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 you begin to feel drowsy on a long drive, the handbook advises you to:

   Correct answer: Pull off and take about a 20-minute nap

   Stop driving and take a short power nap of about 20 minutes, or find a place to sleep, rather than pushing on while tired.

   Source: Utah Driver Handbook — Section 11: Fatigue

2. 2. The written knowledge test in Utah requires a passing score of at least:

   Correct answer: 80%

   You must score 80% or better on the written knowledge test to pass.

   Source: Utah Driver Handbook — Section 6: Written Knowledge Test

3. 3. The handbook's guidance on hand placement while steering is to:

   Correct answer: Keep both hands on the outside of the wheel

   Keep both hands on the outside of the wheel; hand-over-hand and push-pull methods are both acceptable.

   Source: Utah Driver Handbook — Section 8: Steering

4. 4. Before changing lanes, you should check your blind spot by:

   Correct answer: Looking over your shoulder toward the new lane

   A head check means turning your head and looking over your shoulder toward the direction you plan to move, since mirrors leave a blind spot.

   Source: Utah Driver Handbook — Section 8: Lane Changes

5. 5. According to the handbook, the safest place in the vehicle for children to ride is:

   Correct answer: The back seat

   With or without an air bag, the back seat is the safest spot for children, and they should be properly restrained there.

   Source: Utah Driver Handbook — Section 7: Air Bags

6. 6. When adjusting your driver's seat, about how much space should you leave between your chest and the steering wheel?

   Correct answer: About 10 inches

   You should sit so there are roughly 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel, without reclining the seat back.

   Source: Utah Driver Handbook — Section 7: Adjusting Your Seat

7. 7. When following another vehicle at night, you should switch to low beams within about:

   Correct answer: 300 feet of the vehicle ahead

   Dim your high beams when you come within 300 feet behind the vehicle you are following.

   Source: Utah Driver Handbook — Section 11: Night Driving

8. 8. The handbook recommends keeping a safe gap behind the car ahead by using the:

   Correct answer: Two-second following rule

   The two-second rule is the recommended way to keep enough following distance, and you should lengthen it in poor conditions.

   Source: Utah Driver Handbook — Section 6: Safe Driving Tips

9. 9. A child should ride rear-facing in the back seat until at least:

   Correct answer: Two years old and 30 pounds

   Children must remain rear-facing in the back seat until they are at least two years old and 30 pounds, or longer if the seat allows.

   Source: Utah Driver Handbook — Section 7: Car Seats

10. 10. If you drop an object or are otherwise distracted while driving, you should:

    Correct answer: Pull over to the side and take care of it

    Do not fixate on the problem; pull safely to the side of the road and deal with the distraction there.

    Source: Utah Driver Handbook — Section 11: Distractions and Driving Challenges

11. 11. To pass the Utah vision test, you generally need visual acuity of at least:

    Correct answer: 20/40 in at least one eye

    The division requires 20/40 vision and a peripheral field of 90 degrees in at least one eye to pass the vision screening.

    Source: Utah Driver Handbook — Section 5: Eye (Vision) Test

12. 12. At night, you should dim your high beams for an oncoming vehicle before you are within:

    Correct answer: 500 feet

    Lower your high beams before coming within 500 feet of an oncoming car to avoid blinding the other driver.

    Source: Utah Driver Handbook — Section 11: Night Driving