IA DMV Safe Driving Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When driving in heavy fog in Iowa, what should you use instead of high-beam headlights?
- High beams to see further ahead
- Low beams or fog lights (Correct answer)
- Hazard lights only
- No lights to avoid glare
Correct answer: Low beams or fog lights
Low beams or fog lights should be used in fog because high beams reflect off fog particles and reduce visibility.
Question 2: What is the correct action when your vehicle begins to hydroplane on a wet Iowa road?
- Brake firmly and steer straight
- Accelerate to regain traction
- Ease off the gas and steer straight (Correct answer)
- Turn the wheel sharply in the direction of the skid
Correct answer: Ease off the gas and steer straight
When hydroplaning, gently ease off the accelerator and steer straight until the tires regain contact with the road.
Question 3: In Iowa, how far from an intersection should you begin signaling before turning?
- 100 feet (Correct answer)
- 150 feet
- 200 feet
- 300 feet
Correct answer: 100 feet
Iowa law requires drivers to signal at least 100 feet before turning at an intersection.
Question 4: What should a driver do when approaching a school bus that has stopped with its red lights flashing on a two-lane road?
- Slow to 15 mph and pass carefully
- Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and the bus moves (Correct answer)
- Honk to alert children and proceed
- Stop only if children are visible
Correct answer: Stop and wait until the lights stop flashing and the bus moves
Drivers must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights and may not proceed until the lights stop and the bus moves.
Question 5: When driving on an interstate in Iowa, the minimum safe following distance under normal conditions is:
- 1 second per 10 mph of speed
- 2 seconds behind the vehicle ahead
- 3 seconds behind the vehicle ahead (Correct answer)
- 4 seconds behind the vehicle ahead
Correct answer: 3 seconds behind the vehicle ahead
The 3-second rule provides a minimum safe following distance under normal driving conditions on highways.
Question 6: What does a solid yellow centerline on your side of the road mean?
- You may pass when safe
- Passing is prohibited for you (Correct answer)
- The road is a one-way street
- A school zone is ahead
Correct answer: Passing is prohibited for you
A solid yellow line on your side means you are not permitted to cross the centerline to pass.
Question 7: How should you handle a blowout at highway speed in Iowa?
- Brake hard immediately and pull over
- Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer straight (Correct answer)
- Swerve to the shoulder immediately
- Accelerate briefly to stabilize the vehicle
Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer straight
During a blowout, grip the wheel firmly, avoid braking suddenly, ease off the gas, and steer to a safe stop.
IA DMV Safe Driving Practices 2
When driving in heavy fog in Iowa, what should you use instead of high-beam headlights?