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. The 'three-second rule' is used to judge:

   Correct answer: Whether you are following the vehicle ahead too closely

   Pick a fixed point the car ahead passes and count; if you reach it before three seconds, you are following too closely. Allow more time at higher speeds or in poor conditions.

   Source: Arizona Driver License Manual — Cushion of Space Around Your Vehicle

2. 2. Driving while drowsy is dangerous because:

   Correct answer: It dulls the mind and slows your reactions, much like impaired driving

   Fatigue reduces alertness and reaction time; the only real cure is rest, so pull over when you feel sleepy.

   Source: Arizona Driver License Manual — Drowsy Driving/Fatigue

3. 3. Signaling your intention to turn or change lanes:

   Correct answer: Warns others of your move but grants you no right-of-way

   Signals communicate your intentions so others can react, but they never grant you the right-of-way. Signal even when you see no other vehicles.

   Source: Arizona Driver License Manual — Signaling

4. 4. To keep your vehicle centered in a curve, you should:

   Correct answer: Look toward the outside of your lane through the curve

   Drivers tend to steer where they look, so looking ahead toward the outside of your lane in a curve helps you stay in your lane.

   Source: Arizona Driver License Manual — Steering

5. 5. While on a two-lane road, oncoming cars are to your left and a child on a bike is to your right. The best action is to:

   Correct answer: Give the child more room by moving nearer the center line

   Compromise by giving the most space to the greatest or most likely danger; the child could move suddenly, so ease toward the center line.

   Source: Arizona Driver License Manual — Compromising

6. 6. Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that:

   Correct answer: Cannot be seen in your mirrors

   Blind spots are the areas to the sides and rear not visible in your mirrors, so look over your shoulder before changing lanes.

   Source: Arizona Driver License Manual — Positioning Vehicle

7. 7. If another driver is tailgating you, the safest response is to:

   Correct answer: Gradually slow down and let them pass when it is safe

   Ease off the gas to open more space ahead of you, which gives you room to brake gently, and let the tailgater pass when you safely can.

   Source: Arizona Driver License Manual — Cushion of Space Around Your Vehicle

8. 8. When emotions such as anger affect you, the manual recommends that you:

   Correct answer: Wait until you are calm before driving

   Strong emotions impair judgment, so it is best to calm down before getting behind the wheel.

   Source: Arizona Driver License Manual — Emotions

9. 9. A defensive driver is best described as one who:

   Correct answer: Stays alert, plans ahead, and anticipates dangers

   Defensive driving means constantly watching conditions, looking ahead, and being ready to act so you avoid collisions.

   Source: Arizona Driver License Manual — Defensive Driving

10. 10. On slippery or wet roads, you should increase your following distance to at least:

    Correct answer: 6 seconds

    Double your following distance to six seconds or more on slippery roads to allow extra room to slow down or stop.

    Source: Arizona Driver License Manual — Braking and Stopping

11. 11. Which of these is a dangerous distraction you should avoid while driving?

    Correct answer: Reading or sending a text message

    Texting, using a handheld phone, tending to children, and reaching for dropped items all take attention off driving and can cause crashes.

    Source: Arizona Driver License Manual — Distractions

12. 12. Before you change lanes, in addition to checking your mirrors you should:

    Correct answer: Turn your head to check over your shoulder for your blind spot

    Mirrors do not show blind spots, so glance over your shoulder before moving over to be sure the lane is clear.

    Source: Arizona Driver License Manual — Scanning