CT DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended following distance under normal driving conditions in Connecticut?
- 1 second per 10 mph of speed
- At least 2 seconds behind the vehicle ahead
- At least 3 seconds behind the vehicle ahead (Correct answer)
- 5 car lengths at all speeds
Correct answer: At least 3 seconds behind the vehicle ahead
Connecticut DMV recommends maintaining at least a 3-second following distance under normal conditions to give adequate time to react and stop.
Question 2: When should you increase your following distance beyond the standard recommendation?
- When driving on a highway with light traffic
- During rain, snow, or fog (Correct answer)
- When driving below the speed limit
- When following a motorcycle
Correct answer: During rain, snow, or fog
Rain, snow, and fog reduce visibility and road traction, requiring a greater following distance to stop safely.
Question 3: Which defensive driving technique best helps you avoid being in a dangerous situation before it develops?
- Scanning the road 12–15 seconds ahead (Correct answer)
- Keeping your eyes on the bumper of the car in front
- Accelerating through intersections quickly
- Using your horn frequently to alert others
Correct answer: Scanning the road 12–15 seconds ahead
Scanning 12–15 seconds ahead allows you to identify and respond to hazards before they become emergencies.
Question 4: What should you do if you find yourself in a skid on a slippery road?
- Brake firmly and turn away from the skid
- Steer in the direction you want to go and ease off the accelerator (Correct answer)
- Accelerate to regain traction quickly
- Apply the emergency brake immediately
Correct answer: Steer in the direction you want to go and ease off the accelerator
Steering in the direction you want to travel and gently reducing throttle helps regain vehicle control during a skid.
Question 5: What is the safest way to pass another vehicle on a two-lane road in Connecticut?
- Pass in a no-passing zone if the road looks clear
- Signal, check mirrors, accelerate swiftly, and return when you can see the passed vehicle in your mirror (Correct answer)
- Pull alongside the other vehicle and match speed before passing
- Honk your horn as you pass to alert the driver
Correct answer: Signal, check mirrors, accelerate swiftly, and return when you can see the passed vehicle in your mirror
Signaling, checking mirrors, passing swiftly, and only merging back when the passed vehicle is visible ensures a safe pass.
Question 6: How does fatigue affect a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely?
- It only affects reaction time at speeds above 55 mph
- It can impair judgment and reaction time as severely as alcohol intoxication (Correct answer)
- It has minimal effect if the driver has driven the route before
- It only becomes dangerous after 24 hours without sleep
Correct answer: It can impair judgment and reaction time as severely as alcohol intoxication
Research shows that severe fatigue impairs driving ability to a degree comparable to legal intoxication, slowing reaction time and impairing judgment.
Question 7: When merging onto a Connecticut highway, which action best demonstrates defensive driving?
- Stop at the end of the on-ramp and wait for a gap
- Match the speed of highway traffic and merge smoothly into a gap (Correct answer)
- Force your way in at a slow speed to assert right-of-way
- Use the shoulder to gain extra speed before merging
Correct answer: Match the speed of highway traffic and merge smoothly into a gap
Matching highway speed and merging smoothly into an available gap minimizes disruption and reduces collision risk.
CT DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 1
What is the recommended following distance under normal driving conditions in Connecticut?