Free safe-driving refresher

    Six short lessons and a six-question quiz. About 10 minutes.

    This is DMV.ai's own study course. It is not approved by any state or court, gives no certificate, and won't dismiss a ticket, remove points or earn an insurance discount. For that, choose a provider from your state's approved list.

    1. Lesson 1

      Keep a space cushion

      Room around your car is time to react.

      • Pick a fixed object the car ahead passes, then count. If you reach it before three seconds, you're too close.
      • Add more time in rain, at night, behind motorcycles or large trucks, and when you're being tailgated.
      • Leave an escape route to the side when you can, and avoid riding in another driver's blind spot.
      Source: California Driver Handbook (California DMV)

    2. Lesson 2

      Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel

      Any task that takes your eyes, hands or mind off driving is a distraction.

      • Texting combines all three kinds of distraction — visual, manual and mental.
      • Set navigation and music before you move; put the phone where you can't reach it.
      • If something needs your attention, pull over somewhere safe first.
      Source: NHTSA: Distracted driving

    3. Lesson 3

      Match your speed to conditions

      The posted limit is a maximum for good conditions, not a target.

      • Higher speed means a longer stopping distance and a harder impact.
      • Slow down for rain, fog, curves, work zones and heavy traffic.
      • Running late is not a reason to speed — the time saved is usually small.
      Source: NHTSA: Speeding

    4. Lesson 4

      Never drive impaired

      Alcohol, cannabis, some medicines and lack of sleep all slow your reactions.

      • It's illegal everywhere in the U.S. to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher (0.05% in Utah) — and impairment starts below that.
      • Plan a sober ride before you go out.
      • Drowsy? Stop and rest. Open windows and loud music don't fix fatigue.
      Source: NHTSA: Drunk driving

    5. Lesson 5

      Buckle up, every seat, every trip

      Seat belts are your best protection in a crash.

      • Lap belt low across the hips, shoulder belt across the chest — never behind your back.
      • Make sure every passenger is belted and children are in the right car seat for their age and size.
      Source: NHTSA: Seat belts

    6. Lesson 6

      Share the road

      Expect people who are harder to see.

      • Look twice for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, especially when turning.
      • Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back so other drivers can see them too.
      • Give cyclists plenty of room when passing.
      Source: NHTSA: Pedestrian safety

    Quick quiz

    1. 1. How much following time is a good minimum in normal conditions?
    2. 2. Why is texting while driving so dangerous?
    3. 3. It's raining hard and the limit is 65 mph. What should you do?
    4. 4. You feel very sleepy on the highway. Best choice?
    5. 5. Where should the shoulder belt go?
    6. 6. Turning right at a busy intersection, you should:

    Need a course that counts? Find a state-approved provider