Illinois Driving Permit Practice Test 2025 - Free Driving Permit Practice Questions and Study Guide

Defensive driving refers to the practice of anticipating potential hazards on the road and responding to them in a safe and effective manner. This approach involves being aware of your surroundings, understanding the behavior of other drivers, and preparing for unexpected events that might occur while driving. By focusing on potential risks and proactively managing them, defensive driving can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents.

This concept is essential for all drivers, as it promotes safety not only for themselves but also for passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. It encompasses various skills, such as maintaining a safe following distance, using mirrors effectively, and making informed decisions about speed and road positioning.

In contrast, other options present actions or ideas that do not align with the principles of defensive driving. For instance, driving under the influence is a dangerous behavior that impairs judgment and reaction times. Driving only during daylight hours does not encompass the readiness required for all driving conditions. Minimizing the use of mirrors can lead to increased blind spots and an inability to assess surrounding traffic effectively, which is counterproductive to the defensive driving strategy.