Defensive Driving & Safety - DRIVING INSTRUCTOR CA

Defensive Driving & Safety #1

Build awareness and learn the basics of safe, defensive driving habits.

1 / 20

What does California’s “three-second rule” help drivers maintain?

Proper lane position

A safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead

Adequate space for merging traffic

Correct braking pressure

💡 Explanation: Choose a fixed point the car ahead passes, then count “one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three.” Your vehicle should reach that point no sooner than three seconds later. Increase distance in poor conditions or at higher speeds.

2 / 20

When driving in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions, what is the safest practice?

Stay in the fast lane to avoid merging vehicles.

Drive slower than everyone else to be extra safe.

Drive at the posted speed limit regardless of conditions.

Adjust your speed to match weather and traffic, without blocking normal flow.

💡 Explanation: California law requires drivers to adjust speed to conditions. You must slow down for rain, fog, or congestion but also avoid impeding reasonable traffic flow. If you drive slower than other traffic, stay in the right lane.

3 / 20

In which of the following situations are you required to use your headlights?

During fog, rain, or snow

All options are correct

When it’s dark enough that you can’t see from 1,000 feet away

Beginning 30 minutes after sunset and until 30 minutes before sunrise

💡 Explanation: Use headlights after sunset and before sunrise, whenever visibility is poor (e.g., you can’t see 1,000 feet ahead), and during adverse weather like fog, rain, or snow so others can see you.

4 / 20

If your vehicle’s signal lights fail, how can you show that you plan to make a right turn?

Extend your left arm downward toward the road

Extend your left arm upward at a 90-degree angle

Extend your right arm upward

Extend your left arm straight out

💡 Explanation: A right turn is shown by raising your left arm upward with your elbow bent, forming an “L” shape. This makes your signal visible even if your right turn light isn’t working.

5 / 20

You are driving behind a large truck that begins to swing to the left as it approaches an intersection. What should you do?

Accelerate to clear the intersection first

Move to the left lane to give the truck more space

Pass on the right before it finishes turning

Stay behind the truck and wait until it completes its turn

💡 Explanation: Large vehicles often swing wide to the left before making a right turn because their rear wheels follow a tighter path than the front wheels. Defensive drivers recognize this and avoid passing on the right, where they could be trapped or struck by the trailer. Always wait until the truck has finished turning before proceeding.

6 / 20

In which of the following situations should you check what’s behind you using your mirrors or by looking over your shoulder?

All options are correct

Before backing up or pulling away from the curb

Before changing lanes

When slowing down or preparing to stop

💡 Explanation: Safe drivers regularly check what’s behind them, not just what’s ahead. Use your mirrors and quick head checks before changing lanes, reducing speed, backing up, or pulling away from a curb to avoid collisions with vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians approaching from behind.

7 / 20

Why should you avoid driving directly alongside another vehicle on multi-lane roads?

It increases your blind spot visibility

It is considered illegal in California

It reduces your visibility to oncoming traffic

It limits your escape path if the other driver suddenly swerves or changes lanes

💡 Explanation: Driving directly next to another vehicle traps you with fewer options if the other driver moves into your lane. Keeping space on both sides helps maintain a safe buffer and escape route.

8 / 20

When driving through a road work zone, what should you always be prepared for?

Fewer signs and lane markings

Faster moving traffic ahead

Workers yielding to drivers

Sudden slowing or stopping of traffic

💡 Explanation: Work zones often include narrowed lanes, lane shifts, and slow-moving equipment. Drivers must slow down, maintain extra space, and stay alert for sudden stops or vehicles changing lanes unexpectedly.

9 / 20

What does the three-second rule help a driver determine?

How long it takes to stop at 55 mph

The minimum time needed to change lanes safely

The amount of time before a yellow light changes to red

How closely you are following the vehicle ahead

💡 Explanation: The three-second rule helps drivers estimate a safe following distance. When the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point, you should reach the same point no sooner than three seconds later. If you arrive sooner, you are following too closely and may not have enough time to react.

10 / 20

Why should you reduce your speed in nighttime highway construction zones?

Because headlights are less effective at slow speeds

To avoid traffic citations only, not for safety

It is required only when warning cones are visible

Workers may be present and visibility is reduced

💡 Explanation: Night construction zones are particularly hazardous due to limited lighting, narrow lanes, and unexpected equipment. Reducing speed ensures you have time to react to workers, flaggers, or sudden changes in lane patterns.

11 / 20

When driving near large trucks on a multi-lane highway, which of the following is the safest practice?

Pass quickly on the left and avoid lingering beside the truck

Drive beside the truck to stay out of its rear blind spot

Follow closely to reduce wind turbulence

Change lanes directly in front of the truck when preparing to exit

💡 Explanation: Large vehicles are harder to maneuver and have wide blind spots on both sides. Always pass on the left and move ahead promptly. Avoid driving beside or cutting closely in front of large trucks — they need extra space to react and stop safely.

12 / 20

When using hand and arm signals, how should you signal a left turn if your turn signals are not working?

Extend your right arm straight out of the window

Extend your left arm upward

Extend your left arm straight out of the window

Extend your left arm downward

💡 Explanation: A left turn is signaled by extending your left arm straight out horizontally from the driver’s side window so others clearly see your intent to turn left.

13 / 20

Why is it illegal and dangerous to leave pets inside a parked vehicle, even with the windows slightly open?

The temperature inside the vehicle can rise rapidly and cause death

The engine may overheat

The vehicle battery could drain

The animal may escape through the window

💡 Explanation: On warm or sunny days, the interior temperature of a parked car can rise quickly, even with windows cracked. Pets can suffer heat stroke or die from overheating within minutes.

14 / 20

Which of the following is a service the CHP Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) provides for free during commute hours?

Giving you one gallon of fuel if you run out

Towing your vehicle to your home

Recommending body shops for repairs

Towing your vehicle to a private repair shop

💡 Explanation: FSP offers free roadside assistance, including one gallon of fuel, jump starts, tire changes, and minor coolant help. They do not tow to private locations or recommend repair services.

15 / 20

Your brake lights just failed. How do you signal that you’re slowing or stopping?

Raise your left arm upward at a right angle

Extend your left arm out and bend it downward at a right angle, palm facing toward the rear

Extend your right arm downward toward the road

Extend your left arm straight out horizontally

💡 Explanation: To show a slow or stop with hand signals, put your left arm out the window, bend the elbow downward to about 90°, and keep your palm facing back so drivers behind you can clearly see the signal.

16 / 20

Why is driving at night more dangerous than driving during the day?

Motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicyclists are harder to see

Headlights make it harder to judge distance

Vehicles are required to use high beams at all times

It is illegal to drive at normal highway speeds after dark

💡 Explanation: Limited visibility at night makes smaller and less reflective road users difficult to detect. Drivers must reduce speed, scan more carefully, and use appropriate lighting to prevent collisions.

17 / 20

When is it acceptable to steer with one hand?

Whenever you feel comfortable

When backing up or using vehicle controls

While driving straight on the freeway

During sharp turns at intersections

💡 Explanation: One-hand steering is allowed only when necessary, such as backing up (hand at 12 o’clock) or operating other controls. The rest of the time, both hands should stay on the wheel for full control.

18 / 20

What is the best way to reduce sun glare while driving?

Keep your windshield clean and wear polarized sunglasses

Speed up to pass through the glare zone quickly

Close your eyes briefly to adjust

Use high-beam headlights for better contrast

💡 Explanation: A clean windshield and polarized sunglasses reduce glare from the sun’s reflection. Dirt, streaks, and film on the glass intensify glare and can temporarily blind you.

19 / 20

Which of the following actions helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle emissions?

Keeping your tires slightly underinflated for a smoother ride.

Driving at a steady speed and avoiding sudden starts or stops.

Carrying extra items in your trunk for better traction.

Accelerating quickly to reach the speed limit faster.

💡 Explanation: Smooth, steady driving helps your engine use fuel more efficiently and lowers harmful emissions. Rapid acceleration, hard braking, and carrying unnecessary weight all increase fuel consumption and wear on your vehicle.

20 / 20

When stopping behind another vehicle at a limit line or intersection, how much space should you leave?

Just a few inches from their rear bumper

No specific distance is required

Enough distance to clearly see the vehicle’s rear tires touching the road

About one full car length

💡 Explanation: When stopping behind another vehicle, always leave enough space to see the rear tires on the pavement. This ensures you have room to move or steer away safely if the vehicle in front rolls back or an emergency occurs.

Your score is

The average score is 0%

Defensive Driving & Safety #2

Improve hazard detection, spacing, and reaction skills in everyday traffic.

1 / 20

When driving in extremely hot conditions, which action helps prevent your engine from overheating?

Driving at high speeds to increase airflow

Turning on the air conditioner to cool the engine

Watching the temperature gauge and reducing strain on the engine

Keeping the windows closed to hold in cool air

💡 Explanation: In extreme heat, running the air conditioner and driving at high speeds for long periods puts additional load on the engine. Monitoring the temperature gauge and reducing engine strain helps prevent overheating.

2 / 20

You are driving on a narrow road where it’s unsafe to give three feet of space while passing a bicyclist. What should you do?

Pass slowly with less space

Honk lightly to warn the bicyclist

Wait until there is enough room to pass safely

Drive partly on the shoulder to make room

💡 Explanation: If the lane is too narrow or traffic prevents safe clearance, you must not pass until you can leave at least three feet between your vehicle and the bicyclist. Passing too closely is illegal and endangers the rider.

3 / 20

How far should you sit from the airbag cover to reduce the risk of injury while still maintaining full control of the vehicle?

At least 12 inches

At least 6 inches

At least 10 inches

At least 8 inches

💡 Explanation: Drivers should sit at least 10 inches from the steering-wheel airbag (measure from the center of the wheel to your breastbone). Front passengers should also sit at least 10 inches from the passenger-side airbag module in the dashboard. If you can’t keep about 10 inches while maintaining full control/comfort, adjust your seat and wheel or consult the vehicle manufacturer.

4 / 20

When should you dim your high beams for an oncoming vehicle?

Only if the other driver flashes their lights

Within 300 feet

Within 100 feet

Within 500 feet

💡 Explanation: High beams can create dangerous glare for oncoming drivers. Dim to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet to keep everyone’s vision clear.

5 / 20

When is sun glare most likely to cause hazardous driving conditions?

Only when driving in mountainous areas

During sunrise and sunset when the sun is low on the horizon

During midday when the sun is directly overhead

During cloudy or overcast days

💡 Explanation: Low-angle sunlight during sunrise and sunset shines directly into drivers’ eyes and reflects off surfaces, causing glare. If possible, adjust your travel time or route to avoid driving directly into the sun.

6 / 20

What kinds of drugs or medicines can reduce your ability to drive safely?

Over-the-counter medicines

Prescription medications

Illegal drugs

All options are correct

💡 Explanation: Illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medicines can all cause drowsiness, slow reactions, or impair judgment. It’s your responsibility to know how any substance affects you before driving.

7 / 20

To prepare for hazards and avoid last-minute moves, you should scan the road how far ahead of your vehicle?

At least 15 seconds ahead

At least 5 seconds ahead

Only the car directly in front of you

At least 10 seconds ahead

💡 Explanation: Good defensive driving means continuously scanning at least 10 seconds ahead. This gives you enough time to recognize hazards early and adjust speed or position smoothly.

8 / 20

When driving in fog, rain, or snow that reduces visibility—even on well-lit roads—which lights should you use?

Low-beam headlights

Hazard flashers instead of headlights

High-beam headlights

Parking lights only

💡 Explanation: Moisture in the air reflects high beams and creates glare. Low beams cut under the glare and make you more visible to others. Parking lights or hazard flashers are not a substitute for proper headlight use while moving.

9 / 20

When should you use your high-beam headlights?

When following another vehicle closely

In foggy or rainy weather

On open country roads or dark city streets when there is no oncoming traffic

In heavy traffic to improve visibility

💡 Explanation: High beams improve visibility in dark, open areas. However, you must dim them when another vehicle approaches or when driving in fog or rain, as bright light reflects off moisture and reduces visibility.

10 / 20

Which action helps prevent hydroplaning?

Turning the steering wheel sharply through puddles

Applying brakes firmly to increase tire pressure on water

Driving slower and avoiding standing water when possible

Maintaining normal highway speed to keep traction

💡 Explanation: The safest way to prevent hydroplaning is to reduce your speed before you reach water, not while you’re in it. Braking or turning suddenly on a wet surface can cause your tires to lose contact with the road. Slowing down early, steering smoothly, and avoiding deep or standing water gives your tires the best chance to maintain traction and safely channel water away.

11 / 20

You are driving on the freeway at 55 mph and decide to move in front of a large truck. What should you keep in mind before merging?

The truck driver can see your car clearly even if you merge closely

The truck can stop just as quickly as a car if it has new brakes

Large trucks take much longer to stop, so avoid cutting in front of them

Trucks slow down faster because of their weight

💡 Explanation: A fully loaded truck traveling at 55 mph can take up to 400 feet to stop — much longer than a passenger car. Always leave extra space when merging ahead of a large vehicle, and never slow down suddenly after moving in front of one.

12 / 20

Which of the following is illegal while driving in California because it can reduce your awareness of hazards around you?

Driving with one window open

Wearing a headset or earplugs in both ears

Using sunglasses during daytime

Listening to quiet background music

💡 Explanation: California law prohibits wearing headsets or earplugs in both ears while driving. Drivers must be able to hear sirens, horns, and other warning sounds to stay alert to hazards and respond safely.

13 / 20

Who must wear a helmet while riding a bicycle in California?

Bicyclists riding after dark

Bicyclists under 18 years old

All bicyclists

Bicyclists only when riding on highways

💡 Explanation: California law requires all bicycle riders and passengers under 18 years old to wear an approved helmet. Although adults are not legally required, wearing one is strongly recommended for safety.

14 / 20

When driving near motorcycles, what is the safest way to share the road?

Follow closely to discourage sudden lane changes

Drive in the center of your lane to prevent motorcycles from passing

Allow at least a three-second following distance and never pass in the same lane

Pass a motorcycle in the same lane if there’s enough room

💡 Explanation: Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, and they can stop or swerve suddenly due to road conditions. Maintain at least a three-second space cushion, never pass in the same lane, and always check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or opening your door near traffic.

15 / 20

What is the minimum safe following distance once you’ve merged into highway traffic?

Five seconds

One second

Three seconds

Two seconds

💡 Explanation: Leave at least three seconds of space between your vehicle and the one ahead. This gives you enough time to stop or react safely if traffic slows suddenly.

16 / 20

When may a child under 8 years old legally ride in the front seat using a child restraint system?

When there is no rear seat or all rear seats are occupied by children under 8

When the child prefers the front seat

When the front seat has a lap belt

When the trip is shorter than one mile

💡 Explanation: Children under 8 must normally be restrained in the back seat. However, they may sit in the front seat if no rear seat exists, the rear seats are side-facing or rear-facing, cannot fit a child seat, or are all occupied by children age 7 or younger.

17 / 20

When another vehicle is entering a freeway, what should you do even if you have the right-of-way?

Adjust your speed or move over to make room for them to enter safely

Speed up to prevent them from merging

Maintain your speed and position

Honk to warn them you have the right-of-way

💡 Explanation: Defensive driving means cooperating with traffic flow, not forcing others to stop or squeeze in. Allowing merging space prevents collisions and supports smoother freeway entry.

18 / 20

If your car breaks down and you must stop on the road, what should you do first to stay safe?

Call for help without using any lights

Leave your vehicle in the lane and wait behind it

Turn on your emergency flashers and, if possible, move your car off the roadway

Step out immediately to flag traffic

💡 Explanation: In case of a vehicle breakdown, turn on your emergency flashers right away to warn others and pull off the road if it’s safe. Staying visible and out of traffic lanes greatly reduces your risk of being hit.

19 / 20

Which of the following is considered a warning sign that a senior driver may be unsafe to continue driving?

Installing an additional right-side mirror

Getting lost in familiar areas

Taking longer routes to avoid freeways

Preferring to drive during daylight hours

💡 Explanation: Familiar-location confusion is a key indicator of declining driving ability. The DMV lists getting lost in known places as a warning sign of unsafe driving behavior.

20 / 20

Which steering method should you use when making sharp, low-speed turns, parking, or recovering from a skid?

Quick-snap steering

Hand-over-hand steering

One-hand steering

Hand-to-hand (push/pull) steering

💡 Explanation: Hand-over-hand steering gives you more turning power at low speeds, such as while parking or correcting a skid. You cross one hand over the other to turn the wheel more sharply and quickly regain control.

Your score is

The average score is 0%

These practice questions focus on California defensive driving and safety rules commonly tested on the DMV written exam.

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