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DMV Permit · Emergencies

When should you use your headlights?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

From dusk to dawn (nighttime), and in conditions of reduced visibility such as rain, fog, or snow

  1. A Never during the day
  2. B Only in heavy rain
  3. C Only on highways
  4. D From dusk to dawn (nighttime), and in conditions of reduced visibility such as rain, fog, or snow

Why this is the answer

Use HEADLIGHTS: from DUSK TO DAWN (nighttime — typically required by law a set time after sunset to before sunrise), AND whenever visibility is reduced — RAIN, FOG, SNOW, or other low-visibility conditions (many states require headlights on whenever wipers are on). DMV/permit test. Headlights help you SEE and, importantly, help others SEE YOU. Use LOW BEAMS in fog (high beams reflect off fog and worsen visibility) and when approaching/following other vehicles. Daytime use in poor conditions improves safety. Knowing when to use headlights (night + reduced visibility) is a commonly tested safety concept.
Source: DMV Permit — Headlight Use

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About this topic: Emergencies

Blowouts, brake failures, off-road excursions, and skids are rare but high-stakes. Practiced responses prevent panic reactions that can turn a recoverable situation into a fatal one. This is one of 11 DMV Permit questions on emergencies, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our DMV Permit exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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State-specific guides

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