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. If your right tires slip off the pavement onto the shoulder, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Grip the wheel, ease off the gas, and steer back gently

   Hold the wheel firmly, let off the accelerator, brake gently, and ease back onto the road; a sudden jerk can send you into oncoming traffic.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Driving Off the Pavement

2. 2. If another driver is tailgating you, the safest response is to do what?

   Correct answer: Move over or ease off the road to let them pass

   When being tailgated, change lanes or gently pull aside and allow the following vehicle to go by rather than reacting aggressively.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Following Distances

3. 3. At night, you must dim your high-beam headlights how far before meeting an oncoming vehicle?

   Correct answer: 500 feet

   Bright lights must be lowered at least 500 feet before you meet an oncoming vehicle and 300 feet before passing one.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Night Driving

4. 4. If you become stranded in your vehicle during a blizzard, what is the safest action?

   Correct answer: Stay in the vehicle and run the engine only briefly

   Remain with your vehicle, run the engine for short periods, and crack a window to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Winter Driving

5. 5. If you encounter an aggressive or angry driver, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Avoid engaging and give them space

   Do not retaliate or make eye contact with an aggressive driver. Keep your doors locked, leave room to pull away, and let them go.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Aggressive Driving

6. 6. What is a good way to reduce the danger of drowsy driving on a long trip?

   Correct answer: Be well rested and take frequent breaks

   Drowsiness slows reactions even before you fall asleep. Rest before driving and stop often on long trips.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Drowsy Driving

7. 7. If your car begins to hydroplane on a wet road, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and ride out the skid

   When hydroplaning, take your foot off the gas and let the vehicle slow; braking hard can worsen the skid.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Weather Conditions (Rain)

8. 8. The three-second rule is used to judge what while driving?

   Correct answer: A safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead

   Pick a fixed object; if you reach it before counting three seconds after the car ahead passes it, you are following too closely.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Following Distances

9. 9. Doubling your driving speed has what effect on stopping distance?

   Correct answer: It roughly quadruples it

   Stopping distance grows much faster than speed; doubling your speed multiplies the distance needed to stop about four times.

   Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Vehicle Speed

10. 10. What is the recommended headlight setting when driving in fog?

    Correct answer: Low beams or fog lights

    In fog use low-beam headlights or fog lights; high beams reflect off the fog and reduce your visibility.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Weather Conditions (Fog)

11. 11. Illinois law requires headlights to be on in which situation?

    Correct answer: Whenever your windshield wipers are operating

    You must turn on your headlights any time weather requires the wipers, such as rain, snow, or fog, as well as from sunset to sunrise.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Weather Conditions (Rain)

12. 12. If your vehicle starts to skid, the correct steering response is to do what?

    Correct answer: Steer in the same direction the rear is sliding

    Ease off the gas or brake and steer in the direction of the skid until the tires regain traction, then straighten out.

    Source: Illinois Rules of the Road — Skidding