION, & REINSTATEMENT ................................................................................................. 80 LITTERING ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 82 CLASS D LICENSE ................................................................................................................................................................................... 83 APPENDIX A: ORGAN DONATION .................................................................................................................................................... 88 APPENDIX B: THE NATCHEZ TRACE .............................................................................................................................................. 90 APPENDIX C: SHARE THE ROAD ...................................................................................................................................................... 91
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LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Under the laws of Mississippi, you must have a valid Driver’s License or Learner’s Permit to operate any motor vehicle (except road and farm equipment) on streets or highways. Driving without a valid Driver’s License or Learner's Permit is illegal, even if you are accompanied by a parent or licensed driver.
LICENSE EXEMPTIONS
INELIGIBLE PERSONS
You are exempt from having a Mississippi driver’s license if any of the following is true:
The law prevents you from being issued a license in Mississippi if any of the following is true: • You have not reached the age of sixteen years, and you have not held a Learner’s Permit for one year without certain convictions. • You are under eighteen years old and do not provide proper documentation of your enrollment in school. • You have not passed the written driver’s examination. • You have not provided an affidavit whereby a parent, teacher, or guardian has certified that he or she has witnessed you operate a motor vehicle for at least fifty hours. • Your license has been revoked or suspended. • You are habitually intoxicated or are addicted to the use of narcotics. • You have a physical or mental condition incompatible with safe driving. • You have been adjudged insane. • You have not completed a certified Driver's Education course (beginning July 1, 2027)
•
You are operating any vehicle belonging to a branch of the United States Armed Services.
•
You are a non-resident over the age of sixteen and have in your possession a valid driver’s license issued to you in your home state or home country.
•
You are operating any road machine, farm tractor, or farm equipment on streets or highways.
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OUT-OF-STATE DRIVERS: MOVING TO MISSISSIPPI If you move to Mississippi, you must obtain a Mississippi driver’s license within sixty days. You must obtain a Mississippi license plate/tag within thirty days. When you apply for a Mississippi driver’s license you must surrender all out-of-state licenses. If your out-of-state license has been lost, you must obtain an Affidavit of Inability to Surrender form from the Driver’s License office. Your signature must be notarized on this form. Your driving record in other states will be checked before a Mississippi license is issued. If you have a valid driver’s license from another state, the Computerized Exam will be waived. You must pass a vision screening. If your out-of-state license has been expired over thirty days, you must take the Computerized Exam. All out-of-state driver’s license and ID card applications require the following: •
Certified state-issued birth certificate
•
Original social security card or print-out from the social security office
•
Two proofs of residency
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MILITARY PERSONNEL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS Non-resident military personnel and their families are allowed to drive in Mississippi provided they hold a valid driver’s license from another state. Similarly, out-of-state college students are allowed to drive in Mississippi with their out-of-state license. The same policy applies to auto license plates. Military personnel and college students can renew or replace their driver’s license or identification card online. Visit the Department of Public Safety website for more information.
What if my license expires while I am out-of-state due to military service? If you are out-of-state due to military service at the time your valid license expires, you may renew the license at any time within ninety days of being discharged from military service or upon returning to the state. You must provide proof of your military service and of your discharge or return to the state by affidavit. A delinquent fee is not required. An examination is not required, unless the Department of Public Safety has reason to believe the licensee is no longer eligible to receive a license.
For any licensed driver who qualifies for a LICENSE RENEWAL, the license may be renewed UP TO SIX MONTHS prior to the expiration date.
NON-CITIZEN LICENSES AND IDENTIFICATION CARDS If you are a non-citizen, you must meet all requirements for a driver’s license or identification card except for providing a social security card. To obtain a Regular Driver’s License, you must have a Permanent Resident/Green Card status with the Immigration/Homeland Security Department OR valid immigration papers indicating your legally permitted length of stay in the United States.
For RENEWALS, you must present:
For ORIGINAL licenses or identification cards you must present:
original Permanent Resident Card (no photocopies allowed) OR valid immigration papers + passport OR I-94 + passport AND driver’s license or identification card
original Permanent Resident Card (no photocopies allowed) OR valid immigration papers + passport OR I-94 + passport AND birth certificate (translated by a university) two proofs of residency
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For non-citizens, their regular license or identification card will be valid for four years or until your legal status expiration date [if less than four years away]. The standard license fee applies, regardless of how long the license is valid.
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TYPES OF LICENSES & PERMITS REGULAR LEARNER’S PERMIT You must be at least fifteen years old to apply for a Regular Learner’s Permit. You must hold the Learner’s Permit for one year before you can upgrade to a Regular Driver’s License. [If you turn seventeen before you have held the Learner's Permit for one year, you are eligible to apply for a Regular License.] The Regular Learner’s Permit is valid for two years. It entitles you to drive a motor vehicle when accompanied by a licensed driver aged twenty-one years or older who is physically occupying the seat next to you.
You must pass the same Computerized Exam required for a Regular Driver’s License to be eligible for a Regular Learner's Permit.
If I pass the Computerized Exam and receive my Learner's Permit, do I have to retake the Computerized Exam to apply for my Regular Driver's License? Your Computerized Exam score is valid for two years. If you provide an affidavit whereby a parent, teacher, or guardian has certified that he or she has witnessed you operate a motor vehicle for at least fifty hours and attest to your proficiency in the proper and safe operation of a motor vehicle before two years have passed, you do not have to retake the Computerized Exam. If you wait longer than two years you will have to retake the Computerized Exam. You will also need to submit a School Attendance Affidavit.
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LICENSE, CLASS D
MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT
A Class D license is required when you are operating a vehicle commercially and the vehicle is under 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating. You do not need a commercial license to drive a pick-up truck, regardless of what the truck is used for, unless you are transporting hazardous materials in an amount that requires a placard.
To operate a motor-driven cycle, you must obtain a Motorcycle Endorsement to go along with your Driver’s License. To receive the Motorcycle Endorsement, you must complete a computerized test on the operation of a motorcycle and a skills test. You may obtain a Mississippi Motorcycle Operator's Manual from the nearest driver’s license station or online.
SCHOOL BUS LICENSE
When applying for a motorcycle endorsement, advise the examiner so that the proper test will be administered. If you hold an out-of-state license which is valid for the operation of motorcycles, the computerized and skills tests may be waived.
You must be at least twenty-one years old before you are eligible for a license to drive a school bus per the Mississippi Department of Education.
NOTE: A crash helmet must be worn if operating or riding any motorcycle or motor scooter upon the public roads or highways of this state. The helmet must comply with minimum guidelines established by the National Highway Traffic Administration.
RESTRICTIONS If you require some type of aid or special equipment (such as eyeglasses) in order to pass the exam for a license or permit, then your license will be restricted accordingly.
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REGULAR DRIVER’S LICENSE (CLASS R) You are eligible for a Class R Regular Driver’s License if you provide all required documentation, and: •
pass the written examination
•
pass the vision examination
•
provide documentation showing completion of Driver's Education (beginning July 1, 2027)
•
if you are under 17 you must provide an affidavit for Road Test Waiver whereby a parent, teacher, or guardian has certified that he or she has witnessed you operate a motor vehicle for at least fifty hours and attest to your proficiency in the proper and safe operation of a motor vehicle
•
meet the physical requirements, AND:
•
You have reached the age of sixteen and have held a Learner’s Permit for one year. OR
•
You have reached the age of seventeen or older, regardless of previous permits or licenses held. OR
•
You have held an out-of-state driver’s license for at least six months.
Additionally, whether or not you have been convicted of certain violations will determine eligibility for a Regular Driver’s License.
What if I am fifteen and onehalf years old when I receive my Learner’s Permit? Do I still have to wait a year before I quality for a Regular Driver’s License? Yes. If you are issued a Learner’s Permit at age fifteen and onehalf, you will be eligible for your Regular Driver’s License at age sixteen and one-half.
What if I am sixteen years old when I begin the application process? If you first apply at age sixteen, you will be issued a Learner’s Permit. When you turn seventeen, you will be eligible for a Regular Driver’s License.
What if I am seventeen years old (or older) when I begin the application process? If you first apply at age seventeen or older, you may apply directly for a Regular Driver’s License. You may complete the Computerized Exam on the same day.
You must always have your Driver’s License in your possession while operating a motor vehicle. 16
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS To obtain a license of any type, you must complete an application form furnished by the Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau. The completed application must contain: • your full name, date of birth, home address, and social security number • a physical description and a brief history of your physical and mental condition • information about your driving experience and record
PROOF OF RESIDENCY
PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION
If you are eighteen years old or older and are applying for an original license, you must show • TWO pieces of documentation to prove you live in this state. (If you are under twentyone years old, you may use documentation for your parent’s residence.)
Two proofs of identification are required before a license or permit can be issued:
Each proof of residency must contain a physical address. No post office box numbers will be accepted. Acceptable proofs of residency include, but are not limited to, items such as: electric bill, water bill, or bank statement (no blank checks); lease or rent agreement or mortgage papers; notarized letter from employer stating address of applicant and including employer’s telephone number; Mississippi driver’s license of parent or guardian (if applicant under twenty-one years of age).
SIGNATURES You must sign your application after completing it. If you make a false statement on the application, your driving privileges may be suspended. If you are under seventeen years old, your application for a permit or license must include the signature of both of your parents (if both are living and both have legal custody of you). If both parents are not living or do not have legal custody of you, your application must include the signature of your legal guardian or your employer. If you do not have a custodial parent, legal guardian, or employer, your application must be signed by a responsible adult who is willing to assume the obligations imposed on them by law.
•
SOCIAL SECURITY CARD (If you no longer have your social security card, you must obtain a new one.)
•
CERTIFIED BIRTH CERTIFICATE
(If you currently hold a driver’s license from another state, you must also provide the out-ofstate license or a lost license affidavit.)
CERTIFICATION OF ATTENDANCE If you are under eighteen years old, you must provide proof of your enrollment in school. Request a Certification of Attendance form from your school. This form must not be over thirty days old. If you are home-schooled, obtain a blank Certification of Attendance from the Department of Public Safety website. Your parents’ signature must be on this form. If you are under eighteen years old and are married, you may show a marriage license instead of a School Certification of Attendance.
DRIVER'S EDUCATION Beginning July 1, 2027, you must provide signed documentation showing the completion of a Driver’s Education and Training Program certified the State Board of Education or the Department of Public Safety.
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Whomever signs your application will be liable for your negligence or willful misconduct and must have their signature NOTARIZED. Any person who signs your application may later file a verified written request that your license or permit be cancelled.
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THE EXAMINATION Before you can be issued an original Mississippi driver’s license, you must meet three requirements: pass the Vision Exam, pass the Computerized Exam, and provide the Affidavit from a parent, teacher, or guardian certifying that he or she has witnessed you operate a motor vehicle for at least fifty hours and attesting to your proficiency in the proper and safe operation of a motor vehicle. Beginning July 1, 2027, you will also have to provide documentation showing completion of a certified Driver's Education course. The exam is designed to answer the following questions: • • • •
Do you know the Mississippi traffic laws and rules of safe driving? Can you read, understand, and follow signs and signals? Are you a safe and skillful driver? Do you understand and have the proper attitude toward the rights of pedestrians and other drivers? • Do you understand how to keep your vehicle in safe condition? • Are you physically and mentally capable of driving safely?
COMPUTERIZED EXAM
VISION EXAM Your eyes will be checked to make sure you see well enough to drive safely.
The Computerized Exam is based on the information in this manual. It especially focuses on Mississippi traffic laws, safe driving rules, and driver’s license requirements. To prepare for the exam, study this manual carefully.
What if I am reading impaired?
What if I fail the Vision Exam?
If you are reading impaired, have someone teach you the contents of this manual. The Computerized Exam includes a headset, and the machine will read the questions and answers aloud for you.
If your eye test indicates that you may need glasses, you must have your eyes tested by an eye specialist or optometrist. You will be given a vision form (DE26) to be filled out by your eye specialist or optometrist.
If you are under the care of a physician for any reason, a certificate concerning your physical or mental condition may be required before you take your examinations. 19
COMMON TERMS computerized exam- a multiple-choice question test you must pass as one of the requirements for a Mississippi driver’s license highway- every roadway or place of travel, including the streets of municipalities intersection- the place where roads come together or cross (crosswalks are counted as part of the intersection) motor vehicle- an automobile, motorcycle, or other kind of vehicle which is run by an engine or motor in the vehicle itself (except vehicles on rails, electric bicycles, golf carts, and low-speed vehicles) non-resident- any person who does not live in Mississippi operator- any person who is driving a motor vehicle on the highway right of way- the privilege of the immediate use of the highway school bus- every vehicle owned by a public or governmental agency, or privately owned and operated for compensation, for the transportation of children to and from school stop- complete cessation of movement traffic- pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars, and other conveyances, either singularly or together, while using any highway for the purpose of travel
REMEMBER: Safe driving takes common sense, courtesy, and self-control. Always drive defensively. Always treat pedestrians and other drivers with the same respect you want them to show you.
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VEHICLE EQUIPMENT Your vehicle must be equipped as follows: BRAKES Your vehicle must have a foot brake AND a parking brake. The foot brake must be strong enough to stop the vehicle within thirty feet at a speed of twenty miles per hour. The parking brake must be strong enough to stop the vehicle within fifty-five feet at twenty miles per hour. HORN Your vehicle must have a horn which can be heard two hundred feet away. It is against the law to have any siren or exhaust or spark whistle on a vehicle. Noise making devices are illegal. LIGHTS Your vehicle must have two headlights [one for a motorcycle] and at least one taillight. The lights must meet the following standards: •
It is recommended that with your headlights you should be able to see a person five hundred feet ahead under good weather conditions at night.
• The taillight on your vehicle must be red and must be visible five hundred feet behind you. In addition to two headlights, your vehicle may have no more than one spotlight and no more than three auxiliary lights. It is against the law for any of these lights to be either red or blue. At no time should you have more than four lights (not including headlights) burning at once. MUFFLER The muffler on your vehicle must be in good working order and must operate constantly to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke. No person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass, or a similar device on their vehicle. REARVIEW MIRROR Mississippi law does not require you to have a rearview mirror, but it is recommended for you to have one. (If you drive a truck with a body that blocks your view of the road behind, you are required by law to have a side mirror.) WINDSHIELD WIPERS Windshield wipers must work. TIRES Your tires must be properly inflated, have good tread, and be free of breaks, cuts, and decay.
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SQUATTED VEHICLE LAW It shall be unlawful for any person to drive a passenger motor vehicle on the streets or highways of Mississippi if, by alteration of the suspension, frame or chassis, the height of the front fender is raised four or more inches greater than the height of the rear fender. • The height of the fender shall be a vertical measurement from, and perpendicular to, the ground, through the centerline of the wheel, and to the bottom of the fender. • "Fender" means the pressed and formed part mounted over the road wheels of a motor vehicle to reduce the splashing of mud, water or similar substances. • "Squatted vehicles" means vehicles whose front fenders have been raised four or more inches greater than the rear fenders. The described modification makes a vehicle appear as if it is "squatting" on its back tires.
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SAFETY TIP: Before driving, use a tire pressure gauge to check tire pressure. Your tire pressure should match the recommended pounds per square inch (PSI) located in the vehicle owner's manual or the driver's side door jamb of the vehicle. Once a month, or before any long road trip, check your tires for wear and damage problems. To check for appropriate tire tread, use the penny test: 1. Take a penny and hold Abraham Lincoln's body between your thumb and forefinger. 2. Select a point on your tire where the tread appears to be lowest and place Lincoln's head into one of the grooves. If any part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, you are driving with a safe amount of tread. If the tread is below that, your car's ability to grip the road in adverse conditions is greatly reduced.
SAFE DRIVING BASICS Driving is one of the riskiest tasks that you will do during your lifetime. The safety and well-being of many other people will depend on your calm and responsible behavior as a driver.
Vision Good vision is important for safe driving.If you cannot see clearly, you will have trouble identifying traffic and roadway conditions, spotting potential trouble, and responding to problems in a timely manner. If you are required to wear corrective lenses: • Always wear them when driving. • Avoid using dark or tinted corrective lenses at night.
Fatigue Fatigue is physical or mental tiredness that can be caused by physical or mental strain, repetitive tasks, illness, or lack of sleep. Fatigue can affect your vision and increase the time it takes you to make decisions. Avoid driving if you are tired or fatigued. • • • • •
Getting adequate sleep—most people need 7 to 9 hours to maintain proper alertness during the day. Plan to stop about every 100 miles or 2 hours during long trips. Arrange for a travel companion. Check the labels of your medications and be aware if they cause drowsiness. Do not use alcohol or other drugs when driving.
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BEFORE YOU DRIVE To prepare to drive, you should: • Make certain you have your driver’s license. State law requires drivers to present a driver’s license upon request. • Adjust your seat to a comfortable position so that you can reach the wheel and pedals easily. • Fasten your seat belt. • Adjust the rearview mirror so that you can see the roadway behind. • Adjust your sideview mirrors as well.
While You Drive Two Hands on the Wheel Both hands should be placed on the outside of the steering wheel on opposite sides, at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions, to maintain control of the vehicle. Placing your hands at 2 and 10 o’clock positions is no longer recommended because it can be dangerous in a vehicle equipped with airbags. Your grip on the steering wheel should be firm but gentle. Use your fingers instead of the palms of your hands and keep your thumbs up along the face of the steering wheel. Never turn the wheel while gripping it from the inside of the steering wheel. Pay careful attention to the following: • Children: They may act without thinking, especially when playing with or chasing a ball. Slow down and proceed with caution around schools, playgrounds, residential areas, and other areas where children may be walking, bicycling, or playing. • Bicyclists: Do not assume any cyclist has training in bicycle safety. • Cars parked on the side of the street: The door might open and obstruct your lane. • Signals that other vehicle(s) may be pulling out into the flow of traffic. • Sudden turns and stops by other drivers. • Reckless drivers: Get out of their way if possible. While Driving Long Distances • Take a break every one hundred miles. • •
Do not follow the same vehicle or group of vehicles for long periods. You may become too relaxed and lose your concentration. Keep your eyes moving to avoid going to sleep at the wheel.
•
Keep the interior of your car as cool as possible.
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AVOIDING DISTRACTIONS A distraction is anything that takes your attention away from driving. Distracted driving can cause crashes resulting in injury, death, or property damage. Taking your eyes off the road or hands off the steering wheel presents obvious driving risks. Mental activities that take your mind away from driving are just as dangerous.
Do not use cell phones for phone calls or texting while driving. Cellphone Use Drivers distracted by cellphones cause thousands of accidents each year. If you must make a phone call while driving. A hands-free device is recommended. Texting on your cellphone while driving is not allowed. Writing, sending or reading text messages is not allowed. Reading or posting to a social networking site using a hand-held mobile telephone is not allowed. • Hand-held mobile telephone- a mobile telephone or other portable electronic communication device with which a user engages in a call or writes, sends, or reads a text message using at least one hand. The term "hand-held mobile telephone" shall not include a voice-operated or hands-free device. • Motor vehicle- a vehicle driven or drawn by mechanical power and manufactured primarily for use on public highways. • Social networking sites- any web-based service that allows individuals to construct a profile within a founded system, articulate a list of other users with whom they share a connection, and communicate with other users of the site. • Text messages- include a text-based message, instant message, electronic message, and email, but shall not include an emergency, traffic, or weather alert or a message related to the operation or navigation of the motor vehicle. • Voice operated or hands-free device- a device that allows the user to write, send, or read a text message without the use of either hand except to activate, deactivate, or initiate a feature or function. • Writing, sending, and reading- the manual entry, sending, or retrieval of a text message, respectively, to communicate with any person or device.
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Emotional Distractions: If you are preoccupied with personal problems, you may become too distracted to handle your vehicle safely. Domestic quarrels, financial concerns, or illnesses can cause distractions which make accidents more likely. If you have just had an argument or are worried, ill, angry, frightened, or grief-stricken, let someone else drive. • Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers. • Avoid eating while driving. • Be sure children are properly and safely buckled up. • Properly secure pets in a pet carrier or portable kennel. • Avoid using Headphones and Loud Music. Never wear stereo headphones while you drive, and never play your car stereo or radio loudly while driving. You may be unable to hear warning signals such as whistles and sirens. Visual Obstructions & Other Distractions: • Your windshield must be free of any signs or unofficial stickers. • Vehicles may not have signs, posters, stickers, or glass material that cause a mirrored effect on the windows. • Avoid hanging decorative items from your rearview mirror. • Keep the front seat clear of objects that can fall during sudden movement.
REMEMBER:
You are responsible for operating your vehicle in a safe manner.
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PAVEMENT MARKINGS The pavement on all main highways is marked to help you drive safely. These markings include center lines, lane lines, and directional arrows. Their placement depends upon the type of highway and the traffic conditions. You must observe and comply with these markings.
LANE LINES, CENTER LINES, & BARRIER LINES
A broken yellow line separates traffic lanes that move in the opposite directions.
A broken white line means travel in the same direction is permitted on both sides of the line.
Crossing into the oncoming lane is permissible ONLY for passing and only when it is safe to pass.
A vehicle may cross the line to change lanes when it is safe to do so.
A broken yellow line next to a solid yellow line separates traffic lanes that move in opposite directions.
A single, solid white line means travel in the same direction is permitted on both sides of the line. Crossing a single white line is discouraged.
If the broken line is closest to your lane, you may pass with caution. If the solid line is closest to your lane, passing is forbidden.
A double, solid yellow line separates travel lanes moving in opposite directions.
A double, solid white line means travel in the same direction is permitted on both sides of the line.
Passing from either side of a double yellow line is PROHIBITED.
Crossing a double white line is PROHIBITED.
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DIRECTIONAL ARROWS Pavement arrows mark the direction of traffic movement. When you approach intersections marked by directional arrows, look for the arrow that marks the lane you want to follow. If you get in the wrong lane, keep going in that lane until it is safe to turn off and get back on the correct street or highway. An arrow pointing to the right means you MUST turn right if you travel in this lane.
An arrow pointing to the left means you MUST turn left if you travel in this lane. ONLY
ONLY
ONLY
A straight arrow means you MUST continue straight if you travel in this lane.
A two-headed arrow that points both straight AND to the left means that you may continue straight OR turn to the left if you travel in this lane.
A two-headed arrow that points both straight AND to the right means that you may continue straight OR turn to the right if you travel in this
The center lane above is painted to indicate TURN LANE ONLY. A vehicle may use this lane ONLY in preparation to turn left or right across the opposite lanes. The turn lane is NEVER used for passing.
CROSSWALKS Painted crosswalks are placed at intersections and at other locations where there is regular pedestrian traffic. Approach crosswalks with care. Never stop your car on any part of a crosswalk. Pedestrians using crosswalks should check in both directions before crossing the street. However, drivers must always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks—even if the crosswalk is not marked.
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TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SIGNALS You must be able to recognize and obey traffic signs and signals. The U.S. is currently converting to an international style, which uses pictures and symbols rather than words. This change will be gradual: New designs will be accompanied by word messages until the public is familiar with them.
STANDARD SHAPES AND COLORS Signs have eight standard shapes and eight standard colors. Each one has a specific meaning. RED: Stop. If you see red on a traffic device, STOP.
OCTAGON: Exclusively for STOP signs.
GREEN: Directional guidance and permitted movement.
HORIZONTAL RECTANGLE: Usually for guide signs.
YELLOW: General warning.
EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE: Exclusively for YIELD signs.
PENNANT: Warning of NO PASSING ZONE ahead.
BLUE: Motorist services guidance.
BLACK: Regulation.
DIAMOND: Exclusively to warn of existing or possible hazard on or adjacent to roadway.
WHITE: Regulation.
VERTICAL RECTANGLE: Usually used for regulatory signs (such as speed limits).
ORANGE: Construction or maintenance warning.
PENTAGON: School crossing signs and warning of school zones ahead.
BROWN: Public recreation and scenic guidance.
ROUND: Warning of railroad crossing ahead. 29
REGULATORY SIGNS
The STOP sign is the only sign with eight sides. It requires you to come to a COMPLETE STOP before entering an intersection. After stopping, you MUST yield to any traffic close enough to be a hazard.
This sign means no LEFT turns are allowed at this intersection.
The YIELD right-ofway sign is an equilateral triangle. It means you MUST let other vehicles on the roadway have the right-of-way.
This sign means no RIGHT turns are allowed at this intersection.
The DO NOT ENTER sign might include the words “do not enter,” or it might only include the white bar across the red circle background. Either way, it means you may not enter this lane of travel.
This sign means YOU MAY NOT TURN AROUND in an intersection, in the center of a street, or in a highway median.
This sign means NO TRUCKS are allowed on this street or highway.
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The WRONG WAY sign tells you that you are traveling in the opposite direction from the other cars in your lane. You are in danger of causing a headon collision. You must leave the roadway and turn around as soon as possible.
Usually, if a traffic signal is red, you may turn right AFTER you stop completely and make sure the way is clear. However, signs like these mean RIGHT TURNS ARE NEVER ALLOWED while the traffic signal is red. You must wait for the green light to turn right.
REGULATORY SIGNS
This sign means KEEP LEFT.
This sign means you MUST TURN LEFT.
This sign means KEEP RIGHT.
This sign means you may ONLY TRAVEL IN THE DIRECTION OF THE ARROW.
This sign indicates the MAXIUM SPEED ALLOWED under ideal driving conditions.
This sign designates HANDICAPPED PARKING ONLY. Parking is only allowed for vehicles with an official indicator such as a handicap license tag or temporary hangtag. For information on obtaining a handicap tag, contact your County Tax Collector's Office.
This sign means you MUST TURN RIGHT.
This sign means you may ONLY use the center lane TO MAKE TURNS. The center lane is not available for normal travel or passing.
This sign means that crossing into another lane to pass a vehicle is PROHIBITED.
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WARNING SIGNS
TRAFFIC SIGNAL ahead.
STOP ahead.
YIELD ahead.
RAILROAD COSSING ahead.
INTERSECTION / CROSSROADS ahead.
“T” INTERSECTION ahead.
SIDE ROAD ahead (on right).
SIDE ROAD enters from angle ahead.
RIGHT LANE ENDS. Merge to left.
LEFT LANE ENDS. Merge to right.
ACCESS LANE/RAMP MERGES INTO ROADWAY (from right).
NEW LANE ENTERS ROADWAY. (No merging necessary.)
TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
DIVIDED HIGHWAY ahead.
DIVIDED HIGHWAY ENDS; TWO-WAY TRAFFIC ahead.
TRAFFIC CIRCLE / ROUNDABOUT ahead.
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WARNING SIGNS
SHARP TURN (left) ahead.
WINDING ROAD ahead.
CURVE (left) ahead.
SCHOOL CROSSING: This sign warns that children must cross the street on their way to and from school. The sign is sometimes located several blocks from the school.
SCHOOL ZONE: Fifteen miles per hour when passing a school during recess or while children are arriving at or leaving school during opening/closing hours.
The road is SLIPPERY WHEN WET.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING. Remember that pedestrians have the right of way at intersections, whether the crosswalk is marked or not.
This sign often accompanies a STOP sign at an intersection. It tells you that although you must stop for your stop sign, this is NOT a four-way stop. Other traffic lanes have the right of way and will not stop.
If traveling in a lane marked with this sign you MUST CONTINUE ONTO THE EXIT.
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GUIDE SIGNS ROUTE MARKERS
Interstate Route (Interstate Highway)
United States Route (US Highway)
State Route (State Highway)
Auxiliary Markers
DESTINATION, DIRECTION, and DISTANCE MARKERS These signs indicate travel distance to towns and cities.
For example, from the sign on the right, Hattiesburg is 3 miles ahead while Jackson is 93 miles ahead.
This sign indicates a place where you may exit an interstate highway.
You would use this lane to access US Highway 59 North, toward Hattiesburg.
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You would use one of these lanes to access Interstate 55 North toward Jackson.
WORK ZONE SIGNS These are generally diamond or rectangular shaped or orange with black letters or symbols. These construction, maintenance, or emergency operation signs alert you to work zones ahead and warn you that people are working on or near the roadway. These warnings include workers ahead, reduced speed, detours, slow-moving construction equipment, and poor or suddenly changing surfaces.
FLAGGER AHEAD
WORKERS AHEAD
ROAD CONSTRUCTION AHEAD
ONE LANE ROAD AHEAD
DETOUR
In work zones, traffic may be controlled by a person with a sign or flag to tell you which direction to travel or to slow down to stop. You must follow their instructions. Barriers, such as drums, cones, and tubes (panels), are used to keep traffic out of hazardous work zones. Along with signs and road markings, barriers guide you safely through the work zone. Barriers may be used to keep drivers from entering closed roads or other areas where it is dangerous to drive. Temporary traffic signals may be used in work zones. You may see a warning sign showing a symbol of a traffic signal. Stop at the white line, if present.
BARREL
CONE
TUBE
BARRIER
ROAD CLOSED
Give construction workers a “brake.” Reduce your speed in work zones and be prepared to stop suddenly. Do not tailgate in work zones.
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SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES
This emblem identifies SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES (vehicles that travel twenty-five miles per hour or less). Watch carefully for these vehicles both day and night
Be alert for slow moving vehicles, especially in rural areas. A fluorescent or reflective orange and red triangle displayed on the rear of vehicles drawn by animals, farm equipment, or construction equipment means the vehicle is traveling less than 25 mph. Use caution when approaching a slow-moving vehicle and be sure it is safe before you pass.
Farm machinery—Watch for tractors, combines, and other farm equipment moving across the road and traveling on state highways in rural areas. Pass with caution and remember that the operator of the farm machinery may not hear approaching vehicles.
Animal-drawn vehicles and horseback riders—In some rural areas, you may be sharing the road with animal drawn vehicles and horseback riders. They have the same rights to use the road as a motor vehicle and must follow the same rules of the road.They are subject to heavy damage and injury to the occupants if hit by a vehicle. Pass with caution. Do not use your horn or “rev” the engine because this may scare the horse and cause a crash.To avoid other possible crashes, you should anticipate left turns made by animaldrawn vehicles into fields and driveways.Warning signs will be posted in areas where you are likely to find animal-drawn vehicles and horseback riders. Be alert.
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RAILROAD CROSSINGS Always be especially alert at railroad crossings. The approaches to public railroad crossings are usually marked with warning signs and pavement markings. The crossings themselves are marked with one or more of the following.
Pavement markings warn and direct drivers and regulate traffic. In front of railroad crossings, the pavement is marked with a large X and two R’s. A solid yellow line is used to prevent passing in advance of the crossing, and a white line is painted on each side of the track.
Flashing light signals are used with the “cross buck” sign at many railroad crossings. ALWAYS STOP when the lights begin to flash. The lights mean a train is coming. Remain STOPPED until the lights stop flashing. Then you can proceed safely.
This round yellow sign, with a black “cross buck” and two R’s, means a railroad crossing is ahead. In rural areas, this sign is normally posted 500 to 900 feet in front of the tracks. It tells you to look, listen, and slow down because you may have to stop.
Gates are used with flashing light signals at some crossings. ALWAYS STOP when the lights begin to flash before the gates lower across your side of the tracks. Remain STOPPED until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing.
This white “cross buck” sign is posted at most railroad crossings. If there is more than one track, the number of tracks is shown on a sign below the cross buck.
Regardless of signage and whether lights are flashing, the following MUST STOP at ALL RAILROAD CROSSINGS: a SCHOOL BUS carrying even one child, a VEHICLE FOR HIRE carrying passengers, or a vehicle carrying EXPLOSIVES OR FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS. These vehicles MUST STOP within fifty to ten feet of the outer rail of any crossing. After coming to a complete stop, the driver must check both directions for 37
any approaching train before proceeding.
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You must remain stopped until all tracks are clear, any gates are raised, and lights no longer flash. It is against the law to drive around any lowered gates at a crossing. Use common sense at any railroad crossing. Watch for vehicles that must stop whether or not a train is coming. Do not shift gears as you drive across tracks. Always check carefully for a second train following close behind the first. STAY ALERT AT ALL TIMES AND NEVER TRY TO “BEAT” A TRAIN. If a traffic officer directs you to proceed over a railroad crossing, follow the order immediately.
REMEMBER! ALL drivers must ALWAYS STOP WITHIN fifty to ten feet of the outer rail of any railroad crossing when you see ANY of the following: • a lowered crossing gate, a flashing electric signal, a posted STOP sign, • a flag person giving you a signal, or • a rapidly approaching train. You MUST stop even if you do not see a train.
IF A VEHICLE BECOMES STRANDED ON A RAILROAD TRACK, OR IF YOU NOTICE A DANGEROUS SITUATION ON OR NEAR A RAILROAD CROSSING, look for the blue Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign situated at every highway-rail grade crossing. The sign is located on the black and white cross buck or on the metal box near the crossing. The toll-free number is answered by railroad dispatchers who can attempt to stop all train traffic at the crossing during an emergency. The sign also includes an identification number for your exact location. By following the information on the sign, you can report unsafe conditions such as: 1. malfunctions of warning signals, crossing gates, and other safety devices at the crossings 2. disabled cars, trucks, or other vehicles blocking the railroad tracks at the crossings 3. the presence of trespassers on the tracks or along the right of way at the crossing 4. any other information relating to an unsafe condition at the crossing.
IF YOU ARE STUCK ON THE TRACKS, GET OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE! If your vehicle is physically on the train tracks at a grade crossing and the lights begin to flash, you may only have 20 seconds to escape before the train makes it to your location. Twenty seconds is the minimal amount of time that it takes a train to reach the grade crossing once the warning lights activate. If this happens to you, remember the word “GO,” as in GET OUT of your vehicle! Once outside, run in a 45-degree angle away from the tracks in the direction that the train is coming, then immediately dial 911. If you are stuck on the tracks, and there are NO WARNING LIGHTS, or the warning lights HAVE NOT ACTIVATED, GET OUT of your vehicle and immediately dial 911 and the ENS (Emergency Notification System) number located on the blue sign described above. Provide the location, crossing number (if posted), and the road or highway that intersects the tracks. Be sure to specify that a vehicle is on the tracks! 39
TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTS
A SOLID RED LIGHT means you must make a complete stop and remain stopped until the light turns green. EXCEPTION: You may turn right while the light is red. But first, you must STOP COMPLETELY and yield to other traffic and pedestrians. You may NOT turn on red if a sign prohibits you. Before turning right on red you MUST first stop completely: Only yielding before turning is not enough and is
A SOLID YELLOW LIGHT means the light will soon turn red. Slow down and prepare to stop.
A SOLID GREEN LIGHT means you may go if it is safe to do so. You must yield to any pedestrians and to any traffic already in the intersection.
If a green light turns yellow as you are approaching, slow down and prepare to stop.
EXCEPTION: If you are turning left, the solid green light means you must YIELD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC.
illegal.
A GREEN ARROW means you may turn in the direction of the arrow if you are in the proper lane. Oncoming traffic will have a red light when your turn arrow is green, giving you a protected turn.
A YELLOW FLASHING ARROW means you may turn in the direction of the arrow if you are in the proper lane. You must YIELD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. Oncoming traffic will have a green light when your turn arrow is flashing, so you do NOT have a protected turn.
A YELLOW SOLID ARROW is the same as a SOLID YELLOW LIGHT. It indicates that the light is about to change to red. Slow down and prepare to stop.
REMEMBER: ANY TIME you travel through an intersection, you must YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS. You must also YIELD TO ANY TRAFFIC ALREADY IN THE INTERSECTION. 40
Some TRAFFIC SIGNALS direct a traffic lane (or two side-by-side lanes) from which you may travel straight OR turn left. All guidelines for yielding to traffic and pedestrians still apply.
RED LIGHT: You must stop. You may NOT turn left, and you may NOT continue straight.
GREEN ARROW: You may turn left from turn lane.
+ RED LIGHT: You may NOT continue straight through the intersection. You must stop and wait.
YELLOW ARROW: Use caution. The signal is transitioning from a green arrow (protected turn) to an unprotected turn or to a red light.
GREEN LIGHT: You may travel straight. You may turn left only if the way is clear. This is an unprotected turn, and you must YIELD to oncoming traffic.
GREEN ARROW: You may turn left from turn lane.
+ GREEN LIGHT: You may continue straight through the intersection.
YELLOW LIGHT: Use caution. The signal is transitioning from green to red. Slow down and prepare to stop.
REMEMBER: For left turns, the yellow flashing arrow and the solid green light mean the same thing: YIELD TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. 41
A FLASHING RED LIGHT means you must STOP completely and proceed with caution, yielding to the right-ofway at intersections. A FLASHING YELLOW LIGHT means you must SLOW DOWN and exercise caution.
Sometimes you will encounter a traffic light that is malfunctioning. If you approach a malfunctioning traffic light with FLASHING YELLOW LIGHTS, you should SLOW DOWN and exercise caution before crossing the intersection.
If you approach a malfunctioning traffic light with a NO FUNCTIONING LIGHTS, you must STOP completely and proceed with caution, following rules or yielding right of way at intersections.
REMEMBER: ANY TIME you travel through an intersection, you must YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS. You must also YIELD TO ANY TRAFFIC ALREADY IN THE INTERSECTION.
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LANE DIRECTION CONTROL Some traffic lanes are marked by signals that indicate which lanes are available for use. For example, in the image below, the far-right lane is CLOSED. The far left and middle lanes are OPEN. When signals like these are in use, you may travel ONLY in a lane marked by a green light. NEVER travel in a lane marked with a red light.
TRAFFIC OFFICERS Traffic signs and signals help control the movement of traffic and prevent accidents. You should always follow them UNLESS an officer is directing traffic. If officers are directing traffic, you MUST follow their directions. An officer will usually signal you to stop by holding up one hand, palm toward you, and then giving a long blast on the whistle. The officer will usually signal you to start or to continue by motioning with one hand and giving a series of short blasts on the whistle. At night an officer may signal with a flashlight.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
These signs mean pedestrians may leave the curb and cross the street.
These signs mean pedestrians may NOT leave the curb.
If the sign is flashing, pedestrians MUST NOT LEAVE THE CURB. Pedestrians should continue crossing if they began to cross the intersection before the sign changed to flashing. Pedestrians using crosswalks should check both ways before crossing the street. 43
RULES OF THE ROAD & SAFE DRIVING LEGAL SPEEDS The speed limits below usually apply. However, speed limits may change for a variety of reasons. Always monitor the posted speed limit signs and glance frequently at your speedometer. You should always know how fast you are traveling. Use common sense when driving. Adjust your speed based on the situation and conditions. Reduce speed on curves, when approaching intersections, when on a narrow or twisting road, or when traffic is congested. If the weather or visibility is poor, slow down accordingly. Posted speed limits are intended for ideal conditions.
SPEED LIMITS FOR PASSENGER AUTOMOBILES (including 1/2-ton trucks, unloaded) ROADWAY TYPE
MAXIMUM SPEED MINIMUM SPEED
Interstates
70 mph
40 mph
Four-lane Highways (State & U.S.)
65 mph
40 mph
Two-lane Highways (State & U.S.)
55 mph
Natchez Trace Parkway
50 mph
The maximum speed for any vehicle in a SCHOOL ZONE is 15 mph.
The maximum speed for a SCHOOL BUS while transporting children to and from school on regular routes is 45 mph. The maximum speed for a SCHOOL BUS while on the interstate is 65 mph.
Speed makes accidents, especially fatal accidents, more likely. If you hit a stone wall at 40 mph, the impact is the same as if you drove off a four-story building. 44
SIGNAL LIGHTS Use your vehicle’s signal lights (“blinkers”) to alert other drivers each time you intend to turn, change lanes, pass, or enter or exit a parallel parking space. The best way to notify other drivers that you intend to turn or pass is to use your signal lights well in advance. If the vehicle ahead of you signals for a turn, activate your signal ONLY IF YOU ALSO INTEND TO TURN. Do not signal to warn others that the vehicle in front of you is turning. Do not use your left signal to let a vehicle behind you know it is safe to pass. The driver behind you is responsible for determining whether it is safe to pass.
ARM SIGNALS Arm Signals are used by bicyclists, motorists whose signal lights are malfunctioning, and drivers of some antique vehicles and farm equipment. If you are using arm signals, be sure to extend your arm fully and signal continuously for at least one hundred feet before you slow down, turn, stop, or change lanes.
LEFT TURN: Extend your arm and hand straight out. This signal is also used when changing from the right lane to the left lane or when starting from a parallel parking position.
RIGHT TURN: Extend your arm and hand upward, with your arm bent at the elbow. This signal is also used when changing from the left lane to the right lane or when preparing to enter a parallel parking space.
SLOW DOWN OR STOP: Extend your arm and hand downward, with your palm facing the rear.
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FOLLOWING
@ 10 MPH leave at least ONE car length
@ 20 MPH leave at least TWO car lengths
Following too closely to another vehicle is dangerous and the main cause of rear-end collisions.
@ 30 MPH leave at least THREE car lengths
@ 40 MPH leave at least FOUR car
When you are following another vehicle, allow at least one car length between you for every ten miles per hour of speed. This will help give you room to slow down or stop if the vehicle in front of you changes speeds suddenly. It is also important to maintain distance so that you can see around the vehicle ahead of you. When you follow a large truck or bus, allow yourself even more room. If you are taking part in a motorcade, such as a funeral procession, allow enough space between you and the next car so that other vehicles may safely pull into those spaces. Be careful not to follow too closely. Measure your speed against the other vehicles so that everyone is moving along smoothly. 46
lengths
@ 50 MPH leave at least FIVE car lengths
BRAKING The chart below shows the shortest total stopping distances under ideal conditions. If the weather is bad, the road is slick, or if you are tired or intoxicated, then the distances will be drastically different.
The yellow segments show the distance required for thinking prior to activation of brakes.
Thinking & reaction distance (perception)
The red segments show distance from the application of brakes to stop.
Application of brakes
The total distance required for stopping is indicated across the top of each entry.
Total distance required to stop
The braking distances shown here assume ideal conditions: good tires, good brakes, and dry pavement.
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TRAFFIC LANES You are in a traffic lane whenever you are driving on any street or highway. These lanes may or may not be marked, but they exist just the same. A street or highway’s number of lanes corresponds to the number of cars (or lines of cars) that could travel on it side-by-side. One-lane street or highway = room for one car Two-lane street or highway = room for two cars Three-lane street or highway = room for three cars Four-lane street or highway = room for four cars If lanes travel in opposite directions, they will be separated by pavement markings (lines), barricades, or medians. The image on the top right shows a four-lane highway divided by double yellow lines. Green arrows indicate the direction of travel and are not pavement markings. Some travel lanes have adjacent parking lanes. For example, the image on the right shows a two-lane street with a parking lane on one side. NEVER CROSS a double yellow line (not even to pass a slow-moving car). You will be driving into oncoming traffic. Always drive in a single lane. Never change lanes unless the movement can be made safely. On a fourlane highway, drive in the right lane except when passing or preparing to turn left.
Which lane should I drive in? If you drive on a street or highway with more than one lane for your direction, drive in the extreme RIGHT lane except to pass or turn left. (If there is no designated turn lane, use the lane next to the center for turning left.)
On a two-way highway, which pavement markings mean I can cross the center line to pass another vehicle? You may never cross a double yellow line to pass a vehicle. If there is a single, broken, yellow line, you may cross that line for passing (if the oncoming lane is clear and it is safe to pass). If you are on a highway divided by BOTH one solid yellow line AND one broken yellow line, you may cross the lines for passing ONLY if the broken yellow line is closest to your travel lane (and if the oncoming lane is clear, and it is safe to pass).
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LANE USE: FOUR LANES OR MORE
Use this lane for travel. Use this lane for Use travel. this lane for Use this lane for overtaking, Use this lane passing, for overtaking,or preparing passing, or left. whento turn preparing
Use this lane for overtaking, Use this lane passing, or for overtaking, preparing passing, or to turnpreparing left. when
to turn left.
to turn left.
LANE USE: TWO LANES PLUS CENTER TURN LANE
Use this lane for travel.
Use the center turn lane when preparing to turn left.
Use this lane for travel. TUR N LANE ONLY
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Use the center turn lane when preparing to turn left.
PASSING OTHER VEHICLES PASSING ON A TWO-LANE HIGHWAY: Passing is allowed in some areas of two-lane highways. Pay close attention to the center line markings: SOLID YELLOW LINE + BROKEN YELLOW LINE SOLID DOUBLE YELLOW LINE Vehicle traveling alongside the BROKEN yellow line MAY cross the lines to pass. Vehicle traveling alongside the SOLID yellow line MAY NOT CROSS the lines to pass.
NO PASSING from either direction.
See the diagrams on the previous page for examples. PASSING ON A FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY OR INTERSTATE: It is never legal to move across the center line of a four-lane highway to pass another vehicle. However, on interstates and four-lane highways, passing is allowed from both the left and right lanes (traveling in the same direction when lanes are divided by a BROKEN WHITE LINE). PASSING ON THE LEFT: When you decide to pass another vehicle on the left, be sure that the lane ahead is clear before you move. Do not tailgate a vehicle that you intend to pass. Drop back far enough so that you can see around it before you try to change lanes. Watch for safe clearance both ahead and behind. Signal your intentions before you move into the left lane. Check carefully and move cautiously but quickly into the left lane. Do not pull back into the right lane until you are well past the other vehicle. Before moving back into the right lane, make sure that you can see the vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror. PASSING ON THE RIGHT: You may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right in the following situations: •
When the vehicle you are passing is making or is about to make a left turn.
•
On an interstate with multiple lanes traveling in your direction.
•
On a four-lane highway of adequate width where there are no obstructions or parked cars.
•
On any one-way highway of adequate width.
If you do pass on the right, do so only when conditions permit you to do so safely.
Under no circumstances are you allowed to drive off the pavement or on the shoulder to pass. OTHER SAFE PASSING GUIDELINES: Do not pass on hills, curves, or within one hundred feet of bridges, viaducts, overpasses, railroad crossings, crosswalks, intersections, or any place where your view is obstructed in any way. When being passed on a two–lane or three-lane highway, keep to the right. Do not increase your speed until the other car has completely passed you. 50
This car may cross center lines to pass. (The oncoming lane must be clear.)
PASSING ON THE LEFT: TWO-LANE HIGHWAY DOUBLE YELLOW LINE means NO CARS MAY PASS in this area (from either direction).
This car MUST NOT PASS (because the car is traveling in the lane closest to the solid line). This car may cross center lines to pass. (The oncoming lane must be clear.)
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This car MUST NOT PASS (because it is in the travel lane closest to the solid line).
TURNING AROUND At times you will have to turn your car into a confined space. To do so safely, follow this procedure: 1. Start from the extreme right side of the road, give the correct signal, and turn the
steering wheel sharply to the left while inching forward. 2. When you have turned the wheels completely to the left, drive slowly forward to within a
few inches of the left curb or edge of the road. 3. Then turn sharply to the right while inching backward. When you have turned the wheels
completely to the right, back slowly to within a few inches of the curb. 4. Turn your wheels to the left and pull forward.
Repeat these steps as needed until you have completed the turn.
2
3
4
1
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TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS More accidents occur at intersections than anywhere else. Often there is a failure of communication among drivers, or someone takes an unnecessary chance when turning. To make a safe turn, follow these guidelines: 1. Know where you want to turn. If you are not sure, drive slowly and read the
street signs or road markers. Avoid last minute turns. 2. Signal what you intend to do. Give pedestrians and other drivers advance
notice of your intentions. 3. Get into the correct lane as soon as possible. 4. Look around you in all directions before you change lanes or turn. Do not
assume that other drivers will see you. 5. Slow down well before you reach the crosswalk of the intersection. Keep the
wheels of your vehicle straight until the turn has started. Complete the turn at a consistent speed. Do not push down on the brake or clutch while you are turning. Do not shift gears while entering the intersection. 6. Stay in your lane throughout the turn. Finish the turn in the proper lane.
When approaching an intersection and traffic is blocked ahead of you, you should stop before reaching the crosswalk and wait for traffic to move.
The diagrams on the following pages show the correct methods for making safe turns. Study them carefully.
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DO NOT SWING INTO RIGHT LANE.
X STEP 5: When it is safe, return to the right lane.
X DO NOT CUT CORNER. STEP 4: Obey any traffic signal or sign. When travel is permitted, look both ways before entering intersection. Then enter just to the right of center.
HOW TO MAKE A
LEFT TURN
STEP 3: Keep close to the center line and keep your wheels straight while waiting to turn. STEP 2: At least one hundred feet from the intersection, turn on your left signal and slow down. STEP 1: Well ahead of turn, check for traffic and move safely into the left lane. Use your signal to indicate you are changing lanes.
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DO NOT SWING INTO LEFT LANE. STEP 5: Continue in the right lane.
X
STEP 4: Obey any traffic signal or sign. When travel is permitted, look both ways before entering intersection. Then enter, keeping as close as possible to the right. STEP 3: Keep close to the right side of the lane and keep your wheels Straight while waiting to turn. STEP 2: At least one hundred feet from the intersection, turn on your right signal and slow down STEP 1: If you are not already in the right lane, move into the right lane well ahead of the turn. Check for traffic, use your signal, and move safely. 55
HOW TO MAKE A
RIGHT TURN
MULTIPLE TURN LANES & LANE OPTIONS Some roadways allow vehicles in multiple lanes to turn at the same time. Similarly, some lanes permit drivers to either continue straight or to make a turn. The diagrams on this page show intersections with side-by-side turn lanes AND with lanes that permit turning OR continuing straight. Always follow directional arrows. If you choose to turn, be certain to stay in your lane.
ONLY
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ONLY
TURNING LEFT OF CENTER When two drivers approach an intersection and both drivers want to turn left, each driver should turn to the left of the other. Leave from the left lane and enter into the left lane.
ONE-WAY STREETS A good rule to remember when traveling on a one-way street is to always turn from the lane nearest the curb. (Pavement markings or signage may permit turning from additional lanes.)
ONLY
ONLY
Be careful not to turn the wrong way onto a one-way street.
ONLY
The diagram on the left shows two intersecting one-way streets. At this intersection, turning right is permitted from one street, but not from the other. Conversely, turning left is permitted from one street, but not from the other. These restrictions keep drivers from traveling in the wrong direction on a one-way street.
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ONLY
INTERSECTIONS AND RIGHT-OF-WAY The most dangerous place on a highway is an intersection. Follow these guidelines as you approach and cross intersections: •
Always approach any cross street or road with extreme caution.
•
If you cannot see the entire intersection as you approach, slow down and proceed cautiously. Be sure to look in both directions as you cross.
•
If traffic is blocked when you approach an intersection, stop before you reach the crosswalk and wait for traffic to move.
•
Slow down as you approach the intersection (and stop if required). Gradually increase your speed as you clear the intersection.
•
As you cross, drive defensively. Do not assume that pedestrians or other drivers understand your intentions.
RIGHT OF WAY "Right of way" is the privilege of immediate use of the highway. The person who has right of way may move ahead (whether in an automobile, on a bicycle, or traveling as a pedestrian). The person who does not have right of way must yield and wait. Several important rules determine who has right of way and who shall yield and wait at intersections or other places where two or more drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians meet. The first rule is to always use your common sense. Your right of way is important but is not worth an accident. In any right of way situation, be patient and use caution. Determine your right of way before you enter an intersection. If another driver yields to you, proceed immediately. If not, slow (or stop) your vehicle and let them proceed.
In crosswalks, PEDESTRIANS ALWAYS HAVE RIGHT OF WAY, whether the crosswalk is marked or not. Vehicles already inside an intersection also have right of way. You must yield to BICYCLES exactly as you would to any other vehicle.
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If you approach an intersection with a stop sign or signal, you MUST bring your vehicle to a COMPLETE STOP at the crosswalk. You MUST YIELD THE RIGHT-OF-WAY TO ANY VEHICLE OR PEDESTRIAN IN THE INTERSECTION. You may carefully proceed if your way is completely clear.
FOUR-WAY STOP The vehicle on the right has the right of way.
At a four-way stop, right of way is determined by which vehicle arrives first, and by where the vehicle is located relative to the others. The first vehicle to arrive has right- of-way. If multiple vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has right of way. Do not slam on your brakes to “stop first.” Yield to the driver on right.
TWO-WAY STOP
The vehicle intending to travel straight through has the right of way.
At a two-way stop, the cross-traffic with no stop signs has the right of way. Vehicles arriving at stop signs must wait until the way is clear before proceeding. When the way is clear, the first vehicle to arrive at a stop sign has the right-ofway. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle intending to travel straight across has right of way. The vehicle intending to turn across the traffic lane must yield and wait.
The vehicle signaling to turn across the traffic lane must yield and wait.
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DRIVEWAYS & UNMARKED ENTRANCES
When entering a street or highway from a driveway or other entrance point, you must stop and yield to oncoming traffic, even if no stop sign is present.
UNMARKED INTERSECTION If you encounter a highway intersection with no traffic signs or signals, yield to approaching traffic, then proceed only when it is safe.
ROUNDABOUTS A roundabout or traffic circle is a circular intersection with design features that promote safe and efficient traffic flow. Vehicles travel counterclockwise around a raised center island, with entering traffic yielding the right of way to circulating traffic. When using roundabouts or traffic circles: • Slow down to enter the roundabout or traffic circle. • Yield to the traffic in the roundabout or circle. • Enter the roundabout or traffic circle in a counterclockwise direction. • Proceed to the appropriate exit, signal intent, and exit.
YIELD TO ONCOMING CAR(S) ALREADY IN THE CIRCLE.
This sign warns of a roundabout or traffic circle. MERGE CAREFULLY IF THE WAY IS CLEAR
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YIELDING RIGHT-OF-WAY TO SCHOOL BUSES Be especially careful when sharing the road with school buses. Each time you encounter a school bus with its red lights flashing and/or with its stop sign extended, Mississippi law states that YOU MUST: COME TO A COMPLETE STOP at least ten feet away from the bus. REMAIN STOPPED until the children have crossed the roadway AND the bus has resumed motion, its red lights no longer flash, and its stop sign is retracted. You must stop for the school bus regardless of your direction of travel. SCHOOL BUS
One exception to the procedures above is for drivers traveling on a DIVIDED HIGHWAY. If you are traveling on a highway with FOUR or more lanes, with at least TWO lanes of travel in opposite directions, then: If you are traveling in the SAME direction as the stopped school bus, you must still follow the procedures above. Come to a complete stop. Proceed only AFTER the children have exited the roadway AND the bus has resumed motion, its red lights no longer flash, AND the school bus stop sign is retracted. If you are traveling in the OPPOSITE direction as the stopped school bus, you may continue to travel on your side of the divided highway without stopping. SCHOOL BUS
If the school bus stops in a loading zone that is part of the highway or adjacent to the highway, and where pedestrians are not allowed to cross the roadway, you do not have to stop.
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YIELDING RIGHT-OF-WAY TO PEDESTRIANS A person walking across the street within a crosswalk, whether or not the crosswalk is marked, ALWAYS HAS THE RIGHT OF WAY. As a driver you must be extremely careful around pedestrians. Always keep your vehicle under control and be prepared to yield to those on foot.
Watch for pedestrians exiting parked cars or walking between parked cars.
Watch for pedestrians entering crosswalks as you prepare to turn.
People who are blind or who have visual impairments can be vulnerable pedestrians. Be on the lookout for pedestrians carrying a white cane, which may have a red tip. Take every precaution and extend every courtesy to keep them safe at intersections and crosswalks. Come to a complete stop if necessary.
Although not required by law, common courtesy is to yield the right of way to funeral processions.
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PARKING In general, when you park your vehicle: • Put the gear in park (automatic transmission) or low (standard transmission) • Set the parking brake firmly • Turn off the ignition. Prohibited Parking You may not stop and leave your vehicle parked and unattended in any of the following places: • In front of a public or private driveway • Within twenty feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station or within seventy-five feet if it is so posted • Within ten feet of a fire hydrant • On a sidewalk • On a crosswalk • Within twenty feet of a crosswalk at an intersection • Inside an intersection • Within thirty feet of the approach to any traffic control device • Within fifteen feet of the nearest rail of any railroad crossing • On any bridge or elevated structure • In any highway underpass • On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge of the road or the curb • Alongside any obstruction when your parking would add to traffic congestion • At any place where traffic signs prohibit stopping Parking on a Highway Outside of business or residential districts, you must park off the roadway. If you must park along a highway, take measures to keep other cars from running into yours. Be sure to: • Pull all the way off the roadway. • If possible, leave at least twenty feet for other vehicles to get by. • Park so you can be seen from at least two hundred feet in both directions. • Leave your parking lights or emergency flashers on if it is night.
Parking on a blind curve or in any other potentially dangerous place is illegal. You may be arrested, and your vehicle may be towed. If your vehicle breaks down, you will not be arrested; but you should move it out of the way as quickly as possible.
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PARALLEL PARKING The images below (STEPS 1-4) show how to maneuver into a parallel space. For vehicles parked parallel, tires should be within twelve inches of the curb. Use extreme care when exiting your vehicle from the street side. Unload your vehicle from the curb side. STEP 1: Select a space large enough to accommodate your car. Use your signal to show you intend to enter the space. Stop alongside the car in front of the space.
STEP 2: Make sure you will not interfere with oncoming traffic. Cut your wheels sharply to the right and back slowly toward the curb. Stop when your front tire aligns with the back bumper of the car ahead.
STEP 3: Cut your wheels sharply to the left and continue backing. Be careful not to bump into the car behind you.
STEP 4: Pull forward into the center of the space, leaving room in front of and behind your car. Align your car within twelve inches of the curb.
EXITING A PARALLEL PARKING SPACE The driver leaving a parking space does not have the right of way. Be careful not to cause a traffic accident. Before you drive the vehicle out of the parking space, be certain the way is clear of any traffic or pedestrians. You must YIELD to any oncoming traffic. When leaving a parallel parking position look back over your shoulder to be sure you can safely drive the vehicle out of the parking space and into traffic. Use your signal before entering the travel lane. When leaving a diagonal or straight-in parking position, wait until the area behind the vehicle is clear and keep a proper lookout by looking back while backing up. Always look back over your shoulder while backing up. Never rely on your rearview mirror alone.
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PARKING ON A HILL To park safely on a hill, follow the diagrams below. In a downhill position, turn your wheels sharply to the right, whether or not there is a curb. In an uphill position with no curb, turn your wheels sharply to the right. In an uphill position with a curb, turn your wheels sharply to the left.
DOWNHILL No Curb Wheels toward right.
With Curb Wheels toward right.
UPHILL No Curb Wheels toward right.
With Curb Wheels toward left.
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DRIVING AT NIGHT Visibility is greatly reduced at night. This makes it necessary to reduce your speed and to exercise caution. You can only see as far as your headlights reach. Be careful not to “over-drive” your headlights: do not drive so fast that you cannot stop within the distance you can see.
If you meet a vehicle at night with bright or blinding headlights, the safest thing to do is to dim your lights and keep your eyes on the right side of the road. If you meet a vehicle at night with one headlight missing, drive to the far right of your lane. The glare of oncoming headlights and off-street advertisements may be a serious distraction. Never attempt to compensate for this difficulty by wearing darkened glasses. At night, or on dark days, the use of such glasses will only further reduce your vision.
USING YOUR HEADLIGHTS You are required by law to use your low beams when you approach within five hundred feet of an oncoming vehicle or when you are following within five hundred feet of another vehicle. You should use your lights between sunset and sunrise and at any other time when you cannot see clearly ahead for a distance of five hundred feet. Do not drive with only your parking lights turned on. If you need lights, use your headlights. Use the high beam only when driving in the open country without other cars nearby. Even with the high beam, speed should be lower than by day.
Always use the lower beam when approaching another car so as not to blind the driver. Always use the lower beam when driving where there are streetlights, when following another car, and when driving in fog during the night or day. Using high beams while driving in fog reduces visibility.
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SEAT BELTS, CAR SEATS, AND CHILD RESTRAINTS Mississippi law requires the following: Drivers and all passengers of motor vehicles shall wear a properly fastened seat belt, regardless of whether the passenger is in the front seat or back seat of the vehicle. When a passenger motor vehicle is operated in a forward motion on a public road, street or highway within this state, every operator and every passenger shall wear a properly fastened safety seat belt system. Children under the age of four years old must be properly secured in a child passenger restraint device (car seat) that meets applicable safety standards. Children at least four years old but under seven years old who are less than 4 feet 9 inches in height or who weigh less than sixty-five pounds must be properly secured in a belt-positioning booster seat system that meets applicable safety standards.
Violators of the safety belt and child restraint law can be fined. Please follow the following recommendations: The driver and all passengers in the vehicle must be buckled up. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children in a rear-facing car seat until the child reaches the maximum height or weight for a convertible seat. This is usually three to five years old depending on the seat and the child’s growth. Children weighing forty to sixty-five pounds should use a booster seat designed for motor vehicle use.
Children under the age of 13 should always ride in the backseat.
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BUCKLE UP. IT’S THE LAW.
HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS & EMERGENCIES In the event of hazardous road conditions and emergencies, follow these guidelines: In rainy conditions be especially careful. Many drivers pull off the road during a heavy downpour, but not everyone realizes that the opening minutes of rain or drizzle are actually the slickest and most dangerous. The first water to hit the road loosens accumulated dirt and grease. This immediately forms a mixture which quickly coats the road with a dangerously slick film. Slow down when rain begins to fall. When water is on the roadway, reduce your speed. High speeds under such conditions can cause your vehicle to hydroplane out of control. Most automobile skids are caused by driving too fast for the weather and road conditions. Hydroplaning— Hydroplaning occurs when the steering tires start to ride up on any pooled water, similar to the action of water skis. The best way to avoid traction loss from hydroplaning is to slow down in the rain or when the road is wet with pooled water or water puddles. Flooded roadways—Do not drive through large bodies of standing water on a road. If you see a flooded roadway, find another route to get to your destination. If your vehicle starts to skid, turn the wheel in the direction of the skid, but only if you can do so without running off the road or hitting something. Remember that braking suddenly will increase the skid. Never use the clutch when you are trying to stop a skid. If you have a flat tire or blowout, do not apply your brakes suddenly. Take your foot off the accelerator. Then apply the brakes slowly and cautiously. If you have plenty of stopping distance, allow the vehicle to stop by itself. If you run off the pavement, use the brakes lightly before returning to the roadway. If your car becomes disabled, pull over to the extreme right shoulder. If you must walk to seek help, always walk on the left side of the highway, facing oncoming traffic. Be EXTREMELY careful crossing any highway, and NEVER cross any interstate. 68
IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT If you are involved in an accident: • Stop at once and help anyone who has been injured. Dial 911 to report injuries if necessary. • Report immediately to the proper law enforcement authorities if the accident involves injury, death, or apparent property damage exceeding $500.00. • Give all other parties involved in the accident your name, address, license plate number, and insurance information. For your own protection, be sure to get the same information from them. When the officer arrives at the accident scene, you must show Proof of Insurance and Insurance Policy number. Additional information about Mississippi’s vehicle insurance requirement is provided later in this manual. If you do not have proof of insurance, you may be cited for a violation even if you are not at fault for the accident. Remember: Whether or not you are at fault in an accident, you must report it unless there are no injuries and the property damage amounts to less than $500. If you are injured so badly that you cannot make an immediate report, any one of your passengers may do so. These reports are confidential.
To report an emergency traffic situation on an interstate or highway in Mississippi, dial *HP (*47) on a cellular phone to be connected toll free to a Mississippi Highway Patrol dispatcher. Be prepared to state your emergency and provide the location (highway and/or mile marker) where assistance is needed. Only report actual emergencies to *HP.
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YIELDING RIGHT OF WAY TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES Any ambulance, fire engine, or police car flashing red or blue lights or signaling with a bell or siren always has the right of way on any street in any traffic situation. If possible, pull your vehicle over to the extreme right shoulder of the road until the emergency vehicle has passed. If you are at an intersection, proceed through the intersection, and pull over to the extreme right shoulder. If an emergency vehicle with lights or siren activated is parked along the side of a four-lane highway, merge into the lane away from the emergency vehicle if it is safe to do so. If merging into an adjacent lane is not safe, slow down and prepare to stop if necessary. You MUST yield right of way.
WHAT TO DO AND EXPECT WHEN PULLED OVER BY LAW ENFORCEMENT Law Enforcement officers are responsible for conducting traffic stops when they have reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation or a criminal violation. Being stopped by an officer can be a stressful experience for the driver, any passengers, and for the officer. Knowing what to do during the stop will help ensure your safety and the safety of others. When you see emergency lights behind you, it is important for you and your passengers to stay calm and cooperate. Remember to: • Activate your turn signal and pull off or to the side of the roadway as soon as it is safe to do so. •
Turn off the engine and any audio devices.
•
Stay in your vehicle unless directed by the officer to exit.
•
Turn on your interior lights if you are pulled over at night to assist with visibility. Officers may use a spotlight for additional visibility.
•
Keep your hands on the steering wheel or in a visible location so they are easily observable.
•
Follow all instructions the officer gives you or your passengers.
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The officer may approach either side of the vehicle. When the officer approaches the vehicle, remember to: •
Lower the corresponding window so you and the officer can better communicate.
•
Let the officer know if you have a weapon in the vehicle upon first contact.
•
Wait for the officer’s instructions before reaching for your driver’s license or vehicle documents.
When conducting the stop, the officer will typically: •
Explain why you were stopped/ask questions about your trip.
•
Ask for your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. If the documents are out of your reach, tell the officer where they are and wait for the officer’s acknowledgment before reaching to retrieve the documents.
•
Show their law enforcement credentials if they are not in uniform. If they do not show their credentials, you may ask to see them.
In some cases, the officer may: •
Ask you to exit the vehicle. In this case, keep your hands visible, exit the vehicle, and stand in a location as directed by the officer.
•
Take any one of many possible actions, including but not limited to, issuing a warning, issuing a traffic ticket, or making an arrest. The officer will typically explain whatever action is being taken. If they do not, you may ask them to do so.
If you have questions, respectfully ask the officer to clarify. If you disagree with the officer’s decision or course of action, do not prolong the contact by arguing with the officer. Rather, you may seek to contest the decision in court through established legal channels. Your acceptance and signature on a traffic ticket is not an admission of guilt. If you believe the officer acted inappropriately or have questions regarding their conduct, you may call or contact the officer’s agency and request to speak to a supervisor. This is best done as soon as possible after the stop. Following these procedures can help make a traffic stop a safe experience for all parties involved. This video from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administration provides helpful information on What to Do & Expect When Pulled Over by Law Enforcement.
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INTERSTATE HIGHWAY DRIVING ENTERING & EXITING THE INTERSTATE To enter the interstate, drive along the ramp and obey the posted ramp speed. As you reach the end of the ramp, increase your speed in the acceleration lane until you reach the speed of the interstate highway traffic. It is dangerous to merge at a speed that is slower or faster than the flow of traffic. To merge into a travel lane, yield to any approaching vehicles and never turn suddenly into the main flow of traffic. First, give the proper signal, and then slowly merge into the traffic. Switch off your turn signal after you merge. To exit the interstate, be sure you are in the correct lane at least one-quarter mile from your exit. Most exits are on the right and require you to exit from the right-hand lane. However, some exits are on the left and require you to exit from the left-hand lane. Watch the signs to be certain of your exit’s location. Before exiting the interstate, check for vehicles beside and behind you, signal your intentions, and move into the deceleration lane. Do not slow down until you have safely moved into the deceleration lane. Then reduce your speed to the posted limit and turn off your signal. If you take the wrong exit, continue off the exit. If you miss your exit, do not stop and back up. Continue to the next exit. If you take the wrong exit, continue off the ramp. Never stop, back up, or turn around on an exit ramp.
Entering a Multi- Lane Highway
Exiting a Roadway
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LANE USE, PASSING, AND CHANGING LANES Use the proper lane at all times. The right lane is intended for through travel while the left lane is intended for passing. On the interstate, passing on either the right or left is permissible. Be sure to stay in the right lane if you are traveling more slowly than the other traffic. When being passed, do not speed up. When passing, do not drive alongside any vehicle longer than it takes you to pass. It is dangerous to drive in another vehicle’s “blind spot.” When traveling in an interstate’s right lane, watch for vehicles entering the right lane from access ramps and acceleration lanes. In order for vehicles to enter the right lane safely, merge left when safe to do so. To change lanes, check your rearview and side mirrors and check your blind spot for vehicles beside and behind you. Then signal your intentions clearly. When you are sure it is safe, move into the lane you wish to drive in. Follow the same steps when returning to your former lane. Be sure to switch off your turn signal after changing lanes.
BLIND SPOTS This car is in the center car’s blind spot. The center car’s passenger side mirror will not reflect a vehicle in this area.
This car is in the center car’s blind spot. The center car’s driver side mirror will not reflect a vehicle in this area.
Remember: A blind spot exists immediately behind large tractor-trailer rigs. If you cannot see the side mirrors on a large truck, the driver cannot see you!
SPEED LIMITS & FOLLOWING DISTANCE The speed limit for interstate driving is seventy miles per hour for both day and night. All speed limits are for ideal road and weather conditions. Adjust your speed according to circumstances. Be mindful of the posted minimum speed limit. Following too closely is extremely dangerous, especially on the interstate. Tailgating another vehicle is a main reason for collisions on the interstate. If you are driving at seventy mph, stay at least seven car lengths from the vehicle ahead. If you are driving fifty mph, stay at least five car lengths from the vehicle ahead.
ACCIDENTS & BREAKDOWNS If you are involved in an accident or your car breaks down, move your vehicle off the pavement onto the extreme right shoulder or as far to the right as is practical. At night, leave your lights on and use your emergency flashers. If your vehicle breaks down, let others know that you need help by turning on your emergency flashers. If you are stranded on the interstate, never get out of your vehicle into the main flow of traffic. Do not stand beside your vehicle. Never walk along or across the interstate. Never attempt to hitchhike. Stay inside your vehicle, lock the doors, and wait for reliable help.
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INTERSTATE INTERCHANGES (EXITS & ENTRANCES) The diagrams below indicate the correct way to use the four principal types of interstate interchanges. All ramps and exits are normally marked clearly. If you are unsure how to enter the interstate, pull off the road, and stop to check for the correct route. Do not proceed until you are sure how to use the ramp.
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ROAD SAFETY WITH LARGE VEHICLES When traveling on interstates and highways used by large trucks and tractor-trailers, follow these guidelines: BEWARE OF BLIND SPOTS Large vehicles have limitations which motorists may be unaware of. The most significant of these are blind spots—areas around the oversized vehicle where the driver's ability to see and react to other vehicles is restricted. To avoid being in the driver's rear blind spot, do not follow the vehicle too closely. Instead, position your vehicle so that the professional driver can see your vehicle in his side mirrors. Remember, if you cannot see the side mirrors on the front of the oversized vehicle you are following, the driver cannot see you. FOLLOW SAFELY When following a large vehicle at night, always dim your headlights. Bright lights from the vehicle behind can blind the driver when they reflect off the vehicle's large side mirrors. If you are stopped behind a large vehicle on an upgrade, leave additional space in case the vehicle drifts backwards slightly when it starts to move. Remember to keep to the left in your lane so the driver can see that you are stopped behind the vehicle. Do not follow too closely. An average tractor-trailer weighs approximately 80,000 pounds. Oversized vehicles take longer to stop. PASS SAFELY When passing a large vehicle, first check to your front and rear, then move into the passing lane only if it is clear and while in a legal passing zone. • On a level highway, it takes 3 to 5 seconds longer to pass a large vehicle than to pass a car. • On an upgrade, it may be easier to pass a large vehicle, as it often loses speed. • While on a downgrade, the large vehicle's momentum will cause it to go faster, so you may need to increase your speed in order to pass. Simply waiting to pass when it is safer to do so is always an option. Before returning to the lane of the vehicle you have passed, be sure to move back only when you can see the front wheels of the truck meeting the pavement in your rearview mirror. Remember to maintain your speed once you have completed the passing maneuver. When a large vehicle passes you, help the driver by keeping to the far side of your lane. Never speed up when an oversized vehicle is passing you. When you meet a large vehicle coming from the opposite direction, keep as far to the right as possible to avoid a sideswipe crash and reduce the wind turbulence. Remember that wind turbulence pushes vehicles apart; it does not pull them together. RIGHT TURNS Large vehicles require more space to make a turn and need to swing to the left of the lane when preparing to make a right turn. To avoid a crash, do NOT pass a truck on the right if there is a possibility that it might be making a right turn. 75
SHARING THE ROAD WITH BICYCLES According to Mississippi law, a bicycle is considered a vehicle when riding on public roads. Any person riding a bicycle has the same rights and responsibilities as a driver of a motor vehicle.
RULES FOR CYCLISTS
RULES FOR DRIVERS
Cyclists must: • Observe all traffic laws, including stopping for stop signs, stop lights, and obeying any other road signs. • Use arm/hand signals for turning.
Drivers must: • Yield to oncoming bicyclists just as you would yield to oncoming motorists. •
Leave a safe distance of at least three feet between the vehicle and bicycle when passing the bicycle.
•
Only pass a bicycle traveling in the same direction in a non-passing zone when it is safe to do so.
•
After passing a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction, make a right turn only if the turn can be made with reasonable safety.
•
or
Do not “cut off” a cyclist by turning in front of them.
NOTE: When passing a bicyclist, use extra caution in order to pass safely. Do not try to share the lane with a bicyclist when passing. Reduce speed, move into the next lane and pass in the normal manner, just as you would pass a motor vehicle. If there is oncoming traffic, slow down behind the bicyclist and pass when the oncoming traffic has cleared. Leave plenty of room while passing. The wind effects from a moving vehicle can cause a bicyclist to lose control if the vehicle passes too closely.
•
An experienced bicyclist can ride 2025 miles per hour and may be closer than you think.
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Ride as far to the right in the lane as is safely possible. Generally, this means riding two to four feet from the right edge of the road. A bicyclist may move to the left/farther into the traffic lane when: o overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in same direction as the bicycle o unsafe conditions are present on the right side of the lane, such as broken or missing pavement, pedestrians, animals, parked cars, or road hazards (gravel, tree limbs, broken glass, etc.) o the cyclist intends to travel straight through an intersection and the right lane is for right turns only or the cyclist intends to turn left.
TIPS FOR SAFER CYCLING Follow the tips below to improve your safety when traveling by bicycle. WEAR A HELMET! This is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious injury. Note that depending on local laws, riding without a helmet may be illegal. TRAVEL WITH THE DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC. Never ride a bicycle facing oncoming traffic. RIDE PREDICTABLY. Do not weave in and out of traffic or back and forth on the road. ENTER ROADWAYS CAREFULLY. Yield to oncoming traffic just as you would if traveling by car. Be certain your path is clear before riding out of alleys or driveways or from behind parked cars. BE VISIBLE. Wear bright clothing. A bright headlight, taillight, and reflective vest or clothing should be used if riding at night. USE A LUGGAGE CARRIER, BASKET, OR SADDLE BAGS (PANNIERS) for carrying items. NEVER RIDE TWO PEOPLE on a bicycle built for one. NEVER HITCH your bicycle to another vehicle. USE COMMON SENSE. Even though you have a right to ride on the road, use common courtesy. If traffic conditions make it difficult for motorists to pass you, pull off the road periodically to let the motorists pass safely. Do not let long lines of cars back up behind you for extended periods. State law does permit bicyclists to ride side-by-side, but bicyclists riding two abreast should not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. When riding on a multi-lane roadway always ride within a single lane.
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REQUIRED VEHICLE DOCUMENTATION Mississippi residents’ vehicles must have a Mississippi license plate and certificate of title. Vehicles must have adequate insurance. Each of these requirements is described below.
VALID MISSISSIPPI DRIVER’S LICENSE You must have your valid driver's license while driving.
LICENSE PLATE You must purchase your license plate/tag in the county where you live. Contact your local Tax Collector for information about this purchase. For information on tags for heavy trucks, contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue at 601.923.7200. If you have moved to Mississippi, you must obtain a Mississippi license plate within thirty days. You are required by law to mount your Mississippi license plate (tag) on the rear of your vehicle. Trailer hitches, tag emblems, or any other decoration must not obscure any part of any letter, numeral, or any combination of letter/numeral on your plate (tag). You must also have a tag light which makes the letter, numeral or any combinations of letter/numerals on your license plate (tag) visible at sixty feet at night.
CERTIFICATE OF TITLE (CERTIFIED TITLE) Every vehicle must have a Certificate of Title. Title applications are furnished by new and used car dealers for the vehicles they sell. Title applications must be supported by a bill of sale and two years’ tag receipts. If you are bringing a vehicle into Mississippi, you need only present your out-of-state title to apply. You must obtain a Mississippi tag within thirty days. All licensed motor vehicle dealers and all county tax collectors must be qualified, by law, to accept title applications. Banks, finance companies, and other financial institutions may also qualify as designated agents by the Mississippi State Tax Commission.
WINDOW TINT CERTIFICATE & DECAL Any vehicle registered in Mississippi that has an after-market window tint film applied, must have the windows inspected by an official Mississippi Window Tint Inspection Station. Windows with aftermarket tinting must have a window tint inspection certificate and decal. The window tint compliance certificate and decal cost is $5.00. The window tint decal must be affixed to the lower left corner of the windshield. The compliance certificate must be kept on the dashboard or inside the dash compartment. The windshield of the vehicle must have affixed to it a label certifying that all the windows of the vehicle have a light transmittance of 28% or more. 78
PROOF OF INSURANCE & SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY ACT The Safety Responsibility Act helps guarantee all Mississippi licensed drivers take financial responsibility for accidents they may cause. According to Mississippi law every motor vehicle
operated in this state must have liability insurance.
MINIMUM INSURANCE AMOUNTS $25,000 single person, single vehicle accident $50,000 two or more people, single vehicle accident $25,000 property damage of others in any single accident
PROOF OF INSURANCE The insured parties are responsible for making sure a current, valid insurance card is kept inside each vehicle. You can be cited and fined if you have an accident or are involved in a traffic stop and cannot provide proof of insurance. You may provide proof of insurance in electronic format by displaying the electronic image on a cellular phone or any other type of electronic device.
What if I have an accident and cannot provide proof of insurance? Your driving privilege may be suspended. To avoid suspension you must: •
Show that you had an adequate insurance policy in effect at the time of the accident; or
•
Show that you have either a certificate of deposit or securities valuing $15,000.00; or
•
Show that you have a Certificate of Self-Insurance supplemented by an agreement to pay the same judgments in the same amounts as you would have had to pay under an owner's insurance policy. (A self-insurer must own a fleet of more than 25 vehicles.); or
•
Deposit cash, or a negotiable security, or a corporate surety bond in an amount judged sufficient by the department to pay all damages; or
•
Present a release of liability, a final adjudication of non-liability for damages, or show payment of your damages by the other party.
In addition, if you were the driver at fault in an accident that caused injuries or damage(s) to another person or property, and you did not have liability insurance at the time of the accident, then you are required to purchase liability insurance and to file proof of insurance.
•
The proof of insurance must: show that you now have the minimum liability coverage required in Mississippi and
•
be provided by a liability insurance company licensed in Mississippi and
•
remain in effect for a period of three years from the date of the accident. 79
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE & IMPLIED CONSENT Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Mississippi. Mississippi’s Implied Consent Law provides the legal consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.
ALCOHOL & THE DRIVER Driving under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous. Alcohol can affect your personality, temperament, and judgment. Tests show that even two beers can markedly decrease a person’s reflexes and reaction time. If your reactions slow down only a half-second, and you need to hit the brakes while traveling fiftyfive miles per hour, your vehicle will travel an extra forty-four feet before stopping. That additional distance could be the difference between life and death. If you drink alcohol, do not drive a vehicle. Never let another person who has consumed alcohol get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
MARIJUANA & THE DRIVER
Driving under the influence of marijuana or other drugs is not only dangerous, but also illegal. Marijuana, like alcohol and other drugs including prescription medication, slows down reflexes and impairs judgment. Smoking medical cannabis in a motor vehicle or operating or being in actual physical control of any motor vehicle while under the influence is a violation of Mississippi’s laws and can result in arrest. Driving under the influence of any drug – including medical cannabis and other prescription drugs – impairs a driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle and can result in arrest.
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IMPLIED CONSENT When you operate a motor vehicle in the state of Mississippi, you are giving your implied consent to testing for the presence of intoxicating substances in your body. This means that if a law enforcement officer has good reason to suspect that you are operating your vehicle under the influence of an intoxicating substance, the officer can request you take a breath or chemical test. These tests measure your blood alcohol content (BAC).
Mississippi has Zero Tolerance for underage drivers under the influence of alcohol. What if I refuse to take a breath or chemical test? You have the right to refuse the officer’s request. If you refuse: You must surrender your driver’s license to the officer immediately. The officer will give you an official receipt for your license, which will serve as your temporary permit to drive, valid for only forty-five days.
The officer will forward your driver’s license, along with the officer’s sworn report, to the Commissioner of Public Safety, who will review your case. Your license will be administratively suspended for ninety days for refusing the breath or chemical test. Suspension times increase for subsequent refusals resulting in a conviction or non-adjudication.
How much is too much? (And what happens if I’ve had too much?) Under the Influence intoxicating alcohol if: 21 years old or older BAC registers .08% or more under the age of 21 BAC registers .02% or more. If your blood alcohol content reaches or exceeds your minimum limit, the officer will demand your license. The officer will give you an official receipt for your license, which will serve as your temporary permit to drive, valid for only 30 days.
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DUI Penalties These penalties apply to drivers 21 years of age and older with .08% Blood Alcohol Content or higher. OFFENSE/CONVICTION
FINE
JAIL TERM
LICENSE SUSPENSION
DUI—First Offense (Misdemeanor) DUI—Second Offense within 5 years (Misdemeanor) DUI—Third Offense within five years (Felony)
$250 - $1,000
Up to 48 hours
120 days
$600 - $1,500
Not less than 5 days, nor more than 6 months Not less than 1 year, nor more than 5 years, custody of MDOC
1 year
DUI- Fourth or subsequent offense regardless of time period
$3,000 $10,000
Not less than 2 years, nor more than 10 years
The full period of the person's sentence, and upon release from incarceration, the person will be eligible for only an interlock-restricted license for ten years.
$2,000 - $5,000
The full period of the person's sentence, and upon release from incarceration, the person will be eligible for only an interlock-restricted license for three years.
ZERO TOLERANCE DUI Penalties These penalties apply to drivers under 21 years of age, who have a Blood Alcohol Content of .02% or higher, but LESS than .08%. If a driver is under twenty-one and has a Blood Alcohol Content of .08% or higher, the offense is classified as a regular DUI—not as a Zero Tolerance DUI.
OFFENSE/CONVICTION
FINE
LICENSE SUSPENSION
Zero Tolerance DUI—First Offense
$250
120 days
Zero Tolerance DUI—Second Offense within five years Zero Tolerance DUI—Third Offense within five years
Not more than $500
1 year
Not more than $1,000
2 years or until the person reaches the age of 21, whichever is longer.
Additional penalties may apply. For example, if you are convicted of a First Offense DUI (or First Offense Zero Tolerance DUI) AND you refused the breath or chemical test, a 90-day license suspension is added to the original penalty. Penalties are also more severe if you receive a DUI conviction while your license is suspended for a previous DUI. An accident resulting in injuries while you are driving under the influence also enhances the penalty.
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LICENSE SUSPENSION, REVOCATION, & REINSTATEMENT Your license represents your privilege to drive in Mississippi. Protect this privilege by driving safely and lawfully. If you disobey the laws of the state, or if you prove yourself unable to drive in accordance with those laws, your license may be taken away by the Commissioner of Public Safety.
SUSPENSION OF LICENSE The Commissioner of Public Safety is authorized to suspend your license without a preliminary hearing if public records or other sufficient evidence indicate that: • • • • • • • • • •
You are convicted of an offense for which mandatory revocation of license is required. You have been involved, as a driver, in any accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another person or in serious property damage. You are a habitually reckless or negligent driver. You have been frequently convicted of serious traffic violations. You are mentally or physically incompetent to drive. You have allowed fraudulent use of your license. You are convicted of DUI or DWI in another state. You have committed an offense in another state that would, in Mississippi, have resulted in the suspension or revocation of your license. You obtained a Mississippi driver’s license while your license in another state was under suspension. You have failed to pay child support.
REVOCATION OF LICENSE The Commissioner of Public Safety must take away your license for a period of one year if you are convicted of any of the following: • • • • •
manslaughter or negligent homicide resulting from a driving accident any felony in which you used a motor vehicle failure to stop and render aid as required under the laws of this state in the event of a motor vehicle accident perjury or making any false statement to the Department concerning your ownership or operation of a motor vehicle three reckless driving convictions within a twelve-month period
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REINSTATEMENT OF DRIVING PRIVILEGES If your driving privileges were suspended or revoked and are now eligible for reinstatement, the following fees and procedures apply.
REASON FOR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION
FEE FOR REINSTATEMENT
Conviction under Mississippi Implied Consent Law / DUI or Uniform Controlled Substances Act
$175
Failure to pay Child Support
$25
All other suspensions
$100
What payment methods are accepted?
NOTE: If your license was deposited in lieu of bond OR you failed to appear in court, you must show a corrected court abstract from the judge before being reinstated.
You must pay by CASHIER'S check. DO NOT SEND CASH, MONEY ORDER OR A PERSONAL CHECK. Make the check payable to:
Department of Public Safety
Where do I send my CASHIER’S check? For suspension due to DUI or unpaid tickets, mail to: DRIVERSERVICEBUREAU PO BOX 1459 CANTON, MS 39046
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LITTERING It is unlawful for any person to throw, scatter, spill, or place any solid waste in any of the following manners or amounts: and It is unlawful for any person to cause solid waste to be thrown, scattered, spilled, or placed in any of the following manners or amounts: • In or on any public highway, road, street, alley or thoroughfare, including any portion of the right of way thereof, or any other public lands, except in containers or areas lawfully provided. When solid waste is thrown or discarded from a motor vehicle, the operator or owner of the motor vehicle, or both, shall be deemed in violation. • In or on any waters of the state. • In or on any private property, unless prior written consent of the owner has been given and the solid waste will not cause a public nuisance or be in violation of any other state or local law, rule, or regulation. • Raw human waste from any train, aircraft motor vehicle, or vessel upon the public or private lands or waters of the state.
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CLASS D LICENSE
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CLASS D—REGULATIONS Most of the driving rules and regulations covered so far in this manual are meant for the ordinary driver. Company drivers must be familiar with many additional rules and regulations, especially those concerning trucks. If you intend to drive a company vehicle, study this section carefully. As a driver of a company vehicle, your responsibilities are more complex than those of an ordinary driver.
EQUIPMENT All lights and reflectors must be clean and in working order and be visible five hundred feet from the rear of your truck-trailer. You must have a mechanical or electrical device for giving turn signals. All reflectors on the rear and sides near the rear of your truck-trailer must show a red color. All reflectors on the front and sides near the front must show an amber color. You MUST have two red reflectors on the rear, and you must have a red taillight. You must also have a stop light, which may be incorporated with the taillight. When you apply the foot brake, the stop light must show a red or amber color. Your clearance and side-marker lamps must, when lighted, display an amber color on or near the trailer's front, and must, when lighted, display a red color on or near the rear. Any vehicle which is designed or loaded so that the driver's rear view is obstructed must have a side mirror located so that the driver can see at least two hundred feet to the rear. Your truck's muffler must be in good working condition. You may not use a muffler cutout, bypass, or any similar device.
SAFETY & WARNING DEVICES If you operate a bus or truck at night, you must carry at least three flares, fuses, electric flares, or reflectors. If your vehicle becomes disabled, place one of these warning devices approximately one hundred feet ahead of your location, a second one hundred feet to the rear, and a third at the roadway side of the vehicle. In daylight hours, you should use red flags in these same positions.
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SIZE REGULATIONS WIDTH The total outside width of any vehicle, including the load being carried on that vehicle, cannot exceed eight and one-half feet. The total outside width of a farm tractor shall not exceed ten feet.
HEIGHT Under no conditions may any vehicle, loaded or unloaded, exceed a total height of thirteen and one-half feet. This height is permitted only if no company, corporation, local government, government agency, or the State of Mississippi must raise, alter, reconstruct, or change in any way any underpass, trestle, wire, pole, or any other structure. If your vehicle exceeds twelve and one-half feet in height, either you or the vehicle's owner will be held responsible for any damage caused by the excess height.
LENGTH Single Vehicle-No single vehicle, loaded or unloaded, may have an overall length in excess of forty feet, including both front and rear bumpers. Semitrailer OR truck and trailer-No semitrailer operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer combination and no trailer drawn by a motor vehicle shall exceed a length in excess of fifty-three feet.
Semitrailer-trailer OR truck and double trailer—No semitrailer or trailer operating in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer combination and no trailer operating in a double trailer combination drawn by a motor vehicle shall exceed a length of thirty feet.
EXTENSION OF LOAD Rear—Under normal conditions, the load on the rear of a vehicle transporting forest or agricultural products in their natural state can project no more than twenty-eight feet beyond the vehicle's rear axle. However, if these products cannot be shortened without making them useless for their intended purpose (such as utility poles), a special permit may be obtained from the Mississippi Department of Transportation allowing their transportation. Vehicles with such projecting loads may legally operate only during daylight hours, and only with the load safely secured by at least two chains, two wire ropes, or two nylon straps, one positioned behind the front bolster and one in front of the back bolster. Front—The load on any vehicle operated alone or with the load on the front unit of any combination of vehicles must not extend more than three feet beyond the front wheels of the vehicle or the front bumper.
WEIGHT For regulations governing gross weights of vehicles and loads, contact the nearest office of The Mississippi Department of Transportation.
COMBINATION TOWING No semitrailer or trailer combinations in excess of two units, excluding the towing vehicle, will be allowed to operate on Mississippi highways. No more than two vehicles in any combination may be towed by saddle mounts, and no more than one motor vehicle may be towed by towbar.
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EXEMPTIONS TO SIZE REGULATIONS Farm machinery is exempt from size, weight, and height limitations when operated during daylight hours on any state highway within fifty miles of the point of origin. Farm machinery cannot be moved on interstate highways. Such machinery, or the vehicle towing it, must be equipped with front and rear reflector lights and a blinking light clearly visible from the front and rear. If you need to move a load that exceeds any size or weight limitation, you may request a permit to do so from the: Mississippi Department of Transportation Maintenance Division Permit Section P.O. Box 1850 Jackson, MS 39205
WEIGH STATIONS You will find weigh stations located on most main highways. You must pull your truck into these stations so that it can be weighed to determine if it is overloaded. Call 601-359-1148 for additional information.
AVOIDING SPILLS You may not put any vehicle on the road unless it is built or loaded so that none of the load can spill, shift, leak, or in any way escape onto the roadway. EXCEPTIONS: Dropping sand onto the roadway to secure traction is permitted. Authorized vehicles spraying water or any other substance to clean the roadway are exempt from this regulation.
If you are driving a truck, truck-trailer, or any other open-topped vehicle on a highway or interstate in Mississippi; or you are carrying sand, dirt, gravel, rocks, or any similar material; or your load reaches within six inches or fewer of the top of the bed, then you must: • use a tarpaulin, canvas, or other cover to contain the load, AND • use four, six-inch sideboards, one attached to the front, one to the back, and one to each side of the body. These sideboards must be lowered when you are loading the vehicle, and none of the loads can extend above the body. After loading is completed, you must raise these sideboards and secure them for the trip. NOTE: If you use a tarpaulin, canvas, or cover of any kind, you must secure it soundly so that no end, string, or binding flaps as the truck moves down the roadway.
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SAFE DRIVING FOLLOWING DISTANCE If you are driving a truck, truck-trailer, or other similar vehicle on a roadway outside business or residential districts, you must not follow within three hundred feet of other trucks except when you are attempting to pass. EQUIPMENT CHECKS Check all your equipment, such as tires, lights, brakes, and load during each stop. FLAMMABLE LOADS If your vehicle is carrying explosives or flammable liquids, you must stop at all railroad crossings— even if no signals warn that a train is approaching. Passenger buses and school buses must also stop. If you drive a truck carrying gasoline, oil, or explosives, be careful to avoid fires and explosions. Turn off the ignition when you put gasoline in the tank or unload the truck. Do not smoke at any time on or near the truck. In case of an accident, keep people, especially smokers, away. When driving a truck with such a load, you should keep out of business districts and heavy traffic as often as possible and park away from buildings and other vehicles when possible. BACKING UP When you are preparing to back up a truck or large vehicle, always get out and carefully check clearance limits. Make sure that you have plenty of room to maneuver. If possible, have someone guide you when you back up. Never back into an intersection to turn around. COASTING Never disengage the clutch while driving your truck on a downgrade. This "coasting" is illegal and very risky. PROTECTING YOUR LOAD Make certain to keep rear doors locked.
COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE (CDL) CLASS A, B, C To get a CDL, you must pass both knowledge and skills tests. You may wish to obtain a copy of the Mississippi Professional Driver's Manual for study. You must have a CDL to operate: 1. A single vehicle with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds. 2. A trailer with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds if the gross combination weight rating is more than 6,000 pounds. 3. A vehicle designed to transport more than fifteen persons (including the driver). 4. Any size vehicle which requires hazardous materials placards.
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APPENDIX A: Organ Donation Organ transplants save thousands of lives each year. The transplantation of the kidneys, lungs, heart, liver, pancreas and intestines from a donor is often the only therapy for people whose organs have failed. There are over 100,000 people in the United States waiting for one or more of these gifts. One organ donor can save up to eight lives. In addition, the donation of tissues such as corneas, skin, ligaments and bone can enhance the lives of 75 or more individuals with a variety of injuries and impairments. However, the U.S. faces a serious shortage of organ and tissue donors. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an average of 16 die each day waiting on a transplant. Mississippians age 15+ who are registering for a driver’s permit or state identification card may indicate their wishes to be a donor on their license. Consent from legal next of kin is required at the time of donation for anyone still under the age of 18. Whether registered or not, anyone can donate, regardless of age, race or gender. Your medical condition at the time of your death will determine what organs and tissues can be donated. If you are not a registered organ donor at your time of death, your legal next-of-kin must give consent for organ donation. Mississippi's Gift of Life Act (1998) requires that all families be given the option to donate organs and tissue at the time of death. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety provides information about organ donation at each driver license station. Please learn all you can about organ donation and have a conversation with your family about your wishes. If you are injured or become ill, the quality of treatment and life-saving efforts you receive at the hospital will not be lessened if you choose to donate. Only after all efforts to save your life have been exhausted and the physician in charge of your care has declared death will donation be considered and transplant professionals become involved. Your family is not responsible for any donation costs. However, you are responsible for hospital expenses up until the time of death, even when consent is given for donation. Organ and tissue donation will not affect funeral plans. Organ Recovery takes place in a sterile operating room under the direction of skilled surgeons. Families can proceed with any type of funeral or burial arrangements, including an open casket funeral. Funeral expenses are also the responsibility of the family or the estate. All major religions support donation as a final, charitable act of giving to others. Organ donation and transplant is consistent with the life-preserving traditions of these faiths. 91
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APPENDIX B: The Natchez Trace The Natchez Trace Parkway is administered by the National Park Service of the United States Department of the Interior. It stretches four hundred fifty miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to a point near Nashville, Tennessee. Mississippi's section is three hundred fifty miles long. The Parkway commemorates the Natchez Trace, a frontier road, prominent in the development of the Old Southwest. (An elongated park including a high-quality roadway, the right of way averages one hundred acres for each mile of roadway.) The Parkway runs from four to seven hundred feet in width, and is widest at historical, scientific, and recreational areas. As a traveler along the Trace, you will find nearby Native American sites and settings relating to the history of the original road. Commercial vehicles are excluded from the Parkway, and access is limited. Crossroads separated by grades, long curves, good sight lines, and good slight grades, all combine to protect the motorist driving along the Trace. The Parkway is protected and patrolled by National Park Rangers who are ready to assist you in having a safe and enjoyable trip. Report all accidents, fires, or other emergencies to the nearest Ranger or call 1-800-300-PARK (7275). If you cannot locate the number and need assistance, dial “0” for the operator and ask to be connected to the nearest Natchez Trace Park Ranger. Be sure to give your approximate location and to describe circumstances. Federal regulations govern vehicle traffic and public use of Parkway facilities. State traffic laws also apply. The maximum speed for travel on the Parkway is fifty MPH, except where lower speeds are posted. Radar is used for your protection. The Superintendent of the Natchez Trace Parkway is in immediate charge of all facilities. For additional information, you may contact this person at: P.O. Box 948, Tupelo, Mississippi 38801 (601) 842-1572 This is your Parkway. It exists for you and for all generations to come. Heed all posted signs. Do not hunt or use firearms on Parkway lands. Extinguish all lighted cigarettes, cigars, and matches. Never throw them or other debris from moving vehicles. If you have any doubts about any regulation governing the use of the Parkway, do not hesitate to contact a Park Ranger. Remember that if you violate any laws while on the roadway or while using any of the Parkway's facilities, you will be tried in a federal court.
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APPENDIX C: Share the Road
Overview Share the Road is a highway safety program of the American Trucking Associations (ATA). Millionmile accident-free professional truck drivers deliver specific life-saving safety tips to the public, the media, and our public officials through television, radio, the web, and in print. News conferences are held where cars and trucks are set up in simulated highway lanes that show the common ways in which accidents happen on the road. The program's goal is to reach as many people as possible and change driving behavior so that we can save lives. Program Goal Media and community events are held across the country, including state capitols, motorcycle and RV events, auto shows, at truck driving championships, high schools and middle schools, and in congested cities. The Share the Road tractor-trailer serves as the centerpiece for all safety and media events and is certainly an attraction while travelling on the highways. Mack Trucks generously provides a dedicated Mack Anthem to the Share the Road program. The Share the Road program works with various highway safety partners, the state trucking associations, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and industry partners. For more information visit https://www.trucking.org/share-road.
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Post Office Box 1459 Canton, Mississippi
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