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. ↗
Frost covers your side windows and snow covers the rear lights. What should you do before moving?
Correct answer: Clear the windows and lights so you can see and be seen.
All-around visibility and visible lights matter. Remove obstructions before driving rather than depending on speed or the defroster to solve the problem later.
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. ↗
You borrow a car whose seat and mirrors are set for another driver. When should you adjust them?
Correct answer: Before starting to drive.
Set up your driving position and mirrors before moving. Adjusting them while driving takes attention away from the road.
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. ↗
You want to warm up a gasoline car in a closed garage. What should you do?
Correct answer: Do not run the engine in the closed garage.
Engine exhaust can contain deadly carbon monoxide. Do not run a vehicle in a closed garage or treat an open car window as protection.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 25, physical PDF page 25; Exhaust system. 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. ↗
A bottle is rolling around the driver’s footwell. What should you do?
Correct answer: Secure or remove it before driving so it cannot interfere with a pedal.
Loose objects can injure occupants or roll under a pedal. Remove the hazard before moving rather than trying to manage it while driving.
Source: Iowa Driver's Manual, MM1170 07/23/2026; printed page 35, physical PDF page 35; Securing loose objects. 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. ↗
