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Defensive Driving — New Jersey Driver's License Practice Test

Defensive DrivingQuestion 1 of 30

44 questions in this topic · 30 drawn at random this round

At 20 mph on ice, what is the minimum safe following distance in car lengths?

New Jersey Driver Manual

All questions are based on the official New Jersey Driver Manual (NJ MVC). Study the relevant chapter to reinforce your knowledge.

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This New Jersey Driver's License Defensive Driving practice set has 44 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation. You need 80% on the real New Jersey Driver's License knowledge test to pass.

Topic overview

This chapter covers defensive driving: how to prevent a crash, manage distractions and fatigue, keep a safe following distance, and handle hazards like wet roads, hydroplaning, and skids.

The most heavily tested material is the three-seconds-plus rule for following distance (increase it in bad weather), how hydroplaning happens at higher speeds on wet roads, and how to react correctly to a skid without over-steering.

A common mistake is pumping the brakes on a vehicle with anti-lock brakes (ABS) — with ABS, the driver should apply steady pressure instead, since pumping is only correct for older conventional brake systems.

What is the 'three-seconds-plus rule'?

Pick a fixed point ahead, like a sign, and start counting when the vehicle in front passes it. If at least three seconds pass before you reach that same point, you're keeping a safe following distance — increase the count to four or more seconds in bad weather.

What causes hydroplaning and how can I avoid it?

Hydroplaning happens when tires ride up on a film of water on a wet road, and it can start around 35 mph — the risk grows as speed increases. Avoid it by not driving on worn tires and slowing down when there's heavy rain or standing water.

What should I do if my vehicle starts to skid?

Take your foot off the gas, look and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go, and avoid over-steering, which can cause a spin. Straighten the wheels once you feel the vehicle come back under control.

Written from the official New Jersey Driver Manual — Defensive Driving ↗· Last checked: 2026-07-10· Reviewed by the PassPrep editorial team· How we verify →

Sample questions

Three questions from the Defensive Driving bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 30 questions at random from the same bank.

What is the standard crash-prevention formula a motorist should use to reduce the chance of a crash?
- Be alert, be prepared, and act in time — Correct answer
- Drive fast, brake hard, and signal late
- Relax, trust others, and react slowly
- Stop often, honk loudly, and follow closely
Explanation: The manual states the standard crash-prevention formula is to be alert, be prepared, and act in time.
Handbook: Defensive Driving — Prevent a Crash
Which of the following is an example of aggressive driving?
- Following another vehicle too closely — Correct answer
- Using turn signals before lane changes
- Stopping fully at red lights
- Keeping a safe following distance
Explanation: Aggressive driving includes unexpectedly altering speed, improper or erratic lane changes, disregarding traffic control devices, failing to yield, and following too closely.
Handbook: Defensive Driving — Aggressive Driving/Road Rage
To report an aggressive motorist using a cell phone, what number should you call?
- #77 — Correct answer
- #55
- #911
- #311
Explanation: To report an aggressive motorist, call (888) SAF-ROAD, or if using a cell phone, call #77.
Handbook: Defensive Driving — Reporting Aggressive Drivers