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. Which behaviors are part of the progression known as aggressive driving?

   Correct answer: Tailgating and disregarding traffic control devices

   Aggressive driving includes actions such as suddenly changing speed, making erratic lane changes, ignoring traffic control devices, failing to yield, and following too closely.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Aggressive Driving/Road Rage

2. 2. In city traffic, how far ahead should a driver try to look?

   Correct answer: At least 12 seconds ahead

   A driver should look at least 12 seconds ahead, meaning far enough that it would take about 12 seconds to reach that point.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — City Driving

3. 3. During which dates may a New Jersey motorist use studded snow tires?

   Correct answer: November 15 to April 1

   Studded snow tires are permitted in New Jersey between November 15 and April 1.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Snow and Ice

4. 4. About how much of the information a driver needs is gathered visually?

   Correct answer: More than 95 percent

   Over 95 percent of what a driver relies on comes through the eyes, so sharp vision and clean windows matter a great deal.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Starting a Parked Car

5. 5. How often does the manual recommend a driver have an eye checkup?

   Correct answer: Every two years

   The manual recommends an eye checkup every two years, and every year for drivers over age 40, because visual clarity declines with age.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Starting a Parked Car

6. 6. If an oncoming vehicle approaches with its high beams on, where should a driver look?

   Correct answer: Toward the right side of the road

   To avoid being blinded, look toward the right edge of the road until the oncoming vehicle passes, since it can take several seconds to recover from the glare.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Using Headlights

7. 7. With an anti-lock braking system (ABS), how should a driver apply the brakes in an emergency stop?

   Correct answer: Apply steady, firm pressure without pumping

   With ABS you press the pedal down firmly and hold it; never pump it, and keep from wrenching the wheel sharply.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Proper Braking

8. 8. At what approximate speed can wet-road tires begin to hydroplane?

   Correct answer: About 35 mph

   Tires can begin to hydroplane, riding up on a film of water, at about 35 mph, and the risk grows as speed increases.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Hydroplaning

9. 9. To avoid highway hypnosis on a long drive, the manual recommends what?

   Correct answer: Resting roughly every two hours

   To keep highway hypnosis away, avoid fixing your gaze on a single object for long, take a break roughly every two hours, and share driving when you can.

   Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Tired Driver/Highway Hypnosis

10. 10. What is the recommended hand position on the steering wheel for normal driving?

    Correct answer: 9 and 3 o'clock

    For normal driving, hold the rim near the 9-o'clock and 3-o'clock spots, which lowers the chance of an arm injury during air bag deployment.

    Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Steering

11. 11. How should a driver adjust following distance and speed when driving at night?

    Correct answer: Slow down and stay within the range of the headlights

    After dark, reduce speed and stay within how far the headlights reach, making certain you can halt inside the distance you can actually see.

    Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Night Driving

12. 12. About how much can wearing a seat belt improve a person's chances of surviving a crash?

    Correct answer: About 60 percent

    The manual notes that buckling up raises the odds of walking away from a crash by roughly 60 percent.

    Source: New Jersey Driver Manual — Seat Belt Law