District of Columbia DMV Permit: Emergencies Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is You can use your parking lights to make your car more visible to other drivers.

You should use your headlights from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise and whenever visibility is poor at 500 feet or less. You must also switch on your headlights in a tunnel and whenever you turn on your windshield wipers. You must not drive with just your parking lights on.

Source: Using Your Headlights, Driving Rules, District of Columbia Driving Manual

Not quite. The answer is from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.

You must turn on your headlights from one half hour after sunset to one half hour before sunrise. You must also turn on your headlights when you cannot clearly see persons or vehicles on the highway at a distance of 500 feet or less.

Not quite. The answer is slow down and return to the lane behind the vehicle you were passing.

While you are passing, if it appears that you will not have time to complete the pass before meeting oncoming traffic, slow down and return to the lane behind the vehicle you were passing. Turn on your left or right signal, depending on which lane you are entering, to inform the driver behind you and the driver ahead.

Not quite. The answer is steer to the right side of the road and stop.

If your engine dies as you drive around a corner, hold the steering wheel with both hands and steer to the right side of the road. Stop the car, pressing the brake pedal extra hard if your vehicle has power brakes. Shift into neutral and try to restart the engine.

Not quite. The answer is get out of the driver's way.

Aggressive driving is the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property. If you notice a driver behind you repeatedly flashing his or her headlights, you should not retaliate or engage the other driver in any way. Get out of the driver's way instead.

Not quite. The answer is as much as four times.

While you are driving, talking on a cell phone will increase your chances of being in a crash by as much as four times. This is because the conversation is drawing your attention away from your driving. Sending text messages (texting) while driving will increase your chances of being in a crash by as much as eight times.

Not quite. The answer is a day/night mirror

To guard against glare from the headlights of a vehicle behind you, use a day/night mirror. Adjust it before you drive.

Not quite. The answer is hydroplaning.

At speeds of up to 35 mph, modern tires will usually channel water away to maintain contact with the road. However, in deep water at higher speeds, the channeling action of the tires becomes less effective and the tires start to ride on a layer of water similar to water skiing. This is called “hydroplaning.” It may result in a loss of braking and steering control.

Not quite. The answer is text messaging and talking on the phone.

Anything that draws your attention away from the road can distract you. Some examples of distractions while driving are text messaging, talking on the phone, dealing with children, and lighting a cigarette.

Not quite. The answer is Yes, you must signal for 100 feet before turning or 300 feet before changing lanes.

You must signal for at least 100 feet before you turn a corner or 300 feet before you change lanes. You should signal even farther in advance at higher speeds. You must always use your turn signals even when you cannot see any other cars around. The most dangerous driver could be the one you fail to see. [Signaling, Driving Rules, District of Columbia Driving Manual],

Source: Lane Driving, Driving Rules, District of Columbia Driving Manual

Not quite. The answer is When you are 500 feet from an oncoming car or 300 feet behind another car

You should dim your headlights to low beam when you come within 500 feet of any oncoming vehicles or within 300 feet of any vehicles you are following. Note that if your vehicle and an oncoming vehicle are both traveling at 60 mph, the two vehicles will close a 500-foot distance in just 3 seconds. That is very little time for the other driver to deal with being blinded by your high beams.

Source: Using Your Headlights, Driving Rules, District of Columbia Driving Manual

Not quite. The answer is turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.

If your rear wheels start to skid, turn the steering wheel in the direction the vehicle is trying to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they are sliding right, steer right.

Not quite. The answer is stop.

You should always yield to pedestrians. A pedestrian with a white cane or a white cane tipped with red is very likely blind. Exercise extreme caution since this person cannot see you.

Not quite. The answer is hand signals

Directional signals enable you to communicate with other drivers, so it is important that they operate correctly at all times. Any change in the dashboard light indicator indicates a possible problem with the directional signals. If the directional signals fail, use hand signals until you can have them repaired.

Not quite. The answer is Everyone

This is actually a trick question. The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts, no matter how old the driver is, how much driving experience the driver has, or what type of permit or license the driver holds.

Source: Provisional License for Drivers 16 1/2-20 years old, Grad Program Restrictions, Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers (GRAD) Program, Types of Driver Licenses and Permits, District of Columbia Driving Manual; and Important Things to Know, District of Columbia Driving Manual

Not quite. The answer is do all of the above.

If you see a vehicle coming toward you in your lane, move to the right, slow down, sound your horn, and flash your headlights. Do not move into the lane the vehicle has left, because the other driver may “wake up,” realize the mistake, and turn back into that lane.

Not quite. The answer is 100 feet

You must use a turn signal, hand signal, or both, continuously for at least 100 feet before turning. When traveling at a high speed, you should signal for a much greater distance and a longer time interval.

Not quite. The answer is $50

As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring that everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt. If someone in your vehicle is caught without a seat belt, you will be fined $50.

Source: $50 Fine and 2 Points, Seat Belt Law/Click It or Ticket, Traffic Rules, District of Columbia Driving Manual

Not quite. The answer is text messaging and talking on the phone.

Anything that draws your attention away from the road can distract you. Some examples of distractions while driving are text messaging, talking on the phone, dealing with children, and lighting a cigarette.

Not quite. The answer is look toward the right edge of the road

If a car approaches you with bright lights on, do not stare at the lights. Steer by the line at the outside edge of the road so you won't be temporarily blinded.