UT DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under normal driving conditions, how far ahead should a defensive driver scan the road?
- About 1 second ahead
- 12 to 15 seconds ahead (Correct answer)
- 3 to 4 seconds ahead
- 30 to 45 seconds ahead
Correct answer: 12 to 15 seconds ahead
Scanning 12 to 15 seconds ahead gives you time to identify hazards and adjust before you reach them.
Question 2: You are driving on I-15 and a vehicle is tailgating you. What is the safest defensive response?
- Tap your brakes firmly to warn the driver
- Speed up to create distance behind you
- Increase your following distance from the vehicle ahead and let the tailgater pass when possible (Correct answer)
- Come to a gradual stop on the shoulder
Correct answer: Increase your following distance from the vehicle ahead and let the tailgater pass when possible
Adding space ahead gives you and the tailgater more time to stop, and moving over lets the aggressive driver pass safely.
Question 3: What is the main purpose of the two-second (or greater) following distance rule?
- To keep traffic flowing at a steady speed
- To allow enough time to perceive and react if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly (Correct answer)
- To avoid being ticketed for tailgating
- To reduce fuel consumption
Correct answer: To allow enough time to perceive and react if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly
A minimum following distance gives your brain time to perceive a hazard and your vehicle time to slow or stop.
Question 4: When should you increase your following distance beyond the normal minimum?
- Only at night
- When following a motorcycle, in bad weather, or when towing a trailer (Correct answer)
- Only when driving over 65 mph
- Only in school zones
Correct answer: When following a motorcycle, in bad weather, or when towing a trailer
Motorcycles can stop quickly, slick roads lengthen stopping distance, and towing adds weight, so all require extra space.
Question 5: A defensive driver approaching a green light at a busy intersection should do what?
- Speed up to clear the intersection before the light changes
- Cover the brake and check for cross traffic before entering (Correct answer)
- Assume cross traffic will stop because they have a red light
- Honk to alert other drivers of their approach
Correct answer: Cover the brake and check for cross traffic before entering
A stale green light can change, and red-light runners are common, so check left-right-left even with the right of way.
Question 6: What does it mean to leave yourself an 'escape route' while driving?
- Always driving in the far right lane
- Keeping an open space around your vehicle you can steer into if a hazard develops (Correct answer)
- Memorizing alternate roads to your destination
- Keeping your gas tank at least half full
Correct answer: Keeping an open space around your vehicle you can steer into if a hazard develops
An escape route is open space to the side or ahead that lets you steer or brake away from a sudden hazard.
Question 7: Which behavior best describes a defensive driver's attitude toward other road users?
- Expecting others to follow the rules at all times
- Anticipating mistakes by others and being ready to compensate for them (Correct answer)
- Driving slower than all surrounding traffic
- Yielding the right of way only when legally required
Correct answer: Anticipating mistakes by others and being ready to compensate for them
Defensive driving means assuming other drivers may make errors and being prepared to respond safely.
UT DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 2
Under normal driving conditions, how far ahead should a defensive driver scan the road?