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. What is the safest way to handle a sharp curve?

   Correct answer: Slow down before you enter, then ease through

   Reduce your speed ahead of the curve so you will not need to brake while in it, then gradually pick your speed back up as you round it and stay in your lane.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Rounding a Curve

2. 2. On a road with a speed limit under 45 mph, how far in advance should you signal a turn?

   Correct answer: 100 feet

   On roads posted under 45 mph, begin your turn signal no less than 100 feet ahead of the turn or stop; the faster you go, the earlier you should signal.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Flashing Turn Signals

3. 3. You should signal your intention to turn or change lanes:

   Correct answer: Even when you do not see other traffic around

   Make a habit of signaling your moves even when you do not see anyone else on the road, but first make sure the move can be done safely.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Communicating

4. 4. To use anti-lock brakes correctly during a hard stop, you should:

   Correct answer: Apply firm, steady pressure without pumping

   With ABS, press the brake hard and hold firm, steady pressure. Pumping the pedal reduces the system's effectiveness.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Anti-lock Braking System

5. 5. While backing up, your speed should be kept to no more than:

   Correct answer: 10 mph

   Back slowly, no faster than 10 mph, because the car is much harder to steer and stop while moving in reverse.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Backing

6. 6. Before changing lanes, the best way to check your blind spot is to:

   Correct answer: Turn your head and glance over your shoulder

   Mirrors leave blind spots near the rear corners of the vehicle, so quickly turn your head and glance over your shoulder before moving over.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Scanning

7. 7. Good drivers try to look about how far ahead on the road to spot trouble early?

   Correct answer: Around 10 to 15 seconds ahead

   Scanning roughly 10 to 15 seconds ahead, about a city block, lets you avoid last-minute stops or quick lane changes.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Scanning

8. 8. On an open road at night, you should use high-beam headlights except when you are:

   Correct answer: Approaching or following another vehicle

   Use high beams on the open road, but switch to low beams when approaching or following another vehicle so you do not blind the other driver.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Night Driving

9. 9. The two-second rule is a way to judge:

   Correct answer: A safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead

   The two-second rule helps you keep a safe distance: let two seconds pass between the moment the car ahead passes a fixed point and the moment you reach it.

   Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — The Two-Second Rule

10. 10. On a long trip, a good way to fight drowsiness is to:

    Correct answer: Stop about every two hours to stretch and walk

    Stopping roughly every two hours to stretch and walk, and taking a short nap if needed, helps you stay alert.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Drowsy Driving

11. 11. When the speed limit is 45 mph or higher, how far ahead should you begin signaling a turn?

    Correct answer: 200 feet

    At 45 mph or more, begin signaling at least the last 200 feet before you turn, giving other drivers more time to react.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Flashing Turn Signals

12. 12. When backing your vehicle, you should:

    Correct answer: Turn and look through the rear window over your shoulder

    Steer with your left hand and look back through the rear window over your right shoulder rather than depending on mirrors alone.

    Source: North Carolina Driver Handbook — Backing