Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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1.What is a primary characteristic required of a driver to operate a vehicle safely?

a) Only basic knowledge of traffic laws.

b) The ability to react quickly to all situations.

c) Full attention.

d) Extensive experience only.

Correct! Wrong!

Driving a vehicle safely requires the full attention of the driver, as even a small distraction can lead to serious consequences.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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2.What types of penalties can apply to drivers who commit road traffic offenses in Canada?

a) Only fines.

b) Fines, demerit points, licence suspension or even imprisonment.

c) Demerit points only.

d) Community service only.

Correct! Wrong!

Strict penalties for traffic offenses can include fines, demerit points, licence suspension, and even imprisonment, depending on the severity.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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3.What is the purpose of Graduated Driver Licensing programs?

a) To allow new drivers to drive unrestricted immediately.

b) To strictly limit driving privileges for two years without increasing them.

c) To eliminate the need for driver education courses.

d) To provide a gradual, step-by-step licensing process to help novice drivers gain knowledge and skill.

Correct! Wrong!

Graduated Driver Licensing programs are designed to help new drivers build experience and confidence safely over time.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

04/42

4.When faced with an aggressive driver, what is a recommended action to stay safe?

a) Make eye contact to show you are alert.

b) Make obscene gestures to deter them.

c) Allow other aggressive drivers to pass you when safe to do so.

d) Tailgate them to understand their driving pattern.

Correct! Wrong!

Its safer to let aggressive drivers go ahead rather than engage or escalate the situation.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

05/42

5.What is the leading cause of some collisions and a form of aggressive driving?

a) Speeding.

b) Using your horn sparingly.

c) Slow moving traffic.

d) Avoiding eye contact.

Correct! Wrong!

Speeding is classified as a form of aggressive driving and is stated to be the leading cause of some collisions.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

06/42

6.What are the two components that make up total stopping distance?

a) Reaction distance and braking distance.

b) Tire condition and road surface.

c) Reaction speed and brake type.

d) Driver alertness and vehicle weight.

Correct! Wrong!

Stopping distance includes the distance your car travels before you begin braking and the distance it takes to stop once the brakes are applied.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

07/42

7.If you double your speed, by how much does your braking distance increase?

a) It doubles.

b) It triples.

c) It quadruples.

d) It remains the same.

Correct! Wrong!

When your speed doubles, your braking distance increases by four times due to the increased momentum.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

08/42

8.What is the maximum legal speed limit under ideal driving conditions on a paved portion of the Trans-Canada Highway if there is no visibly posted sign?

a) 100 km/h.

b) 180 km/h.

c) 120 km/h.

d) 110 km/h.

Correct! Wrong!

If there is no posted speed limit, the default on paved sections of the Trans-Canada Highway under ideal conditions is 100 km/h.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

09/42

9.What message is displayed on digital speed signs in school zones if a motorist is traveling above the posted speed limit?

a) Thank You.

b) Slow Down along with the motorists real-time speed.

c) Speed Checked along with the motorists real-time speed.

d) Caution Ahead along with the motorists real-time speed.

Correct! Wrong!

These digital signs serve as an active reminder by showing your speed and urging you to slow down if necessary.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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10.What factor requires you to reduce your speed for safety?

a) Using cruise control.

b) Good road and weather conditions.

c) Poor weather conditions, icy pavement, heavy traffic or pedestrian-heavy areas.

d) Driving a new vehicle.

Correct! Wrong!

Even if youre within the legal limit, conditions like snow, rain, or high pedestrian traffic require slowing down for safety.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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11.How can using drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, affect your driving ability?

a) They can enhance your driving focus.

b) They may impair your ability to drive and increase your risk of a collision.

c) They have no impact on driving if taken as prescribed.

d) They only affect driving if combined with alcohol.

Correct! Wrong!

Many drugs, even ones you might think are harmless, can interfere with your ability to drive safely and increase the chance of a crash.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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12.How serious is driving impaired by drugs compared to driving impaired by alcohol?

a) Equally serious.

b) Less serious.

c) Only serious if the drug is illegal.

d) More serious.

Correct! Wrong!

Drug-impaired driving is treated just as seriously as alcohol-impaired driving because both put lives at risk.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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13.How can drugs affect your driving performance?

a) By increasing your alertness.

b) By improving your depth perception.

c) By affecting your co-ordination, vision, muscles and reaction time.

d) By making you more patient.

Correct! Wrong!

Drugs can impact several physical and mental functions, which are all critical for safe driving.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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14.What is advised if you are taking a new medication?

a) Drive as usual and monitor yourself.

b) Take a smaller dose before driving.

c) Drive only on familiar roads.

d) Avoid driving until you understand the effects it has on you.

Correct! Wrong!

It’s best to wait and see how your body reacts before attempting to drive on any medication for the first time.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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15.Which of the following is a common cause of driver fatigue?

a) Eating well-balanced meals.

b) Sharing the driving with a passenger.

c) Taking frequent short breaks.

d) Lack of quality sleep.

Correct! Wrong!

Missing out on quality sleep is one of the main reasons drivers become fatigued behind the wheel.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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16.Which of the following is a sign of driver fatigue?

a) Increased alertness.

b) Steady driving speed.

c) Drifting over lanes.

d) Improved concentration.

Correct! Wrong!

If you catch yourself drifting into another lane or struggling to keep your head up, it’s a clear sign that fatigue is setting in.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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17.If you feel tired while driving, what should you do?

a) Turn up the radio and open the window.

b) Increase your speed to reach your destination faster.

c) Pull over and have a powernap.

d) Drink a caffeinated beverage and keep driving.

Correct! Wrong!

The safest option is to find a secure place to stop and take a short napu2014don’t try to push through drowsiness.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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18.What is the recommended amount of uninterrupted sleep before starting a trip to avoid fatigue?

a) Four to five hours.

b) Six hours.

c) Seven to eight hours.

d) Nine to ten hours.

Correct! Wrong!

To be well-prepared for a drive, aim to get seven to eight solid hours of sleep the night before your trip.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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19.What is the recommended frequency for taking breaks during a long trip?

a) Every four hours for 10 minutes.

b) At least every two hours for 15 minutes.

c) Only when you feel extremely tired.

d) Only when refueling your vehicle.

Correct! Wrong!

To stay alert on long journeys, plan to stop for about 15 minutes every couple of hoursu2014get out, stretch, and breathe some fresh air.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

020/42

20.If a medical condition means you can no longer drive safely, what is suggested as a responsible option?

a) Retiring from driving.

b) To continue driving but only on familiar roads.

c) Getting a special permit to drive impaired.

d) Driving only during daylight hours.

Correct! Wrong!

If your health makes driving unsafe, stepping away from the driver’s seat is the responsible and safest decision.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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21.In which of the following situations is it illegal to drive?

a) Only when your licence is expired.

b) When you are not feeling well.

c) Only if you have unpaid parking tickets.

d) When your licence has been suspended.

Correct! Wrong!

If any official authority has prohibited you from driving, getting behind the wheel is a criminal offense.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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22.What could happen if you leave the scene of a collision illegally?

a) A warning.

b) Fines, up to two years in prison and a prohibition from driving of up to three years.

c) Only demerit points.

d) A mandatory driver improvement course.

Correct! Wrong!

Leaving the scene is taken very seriouslyu2014it’s not just unethical, it can land you in jail and off the road for years.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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23.What is the primary aim of proactive driving?

a) To always drive at the speed limit.

b) To anticipate possible hazards and take action.

c) To react quickly to unexpected events.

d) To follow other drivers closely to learn their habits.

Correct! Wrong!

Proactive driving involves actively looking ahead to foresee potential hazards and taking preventive measures to avoid them.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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24.In an urban area, how far ahead of your vehicle should you generally be looking and scanning for hazards?

a) Only at the vehicle directly in front of you.

b) At least 5 to 10 seconds.

c) At least 20 to 25 seconds.

d) At least 12 to 15 seconds.

Correct! Wrong!

When driving in urban areas, its recommended to scan at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle, which is approximately one to one-and-a-half blocks.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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25.How often should you glance in your rearview mirrors to check behind you while driving?

a) Every 30 seconds.

b) Every 8 to 12 seconds.

c) Only when changing lanes.

d) Only when slowing down or stopping.

Correct! Wrong!

To maintain awareness of your surroundings, you should glance in your rearview mirrors every 8 to 12 seconds, which is about every block in an urban area.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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26.When stopping behind another vehicle in traffic, how much space should you leave?

a) Just enough to see their rear tires.

b) As close as possible to prevent others from cutting in.

c) Half a car length.

d) Enough space to move your vehicle into another lane without having to reverse.

Correct! Wrong!

Leaving sufficient space when stopped behind another vehicle allows you to maneuver into another lane without backing up, and provides a buffer if you are hit from behind.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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27.If you miss your exit or turn while driving, what should you do?

a) Drive in reverse on the roadway to return to the missed exit.

b) Make a quick and dangerous lane change.

c) Continue on to the next exit or intersection.

d) Stop immediately in your current lane.

Correct! Wrong!

If you miss your intended exit or turn, you should proceed to the next available exit or intersection rather than attempting dangerous maneuvers like reversing on the roadway.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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28.Under normal road and weather conditions, what is the minimum recommended following distance behind the vehicle ahead?

a) One second.

b) Two seconds.

c) Three seconds.

d) Four seconds.

Correct! Wrong!

A minimum two-second following distance is recommended under normal road and weather conditions to ensure adequate stopping time.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

029/42

29.How can you verify if you are maintaining a two-second following distance?

a) By watching your speedometer closely.

b) By counting one-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two after the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object.

c) By matching the speed of the vehicle in front of you.

d) By estimating based on car lengths.

Correct! Wrong!

The two-second rule involves counting one-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two after the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point; if you reach the point before finishing, you are following too closely.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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30.Does using a hands-free cellular telephone constitute a distraction while driving?

a) No, as long as its hands-free.

b) Yes, it is still a distraction that can take your attention away from driving.

c) Only if you are texting.

d) Only if the call is long.

Correct! Wrong!

Even hands-free cellular telephones can be a distraction because they can divert your attention from the demanding task of driving.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

031/42

31.Why is it advised not to use a cellular phone while fuelling your vehicle?

a) It can interfere with the fuel pumps electronics.

b) The phones light or ring might have enough energy to provide a spark, igniting gasoline vapours.

c) It distracts you from watching the fuel gauge.

d) It is generally considered rude.

Correct! Wrong!

Cellular phones, particularly when they light up or ring, can generate a small spark which could ignite flammable gasoline vapours.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

032/42

32.What should you do with your vehicles ignition before fuelling?

a) Leave it running to keep the air conditioning on.

b) Turn it off.

c) Put it in accessory mode.

d) Keep it on to monitor fuel levels.

Correct! Wrong!

Turning your vehicles ignition off before fuelling is a critical safety measure to prevent any potential ignition sources.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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33.If you have an RV or trailer, what specific safety precaution should you take before fuelling?

a) Ensure all windows are closed.

b) Check the tire pressure.

c) Disconnect the trailer.

d) Make sure any pilot lights are turned off.

Correct! Wrong!

Pilot lights on recreational vehicles or trailers can act as an ignition source for gasoline vapours, so they must be turned off.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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34.What is explicitly prohibited among the following?

a) Towing a disabled vehicle.

b) Towing anyone on skis, a toboggan, motorcycle, or bicycle.

c) Towing another car with a tow rope.

d) Towing a small utility trailer.

Correct! Wrong!

It is against the law to use your vehicle to tow individuals who are on skis, toboggans, motorcycles, or bicycles.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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35.Is it legal to allow a person to ride in a trailer when it is being towed?

a) Yes, if they are properly secured.

b) Yes, if the trailer has windows.

c) No, it is against the law.

d) Only if the trailer is specifically designed for passengers.

Correct! Wrong!

It is illegal to permit a person to ride inside a trailer while it is being towed.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

036/42

36.What is required if the view from your inside rearview mirror is blocked?

a) You must drive slower.

b) You must signal more frequently.

c) You must use only your side mirrors.

d) You must attach an outside rearview mirror on each side of the vehicle.

Correct! Wrong!

If your inside rearview mirrors view is obstructed, the law requires you to have an outside rearview mirror on both sides of your vehicle.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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37.In a residential area, during what hours are you prohibited from operating a vehicle in a way that disturbs residents?

a) 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

b) 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

c) 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.

d) 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Correct! Wrong!

Operating a vehicle in a manner that disturbs residents in a residential area is prohibited between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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38.Is it legal to operate your vehicle using two lanes on a highway?

a) Yes, if you are passing.

b) Yes, if traffic is heavy.

c) No, it is illegal, except when conditions cause the use of a single lane to be impractical.

d) Only if you have a wide vehicle.

Correct! Wrong!

Operating a vehicle across two lanes on a highway is illegal unless specific conditions make single-lane use impractical.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

039/42

39.Why is it important to signal early when driving?

a) To allow extra time to check vehicle gauges.

b) To give other drivers sufficient notice of your intended actions.

c) To verify the functionality of your indicator lights.

d) To confirm you are in the correct lane.

Correct! Wrong!

Signaling early ensures that other drivers have ample time to react and adjust to your planned turns or lane changes.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

040/42

40.For which driving maneuvers should you use your vehicles indicators?

a) Only when entering or exiting a highway.

b) Braking or accelerating.

c) Turning or changing lanes.

d) Passing a slower vehicle.

Correct! Wrong!

Indicators are specifically used to communicate your intention to turn or change lanes to other road users.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

041/42

41.What can happen if a driver fails to use indicators well before a maneuver?

a) Their vehicle might consume more fuel.

b) Other drivers may be surprised or confused by their sudden action.

c) The drivers reaction time will improve.

d) The vehicles braking distance will increase.

Correct! Wrong!

Signaling well in advance allows other drivers time to process your intentions and react accordingly, preventing confusion or unexpected movements.

Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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42.How early should you signal that you are about to take a turn to the left?

a) Exactly two car lengths before the turn.

b) Only when you have already started turning the steering wheel.

c) Just as you enter the intersection.

d) Well before the turn, giving other drivers sufficient warning.

Correct! Wrong!

Indicators should be activated well before turning to provide other drivers with adequate time to understand the intention and respond safely.

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

01/42

1.What is a primary characteristic required of a driver to operate a vehicle safely?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

02/42

2.What types of penalties can apply to drivers who commit road traffic offenses in Canada?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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3.What is the purpose of Graduated Driver Licensing programs?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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4.When faced with an aggressive driver, what is a recommended action to stay safe?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

05/42

5.What is the leading cause of some collisions and a form of aggressive driving?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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6.What are the two components that make up total stopping distance?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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7.If you double your speed, by how much does your braking distance increase?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

08/42

8.What is the maximum legal speed limit under ideal driving conditions on a paved portion of the Trans-Canada Highway if there is no visibly posted sign?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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9.What message is displayed on digital speed signs in school zones if a motorist is traveling above the posted speed limit?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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10.What factor requires you to reduce your speed for safety?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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11.How can using drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, affect your driving ability?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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12.How serious is driving impaired by drugs compared to driving impaired by alcohol?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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13.How can drugs affect your driving performance?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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14.What is advised if you are taking a new medication?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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15.Which of the following is a common cause of driver fatigue?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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16.Which of the following is a sign of driver fatigue?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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17.If you feel tired while driving, what should you do?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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18.What is the recommended amount of uninterrupted sleep before starting a trip to avoid fatigue?

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Principles of Defensive Driving Test

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19.What is the recommended frequency for taking breaks during a long trip?

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