NV DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When driving in heavy rain, what is the most important defensive driving adjustment to make?
- Increase your following distance and reduce speed (Correct answer)
- Turn on hazard lights and maintain normal speed
- Move to the center lane to avoid puddles
- Pump the brakes frequently to test traction
Correct answer: Increase your following distance and reduce speed
Heavy rain reduces visibility and increases stopping distance, requiring greater following distance and slower speeds.
Question 2: A defensive driver approaching a green traffic light should:
- Accelerate to clear the intersection quickly
- Cover the brake and scan for cross traffic (Correct answer)
- Honk to warn pedestrians and cyclists
- Maintain speed without any additional precautions
Correct answer: Cover the brake and scan for cross traffic
Even at a green light, covering the brake and scanning for hazards helps you react quickly if someone runs the red light.
Question 3: What is the purpose of the 'space cushion' technique in defensive driving?
- To allow other drivers to merge easily in front of you
- To maintain a buffer zone that gives you time and space to react (Correct answer)
- To signal your intention to change lanes safely
- To avoid tailgaters by staying close to the vehicle ahead
Correct answer: To maintain a buffer zone that gives you time and space to react
A space cushion around your vehicle gives you time and distance to react to sudden hazards in any direction.
Question 4: When a driver feels drowsy, the best defensive action is to:
- Roll down the window and turn up the radio
- Drink coffee and continue driving carefully
- Pull off the road in a safe location and rest (Correct answer)
- Increase speed to reach the destination sooner
Correct answer: Pull off the road in a safe location and rest
Drowsy driving impairs reaction time and judgment; stopping to rest is the only safe solution.
Question 5: In Nevada, when should you use your headlights as a defensive driving measure?
- Only after sunset and before sunrise
- Whenever visibility is reduced, including dawn, dusk, and bad weather (Correct answer)
- Only when driving on highways outside city limits
- Only during official nighttime hours as defined by law
Correct answer: Whenever visibility is reduced, including dawn, dusk, and bad weather
Using headlights during low-visibility conditions makes your vehicle more visible to others and helps you see the road better.
Question 6: Which defensive driving strategy best helps avoid road rage incidents?
- Match the aggressive driver's speed to show confidence
- Flash your headlights to warn the aggressive driver
- Avoid eye contact and do not respond to aggressive gestures (Correct answer)
- Pull alongside the aggressive driver to resolve the situation
Correct answer: Avoid eye contact and do not respond to aggressive gestures
Avoiding engagement with aggressive drivers prevents escalation and keeps you focused on safe driving.
Question 7: When driving behind a large truck on a Nevada highway, a defensive driver should:
- Follow closely to reduce wind drag and save fuel
- Stay back far enough to see the truck's mirrors (Correct answer)
- Pass immediately on the right to avoid the truck's blind spots
- Drive directly beside the truck to stay out of its wake
Correct answer: Stay back far enough to see the truck's mirrors
If you can see the truck driver's mirrors, they can see you — staying back also gives you better visibility and reaction time.
NV DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 2
When driving in heavy rain, what is the most important defensive driving adjustment to make?