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. According to the handbook, you must turn on your low-beam headlights when:

   Correct answer: You cannot see a person or vehicle about 500 feet away

   You are required to use low beams when you cannot see a vehicle or person about 500 feet away, and from a half hour after sunset until a half hour before sunrise.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — K. Communication (Low Beams)

2. 2. Why should you avoid using cruise control on slippery winter roads?

   Correct answer: You need direct control of your speed on slick surfaces

   The handbook advises against cruise control on slippery roads because you need direct control of your speed to stay safe.

   Source: Section 7: Driving Conditions — C. Winter

3. 3. Which of the following is a warning sign that you are too drowsy to keep driving?

   Correct answer: Drifting out of your lane and frequent yawning

   Signs of drowsy driving include frequent yawning or blinking, drifting out of your lane, and hitting the rumble strip; you should pull over and rest.

   Source: Section 9: Dangerous Driving Behaviors — C. Drowsy Driving

4. 4. What is the proper way to use your horn under normal driving conditions?

   Correct answer: Give a light tap to get attention

   A light tap on the horn is usually enough to get another driver's attention; a hard push is meant to warn of an imminent collision.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — K. Communication (The horn)

5. 5. To keep good control of your vehicle, you should be able to see how far ahead?

   Correct answer: 10 to 15 seconds ahead

   The sight distance rule says you should be able to see 10 to 15 seconds ahead; if you cannot, slow down.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — E. Sight Distance Rule

6. 6. In freezing conditions, which parts of the road tend to become icy first?

   Correct answer: Bridges and overpasses

   Bridges and overpasses freeze before the rest of the roadway, so slow down and stay alert when crossing them.

   Source: Section 7: Driving Conditions — B. Severe Weather

7. 7. When fog or heavy rain reduces visibility, how do other vehicles often appear to you?

   Correct answer: Slower than they are actually traveling

   In reduced visibility, vehicles can look like they are moving more slowly than they really are, and distance and speed are harder to judge, so slow down and use your headlights.

   Source: Section 7: Driving Conditions — A. Reduced Visibility

8. 8. How can strong emotions such as anger or worry affect your driving?

   Correct answer: They can reduce your ability to drive safely

   Emotions can strongly affect your ability to drive safely, so you should not drive when you are very worried, angry, afraid, or upset.

   Source: Section 3: The Basics — K. Communication

9. 9. Before you drive in winter, you should clear snow and ice from:

   Correct answer: All windows, mirrors, lights, and license plates

   Remove snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, lamps, and license plates before you drive.

   Source: Section 7: Driving Conditions — C. Winter

10. 10. An oncoming driver fails to dim their high beams and they are blinding you. You should:

    Correct answer: Look toward the right side of the road

    If an oncoming driver leaves their brights on, look toward the right edge of the road to keep your bearings without being blinded.

    Source: Section 3: The Basics — K. Communication (High Beams)

11. 11. Before entering an intersection, even when you have the right-of-way, you should:

    Correct answer: Look left, right, and left again

    Because some drivers ignore signs and signals, search to the left, right, and left again before you enter, even when you have the right-of-way.

    Source: Section 3: The Basics — C. Intersections

12. 12. You are using high beams and a vehicle approaches from the opposite direction. You should:

    Correct answer: Switch down to your low beams

    Switch back to low beams when a vehicle comes toward you so you do not blind the other driver.

    Source: Section 3: The Basics — K. Communication (High Beams)