Which of the following describes the thinking of defensive drivers?

  1. They know other drivers will do the right thing.
  2. They consider what other drivers might do and are prepared to react. ✓
  3. They expect no breaks and give none.

Answer: B. They consider what other drivers might do and are prepared to react.

Defensive drivers think about what other drivers might do and stay ready to react.

Why this is the answer

The handbook tells you to be aware of what is on each side, keep room to maneuver, and be ready for rapid changes and signals from other drivers. It also says a safe following distance gives you time to react if another driver makes a mistake. That matches watching for other people's possible moves and preparing a response, rather than assuming everyone will drive correctly.

Why the other answers are wrong

Remember it

Scan around you and leave room, so another driver's mistake is something you can answer, not something that surprises you.

Official handbook: California Driver Handbook (DL 600), Section 8: Safe Driving, p. 58

Explanation drafted with AI (deepseek-flash) from the official handbook passage cited above, then checked automatically and by a second model on 2026-10-23. Always confirm with the official handbook.