VT DMV Weather and Hazardous Conditions 2

Question 1

You are driving on a Vermont highway when dense fog suddenly rolls in. What should you do with your headlights?

Accepted Answer

Use low-beam headlights

Answer

Low beams aim light down at the road, while high beams reflect off fog and reduce your visibility even further.

Question 2

At what point after rain begins are road surfaces usually most slippery?

Accepted Answer

During the first 10 to 15 minutes of rainfall

Answer

The first minutes of rain mix water with oil and dirt on the pavement, creating an especially slick film before it washes away.

Question 3

Your vehicle begins to hydroplane on a wet road. What is the best response?

Accepted Answer

Ease off the accelerator and avoid braking suddenly

Answer

Easing off the gas lets the tires slow down and regain contact with the road, while hard braking or sharp steering can cause a skid.

Question 4

On which of these surfaces is ice likely to form first when temperatures drop?

Accepted Answer

Bridges and overpasses

Answer

Bridges and overpasses freeze before other road surfaces because cold air circulates both above and below them.

Question 5

When driving on packed snow, how should you adjust your following distance compared to dry pavement?

Accepted Answer

Increase it substantially, to roughly 8 to 10 seconds

Answer

Stopping distances on snow can be several times longer than on dry pavement, so you need a much larger space cushion.

(VT DMV) Vermont Department of Motor Vehicle Practice Test