Snow starts covering the road while you are driving at the posted limit. What adjustment is appropriate?
Correct answer: Reduce speed to account for the reduced grip.
A posted limit does not promise safe control on a slippery surface. Snow or ice makes steering and stopping more difficult.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Driving in Winter Weather — The Basics; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
How should you change your following gap when the road becomes snow-covered?
Correct answer: Leave more distance to allow time and room to stop.
Increase the space behind the vehicle ahead because stopping and control are harder on snow. Winter equipment does not remove the need for space.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Driving in Winter Weather — The Basics; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
A snowplow is working beside your lane. Why should you avoid lingering alongside it?
Correct answer: It may turn widely, stop frequently or overlap lanes.
Snowplows need operating room and may overlap lanes or make frequent stops and exits. Do not crowd the truck or travel beside it.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Driving in Winter Weather — The Basics; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
You catch up with a slow snowplow. What is the appropriate response?
Correct answer: Stay well back and use caution if passing becomes safe.
Allow a substantial gap behind a working plow. Its slow speed does not make an immediate pass safe.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Driving in Winter Weather — The Basics; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Your car has antilock brakes. During a hard stop, how should you generally apply the brake pedal?
Correct answer: Use firm, continuous pressure.
ABS is designed to prevent wheel lock during braking. NHTSA advises firm, continuous pedal pressure rather than pumping an ABS-equipped system.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Changes You May Notice — Safety Technologies; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Your older car does not have ABS and its wheels begin to lock while braking. Which technique may be needed?
Correct answer: Pump the brakes to help prevent continued wheel lock.
For a vehicle without ABS, NHTSA says pumping may be necessary if the wheels start to lock. Know which braking system your car has before an emergency.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Changes You May Notice — Safety Technologies; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Your car stalls in wintry weather at a location where remaining inside is safe. What is the recommended general approach?
Correct answer: Stay with the car and avoid exhausting yourself.
When safely stopped in winter weather, stay with the vehicle and conserve energy. Assess the surroundings; this advice does not mean remaining in a vehicle that is on fire or otherwise unsafe.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Driving in Winter Weather — What to Do in an Emergency; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
You are stranded in snow and considering running the engine for warmth. What must you check first?
Correct answer: That snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe.
A snow-blocked exhaust can create a carbon-monoxide hazard. Keep the outlet clear and use the engine only intermittently, not continuously in an enclosed space.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Driving in Winter Weather — What to Do in an Emergency; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
While safely waiting in a snowbound car, what can make the vehicle easier for rescuers to notice?
Correct answer: Use bright markers and the interior dome light.
NHTSA recommends bright markers on the antenna or windows and the dome light. Make the car visible without placing yourself in moving traffic.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Driving in Winter Weather — What to Do in an Emergency; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
A severe winter storm is expected during an optional shopping trip. What is the safer plan?
Correct answer: Postpone the trip until road conditions improve.
Check weather and traffic information before departure. Nonessential travel can be delayed when the roads are in poor condition.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Before You Go — Plan Your Route; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Which headlights should you select when driving through fog?
Correct answer: Low beams, with fog lights if available.
Low beams help others see your vehicle without the glare produced by high beams in fog. Fog lights may also help if fitted.
Source: National Weather Service, Driving in Fog; Safety tips — low-beam headlights; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Why can high beams make your view worse in fog?
Correct answer: They produce glare that makes the road ahead harder to see.
Bright light scattered back by fog can obscure the view instead of improving it. Use low beams and reduce speed.
Source: National Weather Service, Driving in Fog; Safety tips — high-beam glare; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
You are running late and enter thick fog. What should you do about your speed?
Correct answer: Slow down and accept that the journey will take longer.
Allow extra time rather than trying to make up time in poor visibility. Reduced speed gives you more opportunity to respond to what becomes visible.
Source: National Weather Service, Driving in Fog; Safety tips — extra travel time; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
In fog, the car ahead may stop unexpectedly. How should you prepare?
Correct answer: Leave plenty of space behind it.
Extra following distance helps accommodate sudden stops or changes in traffic. Tailgating is especially hazardous when visibility is limited.
Source: National Weather Service, Driving in Fog; Safety tips — following distance; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What should you use to help keep your vehicle in its lane when fog reduces visibility?
Correct answer: Watch the roadway lane markings as well as the road ahead.
Visible roadway lines can help guide lane position. Do not fixate on a vehicle ahead or let it lead you out of your lane.
Source: National Weather Service, Driving in Fog; Safety tips — lane guidance; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Fog becomes so dense that you can barely see, and a safe parking lot is accessible. What is the best choice?
Correct answer: Signal your presence, pull into the safe lot and stop.
When visibility is near zero, NWS recommends using hazard lights and pulling into a safe location such as a parking lot. Avoid stopping in the traffic stream.
Source: National Weather Service, Driving in Fog; Safety tips — near-zero visibility; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Water covers the road ahead and you cannot judge its depth. What should you do?
Correct answer: Stay out of the water and choose a safe alternative route.
Floodwater can conceal both strong current and missing pavement. Do not attempt to test a flooded road with your vehicle.
Source: National Weather Service, floodwater driving safety; Floodwater hazard guidance; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
A barrier blocks a flooded road, but there appears to be space around it. What does safe driving require?
Correct answer: Do not drive around the barrier.
The road beneath the water may have collapsed. A visible gap around a barricade is not a safe or authorized route through flooding.
Source: National Weather Service, floodwater driving safety; Floodwater hazard guidance — barriers; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Does driving an SUV or pickup make it safe to cross moving floodwater?
Correct answer: No; rushing water can carry away these vehicles too.
Vehicle size does not eliminate the force of floodwater. NWS warns that even SUVs and trucks can be swept away.
Source: National Weather Service, floodwater driving safety; Floodwater hazard guidance — rushing water; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Why is the apparent surface of floodwater a poor guide to whether a crossing is safe?
Correct answer: It may hide a washed-out or collapsed roadway.
Floodwater hides what lies underneath, including gaps where the road has failed. Avoid the crossing instead of relying on its appearance.
Source: National Weather Service, floodwater driving safety; Floodwater hazard guidance — hidden road damage; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Which item can help provide traction if your vehicle becomes stuck in snow?
Correct answer: Sand or kitty litter.
NHTSA lists abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter in a winter emergency kit. It can help tires grip where snow or ice is slippery.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Before You Go — Stock Your Vehicle; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Which group belongs in a useful winter emergency kit?
Correct answer: Blankets, a charged phone and charger, water and needed medicine.
Prepare for being delayed or stranded, not just for routine driving. Warmth, communication and basic supplies can be important while waiting for help.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Before You Go — Stock Your Vehicle; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Before winter travel in a gasoline car, what fuel strategy is recommended?
Correct answer: Keep the tank close to full when possible.
A fuller tank leaves a better margin if a winter trip is delayed. NHTSA recommends keeping it close to full when possible.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Before You Go — Gas Up or Plug It In; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What should an electric-vehicle driver consider when planning a trip in cold weather?
Correct answer: Driving range can decrease, so charging plans may need adjustment.
Cold weather can reduce electric and hybrid-electric driving range. Plan charging and energy use for the conditions rather than assuming summer range.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Changes You May Notice — Batteries; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Even if you use GPS, what is useful before a long winter trip?
Correct answer: Know the route and tell someone your expected route and arrival time.
Review directions and weather, and share travel plans. Leave enough time for stops and for conditions to change.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Before You Go — Plan Your Route; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
