UT DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: While driving through Provo Canyon in winter, your rear wheels begin to skid. What should you do first?
- Brake hard immediately
- Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go (Correct answer)
- Turn the steering wheel opposite the direction of the skid
- Shift into neutral and coast
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go
Easing off the gas and steering toward your intended path helps the tires regain traction and straightens the vehicle.
Question 2: How should you adjust your driving on a snow-packed Utah road?
- Use cruise control to keep a steady speed
- Reduce speed and increase following distance to 6 seconds or more (Correct answer)
- Follow the tire tracks of the car ahead closely
- Pump anti-lock brakes when stopping
Correct answer: Reduce speed and increase following distance to 6 seconds or more
Snow greatly increases stopping distance, so slower speeds and much larger gaps are required.
Question 3: What is the safest way to handle a distraction, such as an incoming text, while driving?
- Read it quickly at the next red light
- Wait until you are safely parked before checking your phone (Correct answer)
- Hold the phone above the dashboard so you can see the road too
- Ask a passenger to read it while you reply verbally
Correct answer: Wait until you are safely parked before checking your phone
Utah law and defensive driving principles both require handling phone tasks only when parked safely.
Question 4: You are driving at night on a rural Utah highway and an oncoming vehicle has its high beams on. What should you do?
- Flash your high beams repeatedly until they dim theirs
- Look toward the right edge of your lane and slow slightly (Correct answer)
- Close one eye to preserve night vision
- Stare straight ahead at the center line
Correct answer: Look toward the right edge of your lane and slow slightly
Glancing at the right edge line keeps you in your lane while avoiding glare that can temporarily blind you.
Question 5: What is the correct defensive response when another driver cuts you off and you feel angry?
- Follow closely to show your displeasure
- Take a deep breath, back off, and avoid eye contact or gestures (Correct answer)
- Honk continuously until the driver apologizes
- Pass the driver and brake-check them
Correct answer: Take a deep breath, back off, and avoid eye contact or gestures
Avoiding retaliation and creating space prevents road rage situations from escalating into crashes.
Question 6: Why should you avoid driving in another vehicle's blind spot?
- It is illegal on Utah freeways
- The other driver may change lanes without seeing you (Correct answer)
- It increases wind resistance on your vehicle
- It blocks your own view of the road ahead
Correct answer: The other driver may change lanes without seeing you
If a driver cannot see you in their mirrors, they may merge into your lane, so speed up or drop back to stay visible.
Question 7: When passing a large truck on the freeway, a defensive driver should do what?
- Pass slowly to keep the truck driver aware of your position
- Pass promptly on the left and avoid lingering beside the truck (Correct answer)
- Pass on the right where the truck's mirrors are larger
- Honk before beginning the pass
Correct answer: Pass promptly on the left and avoid lingering beside the truck
Trucks have large blind spots on both sides, so completing the pass quickly on the left minimizes time where the trucker cannot see you.
UT DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 3
While driving through Provo Canyon in winter, your rear wheels begin to skid.
What should you do first?