NC DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the Smith System's first principle of defensive driving?
- Aim high in steering — look far down the road, not just at the vehicle ahead (Correct answer)
- Always drive in the left lane
- Keep both hands at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel
- Never exceed 5 mph under the speed limit
Correct answer: Aim high in steering — look far down the road, not just at the vehicle ahead
'Aim high in steering' means looking 15-20 seconds ahead of your vehicle to identify potential hazards early and have maximum time to react.
Question 2: What is the purpose of scanning intersections before entering?
- To identify cross-traffic, pedestrians, and potential hazards before they become emergencies (Correct answer)
- To check if the traffic light is working
- To count the number of lanes
- To look for parking spaces
Correct answer: To identify cross-traffic, pedestrians, and potential hazards before they become emergencies
Scanning intersections allows you to detect vehicles running red lights, pedestrians entering crosswalks, and other hazards that a green light alone does not guarantee safety from.
Question 3: What does the acronym 'SIPDE' stand for in defensive driving?
- Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute (Correct answer)
- Stop, Investigate, Proceed, Drive, Exit
- Signal, Inspect, Parallel, Drive, Evaluate
- Safety, Intelligence, Prevention, Defense, Education
Correct answer: Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute
SIPDE is a systematic process: Scan the environment, Identify potential hazards, Predict what might happen, Decide on a course of action, and Execute your decision.
Question 4: Why is it important to have an escape route while driving?
- To have an alternative path available if a sudden hazard requires evasive action (Correct answer)
- To find the fastest way to your destination
- To avoid toll roads
- To maintain the shortest following distance
Correct answer: To have an alternative path available if a sudden hazard requires evasive action
Always maintaining an escape route — space to maneuver into if danger appears — gives you options beyond just braking when an emergency occurs.
Question 5: What is the proper technique for checking mirrors while driving?
- Check mirrors every 5-8 seconds with brief glances to maintain awareness of surrounding traffic (Correct answer)
- Check mirrors only when changing lanes
- Use mirrors only when backing up
- Stare at mirrors for extended periods to identify all vehicles
Correct answer: Check mirrors every 5-8 seconds with brief glances to maintain awareness of surrounding traffic
Regular mirror checks every 5-8 seconds with brief glances maintain your awareness of traffic around you without taking your attention from the road ahead.
Question 6: How does fatigue affect driving performance?
- It impairs reaction time, judgment, and attention similar to alcohol impairment (Correct answer)
- It only causes drowsiness, not impaired driving ability
- It improves focus through adrenaline
- It only affects drivers on long highway trips
Correct answer: It impairs reaction time, judgment, and attention similar to alcohol impairment
Driver fatigue impairs reaction time, decision-making, and attention in ways comparable to alcohol impairment. Drowsy driving is a leading cause of accidents.
NC DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 1
What is the Smith System's first principle of defensive driving?