You are about to drive a car that someone else last used. What should you adjust before moving?
Correct answer: Your seat and mirrors, then your seat belt.
Set the seat and mirrors before driving, and buckle up. Passengers must not block your view or interfere with the controls.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Before you drive; printed page 22, physical PDF page 25; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
You are unfamiliar with the warning lights and controls in a borrowed car. How should you prepare?
Correct answer: Read its owner’s manual and learn the controls.
Learn how the vehicle works before using it on public roads. The owner’s manual explains equipment, gauges and warning lights.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Know your vehicle; printed page 22, physical PDF page 25; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
Which combination illustrates the two separate brake systems required on cars and trucks?
Correct answer: A foot brake and a parking brake.
The manual requires at least two separate brake systems. The service foot brake and parking or emergency brake are its examples.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Brakes; printed page 22, physical PDF page 25; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
Which situation is an appropriate reason to use your horn?
Correct answer: Warning a driver who is about to collide with you.
Use the horn to help prevent a crash. Unnecessary honking, including announcing your arrival, is not its intended purpose.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Horn; printed page 22, physical PDF page 25; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
What headlight equipment does the manual require for an ordinary passenger car?
Correct answer: Two white headlights with high and low beams.
Passenger cars need two working white headlights capable of both high and low beam. Parking lights are not substitutes.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Headlights; printed page 23, physical PDF page 26; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
A headlight lens is cracked, but the bulb still lights. Why should the damaged headlight be repaired?
Correct answer: Moisture and dirt can reduce light and increase glare.
A cracked lens can admit dust and moisture. The manual calls for replacement of damaged headlights because damage can reduce visibility and increase glare.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Headlight condition; printed page 23, physical PDF page 26; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
Both headlights work, but their beams point too high. What maintenance is needed?
Correct answer: Have their aim checked and corrected.
Working bulbs are not enough: headlights must be aimed correctly. The manual recommends having the aim inspected at least annually.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Headlight aim; printed page 23, physical PDF page 26; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
Your daytime running lights are on as darkness falls. What should you do?
Correct answer: Switch on the headlights and check the rear lights.
Daytime running lights may not activate taillights and parking lights. Select the proper lighting for darkness instead of assuming daytime lighting is sufficient.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Daytime running lights; printed page 23, physical PDF page 26; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
Rain begins during the afternoon, although you can still see well ahead. What should you do with your headlights?
Correct answer: Turn them on during the rain.
Minnesota requires headlights during rain, snow, hail, sleet or fog, as well as from sunset to sunrise and when visibility is under 500 feet.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; When headlights are required; printed page 23, physical PDF page 26; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
What must illuminate the rear license plate at night?
Correct answer: A white license plate light.
The rear plate must be visible at night using a white light. Check this small light as part of regular vehicle maintenance.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; License plate light; printed page 23, physical PDF page 26; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
One of your car’s turn signal lamps has failed. What is the proper maintenance response?
Correct answer: Repair it so every turn signal works.
The manual requires all turn signal lights to work. A functioning indicator in another position does not make the failed lamp acceptable.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Turn signal equipment; printed page 23, physical PDF page 26; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
A rental moving truck has no usable view through a rear window. What additional equipment is needed?
Correct answer: An additional side mirror for the rearward view.
Vehicles without a usable rear-window view need an additional side mirror. The manual specifically uses rental moving trucks as an example.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Rearview mirrors; printed page 23, physical PDF page 26; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
Why should you remove loose objects from the dashboard before driving?
Correct answer: They can become dangerous when an airbag inflates.
An inflating airbag can propel dashboard clutter toward occupants. Keep that area clear rather than storing loose objects there.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Airbag area; printed page 23, physical PDF page 26; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
Your car has front and side airbags. How does that affect the need for seat belts?
Correct answer: Belts are still needed; airbags work with them.
Airbags supplement seat belts rather than replace them. They do not prevent occupants from being ejected, so everyone must be properly restrained.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Seat belts and airbags; printed page 23, physical PDF page 26; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
During a tire check you notice a bulge in a sidewall. How should you treat it?
Correct answer: As tire damage that needs attention before driving.
Inspect tires for bulges, cuts, cracks, uneven wear and punctures. Adequate tread alone does not rule out a damaged tire.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Tire inspection; printed page 24, physical PDF page 27; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
Where should you find the recommended inflation pressure for your vehicle’s tires?
Correct answer: The driver’s door sticker or owner’s manual.
Use the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation on the door label or in the owner’s manual. Do not substitute the tire sidewall pressure for that recommendation.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Recommended tire pressure; printed page 24, physical PDF page 27; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
You have just finished a long drive. When does the manual recommend checking tire pressure for a cold reading?
Correct answer: After at least three hours without driving.
Check before driving or at least three hours after driving. This avoids comparing a hot-tire reading with the recommended cold inflation pressure.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Checking tire pressure; printed page 24, physical PDF page 27; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
A tire’s tread is less than one-sixteenth of an inch deep. What does Minnesota’s manual say about it?
Correct answer: The tire is illegal to use.
The minimum tread depth stated in the manual is one-sixteenth of an inch. Other damage can also make a tire unsafe even when its tread meets that minimum.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Tire tread; printed page 24, physical PDF page 27; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
You leave pavement and enter a gravel road. What should you expect from your tires?
Correct answer: Less traction than on concrete or asphalt.
The manual notes that tires grip gravel and dirt less effectively than paved surfaces. Adjust your driving to the available traction.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Tire traction; printed page 24, physical PDF page 27; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
Frost covers most of your windshield, with only a small opening cleared. What should you do before driving?
Correct answer: Clear the windshield and windows for an unobstructed view.
The driving view must not be obstructed by frost, snow, ice, steam or similar conditions. Clear the glass before moving.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Windshield and windows; printed page 24, physical PDF page 27; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
A large ornament hangs between you and the windshield. What is the appropriate action?
Correct answer: Remove it from that area before driving.
The manual says not to hang objects between the driver and windshield. A clear driving view matters even when an object does not touch the glass.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Windshield obstructions; printed page 24, physical PDF page 27; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
Where does Minnesota’s manual allow a navigation device to be mounted on the windshield?
Correct answer: Near the bottom portion of the windshield.
The manual identifies the bottom part of the windshield for GPS and navigation devices. Position equipment so it does not obstruct the view needed to drive.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Navigation devices; printed page 24, physical PDF page 27; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
Your windshield repeatedly fogs up and the wipers do not work. What should you address before driving in wet conditions?
Correct answer: Restore working wipers and a clear view through the glass.
Vehicles with glass windshields need working wipers. Defrosters help keep steam and frost from blocking the view; lights cannot replace these functions.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Wipers and defrosters; printed page 24, physical PDF page 27; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
What is the purpose of the fenders or wheel guards required on passenger vehicles?
Correct answer: Limit material thrown into the air by the tires.
Fenders and wheel guards reduce the water, dirt and other material thrown upward by rotating tires. They are required vehicle equipment.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Fenders and wheel guards; printed page 24, physical PDF page 27; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
Which driving pattern best follows the manual’s fuel-efficiency advice?
Correct answer: Smooth acceleration and planned, gradual slowing.
Avoid speeding, sudden acceleration and unnecessary hard braking. Good maintenance, correct tire pressure and removing unneeded weight also help fuel efficiency.
Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Fuel-efficient driving; printed page 25, physical PDF page 28; checked September 21, 2026. ↗
