Missouri Car / Permit: Safe Driving Practices Practice Test

Question 1

Before changing lanes, why should you glance over your shoulder in addition to checking mirrors?

Accepted Answer

To check the blind spots your mirrors cannot show — Mirrors leave blind spots you cannot see, so a quick shoulder check before changing lanes helps avoid a collision.

Answer

Because mirrors are not required equipment

Answer

To read the license plate of the car behind

Answer

To signal the driver behind you

Question 2

During what hours does Missouri law require your headlights to be on?

Accepted Answer

From a half hour after sunset until a half hour before sunrise — Headlights must be on from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise, and any time weather requires your wipers.

Answer

Only between midnight and 5 a.m.

Answer

Whenever the vehicle is in motion

Answer

Only when other cars have their lights on

Question 3

You begin to feel very tired and sleepy while driving on the highway. What is the safest thing to do?

Accepted Answer

Pull off at the nearest rest stop and take a break or nap — Tired drivers can be as dangerous as intoxicated ones; pull off safely to rest rather than risk falling asleep at the wheel.

Answer

Turn up the radio and keep going

Answer

Roll the window down and speed up

Answer

Close one eye to rest it

Question 4

Why should you avoid 'overdriving' your headlights at night?

Accepted Answer

Because headlights show only about 350 feet ahead, so you must be able to stop within that distance — Your low beams light only about 350 feet of road, so drive slowly enough to stop or turn within the distance you can see.

Answer

Because high beams are illegal at night

Answer

Because it drains the battery quickly

Answer

Because it makes oncoming drivers slow down

Question 5

What does the Missouri guide advise about children riding in vehicles with front passenger air bags?

Accepted Answer

Children 12 and under should ride properly restrained in the back seat — Children 12 and under should ride restrained in a rear seat, and a rear-facing infant seat must never be placed in front of an active passenger air bag.

Answer

Rear-facing infant seats belong in the front seat

Answer

Air bags remove the need for child seats

Answer

Children may sit in the front once they turn six

Question 6

How should a lap-and-shoulder seat belt be worn correctly?

Accepted Answer

Lap belt low and snug across the hips, shoulder belt across the chest — Wear the lap belt low and snug over the hips and the shoulder belt across the chest, never under the arm or behind the back.

Answer

With the shoulder strap tucked under your arm

Answer

With the shoulder belt behind your back

Answer

Only the shoulder belt, leaving the lap belt loose

Question 7

'Highway hypnosis,' a drowsy, unaware feeling on long drives, can best be avoided by doing what?

Accepted Answer

Keeping your eyes moving and scanning the road and signs — Highway hypnosis comes from the sameness of the road; keep your eyes moving and, if you feel sleepy, pull off to rest.

Answer

Turning the heater up high

Answer

Fixing your gaze on the center line

Answer

Driving faster to finish sooner

Question 8

The 'three-second rule' is a method Missouri recommends for judging what?

Accepted 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.

Answer

How long to wait at a stop sign

Answer

How soon to signal before a turn

Answer

How long headlights take to warm up

Question 9

Which hand position on the steering wheel does the Missouri guide recommend for good control?

Accepted Answer

Left hand near seven-to-nine o'clock, right hand near three-to-five o'clock — Placing your hands lower on the wheel gives comfortable, steady control and lets you make most turns without repositioning.

Answer

Both hands together at twelve o'clock

Answer

One hand resting at six o'clock

Answer

Left hand only, at ten o'clock

Question 10

You are driving at night behind another car. When should you use low beams?

Accepted Answer

When you are within 300 feet of the vehicle you are following — Use low beams when following within 300 feet of another vehicle so your high beams do not blind that driver.

Answer

Only if the car ahead is stopped

Answer

High beams are always correct when following

Answer

Only when the road curves

Question 11

A key habit of defensive driving is to do what?

Accepted Answer

Expect other drivers to make mistakes and be ready to react — Defensive drivers keep their eyes moving, anticipate errors by others, and do not assume a right-of-way will keep them safe.

Answer

Assume every driver will obey the signals

Answer

Keep your eyes fixed only on the car ahead

Answer

Rely on your right-of-way to protect you

Question 12

Besides nighttime, when else does Missouri law require you to turn on your headlights?

Accepted Answer

Any time the weather is bad enough to need your windshield wipers — You must use your headlights whenever conditions require your windshield wipers, such as rain, snow, or fog.

Answer

Only when driving faster than 55 mph

Answer

Only in a construction zone

Answer

Never during daylight hours

Safe Driving Practices

Study questions with answers

1. Before changing lanes, why should you glance over your shoulder in addition to checking mirrors?

2. During what hours does Missouri law require your headlights to be on?

3. You begin to feel very tired and sleepy while driving on the highway. What is the safest thing to do?

4. Why should you avoid 'overdriving' your headlights at night?

5. What does the Missouri guide advise about children riding in vehicles with front passenger air bags?

6. How should a lap-and-shoulder seat belt be worn correctly?

7. 'Highway hypnosis,' a drowsy, unaware feeling on long drives, can best be avoided by doing what?

8. The 'three-second rule' is a method Missouri recommends for judging what?

9. Which hand position on the steering wheel does the Missouri guide recommend for good control?

10. You are driving at night behind another car. When should you use low beams?

11. A key habit of defensive driving is to do what?

12. Besides nighttime, when else does Missouri law require you to turn on your headlights?

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