SC DMV Safe Driving Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is hydroplaning and how can you recover from it in South Carolina?
- Loss of traction on wet roads — ease off gas and steer straight (Correct answer)
- Engine overheating — pull over immediately
- Brake failure — pump brakes
- Windshield fogging — turn on defroster
Correct answer: Loss of traction on wet roads — ease off gas and steer straight
Hydroplaning occurs when tires ride on a water film; release the accelerator gently and steer straight until traction returns.
Question 2: What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid on a slippery road?
- Steer in the direction of the skid and ease off the gas (Correct answer)
- Steer away from the skid and brake hard
- Accelerate out of the skid
- Turn the wheel sharply opposite the skid
Correct answer: Steer in the direction of the skid and ease off the gas
To recover from a skid, steer gently into the direction the rear is sliding while releasing the accelerator to regain traction.
Question 3: In South Carolina, child safety seats are required for children under what age?
- Under 8 years old or under 57 inches tall (Correct answer)
- Under 6 years old
- Under 5 years old
- Under 10 years old
Correct answer: Under 8 years old or under 57 inches tall
SC law requires an appropriate child restraint system for all children under 8 years old or under 57 inches in height.
Question 4: What is the safest way to negotiate a sharp curve?
- Slow down before entering, then accelerate gently through the curve (Correct answer)
- Brake heavily while in the curve
- Maintain highway speed throughout
- Accelerate before the curve and coast through
Correct answer: Slow down before entering, then accelerate gently through the curve
Reduce speed before entering a curve so you have full control; braking in a curve can cause the car to skid.
Question 5: When passing a large truck on a South Carolina highway, you should:
- Pass quickly and move ahead so the truck driver can see you (Correct answer)
- Stay beside the truck as long as possible
- Slow down and follow at a safe distance
- Pass on the right to stay visible
Correct answer: Pass quickly and move ahead so the truck driver can see you
Pass trucks quickly to minimize time in their blind spots, and ensure you can see the truck in your rear mirror before merging back.
Question 6: What does 'defensive driving' mean in South Carolina driver education?
- Anticipating hazards and adjusting driving to avoid accidents (Correct answer)
- Driving aggressively to control traffic
- Following traffic laws strictly without scanning surroundings
- Using horn frequently to warn others
Correct answer: Anticipating hazards and adjusting driving to avoid accidents
Defensive driving means staying alert, anticipating the mistakes of others, and taking proactive steps to avoid collisions.
SC DMV Safe Driving Practices 2
What is hydroplaning and how can you recover from it in South Carolina?