Michigan: Defensive Driving Questions
6 real, verified Michigan driving-test questions on defensive driving, each with the correct answer and a full explanation below. Want to practice these interactively instead? Start a Defensive Driving practice round.
1. According to Michigan's driver handbook, about how many feet does a commercial vehicle traveling 55 mph need to stop, compared to a passenger car's roughly 130 feet?
Why: Michigan's handbook notes that a commercial vehicle traveling 55 mph needs about 400 feet to stop, versus roughly 130 feet for a passenger car at the same speed.
2. In Michigan, how many seconds of following distance should a driver leave behind a motorcyclist or bicyclist?
Why: Michigan's handbook recommends leaving at least 3 to 4 seconds of following distance behind a motorcyclist, scooter operator, or bicyclist, since illegal tailgating is especially dangerous for smaller vehicles.
3. In Michigan, how many feet of distance should a driver maintain from a horse-drawn buggy?
Why: Michigan's handbook recommends maintaining at least 20 feet of distance from a horse and rider or horse-drawn buggy, along with reducing speed to 15-20 mph.
4. In Michigan, until what height must a child generally remain in a car seat or booster seat, if that comes before age 8?
Why: Michigan requires a child to remain in a car seat or booster seat until reaching 4 feet 9 inches tall or turning 8 years old, whichever happens first.
5. In Michigan, must a child younger than 4 ride in the rear seat if the vehicle has one available?
Why: Michigan requires a child younger than 4 to ride in a rear seat when one is available, only allowing a front-seat child-restraint system if all available rear seats are already occupied by children under 4.
6. According to Michigan's driver handbook, how much space should a driver keep between their breastbone and the steering wheel?
Why: Michigan's handbook recommends at least 10 inches of space between the center of a driver's breastbone and the center of the steering wheel, to reduce the risk of injury if the air bag deploys.
More Michigan Topics
- DUI Laws & Penalties (8)
- Emergency Vehicles, School Buses & Work Zones (6)
- Minor & Provisional Licensing (11)
- Parking Rules & Technique (4)
- Speed, Right-of-Way & Legal Rules (9)
Rules and requirements change — always confirm current details with Michigan SOSbefore your exam. Take the full Michigan practice test or check the Michigan cheat sheet.