NC DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In heavy rain, your following distance should be increased to at least how many seconds?
- Four or more seconds (Correct answer)
- Two seconds
- One second
- The same as in dry weather
Correct answer: Four or more seconds
Wet pavement lengthens stopping distance, so doubling the normal two-second gap keeps a safe buffer.
Question 2: What is the correct response if your vehicle begins to hydroplane?
- Ease off the accelerator and steer straight until traction returns (Correct answer)
- Brake hard immediately
- Accelerate to power through the water
- Turn the wheel sharply toward the shoulder
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer straight until traction returns
Gently reducing speed lets the tires regain contact with the road, while braking or sharp steering can cause a skid.
Question 3: A truck's blind spots, or 'No-Zones,' are largest in which areas?
- Directly behind and along the sides of the truck (Correct answer)
- Only in front of the truck
- Only on the driver's side
- Trucks have no blind spots because of large mirrors
Correct answer: Directly behind and along the sides of the truck
Large trucks cannot see vehicles lingering behind them or beside their trailers, so pass quickly and stay visible.
Question 4: What should a defensive driver do before changing lanes?
- Signal, check mirrors, and glance over the shoulder to check the blind spot (Correct answer)
- Signal only, since mirrors show everything
- Change lanes quickly before other cars close the gap
- Honk to alert nearby drivers
Correct answer: Signal, check mirrors, and glance over the shoulder to check the blind spot
Mirrors alone leave blind spots, so a head check is required to confirm the lane is clear.
Question 5: You are being passed by another vehicle on a two-lane highway. What should you do?
- Maintain or slightly reduce your speed to help them pass safely (Correct answer)
- Speed up so they must abandon the pass
- Move to the center of the road
- Flash your high beams at them
Correct answer: Maintain or slightly reduce your speed to help them pass safely
Holding a steady or slightly slower speed shortens the time the passing driver spends in the oncoming lane.
Question 6: Why is driving while fatigued considered dangerous even if you stay awake?
- Fatigue slows reaction time and impairs judgment much like alcohol (Correct answer)
- Fatigue only affects night vision
- It only matters for commercial drivers
- It increases fuel consumption
Correct answer: Fatigue slows reaction time and impairs judgment much like alcohol
Drowsiness reduces alertness and reaction speed, producing impairment comparable to alcohol intoxication.
Question 7: When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on a multi-lane highway in North Carolina, the Move Over law requires you to:
- Move over one lane away if possible, or slow down if you cannot (Correct answer)
- Stop completely on the highway
- Continue at the posted speed in your lane
- Turn on your hazard lights and pass closely
Correct answer: Move over one lane away if possible, or slow down if you cannot
North Carolina's Move Over law requires changing lanes away from stopped emergency vehicles or slowing down when a lane change is unsafe.
NC DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 3
In heavy rain, your following distance should be increased to at least how many seconds?