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Missouri permit test: conditions, emergencies and crashes

Highway emergencies and breakdowns, sleepy driving, night and winter driving, wet pavement, skids, vehicle emergencies, police traffic stops, railroad stalls and what to do after a crash. 23 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.

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Rules to remember10 key conditions, emergencies and crashes rulesShow the rules
  1. Raise the hood, or tie a white cloth to the antenna, mirror or door handle. (p. 43)
  2. Headlights only let you see about 350 feet ahead, so drive slowly enough to stop or turn within that distance. (p. 64)
  3. Turn your headlights on from ½ hour after sunset until ½ hour before sunrise, and any time weather requires your windshield wipers. (p. 64)
  4. Use low beams within 500 feet (about one block) of an oncoming vehicle, and within 300 feet when following another vehicle. (p. 64)
  5. Stopping takes longer on snow and ice, so leave about eight to ten seconds between you and the vehicle ahead. (p. 65)
  6. Hydroplaning can happen at any speed over 35 mph, and in a severe rainstorm tires can lose all contact with the road at 55 mph. (p. 65)
  7. In fog, reduce speed and keep your headlights on low beam. (p. 66)
  8. When a report is required, state law says it must be filed within 30 days. (p. 83)
  9. Missouri's Move It law requires vehicles in minor, non-injury crashes to be moved off the road to prevent secondary crashes. (p. 83)
  10. Help anyone who is injured and make them comfortable, but do not move them. (p. 83)

Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.

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Sample conditions, emergencies and crashes questions

  1. 1.Your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS). In an emergency stop, how should you brake?

    • APull the parking brake
    • BBrake, then fully release
    • CPump the brakes quickly
    • DFirm, steady pressure and steer
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. Firm, steady pressure and steer

    With ABS, keep firm and continuous pressure on the brake while you steer. Don't pump the brakes; pulsing and noise are normal.

    Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 66

  2. 2.You are using high beams at night and a car approaches from the other direction. When must you switch to low beams?

    • AWithin 1,000 feet
    • BWithin 300 feet
    • CWithin 200 feet
    • DWithin 500 feet
    Show the answer

    ✓ D. Within 500 feet

    Use low beams within 500 feet (about one block) of an oncoming vehicle, and within 300 feet when following another vehicle.

    Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 64

  3. 3.Your car stalls on railroad tracks and a train is coming. Which way should you run after getting out?

    • AStay in the car
    • BAway from the tracks in the direction the train is coming from
    • CAlong the tracks in the direction the train is going
    • DToward the train to wave it down
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. Away from the tracks in the direction the train is coming from

    Get out and off the tracks, and run in the direction the train is coming from, so debris from the crash doesn't hit you.

    Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 68

  4. 4.About how far ahead do your headlights let you see at night?

    • AAbout 1,000 feet
    • BAbout 350 feet
    • CAbout 200 feet
    • DAbout 100 feet
    Show the answer

    ✓ B. About 350 feet

    Headlights only let you see about 350 feet ahead, so drive slowly enough to stop or turn within that distance. Don't overdrive your headlights.

    Source: Missouri Driver Guide (Revised August 2026), page 64