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 best way to keep from hydroplaning on a wet road?

   Correct answer: Slow down when the road is wet

   Hydroplaning happens when water builds between the tires and road. Slowing down when the pavement is wet is the best way to prevent it.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Hydroplaning (5.6)

2. 2. At night, at what speed should you drive relative to your headlights?

   Correct answer: Slow enough to halt inside the area your headlights light up

   Drive slowly enough that you can stop within the area your headlights light up, which is usually about 400 feet. Outdriving your headlights leaves no room to react.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Night Driving (5.6)

3. 3. Where should your head restraint (headrest) be positioned to protect against whiplash?

   Correct answer: Even with your ears

   Adjust the head restraint so it is even with your ears. Proper positioning helps protect your neck from whiplash in a crash.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Driver's Seat (2.5)

4. 4. How should you use your high beams when another vehicle is approaching from ahead?

   Correct answer: Dim them to low beams at least 500 feet before the oncoming vehicle

   Switch from high beams back to regular headlights at least 500 feet before an oncoming vehicle, and within 300 feet when following one, to avoid blinding other drivers.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Headlights (2.5)

5. 5. If your vehicle begins to skid, what steering action should you take?

   Correct answer: Steer in the same direction the vehicle is moving

   Take your foot off the gas and steer in the same direction the vehicle is sliding. Keep correcting your steering until the tires grip the road again.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Skidding (5.6)

6. 6. To leave room for the airbag, how far should your chest be from the steering wheel?

   Correct answer: At least 10 inches

   Set your seat so a gap of 10 inches or more separates your chest from the wheel. That spacing helps protect you when the airbag fires.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Driver's Seat (2.5)

7. 7. Where should the shoulder portion of your seat belt rest?

   Correct answer: Snug across the shoulder and chest

   The shoulder belt should rest snugly over your shoulder and chest, clear of your neck and face. Never route it under an arm or tuck it behind your back.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Seat Belts and Occupant Protection (2.6)

8. 8. You notice signs of fatigue while driving alone on a long trip. What is the recommended response?

   Correct answer: Pull over safely and take a short 20-minute nap

   When you feel drowsy and are alone, pull off the road in a safe spot and take a 20-minute nap. It is far safer than risking falling asleep at the wheel.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Fatigue and Drowsy Driving (3.1)

9. 9. In near-freezing weather, why should you stay alert for black ice?

   Correct answer: It is thin and hard to see, so it can surprise you

   Black ice is a thin, hard-to-see coating of ice. Because it is nearly invisible, many drivers lose control on it, so stay cautious when temperatures are near or below freezing.

   Source: Washington Driver Guide — Slippery Roads (5.6)

10. 10. Why can pavement become especially slippery when rain begins after a stretch of hot, dry weather?

    Correct answer: Oil rises to the surface and mixes with the water

    Heat draws oil from the asphalt to the surface. When rain starts, that oil mixes with water and makes the road slick for the first few minutes until it washes away.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Slippery Roads (5.6)

11. 11. You are driving behind a large truck and cannot see the truck driver's mirrors. What does this mean?

    Correct answer: The truck driver cannot see you

    If you cannot see a large vehicle's side mirrors, the driver cannot see you. You are in a blind zone, so adjust your position to become visible.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Other Vehicles' Blind Zones (2.13)

12. 12. Because of airbag danger, children under what age should never ride in the front seat?

    Correct answer: Under 13

    A child younger than 13 belongs in the back seat, because a deploying airbag could badly injure or kill a small passenger up front.

    Source: Washington Driver Guide — Airbags (2.6)