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. To make a left turn from a four-lane divided highway, you should turn from:

   Correct answer: The lane closest to the center line

   For a left turn, move to the lane nearest the center line or divider and turn from that inside lane.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Turning from Four-Lane Highways

2. 2. If you are angry, upset, or grieving, the safest choice is to:

   Correct answer: Let someone else do the driving

   Strong emotions impair judgment; if worried, ill, frightened, angry, or depressed, let someone else drive.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 4, Your Personality Affects Your Driving

3. 3. A three-point turn to reverse direction is NOT permitted:

   Correct answer: On a curve or near the top of a hill on an interstate

   Three-point turns are prohibited on interstate freeways, on curves, and near hilltops where other drivers cannot see you within 500 feet.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Three-Point Turn

4. 4. You should adjust your seat, mirrors, and check your passengers:

   Correct answer: Before you begin to drive

   Set the seat and mirrors before you start driving so you can see clearly and reach the controls.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Entering the Car

5. 5. The two-second rule is used to help a driver judge:

   Correct answer: A safe distance to follow the vehicle ahead

   The two-second rule sets a safe following distance by counting the gap between your car and the vehicle ahead.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 4, How to Avoid Rear-End Collisions

6. 6. Before making a turn, you should begin signaling your intention at least:

   Correct answer: 100 feet ahead

   The manual advises signaling at least 100 feet before you make the turn.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Rules for Turns

7. 7. For the best control while driving, you should keep:

   Correct answer: Both hands on the steering wheel

   Good posture means sitting upright and keeping both hands on the wheel except when signaling or shifting.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Posture and Steering

8. 8. If you must use a cell phone while driving, a recommended precaution is to:

   Correct answer: Use a hands-free device and check traffic first

   The manual advises using a hands-free or speaker device and assessing traffic before placing a call.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 4, Cellular Phone Usage

9. 9. In poor weather or road conditions, the two-second following gap should be:

   Correct answer: Increased to four or five seconds

   When conditions are bad, increase the following distance to a count of four or five seconds.

   Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 4, How to Avoid Rear-End Collisions

10. 10. According to good driving habits, you should fasten your safety belt:

    Correct answer: Before you start the engine

    Buckle your safety belt and make sure passengers do the same before you switch on the ignition.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Entering the Car

11. 11. Before backing your vehicle, it is a good practice to:

    Correct answer: Walk around the car to check for obstacles

    Because backing is dangerous, walk around the vehicle first and look to the front, sides, and rear before and while backing.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 6, Other Traffic Laws

12. 12. When approaching a curve, a good driver should:

    Correct answer: Reduce speed before entering it

    Slow down before entering a curve so you don't cross the center line or leave the road.

    Source: Alabama Driver Manual — Chapter 3, Curves