NC DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When following another vehicle in ideal conditions, North Carolina recommends maintaining a following distance of at least how many seconds?
- Two seconds (Correct answer)
- One second
- Half a second
- Ten seconds
Correct answer: Two seconds
The two-second rule gives you enough time to react and stop if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly.
Question 2: What should you do if another driver is tailgating you on a two-lane road?
- Slow down gradually and let them pass when safe (Correct answer)
- Brake hard to warn them
- Speed up to increase the gap
- Stop in the travel lane
Correct answer: Slow down gradually and let them pass when safe
Easing off and allowing the tailgater to pass safely defuses the hazard without risking a rear-end collision.
Question 3: Where should you focus your eyes while driving to spot hazards early?
- Well ahead, scanning the full road scene (Correct answer)
- Directly at the bumper of the car ahead
- Only at the speedometer
- At the road just in front of your hood
Correct answer: Well ahead, scanning the full road scene
Looking 10 to 15 seconds ahead lets you identify hazards early enough to respond smoothly.
Question 4: You are approaching an intersection with a green light that has been green for a long time. What is the defensive approach?
- Cover the brake and be prepared for the light to change (Correct answer)
- Speed up to get through before it changes
- Close your following distance to beat the light
- Come to a full stop at the green light
Correct answer: Cover the brake and be prepared for the light to change
A 'stale' green light may change soon, so being ready to stop prevents running a red light or braking abruptly.
Question 5: What is the main purpose of an escape route while driving?
- It gives you a place to steer if a sudden hazard blocks your path (Correct answer)
- It is the fastest route to your destination
- It is the lane reserved for emergency vehicles
- It lets you avoid toll roads
Correct answer: It gives you a place to steer if a sudden hazard blocks your path
Defensive drivers always identify open space around their vehicle so they can steer clear of sudden dangers.
Question 6: How should you handle a vehicle that is driving erratically or aggressively near you?
- Increase your distance and avoid eye contact or gestures (Correct answer)
- Honk repeatedly to correct their behavior
- Match their speed to keep them in view
- Pull alongside to signal them to stop
Correct answer: Increase your distance and avoid eye contact or gestures
Creating space and avoiding engagement prevents escalating a road rage situation.
Question 7: When driving at night, why should you avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights?
- The glare can temporarily impair your vision (Correct answer)
- It is illegal in North Carolina
- It causes the other driver to slow down
- It drains your own headlight power
Correct answer: The glare can temporarily impair your vision
Glancing toward the right edge of your lane preserves your night vision when meeting bright headlights.
