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 another driver is tailgating you, the recommended response is to:

   Correct answer: Move over or slow gradually to let them pass

   Move over to the right or gradually reduce speed to encourage the tailgater to pass; never brake suddenly to discourage them.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Space Behind

2. 2. The manual recommends that defensive drivers focus their eyes how far ahead of the vehicle?

   Correct answer: About 10 to 15 seconds ahead

   Good drivers scan roughly 10 to 15 seconds ahead, about the length of a city block, to spot problems early.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Scanning the Road

3. 3. The manual recommends keeping both hands on the steering wheel at approximately which positions?

   Correct answer: 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock

   Placing your hands near the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions keeps your arms clear of the air bag and gives good control.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Steering the Vehicle

4. 4. If your driver license shows a corrective-lens restriction, you must:

   Correct answer: Wear the lenses whenever you drive

   A corrective-lens restriction requires you to wear your glasses or contacts every time you drive, even on short trips.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Vision

5. 5. As you approach an intersection, the recommended scanning order is:

   Correct answer: Left, then right, then left again

   The left-right-left rule has you look left first (that traffic is closest), then right, then left again before moving.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Approaching Intersections Safely

6. 6. The manual warns that emotions such as anger or worry can make you an unsafe driver, so if you are upset you should:

   Correct answer: Calm down and refocus before driving

   Strong emotions impair driving; the manual advises taking time to calm down and refocus before or while driving.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Emotions

7. 7. If you become drowsy while driving, the safest choice is to:

   Correct answer: Stop and rest before continuing

   Drowsiness is the first stage of falling asleep; the manual advises stopping to rest rather than trying to push on.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Fatigue

8. 8. To help prevent "interstate hypnosis" on a long, monotonous drive, you should:

   Correct answer: Take a break at least every two hours or 100 miles

   The manual advises stopping to rest at regular intervals, at least every two hours or every 100 miles, and keeping your eyes moving.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Fight Interstate Hypnosis

9. 9. According to the manual, drivers gather what share of the information they use to drive through their eyes?

   Correct answer: About 90 percent

   Roughly 90 percent of the information a driver relies on comes through vision, which is why clear sight is so important.

   Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Scanning the Road

10. 10. About how often should a driver glance in the rearview mirror to check traffic behind?

    Correct answer: Every 10 seconds

    Checking the mirror roughly every 10 seconds alerts you to vehicles moving up quickly or tailgating.

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Scanning the Road

11. 11. Before you change lanes, the manual says you should check your blind spot by:

    Correct answer: Turning your head to look over your shoulder

    Mirrors alone cannot show a vehicle in your blind spot; you must turn your head and look over your shoulder.

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Changing Lanes

12. 12. "Covering the brake" is described in the manual as:

    Correct answer: Hovering your foot over the brake for a quick response

    Covering the brake means hovering your foot over the pedal for a quicker response; riding the brake, by contrast, is resting your foot on it and is discouraged.

    Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual — Braking