Driver's Permit Knowledge Test (Car) — All Questions

The 'three-second rule' is used to help you judge what?

• a.How long to signal before a turn
• b.A safe following distance behind the car ahead✓
• c.How long you may park at a meter
• d.The time a yellow light stays lit

The three-second rule sets a safe following distance. Pick a fixed object the car ahead passes, then count 'one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three'; if you reach the object before you finish counting, you are following too closely. Increase the gap to four seconds or more in rain, fog, or when following large vehicles.

What is the safest way to check a blind spot before changing lanes?

• a.Rely only on your rearview mirror
• b.Assume the lane is clear if no horn sounds
• c.Glance over your shoulder in the direction you are moving✓
• d.Close your eyes and merge quickly

Mirrors leave blind spots areas beside and slightly behind your car that they cannot show. Before changing lanes, check your mirrors, signal, and then take a quick glance over your shoulder toward the lane you are entering. Keep the glance brief so you do not lose track of traffic ahead of you.

If your vehicle begins to hydroplane on a wet road, what should you do?

• a.Ease off the gas and hold the wheel steady✓
• b.Brake hard and turn sharply
• c.Accelerate to regain traction
• d.Pump the brakes rapidly while steering

Hydroplaning happens when your tires ride up on a film of water and lose contact with the road. React by easing your foot off the accelerator and keeping the steering wheel steady until the tires regain grip. Avoid slamming the brakes or making sharp steering movements, which can throw the car into a skid; slowing down in the rain prevents it in the first place.

When driving at night, why should you avoid overdriving your headlights?

• a.It wastes battery power
• b.It is illegal in every state
• c.Headlights damage your eyes at high speed
• d.You may not be able to stop within the distance you can see✓

Overdriving your headlights means going so fast that your stopping distance is longer than the distance your headlights illuminate. If a hazard appears at the edge of your light, you could hit it before you can stop. At night, reduce speed so you can always stop within the area lit ahead of you, and use high beams on open roads when no traffic is near.