Safe driving: following distance, weather and skids: California DMV written test practice
Rules to understand before practicing
Keep a following gap that gives you time to react, and increase it when grip or visibility is poor. Scan ahead and check mirrors and blind spots before changing direction. On a wet road, sudden braking or steering can cause loss of control. Use low beams in fog; high beams reflect light back toward you. A common mistake is relying entirely on mirrors or a driver-assistance feature. You still need to observe the road and remain ready to act.
21 free practice questions on safe driving: following distance, weather and skids for the California DMV written knowledge test, each with the correct answer and a short explanation. Study them here, then check yourself in the interactive quiz or the exam simulator.
Explanation: When it's raining, use your low beams—they provide better visibility and don't cause unnecessary glare; parking lights alone aren't enough.
14. If your car starts to hydroplane (slide on a film of water), you should:
Brake hard
✓ Ease off the gas smoothly, without braking abruptly or jerking the steering wheel
Turn the steering wheel sharply to one side
Shift into neutral right away
Explanation: If you start to hydroplane, gently ease off the gas and keep the steering wheel straight, avoiding sudden braking and sharp turns until the tires regain traction.
17. The "R1" level in a mountain road's chain control zone means:
Chains are required for all vehicles, without exception
✓ Chains are generally required, but passenger cars with approved winter tires on all wheels are usually exempt
The road is completely closed
Chains aren't necessary—it's just a recommendation
Explanation: R1 is the most lenient level: chains are generally required, but most passenger cars equipped with certified winter tires on all wheels are exempt (though you still need to carry chains with you).
✓ Chains or traction devices are mandatory for absolutely all vehicles, without exception
All-wheel drive without chains is enough
Only winter tires are required
Explanation: R3 is the strictest level: chains are required for all vehicles without exception; it's rarely imposed, since the road is usually closed before it gets to that point.
19. Covering both ears with headphones or earbuds at the same time while driving in California is:
Permitted without restrictions
✓ Prohibited by law—you must be able to hear sirens and horns
Permitted only on highways
Permitted only for motorcyclists
Explanation: The law prohibits covering both ears with headphones or earbuds while driving—a driver must be able to hear sirens and the horns of other vehicles.
20. Fatigue while driving is especially dangerous because it:
Has no effect on the driver's reaction time
✓ Slows reaction time and can cause a brief microsleep while driving
Affects only passengers
Is dangerous only at night
Explanation: Fatigue slows reaction time and increases the risk of “microsleep”—a brief, involuntary lapse into sleep while driving, which is enough to cause an accident.
21. If you are driving on the highway slower than the flow of traffic, you should:
Stay in any lane of your choice
✓ Keep to the right, yielding the left lanes to faster traffic
Drive strictly in the left lane
Constantly change lanes, looking for an open one
Explanation: Slower traffic must keep to the right and yield the left lanes to let faster vehicles pass—a specific requirement of the California Vehicle Code.