15 Defensive Driving Interview Questions and Answers

When you’re behind the wheel, it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for anything. That’s why defensive driving is so important. Defensive driving is a set of skills and techniques that drivers use to help them stay safe on the road.

If you’re applying for a job that involves driving, you can expect to be asked some questions about your defensive driving skills. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of some common defensive driving interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your next interview.

1. What does it mean to drive defensively?

Driving defensively is a skill that many employers look for in their employees. This question allows you to show your knowledge of defensive driving and how it can help keep the roads safe. You can answer this question by defining what defensive driving means, explaining why it’s important and giving an example of when you’ve driven defensively in the past.

Example: “Driving defensively means being aware of your surroundings while on the road. It involves checking mirrors, watching other drivers and looking out for pedestrians or cyclists. Defensive driving helps ensure that you’re prepared for any situation that may arise while you’re behind the wheel. I have always been someone who drives defensively because I want to be as safe as possible while on the road.”

2. Can you describe the four primary types of collisions that you might encounter on the road?

This question can help the interviewer assess your defensive driving skills by asking you to describe specific types of collisions. You can use this opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the different types of crashes that drivers might experience on the road.

Example: “There are four primary types of collisions that I’ve encountered while driving, including rear-end collisions, sideswipe collisions, head-on collisions and T-bone collisions. In a rear-end collision, two vehicles collide when one driver is following too closely behind another vehicle. Sideswipe collisions occur when two vehicles crash into each other at an angle, often due to inattentive driving or distracted driving. Head-on collisions happen when two vehicles collide directly, usually because one driver failed to yield the right-of-way. Finally, T-bone collisions occur when one vehicle hits another vehicle from the side.”

3. What are some defensive driving techniques that can be used to avoid a front-end collision?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of defensive driving techniques and how you apply them to avoid accidents. You can answer this question by describing some front-end collision avoidance techniques that you have used in the past, such as:

Anticipating traffic conditions
Using proper lane positioning
Checking blind spots before changing lanes
Avoiding distractions while driving
Example: “I always make sure I am aware of my surroundings when I’m on the road so I can anticipate any potential hazards or obstacles ahead of time. This helps me position myself properly in the lane so I don’t need to change lanes unexpectedly. I also check my blind spot before switching lanes to ensure there isn’t another vehicle nearby.”

4. What are some defensive driving techniques that can be used to avoid side-impact collisions?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of defensive driving techniques and how you apply them to avoid accidents. Use examples from your experience that show how you use these skills in real-world situations.

Example: “One way I avoid side-impact collisions is by checking my blind spots before changing lanes or merging into traffic. Another technique I use is maintaining a safe following distance between myself and other vehicles on the road so I have enough time to react if another driver makes an unexpected move. Finally, I always make sure to check my mirrors frequently while driving to ensure there are no cars or objects in my blind spot.”

5. How do you prevent your car from being involved in a rear-end collision?

This question is a great way to assess your defensive driving skills. It also shows the interviewer that you have experience with this type of accident and how you handled it. Use examples from past experiences where you prevented a rear-end collision or helped someone else prevent one.

Example: “I always make sure I leave enough space between my car and the vehicle in front of me. This allows me to react quickly if the driver ahead of me stops suddenly. Another thing I do is check my mirrors frequently, especially when changing lanes. If I notice another driver who’s distracted, I’ll slow down so they can adjust their speed.”

6. How would you deal with an unexpected object or obstacle on the road?

This question can help the interviewer assess your defensive driving skills. Use examples from past experiences to show how you would react in this situation and what steps you would take to avoid accidents or collisions.

Example: “If I encountered an unexpected object on the road, I would first try to slow down as much as possible without causing a collision. Then, I would look for a safe place to pull over and stop my vehicle. If there was no safe place to pull over, I would continue driving until I found a suitable location. Once I stopped the car, I would call 911 to report the incident.”

7. What steps should a driver take if they accidentally enter a construction zone and are unable to get out safely?

This question is a great way to test your defensive driving skills and knowledge of the rules of the road. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific steps that you would take in this situation.

Example: “If I accidentally entered a construction zone and was unable to get out safely, I would immediately reduce my speed and look for an exit. If there were no exits available, I would call 911 and wait for emergency responders to arrive. In this situation, it’s important to stay calm and follow all instructions from law enforcement.”

8. What is the best way to cope with bad weather while driving?

Driving in bad weather conditions can be dangerous, so employers want to make sure you have the skills and knowledge necessary to drive safely during inclement weather. In your answer, explain how you plan ahead for driving in poor weather conditions. You may also mention any special training or certifications you have that allow you to drive more safely in these situations.

Example: “I always check the forecast before I leave home to ensure I know what kind of weather to expect on my commute. If it looks like there will be heavy rain or snow, I leave a little bit earlier than usual to give myself plenty of time to get where I’m going. I also take defensive driving courses through my state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, which taught me how to handle different types of inclement weather.”

9. What advice would you give someone who’s just learning how to drive defensively?

This question can help interviewers understand your teaching skills and how you might interact with others in the workplace. Use examples from your own experience to highlight your communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Example: “I would tell them that defensive driving is a skill they should practice for the rest of their lives. It’s important to always be aware of what’s going on around you while you’re driving. I’d also encourage them to take defensive driving courses throughout their lifetime because there are so many new laws and regulations that change frequently.”

10. What are some safe operating speeds for vehicles?

Driving too fast can be a safety risk for other drivers and pedestrians. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to drive safely on the road. In your answer, explain what safe operating speeds are and give examples of when it’s appropriate to exceed them.

Example: “Safe operating speeds depend on many factors like weather conditions, traffic levels and whether or not there is construction. However, in most cases, I would recommend driving at or below the speed limit. Speeding is never advisable because it increases the chances of an accident. If you’re going to exceed the speed limit, I would only do so if it’s absolutely necessary.”

11. What are the two most important things that drivers need to focus on at all times when behind the wheel?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you understand the importance of defensive driving skills. When answering this question, make sure to emphasize the two most important things drivers should focus on at all times and how these actions can help keep them safe while behind the wheel.

Example: “The two most important things that drivers need to focus on when they’re behind the wheel are safety and awareness. Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings at all times so they don’t put themselves or others in danger. They also need to ensure that they drive safely at all times so they don’t get into an accident.”

12. Why is it so important to pay attention to other cars around you while driving?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you understand the importance of defensive driving. It’s important to answer this question with examples from your own experience, and it can be helpful to include an example where you were able to avoid an accident because you paid attention to other cars on the road.

Example: “It’s crucial to pay attention to all vehicles around you while driving because there are so many different factors that could cause an accident. For instance, I was once driving down the highway when another driver suddenly swerved into my lane. If I hadn’t been paying attention to the other drivers around me, I may have hit them or lost control of my car. By always being aware of what’s going on around me, I’m able to react quickly if something happens.”

13. Explain the importance of using a three-point turn while passing through narrow roads?

This question is a great way to test your defensive driving skills and knowledge of the rules of the road. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of when you used a three-point turn in a narrow area.

Example: “When I was on my way to work one morning, there were two cars that had crashed into each other in front of me. The police officers at the scene asked us to move our vehicles so they could get through with their emergency lights on. I knew that if we all tried to drive forward, we would have blocked the entire road. So, I decided to use a three-point turn to back up and create more space for the emergency vehicles.”

14. What should one do if the vehicle starts losing control due to inclement weather or slippery road conditions?

This question is designed to assess your defensive driving skills in inclement weather conditions. It also tests your ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Your answer should include a step-by-step process of what you would do if this situation occurred while driving.

Example: “If the vehicle starts losing control due to inclement weather or slippery road conditions, I would first slow down and avoid sudden movements on the steering wheel. Then, I would apply brakes gently and steer into the skid. If the vehicle continues to lose control, I would turn the wheels away from the direction of the skid. Finally, I would maintain my calm and focus on maintaining control of the vehicle until it comes to a complete stop.”

15. What are some common causes of accidents related to blind spots? How can these be avoided?

Blind spots are a common cause of accidents, and the interviewer may want to know how you would address this issue with your students. Use examples from your experience or research to explain what blind spots are and how they can be avoided.

Example: “Blind spots occur when drivers fail to check their mirrors before changing lanes or merging into traffic. This is one of the most common causes of accidents on the road because it’s easy for people to forget to look behind them while driving. I always remind my students to check their mirrors every time they change lanes or merge into traffic. It’s also important to remember that other vehicles may not see you if you’re in their blind spot.”