Driver license the official handbook

The Official Florida Driver License Handbook—rev. 051417
  
45  
............................................................................................................................... SHARING THE ROAD
 3.  If you are stopped behind a 
truck on an upgrade, leave space 
in case the truck drifts back 
when it starts to move. Also, 
keep to the left in your lane so 
the driver can see that you’re 
stopped behind the truck.
 4.  Don’t use high beam headlights 
when you are following a truck 
at night. Bright lights will blind 
the driver when they reflect off 
the truck’s large side mirrors.
 5.  When you meet a truck coming 
from the opposite direction, 
keep to the right to avoid a 
sideswipe crash. 
 6.  Commercial vehicles often need 
to swing wide to the left in 
order make a right turn. Do not 
drive between the commercial 
vehicle and the curb —they will 
not be able to see you.
  7.  Never cross behind a truck 
that is preparing to back up or 
is in the process of doing so. 
Remember, the size of most 
trucks and trailers completely 
hide objects behind them from 
view. 
Passing
  • When passing a truck, first 
check to your front and rear, 
and move into the passing lane 
only if it is clear and safe to pass. 
Be sure to signal that you are 
changing lanes, and let the truck 
driver know you are passing 
by blinking your headlights, 
especially at night. 
  • Pass trucks on the left side for 
maximum visibility. Complete 
your pass as quickly as possible 
so that you do not remain in the 
truck’s blind spot. 
  • Avoid cutting in too soon 
when passing a truck. Large 
trucks can’t stop as quickly as 
other vehicles. Be sure you can 
see the cab in your rear-view 
mirror before completing your 
pass. (Truck drivers may flash 
headlights to let you know it 
is OK to merge back into the 
lane.)
  • Avoid passing a truck on a 
The “NO Zone”

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46  
©2017 Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
downgrade; the truck’s weight and momentum will cause it to increase 
speed.
  • When a truck passes you, keep to the right side of your lane. Do not 
speed up while the truck is passing. 
Golf Carts
You may only drive a golf cart on 
roadways that are designated for golf 
carts. These roads will be marked 
with appropriate signs.
  • A golf cart may not be driven by 
anyone under the age of 14 on 
public roads or streets.
  • A golf cart may only be operated 
during the hours between 
sunrise and sunset, unless the 
local government allows them 
to be driven outside of those 
hours (additional equipment is 
required.)*
  • All local and state traffic laws must be obeyed including yielding the 
right-of-way.
  • You may cross state roads if the posted speed limit is 45 mph or less and 
only at an intersection with a traffic control device.
  • Golf carts may be operated only on state roads that have a posted speed 
limit of 30 mph or less.
  • You can drive a golf cart on a sidewalk only if it is at least 5 feet wide. 
You must yield to pedestrians.
  • You can drive a golf cart on a two lane county road in a city that 
designates it for golf cart use.
Low Speed Vehicles
Low speed vehicles (LSV) are vehicles with top speeds of 20 to 25 MPH. 
Golf carts can be converted to low speed vehicles and vice versa.
  •  An LSV may be operated only on streets where the posted speed limit 
is 35 miles per hour or less. 
  • An LSV must be equipped with headlamps, stop lamps, turn signal 
lamps, tail lamps, reflex reflectors, parking brakes, rear-view mirrors, 
wind shield, seat belts, and vehicle identification number.
  • Any person operating a LSV must have a valid driver license. 
  • An LSV must be registered and insured with PIP and PDL (see pg.57). 
Required Equipment for Golf Carts
Efficient brakes
Rear-view mirror
Reliable steering
Red warning reflectors on front and rear
Safe tires
*Required for night driving
Headlights
Brake lights
Turn signals
Windshield

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7
The Official Florida Driver License Handbook—rev. 051417
  
47  
SPECIAL DRIVING SITUATIONS
High beam headlights can reveal objects up to a distance of at least
450 feet and are most effective for speeds faster than 25 mph.
At night, glare from oncoming cars can reduce your vision.
Night Driving
You will need to drive with extra care at night. You can’t see as far ahead 
and glare from oncoming cars can reduce your vision even more. Florida 
law says:
  • You must use headlights between the hours of sunset and sunrise.
  • You must use low beam headlights when you are within 300 feet of the 
vehicle ahead of you.
  • You must use low beam headlights when coming within 500 feet of an 
oncoming vehicle.
  • You must turn on your parking lights at night when you are parked on 
a roadway or shoulder outside of cities and towns.
  • It is against the law to drive using only parking lights (in place of 
headlights).
Follow these guidelines for driving at night:
  • Low beam headlamps are only effective for speeds up to 20–25 mph. 
Avoid “over driving” your lights (driving too fast for what you can see). 
  • High beam headlights can reveal objects up to a distance of 450 feet 
and are most effective for speeds faster than 25 mph. 
  • When leaving a brightly lit area, drive slowly until your eyes adjust to 
the darkness.
  • Don’t look directly at oncoming headlights. Use lane lines as visual 
guides and look quickly to check the other vehicle’s position every few 
seconds.
  • Drive as far to the right as you can if a vehicle with one light comes 
toward you; it could be a vehicle with a missing headlight.

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