K53 Learners Defensive Driving and Safety — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the safest following distance to keep behind the vehicle in front in good conditions?
- As close as possible to save space
- One metre
- Half a car length
- At least a two-second gap (Correct answer)
Correct answer: At least a two-second gap
The two-second rule gives you time to react and stop. Pick a fixed point; if you reach it less than two seconds after the car ahead, you are too close. Increase it in poor conditions.
Question 2: What should you do if you become tired or drowsy while driving on a long trip?
- Stop at a safe place and rest (Correct answer)
- Open the window and continue indefinitely
- Drive faster to arrive sooner
- Drink more coffee and never stop
Correct answer: Stop at a safe place and rest
Fatigue slows reaction time and is a major cause of crashes. The only real cure is to stop at a safe place and rest before continuing.
Question 3: When driving in rain or fog, what is the correct defensive action?
- Reduce speed, increase following distance and switch on your lights (Correct answer)
- Switch off your lights to avoid glare
- Follow closely behind another car to be guided
- Increase speed to get through quickly
Correct answer: Reduce speed, increase following distance and switch on your lights
In poor visibility you should slow down, leave a bigger following gap and put your headlights on so you can see and be seen.
Question 4: Why must you wear a seatbelt every time you drive?
- It restrains you in a crash and greatly reduces injury (Correct answer)
- It is optional in the city
- Only the driver needs one
- Only so you avoid a fine
Correct answer: It restrains you in a crash and greatly reduces injury
Seatbelts hold you in place in a collision, preventing you from being thrown forward or out of the vehicle. By law all occupants must be belted.
Question 5: What is the defensive way to approach a green robot you are nearing?
- Stop even though it is green
- Stay alert and be ready to stop in case it changes or another driver jumps the light (Correct answer)
- Close your eyes and trust other drivers
- Speed up to get through
Correct answer: Stay alert and be ready to stop in case it changes or another driver jumps the light
Defensive driving means never assuming. Approach a green robot ready to stop, scanning for red-light runners and pedestrians before you cross.
Question 6: What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid on a wet road?
- Brake hard immediately
- Ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go (Correct answer)
- Accelerate to regain grip
- Turn the wheel sharply the opposite way
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go
Sudden braking worsens a skid. Ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly in the direction you want the front of the car to go to regain control.
Question 7: Before a long journey, a defensive driver should check what on the vehicle?
- Nothing, the garage handles it
- Only the fuel
- Tyres, lights, brakes, oil, water and indicators (Correct answer)
- Just the radio
Correct answer: Tyres, lights, brakes, oil, water and indicators
A pre-trip check of tyres, lights, brakes, oil, water and indicators helps prevent breakdowns and keeps the vehicle roadworthy and safe.
Question 8: What is the safest action when an emergency vehicle approaches with sirens and flashing lights?
- Ignore it if you have right of way
- Stop in the middle of the lane
- Move to the left and slow or stop to let it pass safely (Correct answer)
- Speed up and race it
Correct answer: Move to the left and slow or stop to let it pass safely
You must give way to emergency vehicles. Move to the left where safe and slow down or stop so the emergency vehicle can pass.
K53 Learners Defensive Driving and Safety
What is the safest following distance to keep behind the vehicle in front in good conditions?