South Carolina Driver's Permit Practice Exam

When can you use your high beams?

1. When driving in fog

2. On open roads when there are no vehicles in sight

3. In a city under streetlights

4. When it is raining

The correct answer is: On open roads when there are no vehicles in sight

Using high beams is appropriate on open roads when there are no vehicles in sight because high beams provide better visibility over long distances and can illuminate the road ahead more effectively than low beams. This is particularly beneficial in rural or less populated areas where there are minimal streetlights and fewer potential distractions or oncoming vehicles. In contrast, using high beams in fog can create a glare that reduces visibility, as the light reflects off the moisture in the air. In urban environments under streetlights, the additional brightness from high beams can be confusing or blinding to other drivers and pedestrians. Similarly, during rain, the use of high beams may also produce glare and hinder visibility, as the beams can reflect off wet surfaces. Therefore, using high beams is best reserved for clear, open conditions where there are no other vehicles to consider.