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 your vehicle begins to hydroplane, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Ease off the gas without braking or turning suddenly

   Hydroplaning means you are going too fast for the water on the road. Ease off the gas gently; do not brake hard or turn suddenly.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Driving in Rain or Fog

2. 2. How much following distance should you keep behind a motorcycle?

   Correct answer: At least four seconds

   Give a motorcycle at least a four-second following distance, more than the three seconds recommended behind another car.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Safe Distances Around Your Car

3. 3. Before driving after a snowstorm, what should you do with the snow and ice on your vehicle?

   Correct answer: Remove it from all windows, the roof, hood, and trunk

   Clear all the windows plus the roof, hood, and trunk. Snow and ice blowing off your vehicle can hit cars behind you and lead to a negligent-operation charge.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Winter Driving

4. 4. Massachusetts law requires your headlights to be on in which of these situations?

   Correct answer: Any time your windshield wipers are in use

   The law requires headlights and taillights any time you are using your windshield wipers; daytime running lights alone are not enough.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Driving in Rain or Fog

5. 5. What is the purpose of the "three-second rule"?

   Correct answer: Keeping a safe following distance in good conditions

   The three-second rule helps you keep a safe following distance in good conditions. Add more seconds in poor weather or heavy traffic.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Safe Distances Around Your Car

6. 6. About how long does it take an average driver to react and step on the brake?

   Correct answer: About three-quarters of a second

   It takes roughly three-quarters of a second just to react and hit the brake. At highway speeds your vehicle covers a lot of ground during that time.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Braking and Stopping

7. 7. What is the only reliable way to protect yourself from drowsy driving?

   Correct answer: Getting enough sleep and not driving when tired

   Getting enough sleep and not driving when you feel tired is the only true protection. Coffee or a short nap helps only briefly.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Drowsy Driving

8. 8. At what tread depth are your tires considered legally worn out?

   Correct answer: Below 2/32 of an inch

   Tires need a tread depth of 2/32 of an inch or more. Try the penny test: worn tires show the top of Lincoln's head.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Brakes and Tires

9. 9. You must switch from high beams to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is within what distance?

   Correct answer: 500 feet

   Dim your high beams to low when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet, so you do not blind the other driver.

   Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — High Beam Headlights

10. 10. During what period are you required to use your headlights?

    Correct answer: From half an hour past sunset until half an hour before dawn

    Headlights and taillights are required from half an hour past sunset until half an hour before dawn, and whenever visibility drops.

    Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Using Your Horn, Headlights, and Emergency Signals

11. 11. When following heavy equipment such as a dump truck or a tractor, how much space should you allow?

    Correct answer: At least ten seconds

    Keep at least a ten-second following distance behind heavy equipment, and never cut in front of it, because it needs far more room to stop.

    Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Safe Distances Around Your Car

12. 12. In cold weather, which surfaces tend to freeze before the rest of the road?

    Correct answer: Bridges and overpasses

    Bridges and highway overpasses freeze first and can be very slippery because the ground below does not keep them warm.

    Source: Massachusetts Driver's Manual — Winter Driving