VA DMV VA DMV Special Driving Conditions Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When driving at night in Virginia, when should you switch from high beams to low beams?
- Within 1,000 feet of an oncoming vehicle
- Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or within 200 feet when following another vehicle (Correct answer)
- Only when the other driver flashes their lights
- Within 300 feet of any vehicle
Correct answer: Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or within 200 feet when following another vehicle
Virginia law requires switching to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle and within 200 feet when following another vehicle.
Question 2: What should you do if you are blinded by oncoming headlights at night in Virginia?
- Flash your high beams to signal the other driver
- Stare directly at the headlights to adjust your eyes
- Slow down and look toward the right edge of the road (Correct answer)
- Stop immediately in the roadway
Correct answer: Slow down and look toward the right edge of the road
If blinded by oncoming lights in Virginia, slow down, avert your eyes, and focus on the right edge of the road to guide your path.
Question 3: What does 'black ice' mean for Virginia drivers?
- Ice that forms in shadows only
- A thin, transparent layer of ice on the road surface that is nearly invisible (Correct answer)
- Ice that forms only on bridges
- Dirty ice near construction zones
Correct answer: A thin, transparent layer of ice on the road surface that is nearly invisible
Black ice is a nearly invisible, thin layer of ice on the road surface that appears the same color as the pavement and is extremely dangerous.
Question 4: What precaution should Virginia drivers take when approaching a bridge in winter conditions?
- Speed up to minimize time on the bridge
- Slow down — bridges freeze before road surfaces (Correct answer)
- Stay in the center lane only
- Bridges rarely ice, so no extra precaution is needed
Correct answer: Slow down — bridges freeze before road surfaces
Bridges and overpasses freeze before road surfaces because cold air circulates both above and below them, making extra caution necessary.
Question 5: If your accelerator sticks while driving in Virginia, what should you do?
- Pump the brakes rapidly
- Shift into neutral, apply brakes firmly, and pull off the road safely (Correct answer)
- Turn off the ignition immediately
- Shift directly into reverse
Correct answer: Shift into neutral, apply brakes firmly, and pull off the road safely
If your accelerator sticks, shift into neutral to disengage the engine from the wheels, apply brakes firmly, and pull safely off the road.
Question 6: What does Virginia recommend regarding driving in heavy rain with significant standing water?
- Follow other vehicles closely to gauge depth
- 'Turn Around, Don't Drown' — never drive through flooded roads (Correct answer)
- Four-wheel drive vehicles can always safely cross flooded roads
- Drive at half speed through flooded areas
Correct answer: 'Turn Around, Don't Drown' — never drive through flooded roads
Virginia promotes the 'Turn Around, Don't Drown' campaign because just 6 inches of water can stall a vehicle and 2 feet can carry away most cars.
VA DMV VA DMV Special Driving Conditions Questions and Answers 2
When driving at night in Virginia, when should you switch from high beams to low beams?