Illinois CDL Practice Exam 2026 - Free CDL Practice Questions and Study Guide

Overdriving your headlights refers to a situation where a driver is traveling at a speed that makes it impossible to stop within the distance that is visible under the headlights' illumination. Headlights provide a limited field of vision at night, and when a vehicle is driven too quickly, the driver may not have enough time to react to obstacles or hazards that appear within that illuminated distance.

This concept emphasizes the importance of adjusting your speed to match visibility conditions. By driving at a speed too fast for what you can see, you risk being unable to stop safely, which can lead to accidents. It's crucial for drivers to know their limits in terms of visibility and adjust their speed accordingly to ensure safety during night driving.