Missouri: Distracted driving
Missouri’s law on electronic devices while driving, fatigue and other distractions behind the wheel. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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All 40 Distracted driving questions with answers
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Good driving requires you to look in which directions?
- Down the road, to the sides, and behind your vehicle
- Only straight ahead and in the rearview mirror
- Only at the vehicle in front of you
- Mostly at the sides of the road, rarely behind
Show answer
Correct answer: Down the road, to the sides, and behind your vehicle
You must look down the road, to the sides, and behind your vehicle, and be alert for unexpected events.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 37 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 37)
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According to the manual, why do many crashes occur?
- Roads are not wide enough for modern vehicles
- Traffic signs are placed too far apart
- Drivers do not pay enough attention to their driving
- Vehicles are not inspected often enough
Show answer
Correct answer: Drivers do not pay enough attention to their driving
Many crashes occur because drivers do not pay enough attention to their driving.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 37 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 37)
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For how long at any one time should you take your eyes off the road?
- No more than half a minute
- No more than a few seconds
- No more than one minute
- No more than fifteen seconds
Show answer
Correct answer: No more than a few seconds
The manual says not to take your eyes off the road for more than a few seconds at any one time.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 37 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 37)
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If you need to look at a map, what should you do?
- Slow down and read it on the road
- Hold it at the top of the steering wheel
- Glance at it only on straight stretches
- Pull safely off the road
Show answer
Correct answer: Pull safely off the road
You should pull safely off the road to look at a map, never read it while driving.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 37 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 37)
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What causes highway hypnosis?
- Heavy traffic and frequent lane changes
- The sameness of the road and traffic
- Bright sunlight on the road surface
- Driving at speeds well above the limit
Show answer
Correct answer: The sameness of the road and traffic
Highway hypnosis is caused by the sameness of the road and traffic, and the hum of the wind, tires, and engine adds to it.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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Highway hypnosis can make you feel what?
- Sleepy and unaware of the traffic around you
- Anxious and overly alert to the traffic nearby
- Hungry and impatient to reach the next exit
- Angry at other drivers on the highway
Show answer
Correct answer: Sleepy and unaware of the traffic around you
Highway hypnosis can make you feel sleepy and unaware of the traffic around you.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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How can you avoid highway hypnosis?
- By keeping your eyes fixed on the center of the lane ahead
- By turning the radio up loud to keep yourself alert
- By constantly moving your eyes and watching traffic and signs
- By driving faster so there is less time to get bored
Show answer
Correct answer: By constantly moving your eyes and watching traffic and signs
You can avoid highway hypnosis by constantly moving your eyes and watching the traffic and highway signs around you.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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If you feel sleepy while driving on a highway, what should you do?
- Open the windows and keep driving until you reach your exit
- Pull off the highway at the nearest rest stop or service area
- Drive slower in the right lane until you feel awake again
- Turn on the radio and keep driving with the flashers on
Show answer
Correct answer: Pull off the highway at the nearest rest stop or service area
When you feel sleepy, you pull off the highway at the nearest rest stop or service area.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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If you are really sleepy, what should you do?
- Drink water and continue driving
- Turn the radio on loud and keep driving
- Drive slowly with your flashers on
- Take a nap
Show answer
Correct answer: Take a nap
If you are really sleepy, you should take a nap.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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Tired drivers can be as dangerous as which other drivers?
- Drivers who are speeding
- Drivers who are lost
- Intoxicated drivers
- Drivers in heavy traffic
Show answer
Correct answer: Intoxicated drivers
Tired drivers are a great danger to themselves and others and can be as dangerous as intoxicated drivers.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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When you feel tired, what becomes harder?
- Making decisions and reacting to traffic
- Seeing road signs and markings at a distance
- Remembering the route to your destination
- Judging the width of the lane you are in
Show answer
Correct answer: Making decisions and reacting to traffic
When you feel tired, it is harder to make decisions and to react to the traffic around you.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 40 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 40)
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According to the manual, what are distractions?
- Events that make you drive faster than the speed limit
- Things that only affect drivers under 18
- Things that happen only on busy highways
- Events or things that prevent you from operating your car safely
Show answer
Correct answer: Events or things that prevent you from operating your car safely
The manual defines distractions as events or things that prevent you from operating your car safely.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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Whose safety does the manual say all distractions endanger?
- Driver safety only, not passengers or bystanders
- Driver, passenger, and bystander safety
- Passenger safety only, not the driver or others
- Only the safety of other drivers on the road
Show answer
Correct answer: Driver, passenger, and bystander safety
The manual says all distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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Which of these does the manual call by far the most high risk distraction?
- Eating and drinking
- Text messaging
- Talking to passengers
- Adjusting a radio
Show answer
Correct answer: Text messaging
Because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most high risk distraction.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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Why is text messaging described as by far the most high risk distraction?
- It takes the driver’s hearing and attention away from the road
- It is done only at high speeds on highways
- It lasts longer than any other distraction in the car
- It requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver
Show answer
Correct answer: It requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver
Text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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According to the manual, what is against the law for any person to do while operating a vehicle?
- Read, write, or send a text message or electronic message
- Talk with a passenger in the front seat of the vehicle
- Drink water from a bottle while driving a vehicle
- Adjust the climate controls on the dashboard
Show answer
Correct answer: Read, write, or send a text message or electronic message
It is against the law for any person to read, write, or send a text message or electronic message while operating a vehicle.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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If you need to attend to your young children while driving, what does the manual say to do?
- Reach back to them while driving slowly
- Ask them to unbuckle so you can see them
- Pull over to a safe place
- Turn on the dome light and keep driving
Show answer
Correct answer: Pull over to a safe place
The manual says if you need to attend to your children, pull over to a safe place and not try to handle children while you are driving.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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Where does the manual say arguments and other disturbing conversations with passengers should be held?
- Only while you are stopped in traffic
- Only on a freeway with light traffic
- In a safe, appropriate place, not while you are driving
- Only after the passengers have been quiet for a while
Show answer
Correct answer: In a safe, appropriate place, not while you are driving
Arguments and other disturbing conversations should be held in a safe, appropriate place, not while you are driving in your vehicle.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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How does the manual say to carry a pet in a moving vehicle?
- Secured in a pet carrier, portable kennel, or specially designed pet harness
- Loose on the back seat of the vehicle so that it stays calm
- On the front passenger’s lap with a short leash attached to the seat
- On the floor of the front seat area next to the driver’s feet
Show answer
Correct answer: Secured in a pet carrier, portable kennel, or specially designed pet harness
The manual says to properly secure your pet in a pet carrier, portable kennel, or specially designed pet harness when you are driving.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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What does the manual say about allowing your pet to sit on your lap while you drive?
- Allow it only on short trips
- Allow it only if the pet is small
- Allow it only on roads with little traffic
- Never allow it
Show answer
Correct answer: Never allow it
The manual says never to allow your pet to sit on your lap while you are driving your vehicle.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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Making destination entries on a navigation system, radio surfing, or adjusting climate controls while driving can put you in danger of what?
- A traffic ticket for every adjustment
- A vehicle crash or near-crash
- Losing your driving privilege for a year
- Engine damage
Show answer
Correct answer: A vehicle crash or near-crash
The manual says these distracting activities can put you in danger of a vehicle crash or near-crash.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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When does the manual say to adjust your vehicle’s controls such as climate controls, mirrors, radio, and seat?
- After you reach highway speed
- Before you begin to drive
- Only when the vehicle is in a parking lot full of cars
- Whenever a passenger asks you to
Show answer
Correct answer: Before you begin to drive
The manual says to adjust the vehicle’s controls before you begin to drive.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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When does the manual say to check your e-mail, voicemail, and other portable devices?
- Whenever the road ahead looks clear and traffic is light
- Only at red lights and stop signs while driving
- Once for each hour of driving on a long trip
- Before you begin driving, or when you reach your destination
Show answer
Correct answer: Before you begin driving, or when you reach your destination
The manual says to check them before you begin driving, or when you reach your destination.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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What does the manual suggest placing on your cell phone so callers know you are driving?
- An auto-reply message
- A passcode lock
- A louder ringtone
- A speed-dial shortcut
Show answer
Correct answer: An auto-reply message
The manual suggests placing an auto-reply message on your cell phone stating you are driving and will call them back later.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 92 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 92)
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When does the manual say you can take advantage of stops to adjust controls?
- Only on interstate highways
- Only after sunset
- At normal stops
- Only when a passenger is not in the car
Show answer
Correct answer: At normal stops
The manual says to take advantage of normal stops to adjust controls.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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Who does the manual say you can ask to adjust the radio, climate control, or navigation system for you?
- Other drivers on the road
- A traffic officer
- Your passengers
- No one, since you must do it yourself
Show answer
Correct answer: Your passengers
The manual says to ask your passengers to adjust the radio, climate control, navigation system, etc., for you.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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Which of these does the manual name as something that can distract you if you concentrate on getting a good look at it from your window?
- A billboard advertisement
- Your speedometer
- Your side mirrors
- The lane markings ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: A billboard advertisement
Looking out the window can be a distraction if you are concentrating on getting a good look at things such as a crash scene, a billboard advertisement, street names and addresses, or construction work.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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Under Missouri’s electronic communication device law, which drivers is it against the law to use an electronic communication device?
- Only drivers of commercial motor vehicles on public roads
- Only drivers under 21 years of age on public roads
- Only drivers traveling on interstate highways in the state
- Any driver of a noncommercial or commercial motor vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Any driver of a noncommercial or commercial motor vehicle
It is against the law for any driver of a noncommercial or commercial motor vehicle, on any highway or property open to the public for vehicular traffic, to use an electronic communication device.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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While the vehicle is in motion, which of these are drivers prohibited from doing?
- Talking on the phone hands-free through an in-car Bluetooth system
- Physically holding or supporting a cellphone with any part of their body
- Using cellphone GPS navigation
- Sending a text-based message through voice-to-text features
Show answer
Correct answer: Physically holding or supporting a cellphone with any part of their body
While the vehicle is in motion, drivers are prohibited from physically holding or supporting a cellphone with any part of their body.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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While the vehicle is in motion, which of these are drivers prohibited from doing?
- Placing a voice call using a hands-free function on the phone
- Manually typing, writing, sending, or reading text-based messages
- Listening to a podcast or music through the phone speaker
- Viewing a map for navigational purposes on a mounted device
Show answer
Correct answer: Manually typing, writing, sending, or reading text-based messages
While the vehicle is in motion, drivers are prohibited from manually typing, writing, sending, or reading text-based messages.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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While the vehicle is in motion, which of these are drivers prohibited from doing?
- Talking on the phone through an ear bud or a headset in the vehicle
- Listening to a digital audio recording in the vehicle
- Using a hands-free voice-operated function to place a voice call
- Recording, posting, sending, or broadcasting video, including video calls
Show answer
Correct answer: Recording, posting, sending, or broadcasting video, including video calls
While the vehicle is in motion, drivers are prohibited from recording, posting, sending or broadcasting video, including video calls and social media posts.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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While the vehicle is in motion, which of these are drivers prohibited from doing?
- Watching a video or movie
- Using a map for directions
- Using voice-to-text to send a message
- Listening to a broadcast
Show answer
Correct answer: Watching a video or movie
While the vehicle is in motion, drivers are prohibited from watching a video or movie.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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Which of these does the electronic communication device law allow drivers to do?
- Read a text message on the phone screen when the road is clear
- Hold the phone against the ear with one hand while driving slowly
- Send or receive text-based communication through voice-to-text features
- Post a video to social media from the driver’s seat
Show answer
Correct answer: Send or receive text-based communication through voice-to-text features
The law allows drivers to send or receive text-based communication through voice-to-text features.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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Which of these does the electronic communication device law allow drivers to do?
- Record a video of the road ahead while driving a vehicle
- Hold the phone on the lap while reading text messages
- Use cellphone GPS navigation and music or podcast functions
- Watch a movie on the phone while driving on the highway
Show answer
Correct answer: Use cellphone GPS navigation and music or podcast functions
The law allows drivers to utilize cellphone GPS navigation and music or podcast functions.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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Which of these does the electronic communication device law allow drivers to do?
- Talk on the phone hands-free using in-car Bluetooth or an ear bud or headset
- Talk on the phone while holding it between the head and the shoulder
- Type a message on the phone keyboard when driving at a very low speed
- Make a video call on a phone resting in the lap or on the console
Show answer
Correct answer: Talk on the phone hands-free using in-car Bluetooth or an ear bud or headset
The law allows drivers to talk on the phone hands-free, utilizing features like a built-in phone speaker, in-car Bluetooth, or ear bud/headset.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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Voice calls may be placed or received using voice-operated or hands-free functions that can be engaged or disengaged with what?
- A voice command only
- Two taps on the screen
- Three presses of a button
- A single touch or swipe
Show answer
Correct answer: A single touch or swipe
Drivers may place or receive voice calls using voice-operated or hands-free functions that can be engaged or disengaged with a single touch or swipe.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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A driver may use a device to relay information through a transportation network company’s digital network to a company driver provided what is true?
- The driver holds the device in one hand only
- The device is affixed or mounted to the vehicle
- The vehicle has no passengers
- The vehicle is traveling below 25 miles per hour
Show answer
Correct answer: The device is affixed or mounted to the vehicle
This use is allowed provided the device is affixed or mounted to the vehicle.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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Before January 1, 2025, what could drivers violating the electronic communication device provisions be subject to?
- An infraction
- A warning
- A suspension of the license
- A disqualification
Show answer
Correct answer: A warning
Prior to January 1, 2025, drivers violating these provisions may be subject to a warning.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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After January 1, 2025, a violation of the electronic communication device provisions may be subject to what?
- A warning only
- A felony charge
- A mandatory jail term
- An infraction
Show answer
Correct answer: An infraction
After January 1, 2025, a violation of these provisions may be subject to an infraction.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)
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What may commercial drivers violating the electronic communication device provisions be subject to?
- Disqualification
- Suspension of vehicle registration
- Loss of the right to carry passengers
- A mandatory retest of the road sign test
Show answer
Correct answer: Disqualification
Commercial drivers violating this section may be subject to disqualification.
Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 93 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 93)