Safe Driving Practices and Defensive Driving
This domain tests whether you drive to survive other people's mistakes. Defensive driving means scanning ahead, keeping space, signalling early and choosing a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see to be clear.
Core habits
- Use the mirror-signal-manoeuvre routine before changing direction or speed.
- Keep at least a two-second gap in dry conditions; double it to four seconds in rain or poor visibility.
- Look far ahead and check mirrors regularly; identify escape routes.
- Adjust speed for wet roads, gravel, darkness, bends and school zones.
- Avoid distractions; a phone call or text removes attention from the road.
Worked example
You are following a truck at 30 mph on a wet road with a two-second gap. You increase the gap to four seconds. Reasoning: wet tyres have less grip and stopping distances rise; the extra second gives you time to react if the truck brakes suddenly. The gap is measured from a fixed point, not from the truck's bumper.
Traps that cost marks
- Tailgating because the vehicle ahead is 'too slow'.
- Using high beam in fog, which reflects back and reduces vision.
- Assuming a green light or clear road means no hazard.
- Driving at the posted limit when conditions demand slower.
- Signalling after braking or after starting the manoeuvre.