KY DMV Defensive Driving — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended following distance on dry roads in Kentucky?
- At least 3 seconds (Correct answer)
- At least 1 second
- At least 5 seconds
- At least 2 car lengths
Correct answer: At least 3 seconds
Kentucky recommends a minimum 3-second following distance under normal, dry conditions. This should be increased in poor weather or when following large vehicles.
Question 2: When driving in heavy rain in Kentucky, by how much should you reduce your speed?
- Reduce speed by about one-third below the posted limit (Correct answer)
- Maintain the posted speed limit
- Drive at least 10 mph over to clear the rain faster
- Stop and wait for the rain to end
Correct answer: Reduce speed by about one-third below the posted limit
In heavy rain, reducing speed by about one-third helps maintain traction and control. For example, on a 60 mph road, driving around 40 mph is recommended.
Question 3: What should a Kentucky driver do when encountering a dust storm?
- Pull off the road completely, turn off all lights, and wait for conditions to improve (Correct answer)
- Drive through it quickly
- Use high beams to see through the dust
- Follow closely behind another vehicle for guidance
Correct answer: Pull off the road completely, turn off all lights, and wait for conditions to improve
In a dust storm, pull completely off the road, turn off all lights (so others don't follow your lights off the road), set the parking brake, and wait until conditions improve.
Question 4: In Kentucky, what is the proper technique for avoiding a head-on collision?
- Slow down, steer right toward the shoulder, and sound your horn (Correct answer)
- Speed up and try to pass the oncoming vehicle
- Steer left into the oncoming lane
- Close your eyes and brake hard
Correct answer: Slow down, steer right toward the shoulder, and sound your horn
To avoid a head-on collision, reduce speed, steer to the right (toward the shoulder or ditch), and sound your horn to alert the other driver.
Question 5: What should you do if your accelerator sticks while driving in Kentucky?
- Shift to neutral, apply brakes, and steer to a safe location (Correct answer)
- Turn off the engine immediately
- Pump the accelerator to unstick it
- Open the door and jump out
Correct answer: Shift to neutral, apply brakes, and steer to a safe location
If the accelerator sticks, shift to neutral to disconnect engine power from the wheels, apply brakes firmly, and steer to a safe area to stop.
Question 6: When driving at night in Kentucky, what is the maximum recommended speed when using low beams?
- A speed that allows you to stop within the distance illuminated by your headlights (Correct answer)
- The posted speed limit regardless of visibility
- 45 mph
- As fast as road conditions allow
Correct answer: A speed that allows you to stop within the distance illuminated by your headlights
At night, you should never drive faster than a speed that allows you to stop within the distance your headlights illuminate, which is typically about 350 feet on low beam.
KY DMV Defensive Driving
What is the recommended following distance on dry roads in Kentucky?