Idaho Written Driver's License Practice Test

You want to back out of your driveway with children nearby. What should you do first?

1. Start backing up slowly

2. Honk your horn

3. Walk behind the car to check for safety

4. Wait for the children to move away

The correct answer is: Walk behind the car to check for safety

When backing out of your driveway, especially with children nearby, the most prudent first step is to walk behind the car to check for safety. This action allows you to visually assess the area for any obstacles, including children who may be in your path. By physically verifying that the space is clear, you are significantly reducing the risk of an accident, as children can be unpredictable and are often difficult to see from the driver's seat. Taking this precautionary step helps ensure that you have a clear view of the environment surrounding your vehicle before you begin to move. While it might be tempting to start backing up slowly or honk your horn to alert children, these actions do not provide the same level of safety assurance. Children may not hear the horn or could misinterpret your actions as an invitation to move closer to the vehicle. Similarly, waiting for them to move away does not guarantee that they will be aware of your intentions or that they are out of the way. Therefore, physically checking the area by walking behind the car is the safest approach.