Illinois CDL Practice Exam

How should you drive at night when approaching an oncoming vehicle?

1. Use high beams at all times

2. Dim your high beams within 500 feet of the oncoming vehicle

3. Speed up to pass the oncoming vehicle

4. Pull over to the side until the vehicle passes

The correct answer is: Dim your high beams within 500 feet of the oncoming vehicle

When driving at night and approaching an oncoming vehicle, dimming your high beams within 500 feet is the safest and most considerate action to take. High beams illuminate the road more clearly but can blind other drivers when they are facing you. This is especially important because oncoming vehicles do not have the same visibility if your high beams are used, which can create dangerous situations. By dimming your headlights, you reduce glare for the other driver, allowing them to maintain better control and visibility. It is a standard practice and a requirement in many states, including Illinois, that demonstrates respect for shared road use and enhances overall safety at night. Other actions, like using high beams at all times, can result in disorienting other drivers and increasing the likelihood of an accident. Speeding up to pass could increase the risk of losing control or misjudging the distance and speed of the other vehicle. Pulling over to the side until the vehicle passes could be unnecessary unless you're in a situation where you need to avoid an immediate conflict or if you're on a narrow road. However, it doesn't address the immediate requirement to manage the beams appropriately when meeting an oncoming vehicle.