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. With standard (non-anti-lock) brakes, an emergency stop is best made by:

   Correct answer: Braking firmly without locking the wheels

   Without ABS, use threshold braking: press just short of locking the wheels, and if they lock, release and reapply.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Braking (Ch. 7)

2. 2. With anti-lock brakes (ABS), you should:

   Correct answer: Hold firm, steady pressure on the pedal

   With ABS, apply firm, steady pressure and keep it on until you stop; the pulsing you feel is normal.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Braking (Ch. 7)

3. 3. If an oncoming car drifts into your lane, the safest response is to:

   Correct answer: Steer toward the right edge of the road

   Warn with the horn, brake, and steer toward the right edge; going left is risky because the other driver may swing back into their own lane.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - If an oncoming vehicle is in your lane (Ch. 7)

4. 4. It is illegal to use or flash your high-beam headlights when you are within:

   Correct answer: 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle

   You may not use or flash high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle, and you should dim them for those ahead.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Driving at night (Ch. 7)

5. 5. If another driver behaves aggressively toward you, you should:

   Correct answer: Get out of the way and avoid eye contact

   Do not escalate: move away from them, skip any eye contact, disregard rude gestures, and report the driver when it is safe.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Aggressive driving (Ch. 7)

6. 6. In poor conditions or at higher speeds, you should increase your following distance to:

   Correct answer: 6 seconds or more

   When speeds rise or conditions worsen, stretch your following gap to 6 seconds or more.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Stopping distances (Ch. 7)

7. 7. A good scanning habit is to look ahead of your vehicle about:

   Correct answer: 20 to 30 seconds

   Looking 20 to 30 seconds down the road helps you spot hazards early and avoid last-second reactions.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Stopping distances (Ch. 7)

8. 8. When your vehicle begins to skid, you should first:

   Correct answer: Take your foot off the gas pedal

   Ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - If your vehicle begins skidding (Ch. 7)

9. 9. The best way to check your blind spot before changing lanes is to:

   Correct answer: Turn your head and look over your shoulder

   Mirrors leave blind spots, so turn your head and glance over your shoulder before moving over.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Safe Driving Knowledge Test (Ch. 7)

10. 10. During heavy rain or fog in the daytime, you should turn on your:

    Correct answer: Low-beam headlights

    Use low-beam headlights in rain, fog, or snow; high beams reflect back and cut your vision.

    Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Driving at night (Ch. 7)

11. 11. Roads tend to be most slippery when it first starts to rain because:

    Correct answer: Oil on the road has not yet washed off

    During the first half hour of rain, oil left by traffic has not yet washed away, making the surface slick.

    Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Rain and fog (Ch. 7)

12. 12. Michigan's general rule for following distance in good conditions is:

    Correct answer: 3 to 4 seconds

    Keep a gap of at least 3 to 4 seconds behind the vehicle ahead, timed by counting as it passes a fixed point.

    Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Stopping distances (Ch. 7)