Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Permit Practice Test

While using a vehicle with a steering wheel interlock system, what should you avoid doing while the vehicle is in motion?

1. Adjusting the radio

2. Turning the ignition to the lock position

3. Using the turn signal

4. Speeding

The correct answer is: Turning the ignition to the lock position

Choosing to avoid turning the ignition to the lock position while the vehicle is in motion is crucial for safety reasons. The steering wheel interlock system is designed to prevent the steering wheel from being turned if the ignition is in the lock position. If a driver were to turn the ignition to the lock while the vehicle is moving, it could cause the steering wheel to lock up, leading to a loss of control over the vehicle. This can create a very dangerous situation, potentially resulting in an accident. In contrast, adjusting the radio, while it might be a distraction, doesn’t inherently interfere with the vehicle’s mechanical operations and is something drivers often do while driving. Using the turn signal is a necessary and safe action to indicate intent to other road users, while speeding, although illegal and unsafe, does not directly relate to the functionality of the steering wheel interlock system. Therefore, turning the ignition to the lock position is the action that poses the greatest risk in relation to the operation of the vehicle while in motion.