Kansas: Distracted and drowsy driving
Fatigue, distractions inside and outside the vehicle, the Kansas texting law, health and emotions. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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Distracted and drowsy driving — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “When may a 14- or 15-year-old driver use a wireless communication device while driving?”
StartDistracted and drowsy driving — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “Which of these does the handbook list as a possible distraction inside a moving vehicle?”
StartAll 42 Distracted and drowsy driving questions with answers
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When may a 14- or 15-year-old driver use a wireless communication device while driving?
- Only when stopped at a red light or a stop sign
- Only to report illegal activity or summon emergency help
- Only to make hands-free calls
- Only when driving on a farm job
Show answer
Correct answer: Only to report illegal activity or summon emergency help
Wireless communication devices are not allowed while driving except to report illegal activity or summon emergency help.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 12
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A 15- or 16-year-old driver on a restricted license may use a wireless communication device while driving only to do what?
- Call a parent to say the trip is finished
- Send a text message to a friend
- Read an email from a parent
- Report illegal activity or summon emergency help
Show answer
Correct answer: Report illegal activity or summon emergency help
The restrictions ban wireless communication devices while driving except to report illegal activity or summon emergency help.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 13
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What does Kansas law prohibit while driving, regarding electronic devices?
- Using an electronic device to write, send or read a written message
- Using any electronic device in any way at all while the vehicle is moving
- Wearing a headset in either ear while driving
- Using a radio or a CD player at a high volume
Show answer
Correct answer: Using an electronic device to write, send or read a written message
Kansas law prohibits using any electronic device to write, send, or read a written communication while driving, including texting and email.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 19
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Which use of an electronic device is not covered by the Kansas ban on writing, sending or reading written communications while driving?
- Sending an email
- Texting
- Using a GPS device
- Writing any other message
Show answer
Correct answer: Using a GPS device
The ban includes texting, email or any other writing, but it does not include GPS devices or weather reports.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 19
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According to the manual, what is the Kansas law on talking, or dialing a phone number, on a cell phone while driving, for a driver with no permit or license restrictions?
- It is illegal in every case
- It is not specifically illegal
- It is illegal except for emergency calls
- It is illegal on state highways
Show answer
Correct answer: It is not specifically illegal
The manual states that talking, or dialing a phone number, on a cell phone is not specifically illegal in Kansas, although anything that distracts from driving is dangerous.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 19
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Which of these can cause fatigue, according to the handbook?
- Driving at the posted speed limit
- Repetitive tasks
- Wearing corrective lenses
- Eating a light meal
Show answer
Correct answer: Repetitive tasks
The handbook lists physical or mental strain, repetitive tasks, illness and lack of sleep as causes of fatigue.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 20
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Fatigue impairs which two abilities, just like alcohol and drugs?
- Hearing and balance
- Strength and coordination
- Memory and hearing
- Vision and judgment
Show answer
Correct answer: Vision and judgment
Just like alcohol and drugs, fatigue impairs your vision and judgment.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 20
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How does fatigue affect the time you need to make decisions?
- You take more time to make decisions
- You make decisions faster but less carefully
- Decision time is unchanged; only your vision suffers
- You decide faster when the roadway is busy
Show answer
Correct answer: You take more time to make decisions
Fatigue causes you to take more time to make decisions, and it can make you more irritable.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 20
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Which kind of errors does fatigue cause, according to the handbook?
- Errors in reading small print on documents
- Errors in remembering the names of roads
- Errors related to speed and distance
- Errors in judging the color of signals only
Show answer
Correct answer: Errors related to speed and distance
Fatigue causes errors related to speed and distance and increases the risk of a crash.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 20
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How many hours of sleep do most adults need to maintain proper alertness during the day?
- 4 to 5 hours
- 7 to 9 hours
- 5 to 6 hours
- 10 to 12 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: 7 to 9 hours
The handbook says most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep to maintain proper alertness during the day.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 21
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Why does the handbook say to arrange for a travel companion before a long trip?
- To have someone to talk with and to share the driving
- To have someone who can watch for police officers
- To have someone who can answer your phone calls
- To have someone who can pay for the fuel
Show answer
Correct answer: To have someone to talk with and to share the driving
A travel companion is someone to talk with and share the driving, which helps prevent fatigue.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 21
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Before a trip, what should you avoid to help prevent fatigue?
- Drinking water
- Stopping for breaks
- Alcohol and sedating medications
- Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep
Show answer
Correct answer: Alcohol and sedating medications
The handbook says to avoid alcohol and sedating medications before a trip and to check labels or ask your doctor.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 21
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Which of these is a warning sign of fatigue?
- Passing every vehicle ahead
- Drifting from your lane
- Needing to sound the horn often
- Noticing every road sign early
Show answer
Correct answer: Drifting from your lane
Drifting from your lane, having trouble keeping your eyes open, or having to turn up the radio or roll down the window are warning signs of fatigue.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 21
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If you notice the warning signs of fatigue while driving, which action does the handbook recommend?
- Turn up the radio and keep driving
- Roll down the window and continue to the next town
- Drive faster so the trip is over sooner
- Stop driving and pull off at the next exit or rest area
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop driving and pull off at the next exit or rest area
The handbook says to stop driving and pull off at the next exit or rest area, or find a place to sleep for the night.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 21
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How long a nap does the handbook suggest taking in a safe parking area when you are fatigued?
- 15 to 20 minutes
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 30 to 45 minutes
- 1 to 2 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 to 20 minutes
The handbook suggests finding a safe parking area to take a 15 to 20-minute nap.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 21
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How much caffeine can increase alertness for several hours, according to the handbook?
- The equivalent of 1 cup of coffee
- The equivalent of 4 cups of coffee
- The equivalent of 2 cups of coffee
- The equivalent of 6 cups of coffee
Show answer
Correct answer: The equivalent of 2 cups of coffee
The equivalent of 2 cups of coffee can increase alertness for several hours, but it wears off.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 21
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What should you keep in mind about caffeine when you are tired?
- It is safe to drink in large amounts when you are tired
- It will wear off, so do not rely on it to prevent fatigue
- It lasts until you get to sleep, so more is always better
- It removes the need to schedule breaks on long trips
Show answer
Correct answer: It will wear off, so do not rely on it to prevent fatigue
The handbook says to avoid drinking too much caffeine, remember it will wear off, and not rely on it to prevent fatigue.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 21
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What does the handbook suggest to get the benefits of both caffeine and a short nap?
- Consume the caffeine after you wake from the nap
- Take a long nap and skip the caffeine
- Drink the caffeine while you are asleep
- Consume the caffeine before taking the nap
Show answer
Correct answer: Consume the caffeine before taking the nap
The handbook suggests consuming caffeine before taking a short nap to get the benefits of both.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 21
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According to the handbook, what is the best way to prevent fatigue?
- Caffeine
- Fresh air
- Sleep
- Loud music
Show answer
Correct answer: Sleep
The best way to prevent fatigue is sleep; caffeine only helps for a time and wears off.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 21
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How does the handbook define a distraction?
- Only an activity that takes your hands off the steering wheel
- Anything that takes your attention away from driving
- Only the use of a cell phone while the vehicle is moving
- Only something that takes your eyes off the road
Show answer
Correct answer: Anything that takes your attention away from driving
A distraction is anything that takes your attention away from driving, including mental activities.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 21
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How does the handbook rate mental activities that take your mind away from driving?
- Less dangerous, because your eyes stay on the road and your hands stay on the wheel
- Dangerous only when you are driving at night or in heavy traffic
- Harmless, as long as you look at the road ahead
- Just as dangerous as taking your eyes off the road or hands off the wheel
Show answer
Correct answer: Just as dangerous as taking your eyes off the road or hands off the wheel
Mental activities that take your mind away from driving are just as dangerous as taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the steering wheel.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 21
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Which of these does the handbook list as a possible distraction inside a moving vehicle?
- Adjusting radio, compact disc, or climate controls
- Checking your mirrors before changing lanes
- Signaling before you turn
- Wearing your seat belt
Show answer
Correct answer: Adjusting radio, compact disc, or climate controls
Adjusting the radio, compact disc or climate controls is listed among distractions inside a moving vehicle.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 21
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Which of these does the handbook list as a possible distraction outside a moving vehicle?
- Checking your mirrors before braking
- Scanning ahead for hazards
- Reading billboards or road advertisements
- Keeping a steady speed
Show answer
Correct answer: Reading billboards or road advertisements
Reading billboards or other road advertisements is listed among distractions outside a moving vehicle.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 21
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If you need to use your cell phone while driving, what does the handbook say to do?
- Keep the call short while you drive in the right lane
- Stop in a safe parking area
- Hold the phone below the dashboard while you talk
- Wait until you are stopped at a traffic signal
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop in a safe parking area
The handbook says to avoid using cell phones and, if you need to use one, stop in a safe parking area.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 22
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Which passenger conversations does the handbook say to avoid because they may distract you?
- Asking them to adjust the vehicle controls
- Asking them to buckle their seat belts
- Telling them where you are going
- Arguments and stressful or emotional conversations
Show answer
Correct answer: Arguments and stressful or emotional conversations
The handbook says to avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers that may distract your attention from the road.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 22
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What does the handbook say to do instead of eating while driving?
- Leave early enough to stop and eat
- Eat only small snacks at low speeds
- Eat only while stopped at a red light
- Eat only when a passenger is driving
Show answer
Correct answer: Leave early enough to stop and eat
To avoid eating while driving, leave a little early so you have time to stop to eat.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 22
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What does the handbook advise to keep children from distracting you while you drive?
- Let them sit unbuckled so they can move around and stay calm
- Turn around and talk with them often to keep them calm
- Be sure they are properly buckled up and give them books, toys or games
- Hand them your cell phone to keep them busy
Show answer
Correct answer: Be sure they are properly buckled up and give them books, toys or games
Make sure children are properly and safely buckled up and give them books, toys or games to occupy their time.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 22
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What should you do with pets before moving your vehicle?
- Let them sit in the front passenger seat
- Secure them in a pet carrier or kennel
- Let them ride on the floor near the pedals
- Keep them on your lap so they stay calm
Show answer
Correct answer: Secure them in a pet carrier or kennel
Pets should be properly secured in a pet carrier or portable kennel before the vehicle moves.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 22
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When does the handbook say you should adjust vehicle controls?
- Whenever traffic is light on a straight road
- Only while the vehicle is moving slowly
- Only when a passenger asks you to
- Before you begin your trip, or at normal stops
Show answer
Correct answer: Before you begin your trip, or at normal stops
Adjust controls before you begin your trip, take advantage of normal stops, or ask a passenger to adjust them.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 22
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What does the handbook say about looking at something in the distance while driving?
- Do not; they are never more important than your path of travel
- Do it briefly on straight roads with no other traffic
- Do it only when your speed is below the limit
- Do it whenever traffic ahead is light
Show answer
Correct answer: Do not; they are never more important than your path of travel
Things in the distance are never more important than concentrating on your immediate path of travel.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 22
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How does the handbook say to avoid being distracted by maps?
- Keep the map on the dashboard where you can glance at it
- Look at the map only when traffic is moving slowly
- Review maps and plan your route before you begin driving
- Ask other drivers for directions at stop signs
Show answer
Correct answer: Review maps and plan your route before you begin driving
Review maps and plan your route before you begin driving; if you must look at a map, stop in a safe parking area.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 22
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Which of these does the handbook say can be deadly when combined with driving?
- Keeping both hands on the steering wheel at all times
- Talking with friends in other vehicles or wearing headphones
- Checking your mirrors every few seconds
- Leaving a few minutes early for your trip
Show answer
Correct answer: Talking with friends in other vehicles or wearing headphones
Talking with friends in other vehicles and wearing headphones to listen to music can be deadly when combined with driving.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 22
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If you are distracted and have a crash, where does the handbook say the responsibility falls?
- On the passenger who distracted you
- On the driver of the other vehicle
- On whatever caused the distraction
- On you, not the distraction
Show answer
Correct answer: On you, not the distraction
The driver is completely and solely responsible for operating the vehicle safely, so responsibility falls on the driver, not the distraction.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 22
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If you are not feeling well and need to go somewhere, what does the handbook say to do?
- Drive slowly in the right lane
- Drive only for a short distance
- Drive only during daylight
- Let someone else drive
Show answer
Correct answer: Let someone else drive
Even little problems like a stiff neck, a cough or a sore leg can affect your driving, so let someone else drive if you are unwell.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 24
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If you feel you may have a health condition that could prevent you from driving safely, whom should you check with?
- Your doctor
- A local court clerk
- Your insurance agent
- Your auto mechanic
Show answer
Correct answer: Your doctor
The handbook says to check with your doctor if you may have a condition that could prevent you from driving safely.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 25
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What can strong emotions do to your driving, according to the handbook?
- Improve your attention to the road and your focus
- Sharpen your ability to think and process information
- Increase risk taking and interrupt processing of information
- Reduce risk taking by making you more cautious
Show answer
Correct answer: Increase risk taking and interrupt processing of information
Emotions can interfere with your ability to think, create mental distractions, increase risk taking and interrupt your ability to process information.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 25
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If you are angry or excited, what does the handbook say to do?
- Drive fast to burn off the extra energy before it builds
- Give yourself time to cool off and stay off the road until calm
- Turn on the radio loudly and keep driving to calm down
- Call a friend on your cell phone to talk while you drive
Show answer
Correct answer: Give yourself time to cool off and stay off the road until calm
If you are angry or excited, give yourself time to cool off, take a short walk or nap if needed, and stay off the road until calm.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 25
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If you are worried or upset, which of these may help you keep your mind on driving, as long as it is not distracting?
- Talking on your cell phone
- Wearing headphones
- Reading a map
- Listening to the radio
Show answer
Correct answer: Listening to the radio
Some drivers find that listening to the radio helps when worried, as long as it is not distracting from safe driving.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 25
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If you are impatient, what does the handbook say to do?
- Give yourself extra time and leave a few minutes early
- Drive a little faster than the rest of the traffic flow
- Weave around slower vehicles to save a few minutes
- Skip your rest breaks so that you arrive sooner
Show answer
Correct answer: Give yourself extra time and leave a few minutes early
If you are impatient, give yourself extra time and leave a few minutes early so you do not tend to speed or do other things that can cause a crash.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 25
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What does the manual say you should do the night before the start of a trip?
- Get a good night's sleep
- Stay up late to finish packing
- Drive part of the route in advance
- Eat a large meal late in the evening
Show answer
Correct answer: Get a good night's sleep
The manual says to get a good night's sleep the night before the start of the trip.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 108
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If one person will be doing all the driving, how many hours of driving in any one day should be considered the limit?
- 4 to 5 hours
- 6 to 8 hours
- 9 to 10 hours
- 12 to 14 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: 6 to 8 hours
If one person is doing all the driving, 6 to 8 hours in any one day should be considered the limit.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 108
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When two or more persons can share the driving, how many hours should total driving time not exceed?
- 8 to 9 hours
- 12 to 13 hours
- 10 to 11 hours
- 14 to 16 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: 10 to 11 hours
When two or more persons share the driving, total driving time should not exceed 10 to 11 hours.
Source: Kansas Driving Handbook (Revised February 2022), page 108