AK DMV Safe Driving Practices 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the proper hand position on the steering wheel recommended for maintaining control?
- 9 and 3 o'clock (Correct answer)
- 12 o'clock with one hand
- 6 o'clock with both hands
- 10 and 4 with fingertips only
Correct answer: 9 and 3 o'clock
The 9 and 3 position gives balanced control and keeps hands clear of the airbag deployment zone.
Question 2: You are driving in dense fog on the Seward Highway. Which lights should you use?
- Low-beam headlights (Correct answer)
- High-beam headlights
- Parking lights only
- Hazard flashers while moving at normal speed
Correct answer: Low-beam headlights
Low beams aim light down at the road, while high beams reflect off fog and reduce your visibility.
Question 3: What should you do if another driver is tailgating you on a two-lane road?
- Slow gradually or pull over safely to let them pass (Correct answer)
- Brake hard to warn them
- Speed up to match their pace
- Turn on your high beams
Correct answer: Slow gradually or pull over safely to let them pass
Letting an aggressive tailgater pass removes the hazard, while brake-checking risks a rear-end collision.
Question 4: Which condition most commonly causes 'black ice' to form on Alaska roads?
- Moisture freezing on shaded roads, bridges, and overpasses near freezing temperatures (Correct answer)
- Heavy snowfall on gravel roads
- Sand spread by maintenance crews
- Warm afternoon sunshine on dry pavement
Correct answer: Moisture freezing on shaded roads, bridges, and overpasses near freezing temperatures
Bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas freeze first because they lack ground warmth, creating nearly invisible ice.
Question 5: When passing a bicyclist on a rural road, what should you do?
- Slow down and leave at least three feet of clearance (Correct answer)
- Honk to warn them and maintain your speed
- Pass as closely as possible to stay in your lane
- Drive onto the shoulder around them
Correct answer: Slow down and leave at least three feet of clearance
Alaska drivers must give bicyclists safe clearance, generally at least three feet, when overtaking.
Question 6: What is the main danger of using cruise control on snowy or icy roads?
- It can cause wheel spin or loss of control when traction changes suddenly (Correct answer)
- It drains the battery faster
- It disables the anti-lock brakes
- It makes the speedometer inaccurate
Correct answer: It can cause wheel spin or loss of control when traction changes suddenly
Cruise control may keep applying power when tires lose grip, so it should never be used on slippery surfaces.
Question 7: Before starting a winter trip on a remote Alaska highway, what should a safe driver do?
- Check road conditions, tell someone your route, and carry emergency supplies (Correct answer)
- Deflate tires for better grip
- Warm up the engine for 30 minutes with the garage door closed
- Remove seat belts to allow a quick exit
Correct answer: Check road conditions, tell someone your route, and carry emergency supplies
Planning ahead with road condition checks, a shared travel plan, and survival gear is essential in remote winter conditions.
AK DMV Safe Driving Practices 3
What is the proper hand position on the steering wheel recommended for maintaining control?