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. What is the recommended way to respond when confronted by an aggressive driver?

   Correct answer: Avoid eye contact and give them plenty of room

   You should avoid eye contact, stay calm, and give the aggressive driver plenty of room rather than challenging them.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Aggressive Driving / Road Rage

2. 2. You are stopped behind another vehicle in traffic. How much space should you leave so you can see its rear tires?

   Correct answer: Far enough to still see the bottom of their tires

   You should stop far enough back that you can see where the tires of the vehicle ahead touch the road.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 4 - Starting and Stopping

3. 3. If a driver keeps their high beams on and is blinding you, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Look to the right edge of the road and slow down

   You should look toward the right edge of the road as a guide and slow down instead of staring into the glare.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Night Driving

4. 4. Which of these is a warning sign that a driver is becoming dangerously drowsy?

   Correct answer: Being unable to recall the last few miles traveled

   Not remembering the last few miles you drove is a recognized warning sign of drowsy driving.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Drowsy Driving

5. 5. You are stopped and your view of a cross street is blocked. What is the safe way to see approaching traffic?

   Correct answer: Edge forward slowly until you can see clearly

   Edge forward slowly until you can see; moving forward gradually also lets crossing drivers spot the front of your car.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Crossing an Intersection

6. 6. What is the correct way to check the areas around your car that mirrors cannot show, the blind spots?

   Correct answer: Turn your head and look over your shoulder

   You should turn your head and look over your shoulder toward the lane you plan to enter, since mirrors do not cover the blind spots.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - When Changing Lanes

7. 7. To fight fatigue on a long trip, roughly how often should a driver take a break to rest?

   Correct answer: Every two hours

   The guide advises resting about every two hours and not driving more than six to eight hours in a day.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Driver Fatigue

8. 8. Under normal, dry conditions, what following interval does the '3-second rule' help you keep?

   Correct answer: At least three seconds of following space

   The rule gives a simple way to keep at least three seconds of space behind the vehicle ahead at any speed.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Following Distances

9. 9. What is the safest choice if you are worried, angry, or emotionally upset before a trip?

   Correct answer: Let someone else do the driving

   Strong emotions can make you impulsive and collision-prone, so it is best to let someone else drive when you are not calm.

   Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Driving Under Stress

10. 10. The SIPDE process is a method for driving defensively. What does the first step, 'S', involve?

    Correct answer: Scanning and searching the whole scene continuously

    The 'S' stands for scanning and searching, keeping your eyes moving so you can spot possible danger early.

    Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Defensive Driving Techniques

11. 11. How does driver fatigue compare to alcohol or drugs in its effect on driving?

    Correct answer: It impairs vision and judgment much like alcohol

    Fatigue impairs your vision and judgment much like alcohol and drugs do, so it can be deadly behind the wheel.

    Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Driver Fatigue

12. 12. When adjusting your side and rearview mirrors, which mirror is considered the primary one?

    Correct answer: The center inside rearview mirror

    The center inside rearview mirror is the primary mirror, used to watch traffic coming up from behind.

    Source: Louisiana Class D & E Driver's Guide, Ch. 5 - Rear View Mirrors and Blind Spots