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. The preferred steering techniques for turning are:

   Correct answer: hand-over-hand or push-pull-slide

   Use the hand-over-hand or push-pull-slide method to turn; do not steer with your palm or let the wheel slide freely through your fingers.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Safe Driving Tips (Steering)

2. 2. The best way to deal with an aggressive driver is to:

   Correct answer: avoid eye contact, back off, and let them go

   Do not engage an aggressive driver; avoid eye contact, give way, and let them pass rather than escalating the situation.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Safe Driving Tips (Protecting Yourself from Aggressive Drivers)

3. 3. How often does the handbook suggest checking the traffic behind you in your rearview mirror?

   Correct answer: every 5 to 8 seconds

   Glancing at your rearview mirror every 5 to 8 seconds tells you if someone is following too closely or approaching quickly, giving you time to react.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Safe Driving Tips (Look Behind)

4. 4. If a law enforcement officer pulls you over, you should:

   Correct answer: signal, pull to the right, turn off the engine, and keep your hands visible

   Pull to the right, turn off the engine and audio, stay in the vehicle, and keep your hands where the officer can see them; wait for instructions before reaching for documents.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Safe Driving Tips (What to Do When Pulled Over)

5. 5. To manage fatigue on a long trip, the handbook advises drivers to:

   Correct answer: break the drive into roughly two-hour segments and rest if drowsy

   Tiredness reduces your reactions and judgment, so split long drives into about two-hour blocks and pull off to rest if you feel drowsy.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Before You Drive (Fatigue)

6. 6. To avoid sudden braking, a driver should scan the road ahead by about:

   Correct answer: ten seconds

   Looking roughly ten seconds ahead — about a block in the city or half a mile on open road — lets you spot trouble early and react smoothly.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Safe Driving Tips (Look Ahead)

7. 7. According to the handbook, the leading cause of driver error is:

   Correct answer: distraction

   Distractions — anything that pulls your attention from driving even briefly — are the leading cause of driver error, so driving demands your full focus.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Before You Drive (Distractions)

8. 8. The recommended way to check for cross traffic before entering an intersection is to:

   Correct answer: look left, then right, then left again

   Always look left, right, and left again when entering, crossing, or turning at an intersection, and watch for smaller road users too.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Safe Driving Tips (Scanning)

9. 9. Which steering-wheel hand positions does the handbook recommend for good control?

   Correct answer: 9 and 3 o'clock or 8 and 4 o'clock

   Place both hands on opposite sides of the wheel at 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 o'clock, gripping with your fingers and keeping your thumbs along the face.

   Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Basic Driving (Hand Position)

10. 10. The correct way to handle a 'zipper merge' where a lane is closing ahead is to:

    Correct answer: use both lanes until the merge point, then alternate taking turns

    In a zipper merge drivers use both lanes up to the point of closure and then alternate one by one into the open lane, which keeps traffic flowing.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Safe Driving Tips (Zipper Merge)

11. 11. Before starting the engine, your right foot should be:

    Correct answer: on the brake pedal

    No matter the vehicle, keep your right foot on the brake before you start it, then check the indicator lights and gauges.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Basic Driving (Starting the Engine)

12. 12. Why is a leaking exhaust system considered dangerous?

    Correct answer: The fumes can cause death in a short time

    Fumes from a leaky exhaust can be deadly quickly, so never run the engine in a closed garage and have exhaust problems repaired.

    Source: Colorado Driver Handbook — Before You Drive (Vehicle: Exhaust system)