TLC Defensive Driving Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a TLC driver experiences brake fade on a long downhill stretch, the best corrective action is to:
- Pump the brakes rapidly
- Downshift to a lower gear to use engine braking (Correct answer)
- Apply the parking brake firmly
- Steer toward a guardrail to slow down
Correct answer: Downshift to a lower gear to use engine braking
Downshifting uses engine braking to slow the vehicle and reduces reliance on overheated brakes.
Question 2: Which behavior is a classic sign of an aggressive driver that a TLC professional should watch for and avoid engaging with?
- Consistent use of turn signals
- Frequent lane changes without signaling and tailgating (Correct answer)
- Driving 5 mph below the speed limit
- Stopping completely at yellow lights
Correct answer: Frequent lane changes without signaling and tailgating
Frequent unsignaled lane changes and tailgating are hallmark aggressive driving behaviors that increase crash risk.
Question 3: A TLC driver is approaching a school zone during dismissal. Beyond reducing speed, what additional defensive action is recommended?
- Honk to scatter children from the road
- Be prepared to stop for any pedestrian near the curb (Correct answer)
- Drive in the center lane to maximize distance from sidewalks
- Speed through to minimize time in the hazard zone
Correct answer: Be prepared to stop for any pedestrian near the curb
Children are unpredictable and may dart into the street, so drivers must be ready to stop for anyone near the roadway.
Question 4: What does the SIPDE defensive driving process stand for?
- Stop, Inspect, Predict, Drive, Evaluate
- Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute (Correct answer)
- Signal, Intersect, Pass, Decelerate, Exit
- Speed, Identify, Prevent, Detect, Escape
Correct answer: Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute
SIPDE — Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute — is a systematic method for anticipating and responding to hazards.
Question 5: When a TLC driver must back up in a for-hire vehicle, the safest practice is to:
- Back up quickly to minimize exposure time
- Use only mirrors and proceed without stopping
- Walk around the vehicle first, then back slowly with windows down (Correct answer)
- Have a passenger guide from behind
Correct answer: Walk around the vehicle first, then back slowly with windows down
Walking around the vehicle identifies hidden obstacles, and backing slowly with windows down allows you to hear hazards.
Question 6: A TLC driver is cut off sharply by another vehicle. The best defensive response is to:
- Honk repeatedly and follow closely to express displeasure
- Brake smoothly, increase following distance, and let the vehicle go (Correct answer)
- Accelerate to pass the offending vehicle immediately
- Report the vehicle on your phone while driving
Correct answer: Brake smoothly, increase following distance, and let the vehicle go
Responding calmly by braking and creating space prevents road rage escalation and maintains passenger safety.
Question 7: At night, when should a TLC driver switch from high beams to low beams?
- Only when another vehicle is within 1,000 feet
- When approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet or following within 300 feet (Correct answer)
- Only in well-lit urban areas
- When visibility drops below 200 feet
Correct answer: When approaching an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet or following within 300 feet
New York law and safe driving practice require dimming high beams within 500 feet of oncoming traffic or 300 feet when following.
TLC Defensive Driving Techniques 3
When a TLC driver experiences brake fade on a long downhill stretch, the best corrective action is to: