MA DMV Safe Driving Practices and Defensive Driving 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the safest action when you feel drowsy while driving in Massachusetts?
- Open the window and turn up the radio
- Drink coffee and continue driving
- Pull safely off the road and rest or sleep (Correct answer)
- Switch to a less traveled road to reduce stress
Correct answer: Pull safely off the road and rest or sleep
The only safe response to drowsiness while driving is to stop and rest — stimulants and distractions do not restore alertness effectively.
Question 2: What is the recommended action when your vehicle begins to skid on a slippery road?
- Brake hard immediately to regain control
- Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go and ease off the gas (Correct answer)
- Turn sharply in the opposite direction of the skid
- Accelerate to regain traction on the rear wheels
Correct answer: Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go and ease off the gas
When skidding, steer in the direction you want to go and ease off the accelerator to help the tires regain traction — hard braking worsens skids.
Question 3: At what point during a trip should you adjust mirrors in Massachusetts?
- While driving to check your technique
- Before starting the trip while the vehicle is stationary (Correct answer)
- Only when switching drivers
- After exiting the highway to prepare for city driving
Correct answer: Before starting the trip while the vehicle is stationary
Mirrors should always be adjusted before you begin driving so you have proper visibility without having to take your hands off the wheel while in motion.
Question 4: What is the proper technique for braking on a vehicle without ABS (anti-lock brakes) on a slippery surface?
- Apply firm steady pressure until the vehicle stops
- Pump the brakes rapidly to prevent wheel lockup (Correct answer)
- Press the brake all the way to the floor for maximum stopping power
- Use only the parking brake to avoid skidding
Correct answer: Pump the brakes rapidly to prevent wheel lockup
On a non-ABS vehicle, pumping the brakes prevents wheel lockup on slippery surfaces, maintaining some steering control while reducing speed.
Question 5: In Massachusetts, what is the proper way to enter a curve at excessive speed?
- Brake hard at the apex of the curve
- Brake before the curve, not during it, to maintain control through the turn (Correct answer)
- Accelerate through the curve to maintain stability
- Shift to a lower gear mid-curve to slow the vehicle
Correct answer: Brake before the curve, not during it, to maintain control through the turn
You should reduce speed before entering a curve, then maintain steady speed or gently accelerate through it — braking mid-curve can cause skidding.
Question 6: What should you do if your accelerator pedal sticks while driving?
- Turn off the ignition immediately
- Shift to neutral, apply the brakes, and steer to a safe stop — then turn off the ignition (Correct answer)
- Press harder on the brake while keeping the car in drive
- Call 911 before taking any action
Correct answer: Shift to neutral, apply the brakes, and steer to a safe stop — then turn off the ignition
Shift to neutral to disconnect engine power from the wheels, apply the brakes to slow and stop the vehicle, then turn off the ignition after reaching a safe stop.
MA DMV Safe Driving Practices and Defensive Driving 1
What is the safest action when you feel drowsy while driving in Massachusetts?