You're Such A Bad Driver

Driving Test

How much do you remember?

By Deb Acord

CTW Features


Most adult drivers are happy to view their test-taking days in the rearview mirror – and it shows.  One in five U.S. drivers couldn’t pass a written driving test if they took it today. The National Drivers Test survey by GMAC Insurance found that 16.4 percent of drivers – nearly 37 million people – could not meet the basic requirements to qualify for a driver's license.

In the seventh national survey, drivers in Kansas came out on top, with an average test score of 82.9 percent. Drivers in Washington, D.C. came in last with a 71.8 percent score.

There was a gender gap. One in four women failed the test, and a little more than one in 10 men failed. The survey polled 5,130 licensed drivers 16 to 65 who were tested with 20 questions from state Department of Motor Vehicles exams.

“All drivers need a refresher course when it comes to rules of the road and it begins with education,” says GMAC’s Scott Eckman.

Would you pass a pop quiz? Test your driving knowledge with these questions from driving tests compiled by GMAC:


1. If a traffic signal light is green and a police officer signals you to stop, you should:

A. Obey the traffic officer.

B. Obey the traffic signal.

C. First obey the traffic officer, then the signal.

D. Do what the vehicle in front of you does.


2. The best way to tell if you are permitted to pass other vehicles is to see if:

A. There is a green flashing light.

B. The road ahead is straight.

C. The vehicle ahead signals it’s OK to pass.

D. There are solid or broken lane markings.


3. When on a short entrance to an interstate where there is no acceleration lane:

A. Enter the far right traffic lane and speed up to the flow of traffic there.

B. Use the shoulder of the main road to get up to the speed of the traffic.

C. Speed up on the entrance only after you have found a gap in traffic.


4. When you approach a stopped school bus with flashing red lights, you should:

A. Stop when approaching from either the front or rear.

B. Slow when approaching from either the front or rear.

C. Stop only when approaching from the front.

D. Stop only when approaching from the rear.


5. You may pass another vehicle on the right when:

A. You’re traveling on a multi-lane highway carrying two or more lanes of traffic in the same direction.



6. Under most conditions, a safe following distance is:

A. Three seconds.

B. Ten seconds.

C. 20 seconds.


7. When you approach a traffic signal displaying a steady yellow light, you must:

A. Go through the intersection before the light turns red.

B. Stop if it is safe to do so.

C. Be prepared to stop.

D. Slow down and proceed with caution.





1. a


2. d


3. c


4. a


5. a and b


6. a


7. c




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