One train passes and begins to clear your view. Why should you keep checking the crossing instead of following it immediately?
Correct answer: Another train may be approaching on a different track or close behind.
A first train can hide another train. Wait for the warning devices to permit movement and verify that every track is clear.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 53, physical PDF page 63: Multiple-track crossings ↗
Rain, poor visibility and a curve make the posted speed unsafe. What should you do?
Correct answer: Reduce speed for the actual conditions, even below the posted limit.
Posted limits are intended for ideal conditions. The manual calls for lower speeds for curves, poor weather, limited visibility and other hazards.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 38, physical PDF page 48: Speed for conditions ↗
Your speed increases as traffic moves out of a slow area. How should the space ahead change?
Correct answer: Increase the gap so the greater speed does not leave too little stopping room.
Higher speed requires more distance to react and stop. Do not let acceleration consume the following space.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 59, physical PDF page 69: Adjusting speed ↗
A large truck blocks your view ahead. What is the safer following choice?
Correct answer: Leave additional room so you can see more of the road and respond sooner.
The handbook calls for even more room behind a truck or bus. Visibility, not only braking ability, is a reason to increase the gap.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 65, physical PDF page 75: Following drivers who cannot see you ↗
Why is total stopping distance longer than the distance traveled after pressing the brake pedal?
Correct answer: The vehicle also travels while you perceive the hazard and react.
Total stopping distance includes recognition and reaction before braking, as well as the braking distance itself. Fatigue and poor conditions can worsen the result.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 63, physical PDF page 73: Seeing and stopping ↗
At night, your stopping distance would exceed the roadway you can see in your headlights. What should you do?
Correct answer: Reduce speed so you can stop within the visible distance.
Do not overdrive the headlights. A hazard can be beyond the visible area even on a familiar road.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 63, physical PDF page 73: Darkness and visible stopping distance ↗
Why should you avoid staying alongside another vehicle for a long time?
Correct answer: You may remain in the other driver’s blind spot and limit space to avoid a conflict.
Keep useful space around your vehicle. Remaining beside another vehicle can reduce visibility and escape options.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 57, physical PDF page 67: Avoiding blind spots ↗
A curve ahead is too sharp for your current speed. When should you make the normal speed reduction?
Correct answer: Before entering the curve.
Entering at a safe speed reduces the need for braking while turning. Traction must support both direction and speed changes.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 60, physical PDF page 70: Curves ↗
The vehicle ahead passes a fixed roadside point. You reach it before finishing a three-second count. What should you do?
Correct answer: Increase the gap and check again; leave still more room for adverse conditions.
The handbook uses a three-second check for ordinary following and calls for extra room in situations such as poor traction or limited visibility.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 64, physical PDF page 74: Three-second following rule ↗
A driver follows you too closely. What should you avoid?
Correct answer: Braking abruptly to teach the driver a lesson.
A sudden brake check increases rear-end risk. Be predictable and create a safe passing or separation opportunity.
Source: Montana Driver Manual, Revised April 2024, printed page 65, physical PDF page 75: Being tailgated ↗
