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. Your vehicle begins to skid. What is the first thing you should do with the brakes?

   Correct answer: Take your foot off the brake

   Stay off the brake during a skid; braking will not help until the car slows and could worsen the skid. Steer toward where you want the vehicle to go.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Avoiding Collisions (Dealing with Skids)

2. 2. At night, at about what distance from an oncoming vehicle should you dim your high beams?

   Correct answer: About one block away

   Lower your high beams when you come within about one block of an oncoming vehicle so you do not blind the other driver.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Lights

3. 3. What is 'rubbernecking,' and why is it dangerous?

   Correct answer: Slowing to stare at roadside activity

   Rubbernecking is slowing to stare at a crash or roadside activity. Taking your eyes off the road can cause you to hit a vehicle ahead that has slowed or stopped.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Visibility (Things NOT to do)

4. 4. Which hand placement on the steering wheel does the manual describe as comfortable and safe?

   Correct answer: Left at 8-10 and right at 2-4 o'clock

   The recommended grip places the left hand between 8 and 10 o'clock and the right hand between 2 and 4 o'clock, keeping both hands on opposite sides of the wheel.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Good Driving Practices (Steering)

5. 5. How far ahead should you be able to see before you begin to pass on a two-lane road with a hill or curve nearby?

   Correct answer: At least one-third of a mile

   You should be able to see at least one-third of a mile (about 10 seconds) ahead. Do not start a pass within a third of a mile of a hill or curve.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Visibility (Hills and Curves)

6. 6. About how far ahead do high-beam headlights let you see, and what does that suggest about your speed?

   Correct answer: About 400 feet, so keep to around 50 mph

   High beams illuminate about 400 feet ahead. You should drive at a speed that lets you stop within that distance — roughly 50 mph.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Lights (Darkness)

7. 7. On a wet road, about how much should you reduce your speed?

   Correct answer: By about 10 mph

   The manual advises cutting your speed by roughly 10 mph on a wet road because tires grip less well than on dry pavement.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Hazardous Conditions (Slippery Roads)

8. 8. Up to about what speed do most tires keep good traction on a wet road before hydroplaning becomes a risk?

   Correct answer: About 35 mph

   On wet pavement most tires grip well up to about 35 mph; beyond that they can begin to ride up on the water and hydroplane.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Hazardous Conditions (Water on the Roadway)

9. 9. Why should you avoid driving directly beside or slightly behind another vehicle on a multi-lane road?

   Correct answer: You may sit in the driver's blind spot

   That position places you in the other driver's blind spot. Speed up or drop back so the driver can see you and cannot merge into you.

   Source: CT Driver's Manual — Space to the Side (Blind Spots)

10. 10. To stay alert on a long trip and reduce fatigue, how often should you plan to take a break?

    Correct answer: About every 100 miles or two hours

    The manual recommends scheduling breaks about every 100 miles or two hours on long trips, plus getting adequate sleep beforehand.

    Source: CT Driver's Manual — Fatigue (Before a Trip)

11. 11. Roughly how far ahead do the safest drivers keep their eyes focused?

    Correct answer: About 12 seconds ahead

    Safer drivers tend to look about 12 seconds ahead — roughly one city block in town and about a quarter mile on the highway.

    Source: CT Driver's Manual — Scanning (Look Ahead)

12. 12. How much should you slow down when driving on packed snow?

    Correct answer: Cut your speed in half

    On packed snow you should cut your speed in half; on ice you must slow to a crawl.

    Source: CT Driver's Manual — Hazardous Conditions (Slippery Roads)