New Jersey Drivers PracticeTest

In which scenario should you use your high beams?

1. On well-lit city streets

2. During foggy conditions

3. Open country driving situations

4. When driving behind another vehicle

The correct answer is: Open country driving situations

Using high beams is most appropriate during open country driving situations. In these areas, there’s typically less ambient light, and high beams can greatly enhance visibility by illuminating a wider and longer stretch of road ahead. This is especially important in rural areas where wildlife, pedestrians, and other unexpected hazards may be present. In contrast, well-lit city streets have sufficient lighting for safe navigation, making high beams unnecessary and potentially blinding to other drivers. Fog conditions can cause light to scatter, which is why it is often recommended to use low beams instead. Driving behind another vehicle warrants the use of low beams as well, to avoid dazzling the driver in front of you, which can lead to dangerous situations. Therefore, the proper usage of high beams in open country driving enhances safety, visibility, and aids in the driver's ability to detect hazards more effectively.