Practice Test Geeks(PennDOT) Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Practice Test
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Driving in Hazardous Conditions Flashcards

7 cards from real PENNDOT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Driving in Hazardous Conditions flashcards as text

  1. In Pennsylvania, at what outside temperature should you be most alert for unexpected ice on road surfaces?

    Answer: Between 25°F and 35°F (-4°C to 2°C)

    The most dangerous range is near freezing — roads may appear wet but be coated with invisible ice, and salt loses effectiveness below about 15°F.

  2. When driving in sleet or freezing rain, which surface is likely to be the slipperiest?

    Answer: A shaded section of road under trees

    Shaded areas stay colder because sunlight cannot melt ice there, making them significantly more hazardous.

  3. What does it mean when a Pennsylvania highway sign reads 'PennDOT Road Condition: Restricted'?

    Answer: Travel is strongly discouraged except for emergencies

    A 'Restricted' condition means conditions are extremely hazardous and PennDOT strongly discourages all but essential travel.

  4. When following a snow plow on a Pennsylvania highway, how much distance should you maintain?

    Answer: At least 200 feet

    PennDOT recommends staying at least 200 feet behind snow plows to avoid flying debris, salt spray, and reduced visibility.

  5. When a front-wheel-drive vehicle begins to skid, the front wheels lose traction and the car plows straight ahead. You should:

    Answer: Release the accelerator and allow speed to drop to regain steering

    Lifting off the accelerator reduces speed, which allows the front tires to regain grip and steering control to return.

  6. Under Pennsylvania's Move Over Law during hazardous weather, if you cannot safely change lanes away from an emergency vehicle, you must:

    Answer: Reduce speed to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit

    If a lane change is not safely possible, Pennsylvania law requires slowing to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit near stopped emergency vehicles.

  7. When preparing for winter driving in Pennsylvania, which of the following is NOT recommended?

    Answer: Warming up the vehicle inside a closed garage to pre-heat the engine

    Warming a vehicle in a closed garage risks deadly carbon monoxide buildup — always warm up in an open or well-ventilated area.