Safe Driving Practices

Study questions with answers

12 sample Safe Driving Practices questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Which of the following helps reduce the effects of sun glare while driving?

   Correct answer: Wearing polarized sunglasses and keeping the windshield clean

   Keeping your windshield clean, wearing polarized sunglasses, and avoiding driving directly toward sunrise or sunset all help manage sun glare.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Sun Glare

2. 2. California's seat belt law requires that:

   Correct answer: The driver and all passengers wear a seat belt

   The driver and every passenger age 8 or older (or at least 4 ft 9 in tall) must wear a properly fastened seat belt in both the front and back seats. The driver can be cited for unbelted passengers under 16.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Seat Belts

3. 3. You should dim your high-beam headlights to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is within:

   Correct answer: 500 feet

   Dim your high beams to low beams when you are within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle, and within 300 feet when following another vehicle, so you do not blind other drivers.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Headlights

4. 4. A road surface is usually most slippery:

   Correct answer: During the first rain after a dry period

   A road is most slippery during the first rain after a dry spell, when water mixes with oil and dust that have built up on the surface. Slow down and increase your following distance.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Driving in Bad Weather

5. 5. In California, covering both ears with headphones or earplugs while you drive is:

   Correct answer: Illegal

   Being able to hear horns, sirens, and other warning sounds is part of driving safely, so state law bars blocking both ears with headphones or plugs behind the wheel.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Driver Fitness

6. 6. For safety, the driver should sit far enough back that the steering wheel airbag cover is at least:

   Correct answer: 10 inches away

   You should sit at least 10 inches from the steering wheel airbag cover, measured from the center of the wheel to your breastbone, while still keeping full control of the vehicle.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Air Bags

7. 7. During a heavy rainstorm or snowstorm, your visibility drops to no more than 100 feet ahead. What is the fastest speed still considered safe?

   Correct answer: 30 mph

   Once visibility shrinks to roughly 100 feet in a downpour or snowstorm, 30 mph becomes the upper limit of a safe speed.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Driving in Bad Weather

8. 8. What is the safest way to deal with a text message you receive while driving?

   Correct answer: Wait until you are safely parked to read or send it

   Wait until you are safely parked to read or send it. Texting takes your eyes, hands, and mind off driving and is a leading cause of distracted-driving crashes.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Distracted Driving

9. 9. The "three-second rule" is used to help you:

   Correct answer: Keep a safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead

   The three-second rule helps you keep a safe following distance. Pick a fixed point ahead; you should reach it no sooner than three seconds after the vehicle in front. Increase the gap in poor conditions.

   Source: California Driver Handbook — Following Distance

10. 10. Before you change lanes, the best way to check your blind spot is to:

    Correct answer: Turn your head and look over your shoulder

    Mirrors do not show everything. Before changing lanes, glance over your shoulder to check the blind spot the mirrors miss.

    Source: California Driver Handbook — Changing Lanes

11. 11. While driving, using a hand-held cell phone is:

    Correct answer: Illegal; the phone must be hands-free (and no use at all if under 18)

    You may not hold and use a cell phone while driving; it must be hands-free. Drivers under 18 may not use a cell phone at all, even hands-free.

    Source: California Driver Handbook — Distracted Driving

12. 12. In California, a child must ride in a car seat or booster seat until they are:

    Correct answer: At least 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall

    Children under 8 years old must ride in an appropriate car seat or booster in the back seat, unless they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall. Children under 2 must ride in a rear-facing seat (with limited exceptions).

    Source: California Driver Handbook — Child Safety Seats