Video lessons · Unit 14: License, insurance and police

The Fender Bender

You hit a car and nobody's around. Do you leave? Grandpa explains it in one minute.

What you'll learn

• If you hit another car, you always stop. Leaving is a hit and run, and the punishment is severe.
• Is it parked and nobody's there? Look for the owner. If you can't find them, leave a note with your name, phone number, and address, securely attached.
• And report it to the police. If there's more than a thousand dollars in damage, report it to the DMV too, within ten days.

Test yourself: 5 exam-style questions

1. 1. You've pulled over and the officer is walking up. What's right?

   1. Stay inside, hands on the wheel
   2. Get out and walk to the patrol car
   3. Step out with your documents in hand
   4. Dig through the glove box for papers
   Show answer

   Answer: Stay inside, hands on the wheel

   Stay seated, hands where they can be seen. Keeps everyone calm.

2. 2. You're pulled over at night. What helps?

   1. Turn off every light in the car
   2. Turn on your interior light
   3. Turn up the music
   4. Turn on your high beams
   Show answer

   Answer: Turn on your interior light

   The dome light lets the officer see your hands. Everyone relaxes.

3. 3. Your papers are in the glove box. When do you reach for them?

   1. Right after you stop, before they arrive
   2. After you step out of the car
   3. Never, you don't have to show them
   4. When asked, and you tell them first
   Show answer

   Answer: When asked, and you tell them first

   Wait until asked, then say: «They're in the glove box, may I get them?»

4. 4. What documents should you always carry when driving?

   1. Just your license, nothing else
   2. Your car title and all purchase receipts
   3. Passport and birth certificate
   4. License, registration, and proof of insurance
   Show answer

   Answer: License, registration, and proof of insurance

   All three: license, registration, insurance. Without them, your day gets long.

5. 5. In almost every state, to drive your car you need…

   1. Insurance only if the car is new
   2. Insurance only on highways
   3. Nothing, insurance is optional
   4. Car insurance required by law
   Show answer

   Answer: Car insurance required by law

   It's required almost everywhere. The minimums vary by state.