Study for the Mississippi Written Drivers Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Practice this question and more.


What is the standard signal for indicating you are slowing down?

  1. Turning on your hazard lights

  2. Waving your hand out the window

  3. Clutching the steering wheel tightly

  4. Tapping your brakes to activate the brake lights

The correct answer is: Tapping your brakes to activate the brake lights

Tapping your brakes to activate the brake lights is the standard signal for indicating that you are slowing down. This action serves an important function in road safety by alerting drivers behind you that you are about to reduce your speed. When you tap your brakes, the brake lights illuminate, providing a clear and universal warning to other motorists that they need to be prepared to stop or slow down as well. This is crucial in preventing rear-end collisions, especially in situations where traffic conditions may change suddenly. The use of brake lights is regulated and understood by all drivers; therefore, it is a reliable method of communication on the road. Other options, such as turning on hazard lights or waving your hand out the window, are not standard signals for slowing down and may lead to confusion among other drivers regarding your intentions. Clutching the steering wheel tightly is more related to control than signaling to other drivers.