NC DMV Vehicle Operation and Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When driving on a wet road in North Carolina, what is the safest way to slow down if your vehicle begins to hydroplane?
- Ease off the accelerator and keep the steering wheel straight (Correct answer)
- Brake hard immediately
- Turn sharply toward the shoulder
- Shift into reverse to slow the wheels
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and keep the steering wheel straight
Easing off the gas lets the tires regain contact with the road without losing control.
Question 2: What is the proper hand position on the steering wheel recommended for most driving situations?
- 9 and 3 o'clock (Correct answer)
- 12 and 6 o'clock
- One hand at 12 o'clock
- 10 and 2 o'clock with thumbs inside the wheel
Correct answer: 9 and 3 o'clock
The 9 and 3 position gives maximum control and keeps hands clear of a deploying airbag.
Question 3: If your accelerator pedal sticks while driving, what should you do first?
- Shift to neutral and apply the brakes (Correct answer)
- Turn off the ignition and remove the key
- Pump the accelerator with your left foot
- Pull the parking brake as hard as possible
Correct answer: Shift to neutral and apply the brakes
Shifting to neutral removes engine power to the wheels so you can brake and steer safely off the road.
Question 4: When backing up your vehicle, the safest practice is to:
- Turn your head and look through the rear window while backing slowly (Correct answer)
- Rely only on your rearview mirror
- Rely only on your backup camera
- Open the door and watch the pavement
Correct answer: Turn your head and look through the rear window while backing slowly
Looking directly through the rear window gives the fullest view; mirrors and cameras have blind spots.
Question 5: What should you do if your brakes suddenly fail while driving?
- Pump the brake pedal and downshift to a lower gear (Correct answer)
- Turn off the engine immediately
- Swerve side to side to slow down
- Accelerate to find a safe crash spot
Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal and downshift to a lower gear
Pumping may build brake pressure, and downshifting uses engine braking to slow the vehicle.
Question 6: When driving down a long, steep hill, you should:
- Shift to a lower gear to help control your speed (Correct answer)
- Ride the brakes continuously
- Shift into neutral to coast
- Turn off the engine to save fuel
Correct answer: Shift to a lower gear to help control your speed
A lower gear provides engine braking and prevents the brakes from overheating and fading.
Question 7: If a front tire blows out while you are driving, you should:
- Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and slow down gradually (Correct answer)
- Brake hard right away
- Steer sharply toward the median
- Accelerate to stabilize the vehicle
Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and slow down gradually
A firm grip and gradual slowing keep the vehicle under control after a blowout.
NC DMV Vehicle Operation and Control 2
When driving on a wet road in North Carolina, what is the safest way to slow down if your vehicle begins to hydroplane?