Mississippi permit test: safe driving basics
Vision, fatigue, before and while you drive, distractions and cellphones, seat belts and child restraints. 18 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key safe driving basics rulesShow the rules
- Plan to stop about every 100 miles or 2 hours on long trips to fight fatigue. (p. 21, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Always wear your corrective lenses when driving, and avoid dark or tinted lenses at night. (p. 21, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Most people need 7 to 9 hours of sleep to stay properly alert, which helps prevent fatigue behind the wheel. (p. 21, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Place your hands on opposite sides of the wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock to keep control of the vehicle. (p. 22, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Texting while driving is not allowed; if you must make a call, a hands-free device is recommended. (p. 23, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Your windshield must be free of signs and unofficial stickers so nothing blocks your view. (p. 24, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Never wear stereo headphones or play music loudly while driving, because you may not hear warning signals such as sirens. (p. 24, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Children under 13 should always ride in the back seat. (p. 64, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Children under four must be secured in a child passenger restraint device that meets safety standards. (p. 64, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
- Children aged 4 to under 7 who are under 4 feet 9 inches or under 65 pounds must use a belt-positioning booster seat. (p. 64, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample safe driving basics questions
1.Your license requires corrective lenses. You are about to drive at night. What should you wear?
- AClear corrective lenses, not tinted ones
- BAny glasses you have, tinted or not
- CYour tinted prescription glasses
- DNo glasses if the streets are well lit
Show the answer
✓ A. Clear corrective lenses, not tinted ones
Always wear your corrective lenses when driving, and avoid dark or tinted lenses at night.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 21
2.A 5-year-old is 3 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 45 pounds. What must the child ride in?
- AThe adult seat belt alone
- BA rear-facing infant seat
- CThe front seat with the airbag off
- DA belt-positioning booster seat
Show the answer
✓ D. A belt-positioning booster seat
Children aged 4 to under 7 who are under 4 feet 9 inches or under 65 pounds must use a belt-positioning booster seat.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 64
3.Children under what age should always ride in the back seat?
- A10
- B13
- C16
- D8
Show the answer
✓ B. 13
Children under 13 should always ride in the back seat.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 64
4.You just had a heated argument and you are still angry. What should you do about driving?
- ALet someone else drive
- BDrive faster to get home sooner
- CDrive, but only on familiar roads
- DDrive, but turn the radio up to calm down
Show the answer
✓ A. Let someone else drive
If you are angry, worried, ill, frightened, or grieving, let someone else drive because strong emotions make crashes more likely.
Source: Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024), page 24