Kentucky: Distracted and drowsy driving
Vision, hearing and fatigue, cell phones and texting, other distractions, emotions, aggressive driving and road rage. 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: “What does the manual say you should do because seeing well is so important to safe driving?”
StartDistracted and drowsy driving — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “Which NHTSA distraction category covers tasks that require the driver to take one or both hands off the steering wheel?”
StartAll 45 Distracted and drowsy driving questions with answers
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What does the manual say you should do because seeing well is so important to safe driving?
- Have your eyes checked regularly by an eye doctor
- Have your eyes checked only when the license expires
- Have your eyes checked only after a crash
- Have your eyes checked only if you notice trouble
Show answer
Correct answer: Have your eyes checked regularly by an eye doctor
You should have your eyes checked regularly by an eye doctor.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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If you are required to wear corrective lenses, when should you wear them?
- Only at night
- Only on highways
- Always when driving
- Only in bad weather
Show answer
Correct answer: Always when driving
If you are required to wear corrective lenses, always wear them when driving.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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What does the manual advise about dark or tinted corrective lenses?
- Wear them only on cloudy days
- Avoid using them at night
- Wear them whenever you drive
- Use them only on long trips
Show answer
Correct answer: Avoid using them at night
The manual advises avoiding dark or tinted corrective lenses at night.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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Why do you need to see “out of the corner” of your eyes?
- To read road signs from farther away when driving in daylight
- To see better in dim light when facing glare from headlights
- To judge the speed of vehicles that are following behind you
- To spot vehicles creeping up on either side while looking straight ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: To spot vehicles creeping up on either side while looking straight ahead
Side vision lets you spot vehicles creeping up on either side of you while you are looking straight ahead.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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Why is good distance judgment important?
- It lets you see better in dim light and when facing oncoming headlight glare
- It lets you read road signs from farther away while driving on a busy freeway
- It helps you know your location on the roadway in relation to other vehicles and objects
- It helps you judge the speed of other vehicles that are following you closely
Show answer
Correct answer: It helps you know your location on the roadway in relation to other vehicles and objects
Good distance judgment is important in knowing your location on the roadway in relation to other vehicles and objects, spotting trouble, and defensive driving.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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What problem do many people who can see clearly in the daytime have?
- Trouble seeing at night
- Trouble judging speed in daylight
- Trouble seeing objects nearby
- Trouble seeing in bright sunlight only
Show answer
Correct answer: Trouble seeing at night
Many people who can see clearly in the daytime have problems seeing at night.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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How can your hearing help you while driving?
- It lets you judge the distance of vehicles that are ahead of you
- It helps you see vehicles that are approaching from behind at night
- It helps you keep your lane position while on a curved road
- It can warn you of danger, such as a horn, a siren, or screeching tires
Show answer
Correct answer: It can warn you of danger, such as a horn, a siren, or screeching tires
Your hearing can warn you of danger, such as the sound of a horn or siren or screeching tires, and sometimes you can hear vehicles you cannot see.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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How can drivers who know they have hearing problems adjust?
- By driving only at night on quiet roads
- By relying more on their visual abilities
- By driving faster than the traffic around them
- By using the horn more often than most drivers
Show answer
Correct answer: By relying more on their visual abilities
Drivers who know they are deaf or have hearing problems can adjust by relying more on their visual abilities.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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How can a person find out about a hearing problem that develops slowly?
- By having a hearing test periodically
- By noticing it during a road test
- By waiting until the license is renewed
- By asking a passenger to listen for horns
Show answer
Correct answer: By having a hearing test periodically
A person may never know about a hearing problem unless the driver has a hearing test periodically.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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Which of these can cause fatigue?
- Wearing corrective lenses
- Having a travel companion
- Repetitive tasks
- Listening to the radio
Show answer
Correct answer: Repetitive tasks
Fatigue can be caused by physical or mental strain, repetitive tasks, illness, or lack of sleep.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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How can fatigue affect a driver?
- It sharpens vision but slows down steering on long trips
- It can affect vision and increase the time to make decisions
- It improves reaction time during long trips on a freeway
- It affects hearing but not vision or decision making
Show answer
Correct answer: It can affect vision and increase the time to make decisions
Fatigue can affect your vision and increase the time to make decisions.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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What does the manual say to do about driving if you are tired or fatigued?
- Drive slowly in the right lane
- Drive only on local roads
- Open the windows and keep going
- Avoid driving
Show answer
Correct answer: Avoid driving
The manual says to avoid driving if you are tired or fatigued.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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How many hours of sleep do most people need to maintain proper alertness during the day?
- 4 to 5 hours
- 5 to 6 hours
- 7 to 9 hours
- 10 to 12 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: 7 to 9 hours
Most people need 7 to 9 hours of sleep to maintain proper alertness during the day.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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How often does the manual advise you to plan to stop during long trips?
- About every 100 miles or 2 hours
- About every 50 miles or 1 hour
- About every 200 miles or 4 hours
- About every 300 miles or 6 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: About every 100 miles or 2 hours
The manual advises planning to stop about every 100 miles or 2 hours during long trips.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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What does the manual suggest arranging before a long trip to help you stay alert?
- A second driver who sleeps in the back seat
- A radio station that plays loud music
- A route with no rest areas
- A travel companion to watch your driving
Show answer
Correct answer: A travel companion to watch your driving
Before a trip, arrange for a travel companion, someone to watch your driving.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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What should you check before a trip regarding your medications?
- The labels, to see if they expire during the trip
- The labels, to see if they cause drowsiness
- The cost, to see if a refill is needed
- The dose, to see if it can be doubled
Show answer
Correct answer: The labels, to see if they cause drowsiness
Before a trip, check the labels of your medications and be aware if they cause drowsiness.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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If you start feeling tired while driving, what should you do?
- Keep driving until you reach your next planned stop
- Slow down and stay in the right lane until you arrive
- Stop driving and pull off at the next exit or rest area
- Keep driving and open the windows for fresh air
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop driving and pull off at the next exit or rest area
If you start feeling tired, stop driving and pull off at the next exit or rest area.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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How long a nap does the manual suggest when you feel tired while driving?
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 15 to 20 minutes
- 30 to 45 minutes
- 1 to 2 hours
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 to 20 minutes
The manual suggests a 15-to-20-minute nap at the next exit or rest area.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 22 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 22)
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What does the manual suggest trying before taking a short nap to get the benefits of both?
- Eating a large meal
- Taking a short walk
- Turning up the radio
- Consuming caffeine
Show answer
Correct answer: Consuming caffeine
The manual suggests trying caffeine before a short nap to get the benefits of both.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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When should you try not to drive in order to avoid fatigue?
- In the early afternoon
- During the morning
- Late at night
- On weekends
Show answer
Correct answer: Late at night
The manual advises trying not to drive late at night to avoid fatigue.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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What is the best way to avoid fatigue?
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink caffeine before every trip
- Drive only short distances
- Drive with the windows open
Show answer
Correct answer: Get plenty of rest
The best way to avoid fatigue is to get plenty of rest.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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How does the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describe distracted driving?
- A condition caused only by using a cell phone to call or text while a vehicle is moving
- A type of fatigue that occurs when drivers have been on long trips without a break
- A lapse in driving that lasts longer than five seconds while a vehicle is moving
- A type of driver inattention in which drivers divert attention from driving to another activity
Show answer
Correct answer: A type of driver inattention in which drivers divert attention from driving to another activity
NHTSA describes distracted driving as a specific type of driver inattention that occurs when drivers divert attention from the driving task to focus on some other activity.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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Which of these does the manual list as a form of distracted driving?
- Checking your mirrors before a lane change
- Having a conversation with a passenger
- Signaling a turn before changing lanes
- Watching the road ahead and to the sides
Show answer
Correct answer: Having a conversation with a passenger
Distracted driving includes eating, grooming, adjusting vehicle controls, or even having a conversation with a passenger.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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Which NHTSA distraction category covers tasks that require the driver to look away from the roadway to visually obtain information?
- Visual distraction
- Auditory distraction
- Emotional distraction
- Manual distraction
Show answer
Correct answer: Visual distraction
A visual distraction is a task that requires the driver to look away from the roadway to visually obtain information.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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Which NHTSA distraction category covers tasks that require the driver to take one or both hands off the steering wheel?
- Auditory distraction
- Emotional distraction
- Manual distraction
- Visual distraction
Show answer
Correct answer: Manual distraction
A manual distraction is a task that requires the driver to take one or both hands off the steering wheel to manipulate a control, device, or other item.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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Which NHTSA distraction category covers the mental workload of a task that involves thinking about something other than driving?
- Auditory distraction
- Cognitive distraction
- Emotional distraction
- Visual distraction
Show answer
Correct answer: Cognitive distraction
A cognitive distraction is the mental workload associated with a task that involves thinking about something other than the driving task.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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Why is texting especially concerning as a driver distraction?
- It affects only the driver’s hearing while driving
- It takes only one hand off the wheel and nothing else
- It requires no thought about anything but the road
- It combines visual, manual, and cognitive functions
Show answer
Correct answer: It combines visual, manual, and cognitive functions
Texting is especially concerning because it combines visual, manual, and cognitive functions.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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How dangerous are mental activities that take your mind away from driving, compared with taking your eyes off the road or hands off the wheel?
- Just as dangerous
- Much less dangerous
- Dangerous only at night
- Not dangerous at all
Show answer
Correct answer: Just as dangerous
Mental activities that take your mind away from driving are just as dangerous as taking your eyes or hands off the wheel.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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What does the manual say to do about a cell phone when driving?
- Talk on it but do not text
- Text only at red lights
- Use it only on freeways
- Do not talk or text on it
Show answer
Correct answer: Do not talk or text on it
The manual says that when driving you should not talk or text on a cell phone.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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What does the manual advise about conversations with passengers when driving?
- Talk constantly with passengers so you stay alert
- Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations
- Discuss serious problems only while driving on a freeway
- Let passengers settle arguments while you drive
Show answer
Correct answer: Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations
When driving, avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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What does the manual advise about eating while driving?
- Avoid it
- Eat only on freeways
- Eat only at low speeds
- Eat only light foods
Show answer
Correct answer: Avoid it
The manual advises avoiding eating while driving.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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How does the manual say to secure pets when driving?
- Held in the driver’s lap while steering
- In a pet carrier or portable kennel
- Loose in the back seat of the vehicle
- On the front passenger seat unrestrained
Show answer
Correct answer: In a pet carrier or portable kennel
Pets should be properly secured in a pet carrier or portable kennel.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 23 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 23)
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What does the manual advise if you are angry or worried before driving?
- Cool off first and stay off the road until the symptoms pass
- Drive a longer route to work off the anger while you drive
- Turn up the radio and concentrate on the road ahead
- Drive faster than usual so you arrive sooner and calm down
Show answer
Correct answer: Cool off first and stay off the road until the symptoms pass
If you are angry or worried, you should give yourself time to cool off, and a short walk or nap is fine, but stay off the road until the symptoms have passed.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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What does the manual advise to allow for delays or other unexpected problems on a driving trip?
- Drive faster than the speed limit if you fall behind
- Take only the shortest route, even if it is congested
- Leave a few minutes early to allow extra time
- Skip all stops so you reach your destination sooner
Show answer
Correct answer: Leave a few minutes early to allow extra time
The manual says to give yourself extra time and leave a few minutes early so delays or unexpected problems do not rush you.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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Why should you learn not to become upset when other drivers make a mistake?
- Getting mad shows the other driver what they did wrong
- Getting mad can only cause you to make similar mistakes
- Staying upset helps you notice hazards sooner
- Other drivers rarely make mistakes in heavy traffic
Show answer
Correct answer: Getting mad can only cause you to make similar mistakes
The manual says getting mad can only cause you to make similar mistakes yourself.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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If you are angry or upset with another driver, what should you do with your vehicle?
- Drive close behind the other driver to show your anger
- Speed up and pass the other driver to get ahead of them
- Honk and flash your lights until the other driver pulls over
- Not vent your feelings with it; stay calm and careful
Show answer
Correct answer: Not vent your feelings with it; stay calm and careful
The manual says not to vent your feelings through use of your vehicle and to be calm and careful in operating it.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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If you cannot get control of your emotions before a trip, what does the manual say to do?
- Drive only on roads you know well
- Drive with the windows open for fresh air
- Have someone else drive
- Drive, but stay in the right lane the whole way
Show answer
Correct answer: Have someone else drive
The manual says to have someone else drive and not to drive until you have control of your emotions.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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According to the manual, aggressive driving occurs when a driver does what?
- Intentionally commits an action that endangers other persons or property
- Becomes violent or threatens violence toward another driver on the roadway
- Makes an honest mistake in traffic that causes a near miss with another car
- Drives slowly in the left lane of a limited access highway
Show answer
Correct answer: Intentionally commits an action that endangers other persons or property
The manual defines aggressive driving as intentionally committing an action that endangers other persons or property.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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Which of these does the manual say aggressive driving includes?
- Signaling well before a lane change
- Leaving a few minutes early for a trip
- Pulling off the road in a well-lit, public area
- Changing lanes abruptly
Show answer
Correct answer: Changing lanes abruptly
The manual lists tailgating, changing lanes abruptly and speeding as aggressive driving.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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The manual says aggressive driving behaviors are primarily what?
- Mistakes that are never the driver's fault
- Traffic offenses that could lead to criminal behavior
- Behaviors that are legal when no one is hurt
- Violations that only affect the driver's own vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Traffic offenses that could lead to criminal behavior
These potentially dangerous behaviors are primarily traffic offenses that could lead to criminal behavior.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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What is road rage, according to the manual?
- Intentionally committing an action that endangers other persons or property
- Uncontrolled anger that results in violence or threatened violence on the roadway
- Anger that is controlled by taking a short walk or nap before driving
- Following another vehicle too closely and changing lanes abruptly in traffic
Show answer
Correct answer: Uncontrolled anger that results in violence or threatened violence on the roadway
The manual defines road rage as uncontrolled anger that results in violence or threatened violence on the roadway.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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How does the manual describe road rage?
- A minor traffic offense that is only a warning
- A behavior that is allowed when the other driver is at fault
- A civil matter that is not prohibited by law
- A criminal behavior that is prohibited
Show answer
Correct answer: A criminal behavior that is prohibited
The manual states that road rage is a criminal behavior and is prohibited.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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What does the manual advise to prevent the occurrence of road rage?
- Drive safely and be courteous to other motorists
- Honk to let other drivers know about their mistakes
- Speed up to stay ahead of aggressive drivers
- Stay close behind slower traffic so no one cuts in
Show answer
Correct answer: Drive safely and be courteous to other motorists
To prevent road rage, the manual says to drive safely and be courteous, and not to tailgate or cut off other motorists.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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If you become involved in a road-rage incident, what should you do about the enraged driver?
- Argue briefly to try to calm the driver down
- Stop in the road and speak with the driver
- Not retaliate or argue with the driver
- Drive faster to show you are not afraid
Show answer
Correct answer: Not retaliate or argue with the driver
The manual says not to retaliate or engage in an argument with the enraged driver, because doing so will only worsen the problem.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)
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For your safety in a road-rage incident, what does the manual say you should do?
- Pull off the roadway safely in a well-lit, public area and call police
- Pull over in a quiet, isolated area and wait for the driver to leave
- Keep driving at the same speed until the other driver gives up
- Stop on the shoulder and get out to talk with the other driver
Show answer
Correct answer: Pull off the roadway safely in a well-lit, public area and call police
The manual advises pulling off the roadway safely in a well-lit, public area and calling for police assistance.
Source: Kentucky Driver Manual (Updated July 23, 2026), page 24 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 24)