Question 1

What is the basic idea behind "defensive driving"?

Accepted Answer

Anticipating hazards and other drivers’ possible mistakes so you can react safely — Defensive driving means actively expecting other drivers to make mistakes and positioning yourself to respond safely if they do.

Question 2

What is a "space cushion" in defensive driving?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining enough space around your vehicle, front, side, and rear, to react to hazards — A space cushion gives a driver room and time to react if a hazard suddenly appears from any direction.

Question 3

What is an "escape route" in defensive driving terms?

Accepted Answer

A path identified in advance to move your vehicle out of danger if a hazard develops — Scanning for an open space you could steer into if needed is a core defensive-driving habit, done well before it’s actually needed.

Question 4

Why should a driver scan well ahead of their vehicle, not just directly in front of it?

Accepted Answer

It provides more time to notice and react to hazards as they develop — Looking further down the road gives a driver earlier warning of a developing hazard, increasing available reaction time.

Question 5

What does "covering the brake" mean as a defensive-driving technique?

Accepted Answer

Resting your foot near, but not on, the brake pedal in anticipation of a hazard — Covering the brake shaves a fraction of a second off reaction time in situations where a hazard seems likely, such as passing a school zone.

Defensive Driving Practice Questions