MD DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In rain, your following distance should be increased because:
- Wet pavement increases stopping distance and reduces traction (Correct answer)
- Other drivers slow down too much
- Windshield wipers block your view
- Tires grip better when wet
Correct answer: Wet pavement increases stopping distance and reduces traction
Wet roads reduce tire traction, so vehicles need more distance to stop safely.
Question 2: Your vehicle begins to hydroplane on a wet Maryland highway. What should you do?
- Ease off the gas and steer straight until traction returns (Correct answer)
- Brake hard immediately
- Accelerate to push through the water
- Turn the wheel sharply toward the shoulder
Correct answer: Ease off the gas and steer straight until traction returns
Easing off the accelerator without braking or sharp steering lets the tires regain contact with the road.
Question 3: Which of the following is the best way to handle a distracted driver drifting into your lane?
- Slow down, create space, and tap your horn if needed to alert them (Correct answer)
- Match their drifting to stay beside them
- Tailgate them to get their attention
- Pass on the shoulder immediately
Correct answer: Slow down, create space, and tap your horn if needed to alert them
Creating space and using your horn to alert the drifting driver reduces the chance of a sideswipe collision.
Question 4: When driving at night on an unlit road, you should drive at a speed that allows you to:
- Stop within the distance lit by your headlights (Correct answer)
- Match the fastest vehicle on the road
- Use high beams at all times regardless of traffic
- Reach your destination on schedule
Correct answer: Stop within the distance lit by your headlights
Overdriving your headlights means you cannot stop in time for hazards that appear at the edge of your lit area.
Question 5: What is the safest way to handle a sudden brake failure while driving?
- Pump the brakes, downshift, and use the parking brake gradually (Correct answer)
- Turn off the engine immediately at speed
- Swerve back and forth to slow down
- Open the door and drag your foot
Correct answer: Pump the brakes, downshift, and use the parking brake gradually
Pumping the brakes may restore pressure, while downshifting and gradual parking brake use slow the vehicle under control.
Question 6: Why is it dangerous to rely only on your mirrors before changing lanes?
- Mirrors have blind spots that can hide entire vehicles (Correct answer)
- Mirrors show objects that do not exist
- Mirror use is optional under Maryland law
- Mirrors only work during the day
Correct answer: Mirrors have blind spots that can hide entire vehicles
Blind spots not covered by mirrors can conceal vehicles, so a head check over your shoulder is essential.
Question 7: A large truck ahead of you blocks your view of the road. The defensive choice is to:
- Increase your following distance so you can see farther ahead (Correct answer)
- Follow closely to draft and save fuel
- Drive beside the truck in its blind spot
- Flash your lights until it moves
Correct answer: Increase your following distance so you can see farther ahead
Dropping back restores your view of the road ahead and gives extra stopping room behind a heavy vehicle.
MD DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 3
In rain, your following distance should be increased because: