The Driving Task

Question 1

What is the rule for determining a safe following distance between your car and the car in front of you?

Answer 1

The three-second following distance rule. In bad weather, the three seconds should be increased several times to give an extra margin of safety.

Question 2

What motor vehicle accidents must be reported to the police?

Answer 2

You must report to police any motor vehicle accident in which someone is injured or property damage is more than $1,500.

Question 3

What is the correct procedure for maneuvering your car out of a skid?

Answer 3

When a skid starts, don’t panic and don’t hit the brake. Immediately take your foot off the gas pedal, then steer in the direction of the skid. For example, if your rear wheels slide to the right, turn your front wheels toward the right.

Question 4

What is the correct arm signal for a left turn? A right turn? A stop?

Answer 4

The correct hand signals are:
• Left: Your arm and hand extended straight out the window.
• Right: Your arm and hand extended upward out the window.
• Stop: Your arm and hand extended downward out the window.

Question 5

What should you do before changing lanes or turning?

Answer 5

• Check mirrors.
• Signal for the required five seconds or 100 feet before moving your vehicle.
• Glance over your shoulder in the direction you’re going to move.
• When it is safe to do so, make your move gradually and smoothly.
• Cancel the turn signal.

Question 6

Is keeping your eyes straight ahead a defensive driving practice?

Answer 6

No.

Question 7

What should you do if one of your tires blows out while you’re driving?

Answer 7

• Hold the steering wheel tightly and keep the car headed straight down the road.
• Ease your foot off the gas pedal, but do not apply the brakes until you have complete control.
• When the car is under control, brake gently and pull off the road at the nearest spot where it’s safe.

Question 8

What are the proper actions to take if your wheels drift off of the pavement onto a soft shoulder?

Answer 8

• Grip the wheel tightly and steer straight ahead. Stay on the shoulder if there are no immediate obstacles.
• Take your foot off the accelerator and apply the brakes gently.
• Once you’ve slowed down, check traffic for an opening and then, when it is safe, steer onto the pavement. Be careful not to oversteer and shoot out across the center line.