Delaware Driver Education State Practice Test

When is it necessary to use low beams?

1. Only in foggy conditions

2. At night and in poor visibility conditions

3. Only in urban areas

4. During the day in cloudy weather

The correct answer is: At night and in poor visibility conditions

Using low beams is essential during nighttime driving and in poor visibility conditions for several key reasons. Low beams provide adequate illumination of the road immediately ahead of your vehicle without causing glare for oncoming drivers. This is particularly important at night when visibility is significantly reduced, allowing you to see the road, pedestrians, and any obstacles clearly. In addition to nighttime driving, low beams are crucial in adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog. High beams can reflect off precipitation or fog, creating a whiteout effect that can severely impair visibility. Low beams are designed to cut through such conditions, improving your ability to see and be seen by others on the road. While foggy conditions are mentioned as one scenario for using low beams, it is not limited to that situation alone. Urban areas typically have street lighting that may allow for the use of high beams in some cases, and cloudy weather may not necessitate the use of low beams during daylight hours. Therefore, the broadest and most accurate choice encompasses both nighttime and poor visibility conditions, making it the correct answer.