Defensive driving test: what is it?

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A defensive driving test assesses an individual’s knowledge of safe and efficient driving practices. It can help reduce traffic citation costs and insurance rates. Tests are offered by public agencies, third-party services, and specific companies, and may be required for new drivers. Topics covered include passing, sight distances, right of way, following distance, and distracted driving.

A defensive driving test is an examination of an individual’s understanding of defensive driving practices. Defensive driving is commonly defined as mastering skills beyond the basics of operating a motor vehicle, with attention to safety and efficiency on the road. It represents a driving approach oriented towards taking proactive action to prevent potential accidents and identify potential road hazards before they become problems. A defensive driving test is usually taken in the context of a defensive driving course.

Defensive driving tests and the courses that contain them can be good for a variety of purposes. Sometimes students taking these tests can help mitigate the costs of a traffic citation. Some students who take a defensive driving test may get lower insurance rates.

Defensive driving tests are offered in many types and from a wide variety of sources. A public agency may give citizens of a specific area a defensive driving test to help assess risk and provide safety. A third-party service can provide defensive driving test options to help consumers with insurance and other costs. Specific companies may do defensive driving tests to assess drivers and those who will be on the road professionally.

A defensive or other driving test may form part of a basic requirement for students who are just learning to drive. A comprehensive defensive driving test system helps ensure that new drivers receive the education they need to drive behind the wheel. It’s routine for high school students to take these types of tests and engage in other types of learning about what happens on the road.

Other defensive driving test options may be presented online to help people quickly assess their own knowledge of road safety. Some other types of driving tests are administered by unusual people. GMAC, a finance company captive to General Motors, administers its own annual defensive driving test as a public service. The company operates this test in conjunction with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The general content of a test that focuses on defensive driving will be relevant to how the best drivers stay safe. A defensive driving test might include some questions about when it’s safe to pass another vehicle on a specific type of road. Other issues frequently addressed in defensive driving tests include sight distances, right of way in traffic, and maintaining a safe following distance. Students can also look at other topics such as impaired driving, aggressive driving, or even driving with cell phones and other devices.




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