Before a trip, the brake pedal sinks unusually close to the floor. What should you do?
Correct answer: Have the braking system checked and repaired before driving.
A brake pedal that behaves abnormally can indicate a serious defect. Repair the problem; extra space is not a substitute for functioning brakes.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 23, physical PDF page 23; Vehicle maintenance. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
You are checking tire pressure before driving. Which pressure guidance should you use?
Correct answer: The vehicle placard or owner’s manual, with tires cold.
Check cold tires against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. A tire’s sidewall maximum is not the routine pressure specified for the vehicle.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 24, physical PDF page 24; Vehicle maintenance. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
You are adjusting the driver’s head restraint. Where should its center be?
Correct answer: At about the center of the back of your head.
Position the head restraint to support the back of the head. A low setting behind the neck does not provide the intended protection.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 25, physical PDF page 25; Adjusting your seating position. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
Where should the lap portion of your belt fit?
Correct answer: Snugly across the hips and pelvis, not high across the abdomen.
A snug, low lap belt places forces on the pelvis. Everyone should be properly buckled before the vehicle moves.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 34, physical PDF page 34; Seat belts. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
A passenger says a belt is unnecessary for a short drive near home. What is the safest response?
Correct answer: Have the passenger buckle up before you move.
Short, familiar trips still involve crash risk. Proper restraint is a before-moving habit, not something reserved for long or fast trips.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 35, physical PDF page 35; Seat belt myths. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
Your car has driver-assistance features. What must you still be prepared to do?
Correct answer: Control the vehicle yourself if a feature fails or is unavailable.
Assistance technology does not replace the driver. Understand its limits and remain ready to operate the vehicle safely without it.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 26, physical PDF page 26; Advanced driver assistance systems. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
Your vehicle has forward-collision warning but no automatic emergency braking. An alert sounds. What should you do?
Correct answer: Assess the hazard and take the necessary braking or avoidance action.
A warning-only system alerts the driver; it does not itself brake the vehicle. Know which functions your own vehicle actually provides.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 30, physical PDF page 30; Forward collision warning. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
Mud or snow covers a sensor used by your assistance system. What should you do?
Correct answer: Clean it as directed and do not rely on the system to detect every hazard.
Obstructed sensors can limit assistance features. Follow the owner’s instructions and keep checking the surroundings yourself.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 29, physical PDF page 29; Driver assistance systems. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
You plan a brief errand on a warm day with a child in the car. What is the safe choice?
Correct answer: Take the child with you; do not leave the child alone in the parked car.
A parked vehicle can heat dangerously. A short errand, shade or a partly open window is not a safe basis for leaving a child alone.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 59, physical PDF page 59; Heatstroke. Readable text only; no diagram interpretation used. ↗
You are adjusting the driver's seat in a car with a frontal air bag. What seating position does NHTSA recommend?
Correct answer: At least 10 inches between your breastbone and the air-bag cover while comfortably reaching the pedals.
Leave the recommended clearance while keeping proper posture and control of the pedals. An advanced air bag does not remove the need for a safe seating position or a safety belt.
Source: NHTSA: advanced frontal air bags, 10-inch clearance; official source checked September 22, 2026. ↗
Your car is secured in a safe parking place. How can you check that its brake lights actually illuminate?
Correct answer: Have a helper press the brake pedal while you observe the rear lights.
Checking a light requires checking its operation, not just the appearance of its lens. The guide recommends a partner for observing the brake lights when the pedal is pressed.
Source: Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1, Edition 10, July 2026 (07222026); Lights: checking brake lights; printed page 83, physical PDF page 95. Checked September 22, 2026. ↗
The wiper blades move but leave broad streaks that interfere with your view. What should you do before driving in rain?
Correct answer: Replace the ineffective blades and make sure the windshield clears properly.
Wiper movement alone is not enough. The guide calls for replacement when their condition reduces driving visibility, rather than waiting for a complete mechanical failure.
Source: Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Volume 1, Edition 10, July 2026 (07222026); Windshield and wipers: reduced visibility; printed page 83, physical PDF page 95. Checked September 22, 2026. ↗
