Safe Driving: practice questions

always keep your eyes moving and scan the road at least 10 seconds ahead of your vehicle.

always keep your eyes moving and scan the road at least 10 seconds ahead of your vehicle.

If a vehicle merges in front of you too closely, take your foot off the accelerator. This creates space between you and the vehicle ahead.

Create more space in front of your vehicle when: A tailgater is behind you. Maintain your course and speed. Then, when safe to do so, merge right to change into another lane and allow the tailgater to pass.

Create more space in front of your vehicle when: Following motorcyclists on metal surfaces (bridge gratings, railroad tracks, etc.), and gravel.

Do not stay in another driver’s blind spot. Avoid driving directly alongside other vehicles.

Make space for vehicles entering freeways, even if you have the right-of-way.

Look both ways, even at intersections where traffic has a red light or stop sign.

To check your blind spots, look over your right and left shoulders out of your side windows. Only turn your head when you look. Do not turn your whole body or steering wheel.

These are areas around the vehicle that a driver cannot see when looking straight ahead or using the mirrors. For most vehicles, the blinds spots are at the sides, slightly behind the driver.

When driving at night, use your high-beam headlights on open country roads or dark city streets. Do not use high-beam headlights in areas where they are illegal.

When it is raining, use your low-beam headlights.

Make sure you can stop in the distance lit by your headlights.

If another vehicle’s lights are too bright: Do not look directly into the oncoming headlights. Look toward the right edge of your lane. Watch the oncoming vehicle out of the corner of your eye.

Do not react to the other driver by keeping your high-beam headlights on. This only makes it harder for both of you to see.

When you leave a brightly lit place, drive slowly until your eyes adjust to the darkness.

When a vehicle with one light drives toward you, drive as far to the right as possible. It could be a bicyclist, motorcyclist, or vehicle with a missing headlight.

To help manage sun glare: Keep the inside and outside of your windshield clean. Wear polarized sunglasses.

To help manage sun glare: Try to avoid driving during sunrise and sunset.

Slow down as you approach intersections and curves. For sharp curves, slow down as you approach and move through.

Ice and packed snow on the road can cause your vehicle to skid. This is even more likely if you are driving too fast or going downhill. Drive slowly and leave space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.

Shift to low gear before going down a steep hill.

If you start to skid, follow these steps: Slowly remove your foot from the accelerator Do not use the brakes. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. Try to get a wheel on dry pavement.

A skid is when one or more of the tires lose traction with the road and the vehicle starts to slip.

A locked wheel skid is usually caused by braking too hard when you are going too fast. If this happens, your vehicle will skid no matter which way the steering wheel is turned.

Four-wheel antilock braking system (ABS), apply firm pressure on the brake pedal.

If your vehicle is not equipped with ABS and begins to skid, quickly pump your brakes until you are at a safe speed.

Press the brake pedal and it sinks to the floor, quickly pump the brakes by gently applying and releasing pressure on your brake pedal.

Pump the brakes, down shift your vehicle into a lower or neutral gear to slow down. Then try using your emergency brake to stop.

If your brakes get wet, you can dry them by lightly pressing the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time. Only do this until the brakes dry.

Adjust your speed for different conditions: Wet road: Reduce your speed by 5 to 10 mph.

Adjust your speed for different conditions: Packed snow: Reduce your speed by half.

Adjust your speed for different conditions: Ice: Reduce your speed to no more than 5 mph.

Bridges and overpasses tend to freeze before the rest of the road. They can have icy spots.

Shade from trees or buildings can hide icy spots on cold, wet days. These areas freeze first and dry out last.

When it starts to rain, the pavement can be very slippery.

Slow down at the first sign of rain, drizzle, or snow on the road. This is especially true if it has been dry and hot for some time, because oil and dust on the road’s surface have not been washed away.

In a heavy rainstorm or snowstorm, you may not be able to see more than 100 feet in front of your vehicle. If you cannot see farther than 100 feet, it is not safe to drive faster than 30 mph.

In a heavy rainstorm or snowstorm, you may not be able to see more than 100 feet in front of your vehicle. If you cannot see farther than 100 feet, it is not safe to drive faster than 30 mph.

Hydroplaning is a vehicle riding on water because the tires lose all contact with the road. A slight change of direction, applying the brakes, or a gust of wind could throw the vehicle into a skid.

To avoid hydroplaning: Drive slowly. Steer around standing water, if possible. Slow down if you hear sloshing sounds from the tires. Slow down when changing lanes or direction.

If your vehicle starts to hydroplane: Slow down gradually. Do not use the brakes. Sudden braking may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

If stuck in the snow or mud, follow these steps: Shift into a low gear and keep the front wheels straight. Gently step on the accelerator. Avoid spinning the wheels.

Drive slowly forward as far as possible. Shift into reverse and slowly back up as far as possible. Do not spin the wheels. Repeat a forward-backward motion until the vehicle rolls free.

In deep mud or snow, put boards, tree branches, etc., under the tires. Only take this action when the vehicle is stopped.

It may not be possible to determine the depth of the flood by looking. If the water is deep, the road may be too dangerous to cross. It is best to find another route.

If you have no other option but to drive through a flooded road, drive slowly. After you make it through the water, test your brakes to make sure they work correctly.

High winds can be a hazard while driving. This is especially true for larger vehicles such as trucks, campers, and vehicles with trailers.

Reduce your speed. This gives you better control over your vehicle. You will have more time to react if your vehicle gets hit by a strong gust of wind.

Maintain a firm hand position on the steering wheel. Strong wind gusts are unpredictable.

Do not use cruise control. Maintain maximum control of the accelerator if a gust occurs.

If you must drive in heavy fog or smoke: Use your low-beam headlights. High-beam headlights will reflect back and cause glare.

Never drive using only your parking or fog lights.

If you must drive in heavy fog or smoke: Increase your following distance.

If the fog becomes too thick to drive safely, consider pulling off the road. Activate your emergency flashers and wait for conditions to improve.

During a traffic break, the officer turns on their emergency lights and slowly weaves across lanes.

Slowly decrease your speed to the same speed as the officer. Do not brake suddenly unless necessary to avoid a collision. Keep a safe distance from the patrol vehicle ahead of you.

You should: Turn on your emergency flashers to warn other drivers.

Not drive past the patrol vehicle. Do not speed up until the officer turns off their emergency lights and traffic conditions allow you to return to your normal speed.

You and your passengers must wear seat belts. You can get a ticket if you do not.

If your passenger is under 16 years old, you can also get a ticket if they are not wearing their seat belt.

When you are in a collision, your vehicle stops. But you keep moving at the same speed you were traveling. You only stop when you hit the dashboard or windshield.

Wear the shoulder harness across your shoulder and chest. There should be little to no slack. Do not wear the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back.

Adjust the lap belt so that it is snug and lies low across your hips. Otherwise you might slide out of the belt in a crash.

If you are pregnant, wear the lap belt as low as possible under your abdomen. Place the shoulder strap between your breasts and to the side of your abdomen’s bulge.

Children who are under 2 years old, under 40 pounds, and under 3 feet 4 inches tall: Secure in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system.

A child in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system may not ride in the front seat of an airbag-equipped vehicle.

Children who are under 8 years old, or who are less than 4 feet 9 inches tall: Secure in a child passenger restraint system in a rear seat.

Children who are under 8 years old, or who are less than 4 feet 9 inches tall: Secure in a child passenger restraint system in a rear seat.

Children who are 8 years old or older, or at least 4 feet 9 inches tall: May use a properly secured safety belt that meets federal standards.

In some cases, children under 8 years old may ride in the front seat of a vehicle in a federally-approved child passenger restraint system. They may ride in the front seat if: There is no rear seat. The rear seats are side-facing jump seats. The rear seats are rear-facing seats. The child passenger restraint system cannot be installed properly in the rear seat. All rear seats are already occupied by children 7 years old or younger. Medical reasons prevent the child from riding in the back seat.

Children who are 8 years old or older, or at least 4 feet 9 inches tall: May use a properly secured safety belt that meets federal standards.

Ride at least 10 inches from the airbag cover, as long as you can maintain full control of your vehicle. Measure from the center of the steering wheel to your breastbone. Passengers should also sit at least 10 inches away from the passenger-side air bag.

It is illegal to leave a child who is six years old or younger unattended in a vehicle. A child may be left under the supervision of a person who is at least 12 years old.

It is illegal to leave a child who is six years old or younger unattended in a vehicle. A child may be left under the supervision of a person who is at least 12 years old.

It is dangerous and illegal to leave children or animals in a hot vehicle. The temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly when it is sitting in the sun. This is true even if a window is left slightly open.

In California, you may never drive faster than is safe for the current road conditions. This is known as the Basic Speed Law.

In California, you may never drive faster than is safe for the current road conditions. This is known as the Basic Speed Law.

Regardless of the posted speed limit, your speed should depend on: The number of vehicles on the road. The speed of other vehicles on the road. The road surface: smooth, rough, graveled, wet, dry, wide, or narrow. Bicyclists or pedestrians on or crossing the road. Weather: rain, fog, snow, wind, or dust. Traffic congestion

Unless otherwise posted, the ideal maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph.

In California, you may never drive faster than is safe for the current road conditions. This is known as the Basic Speed Law.

It is 55 mph on a two-lane undivided highway and for vehicles towing trailers.

It is 55 mph on a two-lane undivided highway and for vehicles towing trailers.

Instead of driving between the vehicle and the bicyclist, take one danger at a time. Slow down and let the oncoming vehicle pass. When the vehicle has passed, move to the left to allow plenty of space (at least three feet) to pass the bicyclist.

If you have a tire blowout, do not panic or overreact. Suddenly braking or abruptly removing your foot from the accelerator can result in a loss of control over the vehicle.

Hold the steering wheel with both hands. Maintain your vehicle speed if possible and safe. Gradually release the accelerator. Correct the steering as necessary to stabilize your vehicle and regain control. Look and steer in the direction you want your vehicle to go. Once your vehicle has stabilized, continue to slow down and pull off the road where and when it’s safe.

If your wheels drift off the pavement: Grip the steering wheel firmly. Remove your foot from the accelerator. Brake gently. Check for traffic behind you. Carefully steer back onto the pavement.

Do not pull or turn your steering wheel with too much force. This may cause you to drive into oncoming traffic.

In extreme heat, you should: Watch the temperature gauge. Avoid driving at high speeds for long periods. Turn off the air conditioner.

If your vehicle stops working on the freeway: Safely pull over to the right shoulder. Exit on the right side so you are away from traffic if you must get out of the vehicle.

If your vehicle stalls or stops while blocking part of a train track with a train approaching and warning lights flashing: Immediately exit your vehicle. Run away from the tracks diagonally in the direction the train is coming from. Then call 911.

If you do not see a train approaching and warning lights are not flashing: Exit your vehicle. Dial the number located on the railroad crossing posts or metal control box near the tracks. Provide the crossing number (if posted). Tell them a vehicle is on the tracks. Then call 911.

Cell phones are the main source of distracted driving.

Adult drivers should only use a cell phone in hands-free mode when necessary.

Driving while using a handheld cell phone is unsafe and illegal.

Do not answer your cell phone if it rings. Let the call go to voicemail. If you must return or make a call, pull safely off the road.

Do not send or read text messages or emails while driving.

Mount your cell phone on the windshield, dashboard, or center console. It cannot block your view of the road. Use the single swipe or touch feature on the mounted cell phone.

It is against the law for a minor to use a cell phone or electronic wireless device to answer calls and send or respond to text messages while driving.

Minors may use a cell phone to make a call for emergency assistance.

Vehicles with these systems may respond to road situations differently than a human driver would.

All gas-powered vehicles produce carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a deadly odorless gas released from a vehicle’s exhaust pipe.

Never start your vehicle inside the garage with the door closed.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: Tiredness Yawning Dizziness Nausea Headache Ringing in the ears If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, have your exhaust system checked.