Your car stalls on the tracks and a train is approaching. What comes first?
Correct answer: Get everyone out and move well away from the tracks, toward the direction the train is coming from.
Leave immediately and move away toward the approaching train's direction to avoid collision debris. From safety, report the obstruction using the crossing's emergency contact information and identifying number.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 138; PDF p. 138 — Stalling On Railroad Tracks; p. 83, Emergency Notification System ↗
On a cold wet day, ordinary pavement looks clear but you approach a bridge. What should you anticipate?
Correct answer: The bridge may be icy even when nearby pavement is not.
Bridges and overpasses can be colder than adjoining roads and develop ice earlier. Reduce speed appropriately before reaching the hazard.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 123; PDF p. 123 — Adjusting To Road Conditions — slippery-road clues ↗
Your tires begin losing contact with the pavement on a wet road. What is the best initial response?
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and keep steering steady until traction returns.
Ease off the gas and avoid abrupt braking or turning. Sudden inputs can worsen the loss of control while the tires are not gripping the road.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 124; PDF p. 124 — Water on the roadway — hydroplaning response ↗
During which period are studded tires legal in Delaware under the manual's rule?
Correct answer: October 15 through April 15, inclusive.
Delaware permits studded tires from October 15 to April 15 inclusive. Other states may have different rules when you travel beyond Delaware.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 62; PDF p. 62 — Prohibited Equipment — Studded Tires ↗
Which pair correctly identifies Delaware's high-beam dimming distances for meeting an oncoming vehicle and following another vehicle?
Correct answer: 500 feet oncoming; 200 feet following.
The manual requires low beams 500 feet before meeting another vehicle and within 200 feet of a vehicle you follow. Use low beams sooner when needed to avoid glare.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 62; PDF p. 62 — Using Headlights — high-beam dimming distances ↗
Dense fog limits your view. Which headlight setting is appropriate?
Correct answer: Low beams.
High-beam light reflects back from fog and makes seeing harder. Use low beams and reduce speed for the visible distance.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 119; PDF p. 119 — Using Your Lights — fog and heavy precipitation ↗
An approaching driver fails to dim bright headlights. Where should you direct your attention to help maintain your course?
Correct answer: Toward the right edge of the road, without staring into the lights.
Look toward the right roadway edge and continue monitoring your path. Retaliating with high beams can leave both drivers unable to see well.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 119; PDF p. 119 — Using Your Lights — oncoming headlight glare ↗
What does it mean to avoid overdriving your headlights?
Correct answer: Drive slowly enough to stop within the distance you can see ahead.
At night, the visible distance limits the time available to respond. Your stopping distance must fit inside that visible space.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 125; PDF p. 125 — Night Driving ↗
Vehicle trouble forces you to stop on a highway. What is the safest initial plan when possible?
Correct answer: Get off the roadway away from traffic and turn on emergency flashers.
Move away from traffic when possible and make the stopped vehicle visible. Never stand in a travel lane or change a tire where doing so exposes you to passing traffic.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 121; PDF p. 121 — Communicating — Use emergency signals ↗
Your service brakes fail, and pumping the pedal does not restore them. How should you use the parking brake if it is the next available stopping method?
Correct answer: Apply it gradually and be ready to release it if the wheels skid.
A sudden parking-brake application can cause a skid. The manual recommends gradual application and looking for a safe place to stop.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 136; PDF p. 136 — Vehicle Emergencies — Brake Failure ↗
A tire suddenly goes flat while you are driving. What should you do first?
Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly, keep the vehicle straight and slow gradually.
A firm grip and gradual slowing help retain control. Pull off in a safe place once you can do so without a sudden maneuver.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 137; PDF p. 137 — Vehicle Emergencies — Tire Blowout ↗
The engine dies while the car is moving. What should you expect as you guide it off the road?
Correct answer: Steering and braking may require much more effort.
Engine failure can remove power assistance, but the manual notes you can still steer and brake with greater effort. Keep control and pull off safely.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 137; PDF p. 137 — Vehicle Emergencies — Power Failure ↗
The accelerator sticks and the engine keeps speeding up. What should you do?
Correct answer: Keep watching the road, shift to Neutral and pull off safely before shutting down.
Neutral disconnects engine power from the wheels while you retain control. Keep your eyes on the road and stop in a safe location.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 137; PDF p. 137 — Vehicle Emergencies — Gas Pedal Sticks ↗
You need an emergency stop in a car with ABS, and the brake pedal pulses. What should you do?
Correct answer: Keep firm pressure on the brake pedal and steer as needed.
Pulsing can mean the ABS is operating. Keep pressing firmly; the system needs sustained pedal pressure to help prevent wheel lock.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 138; PDF p. 138 — Avoiding Collisions — Stopping Quickly with ABS ↗
In a car without ABS, hard braking locks the wheels and starts a skid. What should you do?
Correct answer: Ease off until the skid stops, then reapply braking without locking the wheels.
Without ABS, release enough brake pressure to restore rolling traction, then brake again appropriately. Locked wheels reduce steering control.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 138; PDF p. 138 — Avoiding Collisions — Stopping Quickly without ABS ↗
Your car begins to skid on a slippery road. What steering approach does the manual recommend?
Correct answer: Steer toward the path you want and correct smoothly as the vehicle straightens.
Steer where you want to go, then correct as traction and alignment return. Overcorrecting or harsh braking can start another skid.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 139; PDF p. 139 — Dealing With Skids ↗
Your right wheels leave the pavement unexpectedly. What should you do first?
Correct answer: Grip the wheel, ease off the accelerator and regain control before returning.
Do not panic or make an abrupt return. Reduce speed, regain control and check traffic before moving back onto the pavement.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 136; PDF p. 136 — Vehicle Emergencies — Running Off The Pavement ↗
Your headlights fail on a dark road. If trying the switch does not restore them, what should you do?
Correct answer: Use available warning lights and pull safely off the road as soon as possible.
The manual advises trying the switch, using available emergency lighting and pulling off. Warning lights do not make ordinary unlit night driving safe.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 137; PDF p. 137 — Vehicle Emergencies — Headlight Failure ↗
