Safe Driving Practices

Study questions with answers

12 sample Safe Driving Practices questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. How should you get a loaded truck moving from a stop?

   Correct answer: Accelerate smoothly and gradually

   Accelerate smoothly and gradually so the drive wheels keep traction and the drivetrain is not jerked. Speeding up too fast can spin the wheels or damage the vehicle.

   Source: California CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Controlling Your Vehicle)

2. 2. What is the single most important reason for doing a pre-trip inspection on a commercial vehicle?

   Correct answer: Safety — to find problems that could cause a crash or breakdown

   Safety is the most important reason to inspect. A pre-trip inspection helps you find problems that could cause a crash or a breakdown before you get on the road.

   Source: California CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Vehicle Inspection)

3. 3. What must a driver know about the weight of the vehicle and its load?

   Correct answer: You must stay within the legal gross and axle weight limits

   You must not exceed the legal gross vehicle weight or the axle weight limits. Overloading makes the vehicle harder to control and much harder to stop, especially on downgrades.

   Source: California CDL Manual — Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely

4. 4. Why should you check your tires more often in very hot weather?

   Correct answer: Heat raises tire pressure and can cause a tire to fail

   Heat raises the air pressure inside tires and can cause a tire to fail or blow out. In hot weather, check tires for excessive heat and correct pressure at each stop.

   Source: California CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Hot Weather Driving)

5. 5. What is the correct way to shift gears in most heavy trucks with a standard (manual) transmission?

   Correct answer: Double-clutch and match engine speed to road speed

   Most heavy trucks require double-clutching, and you should time each shift by matching engine speed and road speed. Never coast with the clutch in or the transmission in neutral.

   Source: California CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Shifting Gears)

6. 6. Before and while backing when you cannot see everything behind you, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Get out and look, use a helper, and back slowly

   Get out and look at your path before backing, use a helper to guide you, and back slowly. Blind spots behind a large vehicle are very large, so never assume the path is clear.

   Source: California CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Backing Safely)

7. 7. Which emergency equipment must a commercial vehicle carry?

   Correct answer: A fire extinguisher, spare fuses, and warning devices such as reflective triangles

   A commercial vehicle must carry a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses (unless it has circuit breakers), and warning devices such as three reflective triangles. This equipment lets you respond to a fire or a breakdown.

   Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — Vehicle Inspection

8. 8. What is the purpose of blocking and bracing cargo?

   Correct answer: To keep cargo from shifting or sliding during transport

   Blocking and bracing keep cargo from sliding or shifting while you drive. Blocking is wedged against the cargo, and bracing runs from the cargo to a wall or the floor, so the load stays in place through turns and stops.

   Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — Transporting Cargo Safely

9. 9. During a pre-trip inspection, why should you look at the ground under the vehicle?

   Correct answer: To check for fresh fluid leaks such as oil, coolant, or fuel

   Fresh puddles or drips under the truck can mean an oil, coolant, fuel, or grease leak. Finding a leak before you drive lets you fix the problem instead of breaking down or starting a fire on the road.

   Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook — Vehicle Inspection

10. 10. If you must drive in fog, which headlights should you use?

    Correct answer: Low beams, and fog lights if you have them

    Use low beams (and fog lights if equipped) in fog. High beams reflect off the fog and reduce your vision, so it is safer to slow down and use low beams.

    Source: California CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Driving in Bad Weather)

11. 11. How far ahead should a commercial driver be looking down the road?

    Correct answer: 12 to 15 seconds ahead

    Look 12 to 15 seconds ahead, which is about one block in the city or a quarter mile at highway speed. Looking far ahead helps you spot hazards early and avoid last-second moves.

    Source: California CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Seeing Ahead)

12. 12. After loading, when should you first re-check that your cargo is secure?

    Correct answer: Within the first 50 miles of the trip

    Inspect your cargo and its securing devices again within the first 50 miles of a trip, then re-check periodically. Cargo can shift and tie-downs can loosen as you drive.

    Source: California CDL Manual — Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely