VT DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under normal driving conditions, what minimum following distance should you keep behind the vehicle ahead?
- At least a 4-second gap (Correct answer)
- One car length total
- A 1-second gap
- Half a car length per 10 mph
Correct answer: At least a 4-second gap
Vermont recommends keeping at least a four-second following distance under normal conditions to allow time to react and stop.
Question 2: You are driving on a two-lane road and an oncoming vehicle drifts into your lane. What is the best defensive action?
- Slow down, steer right toward the shoulder, and honk (Correct answer)
- Speed up to pass the danger zone quickly
- Steer left into the oncoming lane to avoid it
- Brake hard and stop in your lane
Correct answer: Slow down, steer right toward the shoulder, and honk
Slowing down, moving right toward the shoulder, and sounding your horn gives the drifting driver space and alerts them without risking a head-on collision.
Question 3: How far ahead should you scan the road when driving in an urban area?
- About one block, or 10-15 seconds ahead (Correct answer)
- Only to the car directly in front of you
- About one mile ahead
- 2-3 seconds ahead
Correct answer: About one block, or 10-15 seconds ahead
Scanning 10 to 15 seconds ahead, roughly one city block, lets you spot hazards early enough to respond smoothly.
Question 4: What should you do when another driver is tailgating you?
- Slow down gradually or move over to let them pass (Correct answer)
- Brake hard to warn them
- Speed up to match their pace
- Ignore them and maintain your exact speed and position
Correct answer: Slow down gradually or move over to let them pass
Easing off the accelerator or changing lanes encourages the tailgater to pass and reduces the risk of a rear-end crash.
Question 5: When driving on a wet road, your stopping distance can increase. How should you adjust your following distance?
- Increase it beyond the normal 4-second minimum (Correct answer)
- Keep it exactly the same
- Reduce it so you can see the road better
- Follow closer to draft behind the other vehicle
Correct answer: Increase it beyond the normal 4-second minimum
Wet pavement reduces traction, so you should add extra seconds to your normal following distance to allow for longer stopping distances.
Question 6: Which of these is the best way to manage a blind spot before changing lanes?
- Check mirrors, then glance over your shoulder in the direction of the lane change (Correct answer)
- Rely only on your side mirrors
- Signal and change lanes quickly before anyone enters the spot
- Honk before moving over
Correct answer: Check mirrors, then glance over your shoulder in the direction of the lane change
Mirrors do not cover blind spots, so a quick head check over your shoulder is required before every lane change.
Question 7: You notice a driver ahead weaving between lanes and varying speed erratically. What is the safest response?
- Increase your distance and avoid passing; report them if safe to do so (Correct answer)
- Follow closely to observe their behavior
- Pass immediately on the right
- Flash your headlights repeatedly to alert them
Correct answer: Increase your distance and avoid passing; report them if safe to do so
A weaving driver may be impaired, so keeping well back and avoiding a pass minimizes your exposure to their unpredictable moves.
VT DMV Defensive Driving Techniques 2
Under normal driving conditions, what minimum following distance should you keep behind the vehicle ahead?