Practice session
Safe driving and emergencies
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The whole pool, with the answer and the explanation for each one. Practise first, then read through anything you were unsure of.
Show all 34 questions with answers
1 of 34 · Safe driving
In good weather and road conditions, what is the minimum following distance you should keep?
- A.At least 2 secondsAnswer
- B.At least 1 second
- C.Half a second
- D.One car length at any speed
Explanation: Keep at least 2 seconds of space in front in good conditions. It takes time to see a hazard and react before the brakes even begin to work, so a gap measured in seconds grows with your speed.
2 of 34 · Safe driving
It is raining heavily and the road is slippery. What following distance should you increase to?
- A.4 secondsAnswer
- B.2 seconds
- C.3 seconds
- D.1 second
Explanation: Increase your following distance to 4 seconds in bad weather or on uneven or slippery roads. Stopping takes longer when the tires have less grip.
3 of 34 · Safe driving
You are following another vehicle on an unpaved road where dust and gravel are in the air. What following distance is a good idea?
- A.At least 3 secondsAnswer
- B.At least 1 second
- C.Close enough to stay in the vehicle’s tire tracks
- D.The same as on a paved road: 2 seconds
Explanation: Keep at least 3 seconds of following distance on an unpaved road where dust or gravel may be in the air. The same applies behind a large vehicle or a motorcycle, and when someone is following close behind you.
4 of 34 · Safe driving
Your car has automatic daytime running lights. May you drive at night with only those lights on?
- A.No — it is illegal to drive at night with daytime running lights or parking lights instead of headlightsAnswer
- B.Yes, on well-lit city streets
- C.Yes, if you also turn on the parking lights
- D.Yes, until 1 hour after sunset
Explanation: Daytime running lights are not headlights and do not turn on the tail lights, so drivers behind cannot see you. At night you must use your headlights; driving with only parking lights or daytime running lights is illegal.
5 of 34 · Safe driving
A driver is tailgating you. What is a good way to protect yourself?
- A.Slow down slightly to increase the space in front of youAnswer
- B.Tap your brakes hard to warn the driver
- C.Speed up to get away from the driver
- D.Move closer to the vehicle in front so the tailgater cannot cut in
Explanation: You cannot control the space behind you, but you can add space in front. Slowing down slightly lets you stop more gradually if you have to, so the tailgater is less likely to hit you. You could also change lanes or pull over and let the driver pass.
6 of 34 · Safe driving
How far ahead should you scan the road as you drive?
- A.At least 12 seconds aheadAnswer
- B.About 2 seconds ahead
- C.Just past the front of your hood
- D.Only as far as the vehicle directly in front
Explanation: New drivers tend to look just in front of the vehicle and miss hazards farther away. Scan at least 12 seconds ahead — about one to two blocks in the city and half a kilometre on the highway — so you have time to prepare.
7 of 34 · Safe driving
While driving, how often should you glance at each of your mirrors?
- A.About every 5 to 8 secondsAnswer
- B.About once a minute
- C.Only when you change lanes
- D.Only when you are backing up
Explanation: Keep your eyes moving: look well ahead, scan from side to side and check your mirrors, completing the cycle every 5 to 8 seconds. That way you always know what is happening behind and beside you.
8 of 34 · Safe driving
Your vehicle has a blind spot detector and a back-up camera. Do you still need to do shoulder checks?
- A.Yes — these devices do not replace turning your head to lookAnswer
- B.No — the detector covers the blind spots
- C.Only when the detector is switched off
- D.Only at night
Explanation: Blind spot detectors and cameras can help, but they do not replace a shoulder check or looking behind. Whenever you change direction or road position, turn your head to make sure the blind spot on that side is clear.
9 of 34 · Safe driving
During which period must you drive with your headlights on?
- A.From 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunriseAnswer
- B.Only from sunset to sunrise
- C.From 1 hour after sunset until 1 hour before sunrise
- D.Only where there are no street lights
Explanation: You must use your headlights from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. They help you see, and they help other road users see you.
10 of 34 · Safe driving
When must you switch from high beams to low beams?
- A.Within 150 metres of another vehicle, whether meeting or following itAnswer
- B.Only within 50 metres of an oncoming vehicle
- C.Only when you are following another vehicle
- D.Only when the other driver flashes their lights at you
Explanation: You must dim your high beams when you are within 150 metres of another vehicle, both when meeting it and when following it. Most people misjudge distance at night, so dim early.
11 of 34 · Safe driving
It is daytime, but fog has come in. When does the law require you to turn on your headlights?
- A.When visibility is reduced to less than 150 metresAnswer
- B.Only when visibility is less than 10 metres
- C.Never during the day
- D.Only on highways
Explanation: Headlights are also required whenever visibility drops below 150 metres, for example in fog or heavy rain — day or night. Use low beams in these conditions.
12 of 34 · Safe driving
Which lights should you use when driving in rain, snow or fog?
- A.Low beam headlightsAnswer
- B.High beam headlights, to see farther
- C.Parking lights only
- D.Hazard lights while moving
Explanation: Use low beams in rain, snow and fog. High beams reflect off the water droplets or snowflakes back into your eyes and make it harder to see.
13 of 34 · Safe driving
What does it mean to “overdrive your headlights”?
- A.Driving so fast that you cannot stop within the distance your headlights light upAnswer
- B.Using high beams when other vehicles are near
- C.Leaving your headlights on after parking
- D.Driving with headlights that are aimed too high
Explanation: You overdrive your headlights when you go too fast to stop within the distance they light up — at night or in fog, rain or snow. It is especially dangerous on a curve. Slow down so you can always stop within the distance you can see.
14 of 34 · Safe driving
On a wet highway your steering suddenly feels very light — your tires are hydroplaning. What should you do?
- A.Ease off the accelerator and keep driving straight; do not brakeAnswer
- B.Brake hard until the tires grip again
- C.Steer sharply toward the shoulder
- D.Accelerate to push through the water
Explanation: Hydroplaning means the tires are floating on a film of water, so steering and braking do not work. Decelerate and drive straight — never brake. To prevent it, check tire tread and pressure and slow down in heavy rain.
15 of 34 · Safe driving
On a cold day near freezing, which part of the road is likely to ice up before the rest?
- A.Bridges and overpassesAnswer
- B.Sunny, open stretches of highway
- C.Roads through tunnels
- D.Freshly paved roads
Explanation: Bridges and overpasses tend to form ice before other road surfaces. Be suspicious of asphalt that looks shiny and black — it may be black ice — and remember that shaded areas and intersections can stay icy too.
16 of 34 · Safe driving
On a long trip that takes more than one day, when is tiredness most likely to affect you?
- A.On the second dayAnswer
- B.In the first hour of the first day
- C.Only if you drive after midnight
- D.Never, if you drink coffee
Explanation: Fatigue is one of the leading causes of crashes, and on a long trip it is most likely to catch up with you on the second day. Start out well rested, take breaks, and do not drive too far at one time.
17 of 34 · Safe driving
After a long time on an unchanging highway, you become unaware of your surroundings. What is this called, and how can you help prevent it?
- A.Highway hypnosis — turn off the cruise control and keep scanning systematicallyAnswer
- B.Highway hypnosis — set the cruise control so you can relax
- C.Tunnel vision — stare at the centre of the lane
- D.Road rage — drive faster to reach your destination sooner
Explanation: This is highway hypnosis. You can help avoid it by turning off the cruise control, scanning systematically and using strategies to stay awake, such as taking breaks and keeping fresh air in the car.
18 of 34 · Safe driving
According to the studies cited in the driver’s guide, drivers talking on a cellphone lose about how much of what is going on around them visually?
- A.About 50 per centAnswer
- B.About 5 per cent
- C.Almost nothing, if they use a hands-free phone
- D.About 10 per cent
Explanation: Drivers talking on a cellphone lose about 50 per cent of what is going on around them visually. Even when you are stopped at an intersection or slowed in traffic, you are still driving — leave your phone alone.
19 of 34 · Safe driving
What lowers the amount of alcohol in your blood?
- A.Only timeAnswer
- B.Drinking strong coffee
- C.Taking a cold shower
- D.Eating a large meal
Explanation: Only time can sober you up or lower your blood alcohol content. Food, coffee, cold showers and exercise do not speed up how fast your body gets rid of alcohol.
20 of 34 · Safe driving
According to Transport Canada, about how long does it take the body to go from a blood alcohol content of .08 back to zero?
- A.About 6 hoursAnswer
- B.About 1 hour
- C.About 2 hours
- D.About 30 minutes, if you eat something
Explanation: Transport Canada states that at a BAC of .08 it takes about 6 hours for the body to process the alcohol and return to zero. Someone who drank late at night may still be impaired the next morning.
21 of 34 · Safe driving
You have taken a medication and had one small drink. What should you know about the combination?
- A.Many drugs greatly increase impairment even with small amounts of alcoholAnswer
- B.A small drink cancels out the drowsiness from the medication
- C.Only illegal drugs react with alcohol
- D.Over-the-counter medicines never affect driving
Explanation: Many drugs, including some medications, greatly increase impairment when combined with even small amounts of alcohol. If there is any doubt about your ability to drive safely, leave the driving to someone else.
22 of 34 · Safe driving
The label on a cold medicine you have taken says it may cause drowsiness or dizziness. What should you do?
- A.Do not drive — take the bus or get someone else to driveAnswer
- B.Drive, but open a window to stay alert
- C.Drive only on short trips close to home
- D.Drink coffee to cancel the effect, then drive
Explanation: Over-the-counter medicines can make you drowsy and slow your reaction time, and the effects can last for hours. If the label warns of drowsiness or dizziness, do not drive — take the bus or ask a friend to drive you.
23 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions
You drive over black ice and the rear of your vehicle starts to skid to the right. What should you do?
- A.Ease off the accelerator and look and steer smoothly where you want to go, without brakingAnswer
- B.Brake hard and hold the wheel straight
- C.Steer sharply to the left, away from the skid
- D.Accelerate to pull the vehicle out of the skid
Explanation: In a skid, ease off the accelerator and look and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go — here, to the right. Do not brake; it makes the skid worse. If the rear then swings the other way from overcorrecting, steer smoothly that way until you regain control.
24 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). How should you brake in an emergency stop?
- A.Press down hard and hold the pedal until you stop, without pumpingAnswer
- B.Pump the brake pedal quickly
- C.Press gently, then release when you hear noise
- D.Use only the parking brake
Explanation: With ABS, press down hard on the brake pedal and hold it until you stop, and steer where you want to go. Do not pump — that turns the system off. Noise or shudder from the brakes is normal.
25 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions
You press the brake pedal and your brakes do not work. What should you try?
- A.Pump the brakes hard and fast, and gear down to the lowest gearAnswer
- B.Turn off the ignition right away
- C.Yank the parking brake on as hard as you can
- D.Shift into reverse
Explanation: Pumping the brakes hard and fast may build up enough braking action to stop. Gear down so the engine helps slow you, apply the parking brake gently and gradually, look for an escape route, and warn others with your hazard lights or horn.
26 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions
Your engine dies while you are driving a car with power steering. Why should you not turn the ignition off?
- A.The steering will lockAnswer
- B.The airbags will go off
- C.The engine will be damaged
- D.The hazard lights will stop working
Explanation: With power or power-assisted steering you can still steer after the engine stops; it just takes more effort. Turning the ignition off would lock the steering. Signal, steer to the edge of the road and turn on your hazard lights.
27 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions
Your gas pedal sticks while you are driving at highway speed. What should you do?
- A.Brake, shift to neutral, and steer to a safe place off the roadAnswer
- B.Reach down with your hand to free the pedal
- C.Turn the engine off and restart it while moving
- D.Shift into reverse
Explanation: Apply the brake, look for an escape path, and shift to neutral to disconnect the engine from the wheels. Once stopped, turn off the engine and call for help. Never reach down with your hand to free the pedal — you could lose control.
28 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions
A front tire blows out while you are on the highway. What should you do?
- A.Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator and do not brake suddenlyAnswer
- B.Brake hard right away
- C.Let go of the wheel so the vehicle straightens itself
- D.Accelerate to keep the vehicle stable
Explanation: A front blowout pulls the vehicle toward the flat tire. Keep a firm grip, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually — braking suddenly risks losing steering control. Brake gently once you have slowed, then signal and pull off the road when it is safe.
29 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions
Your headlights suddenly go out at night. What should you try first?
- A.Turn the light switch on and off quicklyAnswer
- B.Keep driving slowly with the parking lights on
- C.Stop immediately in your lane
- D.Follow the tail lights of the vehicle ahead to the next exit
Explanation: Try turning the light switch on and off quickly. If the headlights stay off, turn on the hazard lights, slow down, pull off the road and get help — driving at night without headlights is dangerous and illegal.
30 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions
Your hood flies up while you are driving and blocks your view. What should you do?
- A.Look through the gap below the hood or out the side window, take your foot off the accelerator and steer to the side of the roadAnswer
- B.Brake as hard as you can right away
- C.Keep going at the same speed until the next exit
- D.Reach out of the window to push the hood down
Explanation: Do not panic. Look through the crack below the hood or out your open window in the direction you are travelling, take your foot off the accelerator, turn on the hazard lights, pump the brakes to warn drivers behind you, and steer to the side of the road.
31 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions
A large elk steps into your path and you cannot stop in time. What does the guide advise?
- A.Brake firmly, steer to strike the animal at an angle, and let up on the brake just before impactAnswer
- B.Slam on the brakes and hold them until you hit it
- C.Swerve sharply into the oncoming lane
- D.Speed up so the animal jumps out of the way
Explanation: If the animal is large and you cannot stop, brake firmly and steer to hit it at an angle. Letting up on the brake just before impact makes the front of the vehicle rise, reducing the chance the animal comes through the windshield.
32 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions
A car is coming straight at you in your lane. To avoid a head-on collision, which way should you steer?
- A.To the rightAnswer
- B.To the left, into the empty oncoming lane
- C.Straight ahead, braking as hard as possible
- D.Whichever way the other driver is looking
Explanation: Avoid a head-on collision at all costs by steering to the side — to the right, not the left, because the oncoming driver may also steer to their right. Slow down as much as possible and use the horn to alert the other driver.
33 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions
You are involved in a crash. What are you legally required to do?
- A.Remain at the scene and give all reasonable assistanceAnswer
- B.Leave if your vehicle can still be driven, and report it later
- C.Admit fault so the insurance claim goes faster
- D.Stay only if someone is visibly injured
Explanation: If you are involved in a crash, or other drivers crash because of something you did, you must remain at the scene, give all reasonable assistance (calling emergency services if needed), and exchange information. Avoid discussing who is at fault.
34 of 34 · Emergencies & collisions
After a crash, which information must you exchange with the other driver and anyone whose property was damaged?
- A.Your name and address, the registered owner’s name and address, the licence plate number and insurance informationAnswer
- B.Only your phone number
- C.Nothing — only the police may collect this information
- D.A written statement of who caused the crash
Explanation: You must exchange your name and address, the name and address of the vehicle’s registered owner, the licence plate number and insurance information — and give the same to the police or a witness if asked. Then notify your insurance company right away.