What does it mean to avoid overdriving your headlights?
Correct answer: Drive slowly enough to stop within the distance you can see.
At night your stopping distance must fit within your visible road. Reduce speed when the headlight range or other visibility is limited.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; file retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 74 (physical PDF 88) — Drive Slower at Night. ↗
Oncoming headlights are dazzling you. Where should you direct your gaze?
Correct answer: Toward the right road edge while continuing to watch your path.
Avoid staring at bright headlights. Use the right edge or white edge line as a guide while remaining alert to hazards.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; file retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 74 (physical PDF 88) — Drive Slower at Night — oncoming glare. ↗
If you must drive through fog, which headlights should you use?
Correct answer: Low beams.
High beams reflect from fog back toward your eyes. Low beams, reduced speed and more space improve your ability to respond.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; file retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 75 (physical PDF 89) — Fog and Smoke. ↗
Why can the first few minutes of rain be especially slippery?
Correct answer: Water mixes with accumulated oil and dirt on the pavement.
The early rain can create a slick film before it washes away. Reduce speed and allow more stopping distance.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; file retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 75 (physical PDF 89) — Rain — first sign of rain. ↗
Your tires begin riding on water and the steering feels light. What should you do first?
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking.
Hydroplaning reduces tire contact with the road. Gradual slowing is safer than abrupt braking or steering.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; file retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 76 (physical PDF 90) — Hydroplaning. ↗
Your right wheels have dropped off the pavement. What is the safest initial response?
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator, hold a steady course and slow before returning when clear.
An abrupt return can cause loss of control. Slow gradually and wait for clear traffic before steering back onto the roadway.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; file retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 76 (physical PDF 90) — Regaining Control when wheels leave the pavement. ↗
Floodwater covers the road and you cannot judge its depth. What should you do?
Correct answer: Turn around and use a route that is not flooded.
Water may hide a washed-out road, and moving water can carry a vehicle away. Do not enter a flooded roadway.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; file retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 76 (physical PDF 90) — High Water and Flooding Dangers. ↗
Which location may become icy before nearby road surfaces?
Correct answer: A bridge or overpass.
Bridges and overpasses can freeze before other road surfaces. Reduce speed and avoid abrupt control inputs when icing is possible.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; file retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 75 (physical PDF 89) — Slippery When Wet. ↗
You are leaving a sheltered area and approaching an exposed bridge during strong winds. What should you anticipate?
Correct answer: A crosswind that may push the vehicle sideways.
Exposure can change suddenly when you leave shelter. Reduce speed and maintain steering control, especially with a trailer or high-sided vehicle.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; file retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 77 (physical PDF 91) — Wind. ↗
Before driving after a snowfall, what should you clear?
Correct answer: All windows, mirrors and vehicle lights.
You need clear views in every direction and visible lights and signals. Do not begin with ice or snow obstructing them.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; file retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 77 (physical PDF 91) — Driving in Winter Weather Conditions. ↗
Your car has four-wheel ABS and you need an emergency stop. How should you use the brake pedal?
Correct answer: Apply firm, steady pressure while steering as needed.
ABS is designed to prevent wheel lock while you brake and steer. Pumping the pedal interrupts its operation.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; file retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 48 (physical PDF 62) — ABS braking procedures. ↗
During a hard stop with ABS, you feel pulsing and hear noise from the brakes. What does this normally mean?
Correct answer: The anti-lock system is operating.
Pulsation and noise can be normal during ABS activation. Continue applying firm, steady brake pressure.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; file retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 48 (physical PDF 62) — ABS — noise and vibration. ↗
What is the difference between covering the brake and riding it?
Correct answer: Covering holds your foot ready without pressing; riding keeps pressure on the pedal.
Covering prepares for a possible quick stop. Riding can wear the brakes and give following drivers misleading brake-light signals.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; file retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 48 (physical PDF 62) — Covering the brake versus riding the brake. ↗
A tire suddenly blows out in traffic. What should you do first?
Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator and slow gradually.
Keep control and avoid hard braking. After slowing, move to a safe stopping place using mirrors, signals and traffic checks.
Source: Tennessee Road Safety Tips — Maneuvering Off the Roadway. ↗
After a breakdown, you decide it is safer to wait away from the vehicle. How should you get out?
Correct answer: Use the side away from moving traffic and go to a safe area away from the vehicle.
Choose the safest waiting place for the actual situation. If leaving, stay out of traffic and do not stand beside, in front of or behind the disabled vehicle.
Source: Tennessee Road Safety Tips — Wait In A Safe Area. ↗
Dense smoke is reducing visibility along your planned route and your trip can wait. What is the safest choice?
Correct answer: Postpone the trip or choose a safe unaffected route.
Avoid driving in dense smoke or fog when possible. Limited visibility can conceal stopped traffic and other hazards.
Source: Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual (publication notice July 1, 2022; file retrieved September 14, 2026), printed page 75 (physical PDF 89) — Fog and Smoke. ↗
