DGT Defensive Driving Techniques 2

Question 1

When driving in heavy rain, what is the primary risk of hydroplaning and how should you respond?

Accepted Answer

Ease off the gas, avoid braking hard, and steer straight

Answer

Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose contact with the road surface; easing off the accelerator without hard braking helps tires regain traction.

Question 2

What does the 'SIPDE' defensive driving process stand for?

Accepted Answer

Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute

Answer

SIPDE is a systematic mental process — Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute — used to anticipate and respond to hazards.

Question 3

A driver approaching from behind is tailgating you on the highway. The safest defensive response is to:

Accepted Answer

Gradually slow down to increase your following distance ahead, then change lanes when safe

Answer

Creating more space ahead gives you a buffer in case of sudden stops and may encourage the tailgater to pass.

Question 4

Which technique best helps a driver maintain awareness of vehicles in blind spots?

Accepted Answer

Making frequent head-check glances over the shoulder before lane changes

Answer

Mirrors cannot eliminate blind spots, so a brief head-check over the shoulder is essential before any lane change.

Question 5

When driving at night, you should dim your high-beam headlights when:

Accepted Answer

Approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet or following another vehicle within 300 feet

Answer

High beams can blind oncoming and leading drivers; US law generally requires dimming within 500 feet of oncoming and 300 feet of preceding vehicles.

(DGT) Directorate-General for Traffic Test Practice Test