The road is cold and wet, and you are approaching a bridge after driving on clear pavement. What should you anticipate?
Correct answer: The bridge may be icy even when nearby pavement is not.
Bridges can cool and become icy before adjoining pavement, and shaded spots may stay icy. Reduce speed and avoid abrupt control inputs.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual, revised March 2023; printed p. 25; PDF p. 27 — Slippery Roads: bridges and shaded spots ↗
In heavy rain the steering suddenly feels light as the tires ride on water. What should you do?
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and keep steering steady until traction returns.
For hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking or turning. Smooth actions reduce the chance of a skid as tire grip returns.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual, revised March 2023; printed p. 25; PDF p. 27 — Water on the Roadway: traction loss ↗
A Connecticut driver is planning seasonal use of studded tires. Which period does the manual permit?
Correct answer: November 15 through April 30.
The manual lists November 15 through April 30 for studded tires. Tire equipment does not eliminate the need to reduce speed on snow or ice.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual, revised March 2023; printed p. 25; PDF p. 27 — Slippery Roads: studded tire season ↗
You enter thick fog. Which lighting choice best follows the manual?
Correct answer: Use low-beam headlights.
Low beams reduce the glare reflected back by fog or heavy precipitation. Reduce speed as visibility falls; lights do not restore clear-weather sight distance.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual, revised March 2023; printed p. 38; PDF p. 40 — Lights: low beams in fog or heavy precipitation ↗
An approaching driver keeps high beams on, making it hard to see. Where should you direct your gaze while keeping control?
Correct answer: Toward the right edge of the road rather than directly into the lights.
Use the right edge as a guide and avoid staring at the glare. Do not retaliate by keeping your own high beams on.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual, revised March 2023; printed p. 38; PDF p. 40 — Lights: glare from oncoming high beams ↗
On a dark road, you cannot stop within the distance illuminated ahead. What must change?
Correct answer: Reduce speed so you can stop within the distance you can see.
Do not overdrive your headlights. Familiarity with the road does not show whether an unexpected person, vehicle or obstruction is ahead.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual, revised March 2023; printed p. 38; PDF p. 40 — Lights: darkness and stopping within visible distance ↗
After a breakdown, your car is on the highway shoulder with no fire or other immediate danger inside. What does current Connecticut roadside guidance recommend?
Correct answer: Stay inside with seat belts fastened, turn on flashers and call for help.
The current highway-safety guidance advises occupants to stay belted inside, use hazard lights and call for assistance. Follow responders' directions; this scenario excludes an immediate danger requiring escape.
Source: Connecticut DOT Office of Highway Safety — Stay in Your Car: stay belted, call for help and use flashers; manual printed p39: get off road ↗
The brake pedal loses normal pressure. The guide's initial attempt to regain braking does not work. How should the parking brake be used if needed?
Correct answer: Apply it gradually, ready to release it if the wheels start to skid.
The manual advises gradual parking-brake application after attempting to restore brake pressure. Avoid locking the rear wheels and bring the vehicle to a safe stop; do not continue driving without working brakes.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual, revised March 2023; printed p. 39; PDF p. 41 — Equipment Failure: Brake Failure ↗
A tire suddenly goes flat while you are moving. What is the best initial response?
Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly, keep the vehicle straight and slow gradually.
Maintain directional control first. Ease off the accelerator, slow gradually and pull off the roadway at a safe location.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual, revised March 2023; printed p. 39; PDF p. 41 — Equipment Failure: Tire Blowout ↗
Your engine dies while the car is moving. What should you expect?
Correct answer: Steering and braking may require much more effort, but you should maintain control and pull off safely.
Loss of power assistance can make steering and braking harder. Keep a firm grip, apply the necessary effort and move to a safe place.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual, revised March 2023; printed p. 40; PDF p. 42 — Equipment Failure: Power Failure ↗
The accelerator sticks and the engine keeps racing. Which action helps disconnect engine power from the wheels?
Correct answer: Shift to Neutral while keeping your eyes on the road.
The manual directs you to shift promptly to Neutral, maintain control and pull off when safe. Turn the engine off after getting out of danger; do not lock the steering while moving.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual, revised March 2023; printed p. 40; PDF p. 42 — Equipment Failure: Gas Pedal Sticks ↗
Your ABS-equipped car needs an emergency stop and the brake pedal pulses. What should you do?
Correct answer: Maintain firm brake pressure and steer as needed.
Pedal pulsation can be normal ABS operation. Keep firm pressure rather than pumping, and follow the vehicle owner's instructions.
Source: Connecticut Driver's Manual, revised March 2023; printed p. 40; PDF p. 42 — Avoiding Collisions: stopping quickly with ABS ↗
