NC DMV Safe Driving Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under North Carolina's Move Over law, what must you do when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on a multi-lane highway?
- Move into a lane not adjacent to the vehicle, or slow down if you cannot change lanes (Correct answer)
- Stop completely until the vehicle leaves
- Flash your headlights and maintain speed
- Sound your horn to alert the responders
Correct answer: Move into a lane not adjacent to the vehicle, or slow down if you cannot change lanes
North Carolina law requires drivers to change lanes away from stopped emergency vehicles or slow down when a lane change is not possible.
Question 2: What is the recommended minimum following distance under normal driving conditions?
- At least a two-second gap behind the vehicle ahead (Correct answer)
- One car length at any speed
- Ten feet regardless of speed
- Half a second per 10 mph
Correct answer: At least a two-second gap behind the vehicle ahead
A minimum two-second following distance gives you time to perceive and react to hazards ahead under normal conditions.
Question 3: You are driving on a two-lane road at night and an oncoming vehicle's high beams are blinding you. What should you do?
- Look toward the right edge of your lane and slow down (Correct answer)
- Turn on your own high beams to alert the driver
- Close one eye to preserve night vision
- Stare directly ahead at the center line
Correct answer: Look toward the right edge of your lane and slow down
Glancing toward the right edge of the road keeps you in your lane while avoiding the glare of oncoming high beams.
Question 4: When must you use your headlights in North Carolina?
- From sunset to sunrise and whenever your windshield wipers are in use (Correct answer)
- Only when it is completely dark
- Only on unlit rural roads
- Only when other drivers flash their lights at you
Correct answer: From sunset to sunrise and whenever your windshield wipers are in use
North Carolina law requires headlights from sunset to sunrise and any time wipers are in use due to rain, fog, or snow.
Question 5: What is the safest way to handle a tailgater on a two-lane road?
- Slow down slightly or pull over to let them pass (Correct answer)
- Tap your brakes hard to warn them
- Speed up to increase the gap
- Come to a complete stop in your lane
Correct answer: Slow down slightly or pull over to let them pass
Letting a tailgater pass removes the hazard, while brake-checking or speeding up increases the risk of a crash.
Question 6: Before changing lanes on a highway, you should signal, check your mirrors, and then do what?
- Glance over your shoulder to check your blind spot (Correct answer)
- Accelerate quickly into the new lane
- Honk to warn nearby drivers
- Rely only on your side mirror
Correct answer: Glance over your shoulder to check your blind spot
Mirrors cannot show the blind spot beside your vehicle, so a quick shoulder check is required before moving over.
Question 7: Which action best describes defensive driving?
- Anticipating other drivers' mistakes and being ready to react (Correct answer)
- Driving well below the speed limit at all times
- Using your horn frequently to assert your position
- Staying in the left lane to avoid merging traffic
Correct answer: Anticipating other drivers' mistakes and being ready to react
Defensive driving means expecting errors from others and maintaining space and awareness so you can respond safely.
NC DMV Safe Driving Practices 2
Under North Carolina's Move Over law, what must you do when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on a multi-lane highway?