Before driving a car used by someone else, when should you adjust its seat and mirrors?
Correct answer: Before starting to drive.
Make the adjustments before moving so you can reach the controls and observe traffic without an avoidable distraction.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 108; PDF p. 108 — Adjust Seat And Mirrors ↗
The brake pedal feels abnormal and the brakes make an unusual grinding noise. What is the appropriate response?
Correct answer: Have a mechanic check the braking system before relying on the vehicle for normal travel.
Abnormal brake behavior, noise, odor or a pedal going to the floor calls for inspection. Normal engine operation says nothing about brake safety.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 106; PDF p. 106 — Check The Vehicle — Braking system ↗
You are checking tire pressure before a trip. Which method is appropriate?
Correct answer: Use a gauge while the tires are cold and follow the vehicle owner manual's pressure guidance.
A gauge detects pressure problems that appearance may miss. The manual recommends cold-tire checks and the vehicle owner manual for the correct pressure.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 106; PDF p. 106 — Check The Vehicle — Tires; p. 123, owner-manual pressure ↗
You want to warm a car while its garage door is closed. What is the safe choice?
Correct answer: Do not run the engine in the closed garage.
Exhaust gases can be deadly, and a leak may not be audible. The manual specifically warns against running an engine in a closed garage.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 106; PDF p. 106 — Check The Vehicle — Exhaust system ↗
A bottle can roll around the driver's footwell. What should happen before driving?
Correct answer: Remove or secure it so it cannot interfere with the pedals.
Loose objects can lodge under the brake pedal and can also injure occupants in a sudden stop. Secure them before moving.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 107; PDF p. 107 — Check The Vehicle — Loose objects ↗
A small piece of furniture is loose in the bed of a pickup. The trip is short. What is required for safe travel?
Correct answer: Secure it so it cannot slide, fall, shift onto the road or become airborne.
A short trip does not make an unsecured load safe. Tie large objects to the vehicle and check that the load cannot escape or shift dangerously.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 107; PDF p. 107 — Secure Your Load ↗
Snow and frost cover the car before departure. What should you clear?
Correct answer: All windows and the mirrors needed for a clear view before driving.
Clear the front, sides and rear before driving. A narrow forward opening leaves you unable to see hazards beside or behind the car.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 107; PDF p. 107 — Clean Glass Surfaces, continuing p. 108 ↗
A car has air bags, and an adult passenger plans to ride unbelted in the rear. What is correct?
Correct answer: The passenger must still use the proper restraint.
Delaware requires all occupants to be properly restrained. Air bags and belts are designed to work together, not replace one another.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 108; PDF p. 108 — Use Safety Belts; p. 109, air bags ↗
Daytime rain requires continuous windshield-wiper use. What lighting is required?
Correct answer: Turn on the headlights, not just parking lights.
Delaware requires headlights when wipers are used for inclement weather. Daylight does not eliminate that requirement.
Source: Delaware Driver Manual, July 2026; printed p. 60; PDF p. 60 — Required Equipment — Headlights; p. 62, Using Headlights ↗
