Safe Driving Practices and Defensive Driving
Safe Driving Practices and Defensive Driving
This domain tests hazard perception, space management, and vehicle control in poor conditions. The exam asks what a defensive driver does before a situation becomes an emergency.
Space and following distance
- Use a 3-second following distance. Add at least one second at night, in rain, or behind large vehicles, giving 4 seconds or more.
- Total stopping distance is perception distance plus reaction distance plus braking distance; it rises sharply with speed. At 55 mph, 3 seconds is about 240 feet before any braking.
- Keep a space cushion to the front, sides, and rear. If someone tailgates, increase front space and avoid brake-checking.
Scanning and control
- Aim 12–15 seconds ahead; check mirrors every 5–8 seconds; glance over your shoulder before lane changes.
- At intersections, scan left-right-left; cover the brake when a hazard is developing.
- Backing: check behind before entering, back slowly, and use mirrors and camera while also turning to look.
Conditions
- Rain: slow down, increase following distance, and avoid cruise control. If hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator and steer straight; no hard braking.
- Fog: use low beams, never high beams; high beams reflect off the moisture.
- Skid: look and steer where you want to go; ease off the accelerator; avoid overcorrecting.
- Night: reduce speed so you can stop within the distance your headlights illuminate.
Sharing the road
- Trucks: avoid blind spots, allow wide right turns, and pass quickly on the left.
- Motorcycles: treat as full vehicles and give them a full lane.
- Bicycles: Georgia requires at least 3 feet when passing; do not honk.
- Pedestrians: yield at crosswalks; children and older pedestrians need more time.
Distraction and fatigue
Hands-free is not risk-free; cognitive distraction remains. Set navigation before moving. For fatigue, stop, nap, or switch drivers; coffee is not a substitute for sleep.
Worked example
You are behind a truck at 55 mph on a wet road. The truck passes a sign; your front bumper reaches the sign 3 seconds later. Is that enough?
Reasoning: 3 seconds is the minimum for good, dry conditions. Wet roads reduce tire grip and increase stopping distance, so add at least one second, giving 4 seconds or more. At 55 mph, 4 seconds is about 320 feet. Re-establish the gap if it closes.
Traps that cost marks
- Counting the 3 seconds but then closing the gap.
- Using high beams in fog or cruise control on wet pavement.
- Braking hard while hydroplaning.
- Passing a bicyclist with less than 3 feet.