19.23. In what mode should the headlights of a vehicle moving behind another vehicle be switched on at night?
UAУ якому режимі повинні бути ввімкнені фари транспортного засобу, що рухається позаду іншого транспортного засобу, у темний час доби?
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This is a driving exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safe use of external lighting devices at night. It checks whether the driver understands that the correct headlight mode should not only improve road visibility but also avoid creating danger for other road users, especially those traveling ahead in the same direction.
The question belongs to the section of the traffic rules regarding the use of lighting (points 19.1–19.2). The logic is simple: at night, headlights must be on, but high beam is allowed only when it does not interfere with others. Point 19.2 directly requires switching from high to low beam not only before oncoming vehicles but also in situations where there is a risk of dazzling the drivers of vehicles ahead through their rearview mirrors.
That is why the option with low beam is correct for the theoretical exam: it provides sufficient visibility while not blinding the driver in front. The option with high beam in such a situation is incorrect, as high beam, reflected in mirrors, can temporarily impair the vision of another driver, provoke sudden braking, or cause deviation from the trajectory. In practice, when catching up to a car at night, you should switch to low beam in advance (the guideline is at least 250 m, or earlier if it is clear that the light is disturbing).
Clause 19.1
At night and in conditions of insufficient visibility, moving motor vehicles must have their dipped or main beam headlights turned on (and for vehicles equipped accordingly, also rear position lamps).
Application to the question: at night, the headlights must be on, and the choice of mode (dipped/main beam) is specified in clause 19.2, so as not to dazzle other road users, in particular those traveling in the same direction.
Clause 19.2
The main beam must be switched to dipped at least 250 m before an oncoming vehicle, as well as when it may dazzle other drivers, including those traveling in the same direction. The lights must also be switched at a greater distance if the driver of the oncoming vehicle signals this need by repeatedly flashing their headlights.
Application to the question: when driving behind another vehicle at night, the driver must avoid dazzling the driver ahead (through the mirrors), so the main beam must be switched to dipped beam.
That is, the correct answer is "In dipped beam mode.", given that according to the Traffic Rules, the main beam must be switched to dipped beam if it may dazzle drivers of vehicles traveling in the same direction.
At night, the driver must use the vehicle's headlights in such a way as to see the road well while not creating danger for other road users. This is especially important when you are driving behind another vehicle in the same direction.
Clause 19.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine requires switching from high beam to low beam not only in front of oncoming vehicles, but also in any situation where the high beam may dazzle other drivers. Such cases explicitly include driving in the same direction: the high beam, reflecting in the rearview mirrors of the vehicle ahead, can temporarily impair the vision of its driver, which increases the risk of mistakes, sudden braking, or deviation from the trajectory.
In practice, this means the following: if at night you are catching up to a vehicle moving ahead and you had your high beams on for better visibility, you must switch to low beams in advance as you approach. The rule guides the driver to do this no later than approximately 250 meters before reaching the vehicle, and earlier if there are signs that your headlights are disturbing the other driver.
Therefore, the correct answer is "In low beam mode," because when driving behind another vehicle, the high beam can dazzle the driver ahead through the mirrors, and clause 19.2 of the Traffic Rules requires switching to low beam in such cases.