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Leasing A Car

Leasing A Car

Before you buy a car, you must understand how leasing works in order to determine how the value of your car will depreciate and if you are getting the best deal when financing your car purchase.  Leasing is the typical alternative to buying a car outright and in times of economic contraction, where low-interest financing is not available, leasing has grown tremendously as an option for car buyers.  Before leasing a car, it is important to understand in full the terms and conditions of the lease, its cost to you and the value of the car you are leasing.  
Incomplete information in any aspect of the leasing a car process will put the potential buyer at a disadvantage and ensure the deal will not be in the buyer’s interest.

Necessary terms to know for those leasing a car
MSRP – Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price is the base cost of the car, before fees, taxes and other costs of the sale.  Additional features to the car are reflected in the MSRP.  
Negotiated price – you are not always paying the MSRP when buying or leasing a car.  You may come to an agreement with the dealer that involves certain additions, terms or agreements that lower this price.  You will need this figure when determining if you should lease the car.  You may be able to negotiate some dealer fees, but you will not be able to negotiate state and local fees.  Taxes, rebates, fees and other credits are not reflected in the negotiated price.
Tag, title, registration, documentation fees – some fees reflect taxes levied by local authorities and cannot be avoided, although some fees, such as documentation fees, may be capped by local law.  Other fees, such as the destination charge are mandatory as this reflects the cost to move the vehicle from the factory to the dealer.  Be aware of which fees are mandatory and which are avoidable before agreeing to lease a car.  An important distinction in leasing is that fees are paid up front and are not financed.
Lease acquisition fee – you will typically be assessed a fee by the dealer to acquire a lease on a car.
Down payment – by making a down payment, you reduce the principle owed on the car, decreasing the long term cost of the car that would accrue due to interest.
Trade in – the cost of leasing a car can be modified if you trade in your current car to the dealer.  Determine if the dealer offer on the trade in value of your car is worthy before agreeing to include a trade-in as part of the leasing agreement.
Rebate – dealers may offer a rebate for certain options or as a promotion to induce you into buying or leasing a car.
Tax break – you will need to be familiar with the tax laws in your state.  Some states do not tax motor vehicles at all.  Other states will assess tax on monthly payments only rather than the sale price of the vehicle.

What is the money factor?
The money factor is the interest on the lease and it is not always disclosed by the dealer during a leasing arrangement.  The money factor can be multiplied by 2,400 and this will give you a ballpark estimate of the interest rate collected by the dealer for leasing the car.  For instance, a money factor of .000750 is equal to an annual percentage rate of 1.8%.  The lower the money factor (also expressed as lease factor, lease rate or factor) the better the lease deal will be.  One’s credit rating will have a large impact on the money factor available with the best rates available to those with a spotless credit rating.
Leasing versus buying
Those considering leasing a car will find the use of an online lease vs. buy calculator a useful tool in determining if they should lease a car.  These are widely available and can be found through a reliable search engine.  The typical lease calculator will factor terms MSRP, deduction, interest, and can sometimes provide you with a comparison of the cost to you in terms of leasing or buying.
Residual value
This is the value of the car after the lease has expired and will help you determine if you intend to buy the car, trade in the vehicle or sell the lease before it is up.  You should research how much the car will depreciate and what the residual value of the car will be at the end of the lease before agreeing to lease a car.  Mileage will have an effect on the value of the car after the lease is up.  If you know you will be using the car heavily, negotiating a higher limit on the annual mileage allotment will prevent you from being penalized later, as per the terms of the agreement.  The higher the residual value of the car at the end of the lease arrangement, the lower the monthly payments you will have to pay on the car.  The smaller the gap between initial cost and lease end value, the lower payments will have to be made on the lease.

Length of term for leasing a car
Unlike a loan, a longer lease is not necessarily as disadvantageous as a typical loan.  It is advisable to pick a lease term as long as the warranty for the vehicle, which will protect you during the leasing period against faults and accidents.  Therefore, you may have a long lease on a vehicle with a long warranty.  Foreign models also tend to depreciate less, which means at the end of the lease, the car will be worth more than its domestic counterpart after a similar term.  Lease terms are typically expressed in months, generally in increments of a year (36, 48, 60 months) but odd terms may be used to have you come in at another, less busy point of the year at the end of the lease.  Short term leases are generally more expensive than longer term leases, owing to the fact that cars will depreciate rapidly during the first 24 months after they are sold.  A car usually retains only 34%  of its initial value after five years.

Utah Permit Practice Test

Utah Permit Practice Test

Utah does have a DMV, but that agency is for vehicle registration only.  Instead, you will receive your license and take the permit practice Utah through the Department of Public Safety.  A learner permit will be issued by any licensing office when the applicant is at least 15 years old and has parental consent.  The fee will be $15 for this document as is contingent on passing the practice permit test for Utah.
A practice permit test Utah sample is available online and consists of 22 questions that are similar to the questions on the actual test.  The online practice permit test for Utah is graded instantly and will provide feedback on the questions answered incorrectly.  Knowledge of road safety, traffic signs and safe driving will all be tested on the practice permit test Utah.
The Utah driver’s manual is available on the DPS website and will contain all of the information necessary to pass the practice permit test for Utah.  Additionally, there will be information on which identification to bring when applying for a learner’s permit in Utah.  You will need to prove your identity, social security number and legal residency in the country.  You will also need to pass a vision test, demonstrating that you have better than 20/40 vision with or without corrective lenses.
permit practice test Utah/practice permit test Utah

Vermont Permit Practice Test

Vermont Permit Practice Test

You will find all the forms you need to apply for a Vermont learner’s permit at the website of the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.  It is best to prepare the form before your visit to the DMV to avoid an excessive wait or potentially making an error there when filling out the form.  You must complete this form, show proper identification and pass a vision test before you may take the practice permit test for Vermont.
The Driver’s License Manual is the best resource to prepare for the practice permit test for Vermont.  You will find this on the DMV website under publications.  There is also an audio version and a translation to Vietnamese.  You will also find a graduated driver’s license manual, which may be applicable if you are a minor applying for a permit or restricted license.
The Vermont DMV offers a web learning tool call DriveVermont that aims to teach minors about traffic laws and drivers safety.  This is also a useful tool for persons of all ages applying for a permit for the first time.  Studying this and the Driver’s License Manual will be critical to passing the practice permit test for Vermont.
When applying for the Vermont license, you will need to prove residency, proof of identity and obtain parent or guardian permission for minors.  Only then can you take the vision test and practice permit test for Vermont.
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Virginia Permit Practice Test

Virginia Permit Practice Test

There are a number of useful resources at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles website, including a sample permit practice test for Virginia and the Driver’s Manual, which contains all useful and relevant information for passing the practice permit test.  There are two sample knowledge exams related to a typical driver’s license, with one exam testing knowledge of traffic signs and the other testing general knowledge.  The tests are graded instantly and you will be able to check your answers.  Using this will help you understand the type of questions and likely material that will be on the test.
The Virginia Driver’s Manual is also available on the DMV website and be downloaded in sections or in full.  This driver’s manual is also available in audio format.  The manual will also be available at customer service centers, some high schools and commercial driving schools.  It is important to study this manual thoroughly to pass the practice permit test Virginia.  Failing the knowledge exam will cause you to be deferred for a full 15 days.  At your prior request, you may take an audio version of the exam or take the exam in Spanish.  Other translations are subject to availability.  Multiple failures will result in mandatory driver’s education for those that still want a Virginia driver’s license.
The driver’s license will cost $3 per year and replacing a lost permit will cost $2.  
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North Carolina Permit Practice Test

North Carolina Permit Practice Test

You will take the practice permit test for North Carolina through the North Carolina DMV, which is a branch of the state’s Department of Transportation.  Visit the NC DMV website for a wealth of useful and easily accessible resources, including the Driver’s Handbook, a practice permit test for North Carolina and specific rules on the North Carolina graduate licensing program.
When applying for a graduated license, you must be under 18 but older than 15 years old.  As with all licensing procedures, you will need to show proof of identity (two documents), proof of social security, and other required documents.  You can find a listing of these requirements on the NC DMV website.  Additionally the driver must secure parental consent and have an appropriate supervisor, as per the conditions of the graduated license.  Young drivers can be upgraded to a provisional license as long as they pass the practice permit test for North Carolina and meet the other requirements set by the state.  Have a graduated license is conditional on school enrollment or high school graduation.
The North Carolina Driver’s Handbook is available on the NC DMV website and should be studied thoroughly in order to pass the practice permit test for North Carolina.  Additionally, the sample driver knowledge test will demonstrate the types of questions that will be on the permit practice test North Carolina and you will be able to check you will be able to check your answers instantly.
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North Dakota Permit Practice Test

North Dakota Permit Practice Test

The Rules of the Road is a publication issued by the North Dakota Department of Transportation.  This publication is aimed at helping prospective drivers pass the practice permit test for North Dakota.  The minimum age at which a person may drive without restrictions in North Dakota is 16 and those that are younger only with a restricted license.  Minors as young as 14 may apply for an instruction permit which lasts 12 months and allows the holder of the permit to practice under the supervision of a licensed adult.  
Parental approval is needed for all licenses and permits for those under the age of 18.  North Dakota also mandates that a parent of the minor be present at the road test and certify that the minor has had 50 hours of supervised driving practice.
In order to take the permit practice test for North Dakota, you must present proper identification that certifies legal presence in the US, legal name and date of birth.  North Dakota has stringent rules on the time the practice permit test is administers at no later than one hour prior to noon and no later than an hour prior to closing.
To prepare for the written knowledge test, use the Rules of the Road, which is readily available at the state DOT website.  Thoroughly studying this book is essential to passing the practice permit test North Dakota.
permit practice test North Dakota/practice permit test North Dakota

Ohio Permit Practice Test

Ohio Permit Practice Test

The Ohio BMV is the division of the Department of Public safety that will administer the practice permit test for Ohio.  The test will be in two parts with one test testing knowledge of road signs and the other testing knowledge of motor vehicle regulations.  The regulations test will consist of at least 20 questions and a score of 75% is required to pass.  The road sign test will also cover English commands and is also made up to 20 questions with the same passing grade.
Before taking the permit practice test for Ohio, you must present proper identification that establishes residency, identity and social security number.  A vision examination will also be necessary to determine if the applicant can operate a motor vehicle safely and the applicant will be deferred, without writing the practice permit test if they do not pass the vision test.
A 10 question practice permit test is available and once all the questions are completed, you will be graded instantly.  This test will give you an idea of the format and topic of the questions that will be on your practice permit test for Ohio.  Studying this and the diver’s manual will be essential to passing the test and moving on to the road test.
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Oregon Permit Practice Test

Oregon Permit Practice Test

The Oregon DMV is a division of the Oregon Department of Transportation and will administer the practice permit test for Oregon.  When applying for a driver’s license in Oregon, you will need to present proper forms of identification, which will demonstrate proof of Oregon residency, legal name, date of birth and social security number.  The fees will be $23.50 for an instruction permit and $60 for a first time license.  

To quicken the process of taking the practice permit test Oregon you may download the forms you need in advance from the Oregon DMV website.  These forms are also available at the DMV but would have to be filled out there.  Downloading them in advance will save you time.  Parental permission is required for applications by minors under 18, unless that minor is married or emancipated.  Minors will also need to pass an additional safe driving practices test, in addition to the vision, knowledge and road test.

During the practice permit test for Oregon, you may, with prior approval use a foreign language dictionary if you have difficulty understanding English.  There is a one day waiting period if you fail the test and a 28 day waiting period if you fail four times.  You will find a practice permit test on page 115 of the Oregon driver’s manual. If you need legal advice and assistance, contact Oregon lawyers.

 

Pennsylvania Permit Practice Test

Pennsylvania Permit Practice Test

Aspiring drivers in Pennsylvania must pass a written permit test before they can obtain their learner’s permit and start driving. The written test assesses the applicant’s knowledge of traffic rules, road signs, and safe driving practices, as well as Pennsylvania vehicle registration and license guidelines. To prepare for the test, many people take a Pennsylvania permit practice test, which consists of questions similar to those on the actual test.

There are various types of questions that may appear on a Pennsylvania permit practice test. In this article, we will explore these question types and provide tips on how to prepare for each one.

1. True or False Questions

True or false questions are the most straightforward type of question on a Pennsylvania permit practice test. As the name implies, these questions require the applicant to determine whether a statement is true or false. For example, “It is legal to park within 20 feet of a crosswalk” is a true or false question.

True or false questions test the applicant’s ability to recall information and also their attention to detail. Applicants should take the time to read each question carefully and double-check their answers before moving on. It’s important to remember that on the actual test, there will be no penalty for guessing, so if you’re unsure, take your best guess.

2. Multiple-Choice Questions

Multiple-choice questions are another common type of question on a Pennsylvania permit practice test. These questions provide a list of possible answers, and the applicant must choose the correct one. For example, “When driving at night, you should use your high beams: (a) in foggy conditions, (b) in heavy rain, (c) on roads with no other traffic, or (d) when driving in the city.”

Multiple-choice questions require the applicant to not only recall information, but also to apply their knowledge in a practical scenario. To prepare for these types of questions, it’s important to read the question carefully and look for clues in the answer choices. If you’re unsure, eliminate the answers that you know are incorrect before making your final selection.

3. Image-Based Questions

Image-based questions on a Pennsylvania permit practice test include pictures or illustrations that depict a scenario related to driving. For example, a question may show a picture of a road sign and ask the applicant to identify what it means.

Image-based questions require the applicant to be able to identify various road signs, signals, and pavement markings, as well as to understand the rules associated with them. To prepare for these types of questions, it’s helpful to study Pennsylvania’s Driver’s Manual and practice identifying road signs in your everyday life.

4. Scenario-Based Questions

Scenario-based questions on a Pennsylvania permit practice test present a realistic driving scenario and ask the applicant to make a decision or take an action. For example, “You are driving on a residential street and see a child playing with a ball on the sidewalk. What should you do?”

Scenario-based questions require the applicant to be able to apply their knowledge of driving laws and safe practices to real-world situations. To prepare for these types of questions, it’s important to practice defensive driving techniques and review the rules of the road. It’s also helpful to imagine yourself in various driving scenarios and think about what actions you would take in each situation.

5. Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions are less common on a Pennsylvania permit practice test, but they may still appear. These questions require the applicant to provide a written response instead of choosing from a list of answers. For example, “Describe one thing you can do to reduce your risk of being in a car accident.”

Open-ended questions test the applicant’s ability to explain concepts and apply their knowledge in their own words. To prepare for these types of questions, it’s important to review the Driver’s Manual and practice explaining driving concepts to others. It’s also helpful to practice writing out your responses to open-ended questions to build your written communication skills.

Conclusion

Taking a Pennsylvania permit practice test is an important step in preparing for the written permit test. Understanding the various types of questions that may appear on the practice test can help you prepare more effectively. Remember to take your time, read each question carefully, and practice applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios. With dedication and effort, you can pass the written permit test and begin your journey as a licensed driver in Pennsylvania.

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The Pennsylvania DMV is a division of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and will administer the practice permit test for Pennsylvania.  When applying for a driver’s license in Pennsylvania, you will need to present proper forms of identification, which will demonstrate proof of Pennsylvania residency, legal name, date of birth and social security number.  To help drivers pass the practice permit test for Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual is available for download, broken into separate chapters on the PA DMV website.  Chapter 4 of this guide will contain sample questions and answers to the practice permit test.
All applicants for a learner’s permit must be no younger than 16 years old and will require parental consent.  You will need to pay all fees in check or money order as the PA DMV will accept neither cash nor credit card.  You will be allowed to take the practice permit test once a day and passing this and the vision is conditional to receive a learner’s permit.  After getting the learner’s permit, the minor will have to complete 50 hours of supervised driving prior to taking the road test.  There is a mandatory waiting period of six month between the issuance of the permit and the road test.
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Practice Permit Test: Unofficial Study Guide

Practice Permit Test: Unofficial Study Guide

The practice permit test is not difficult, after you have had the proper preparation.  You should typically get a practice permit (or learner’s permit) as soon as you can so that you may start practicing to pass your road test.  Only through proper practicing and preparation can you earn your driver’s license.  
Every state will have its own traffic laws and regulations that must be followed.  It is important to have an idea of these laws.  Therefore, a visit to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles office an important step for preparing for the practice permit test.  There, one will be able to pick literature necessary to passing the test, such as the Driver’s Manual.  These days, most states will make this information and literature available through the state DMV website.  Be aware that many states will have separate manuals for typical drivers, commercial driver and motorcycle riders.
Should I use a private service to prepare for the practice permit test?
Generally, no, you will not need to pay to prepare for the learner’s permit practice test.  You should be able to pass the practice permit test by studying the materials provided by the state DMV as well as being observant of the driver whenever riding in a car.  In addition, many states will also provide a free practice permit test for applicants through the state DMV website.  This negates any advantage you would receive by paying to use a private service to prepare for the permit practice test.
Many private services will offer lengthy practice tests as part of a comprehensive package to prepare you for the permit test.  Be aware that even though this will be an excellent way to practice, the permit practice test for most states will be rather short and focus on a few essential concepts necessary to operate a motor vehicle safely.  Common sense, studying and utilizing free resources are the key to success on the learner’s permit test.
Why should I get a learner’s permit?
Even if you never intent to operate a motor vehicle, a permit is a useful item to have.  For one, it will serve a useful purpose as official government identification.  State DMVs are keen to note the relatively high fees for passports, which are significantly greater and much less convenient compared to a practice permit.  Most states also now allow these items to be renewed online, with some states, such as New York dropping the eye test requirement in order to expedite the process.

What are typical restrictions on practice permits?
Most states will restrict the age of persons that are issued a practice permit.  The typical restriction is set at drivers under the age of 16, but may be lower in some states.  To accompany this restriction are laws that prevent out-of-state permits to be used in lieu of an in-state permit for underage drivers.  Some states will also restrict regular, out-of-state licenses if the driver is under a certain age threshold.
Am I testing for the correct license?
Remember that every state has different classes of licenses.  These include taxi and livery, commercial, motorcycle and junior licenses.  Each of these licenses will have different standards, such as a higher age threshold for motorcycle and commercial licenses.  Be aware of the limitations placed on vehicles for a conventional driver’s license.  For instance, in New York State, a taxi and livery license (Class E) allows the driver to transport up to 14 passengers in vehicles that a typical driver (Class D) may carry.  Class D drivers may not drive vehicles over 26,000 pounds.  Only commercial drivers (Class CDL) may do this and will be subject to different restrictions.  Assess your needs by looking up that information on the state DMV website before apply from the permit practice test.
Proving your identity
As mentioned earlier, the learners permit can be used as official identification.  As such, you will need to prove your identity beyond a shade of doubt.  This is especially true for states that provide enhanced driver licenses that can service as proof of US citizenship when travelling to some countries in the Western hemisphere.  The enhanced license will require a US passport, valid US birth certificate or certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship.  There will also be a requirement to bring other documents as proof of identity.  These documents will be assigned a point value and only after you meet a certain threshold of points for proving your identity may you proceed to apply for the enhanced license.
For those that do not require the enhanced license, the process to prove your identity will be simpler.  Generally speaking, you will need to bring proof of name, date of birth, social security card and fill out a form that affirms your identity.  Lying on this form constitutes a misdemeanor so be sure to be truthful in your statements.
Renewing your license will not require this onerous process.  Most persons will only need to present this identification once, unless they are applying for a license in another state or changing their name.
Being certified to take the learner’s permit test
In addition to proving you know the rules of the road and that you are who you say you are, the DMV will require an eye test to affirm that at least with the aid of corrective lenses, you will have proper vision while driving.  In most cases, you will be able to take the eye test at the DMV, but many states will allow an eye test, completed by an optician, within 6 – 12 months prior to the date you are are applying as proof of meeting the vision requirement.
Fees related to the practice permit test
Although there is no fee for the test itself, most people will be assessed an application fee.  These fees will differ by state and can even depend on the county the permit will issued in.  for example, the lower counties of New York State will pay Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) fees to support public transportation.  Be sure to look up these fees at the DMV website as well as payment methods.  Cash and credit are the two typical means of payment accepted by state DMVs.
What is a senior license?
Some states will issue a ‘‘junior’’ license to underage drivers.  This will place some limitations on the driver until the reach the appropriate age to become a full-fledged driver without restrictions.  The criteria for transferring a junior license into a senior license will vary by state but will almost always involve a nominal fee.
Do I need to retake the practice permit test?
The answer to this question depends on your circumstances.  If you have taken and passed the test recently, there is a good chance yours state will keep this on record and will reissue a learner’s permit without hesitation.  This changes however, after a certain period of time has elapsed since the test was taken.  The state is then within their right to have you retake the practice permit test to recertify that, you know the rules of the road.
What are the fees associated with the practice permit test?
Some states will charge you a flat fee to apply for a learner’s permit.  Other states will break that fee down into components, such as an application fee, processing fee and license fee.  Be sure to check the accepted methods of payment for these fees.  The state DMV website will have that information readily available for you.

What happens after I pass the initial screening?
After you meet the identification and vision requirements, you will generally proceed to the testing phase.  The testing method will typically be pencil and paper, although some states, such as Massachusetts have adopted electronic kiosks to speed up grading the test and evaluating applicants.  This test is timed, but if you have prepared by studying the material and the drivers manual, there should be no issues at all when taking the test.  These tests will require a score of at least 70% in order to qualify for a learners permit.  The reason you are being tested is to evaluate your understanding of road rules and safety, so that you may learn to drive with reduced danger of harming yourself or others.
Age and learners permit
It is especially important to note that in some jurisdictions, a junior license holder may not drive at all until they turn 18.  In these situations, the DMV advises younger drivers to keep practicing with their restricted learner’s permit and schedule a road after they have turned 18.  Otherwise, they may not drive under ordinary circumstances.  The penalties for traffic offenses are also increased for young drivers and may even cause revocation of license.  Still, most people will benefit from getting their learner’s permit early and practicing for the inevitable road test while gaining valuable driving experience.

Where do I find the driver’s manual for my state?
The driver’s manual, also called the driver’s handbook, will be found on the state’s DMV website and at many DMV locations as well as driving schools.  The driver’s handbook is always free for individual copies, to be used by prospective license seekers.  Some states will offer the manual in other languages, most notably Spanish.  New York State even offers an audio version of the driver’s manual, in both languages.  You are encouraged to use the digital version of the driver’s manual to save paper and cost to the DMV to print these materials.  Digital versions of driver’s manuals will be in .pdf format and can be read using the free software, Adobe PDF Reader.

What are topics covered by the driver’s manual?
The driver’s manual is the comprehensive resource for many topics related to driving in that state.  This includes an explanation on the rights and privileges afforded by a license, the basics of operating a motor vehicle, defensive driving, the state penalties on driving under the influence of alcohol, driver safety and most importantly, road signs you will encounter while driving.  Road signs especially will be tested on the practice permit test.
Questions you can expect to see on the permit test
The wording of the questions you will be asked on the permit test will almost certainly vary, but will focus on a few major topics such as driver safety and the meaning of a specific road sign.  Signs in this context, include work area signs and signs directed by flag persons where no signs are posted.  This also includes pavement markings, most of which are self-explanatory.  You should be familiar with many questions, such as road signs and right-of-way through everyday interactions as a pedestrian and passenger.  Applying this knowledge is critical to passing the learners permit practice test.
A sample question about signs would be as follows:
What would you do when facing each of the following: a flashing red light, flashing yellow light, steady yellow light, a red light with a green arrow?
A sample question for turning will be as follows:


When preparing for a right turn, should you stay as close to the center of the lane as possible?

A sample question for passing will be as follows:
In what situations may you pass a vehicle on the right?
As you can see, these questions would be difficult only if one has not studied for the test.  Also bear in mind that these tests are typically multiple choice, as this will expedite the process to grade the test and issue the permit.  As such, a key test taking skill will be to eliminate wrong answers, think logically about the situation and be mindful of the time limit imposed on your by the proctor.  With this in mind, one can prepare for a DMV practice permit test and pass it with relative ease.
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