MN MN Safe Driving and Special Conditions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When driving in icy or snowy conditions in Minnesota, you should:
- Increase following distance to 8-10 seconds and accelerate and brake gradually (Correct answer)
- Drive at the posted speed limit since roads are maintained
- Use cruise control to maintain a steady speed
- Apply brakes firmly if the vehicle begins to skid
Correct answer: Increase following distance to 8-10 seconds and accelerate and brake gradually
In winter conditions, Minnesota drivers should greatly increase following distance and use smooth, gradual inputs to avoid loss of control.
Question 2: If your vehicle goes into a skid on ice, you should:
- Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go and ease off the gas (Correct answer)
- Brake firmly and steer opposite to the skid
- Accelerate to regain traction
- Turn the wheel sharply in the opposite direction
Correct answer: Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go and ease off the gas
To correct a skid, steer in the direction you want to go and ease off the accelerator — do not brake sharply.
Question 3: In Minnesota, when must you use your windshield wipers?
- Whenever weather conditions require them, including fog, rain, or snow (Correct answer)
- Only during heavy rain
- Only when visibility is less than 200 feet
- Whenever you use your headlights
Correct answer: Whenever weather conditions require them, including fog, rain, or snow
Minnesota requires use of windshield wipers whenever weather conditions — rain, snow, fog, or sleet — make them necessary.
Question 4: When driving through a flooded road in Minnesota, you should:
- Turn around — never drive through unknown water depth (Correct answer)
- Drive slowly through the center if it appears shallow
- Accelerate through quickly to prevent stalling
- Follow other vehicles closely to gauge depth
Correct answer: Turn around — never drive through unknown water depth
Turn around, don't drown — even 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down, and 2 feet can sweep away a vehicle.
Question 5: What should you do when driving toward a bright sun that reduces your visibility?
- Slow down, use the sun visor, and increase following distance (Correct answer)
- Speed up to pass through the glare zone faster
- Pull over and wait for the sun angle to change
- Switch to high beams to improve your forward visibility
Correct answer: Slow down, use the sun visor, and increase following distance
Sun glare reduces visibility significantly — slow down, use the visor, wear sunglasses, and increase following distance.
Question 6: What is hydroplaning and how do you respond if it occurs?
- Tires ride on a water film — ease off the gas and steer straight until traction returns (Correct answer)
- The engine overheats in rain — pull over and let it cool
- Brakes fail in wet conditions — pump them rapidly
- Visibility drops to zero in rain — turn on high beams
Correct answer: Tires ride on a water film — ease off the gas and steer straight until traction returns
Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose contact with the road on a film of water — ease off the accelerator and steer gently until traction is restored.
MN MN Safe Driving and Special Conditions 1
When driving in icy or snowy conditions in Minnesota, you should: