MO DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Your vehicle begins to hydroplane on a wet Missouri highway. What should you do first?
- Brake firmly
- Ease off the accelerator and hold the wheel steady (Correct answer)
- Turn sharply toward the shoulder
- Shift into neutral and brake
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and hold the wheel steady
Easing off the gas lets the tires regain contact with the road, while braking or steering sharply can cause a skid.
Question 2: When passing a large truck on the interstate, a defensive driver should:
- Pass on the right where the lane is wider
- Linger beside the truck to stay visible
- Pass quickly on the left and avoid lingering in blind spots (Correct answer)
- Honk continuously while passing
Correct answer: Pass quickly on the left and avoid lingering in blind spots
Trucks have large blind spots on both sides, so you should pass promptly on the left and not linger.
Question 3: At what times of day should you be most alert for deer on Missouri roads?
- Midday
- Dawn and dusk (Correct answer)
- Only after midnight
- Deer are equally active at all hours
Correct answer: Dawn and dusk
Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, especially in fall, making those the highest-risk times for collisions.
Question 4: If your brakes suddenly fail while driving, what is the correct defensive sequence?
- Turn off the engine immediately
- Pump the brakes, downshift, and use the parking brake gradually (Correct answer)
- 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 may restore pressure, downshifting uses engine braking, and gradual parking-brake use slows the car without locking wheels.
Question 5: What is the main danger of driving with cruise control on wet or icy roads?
- It drains the battery faster
- It can cause sudden acceleration when tires lose traction (Correct answer)
- It disables the antilock brakes
- It makes the horn stop working
Correct answer: It can cause sudden acceleration when tires lose traction
Cruise control may keep applying power when tires lose grip, worsening a skid or hydroplane.
Question 6: You are approaching a stopped school bus with flashing red lights on a two-lane Missouri road. You must:
- Slow to 20 mph and pass carefully
- Stop regardless of your direction of travel (Correct answer)
- Stop only if traveling behind the bus
- Honk and proceed
Correct answer: Stop regardless of your direction of travel
On undivided roads, Missouri law requires traffic in both directions to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights.
Question 7: Which practice best reduces your risk when driving through a heavy downpour?
- Following the taillights ahead closely for guidance
- Reducing speed and increasing following distance (Correct answer)
- Using hazard lights while moving at normal speed
- Driving in the center lane at the speed limit
Correct answer: Reducing speed and increasing following distance
Slowing down and adding following distance compensates for reduced traction and visibility in heavy rain.
MO DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 3
Your vehicle begins to hydroplane on a wet Missouri highway.
What should you do first?