Signals & Pavement Markings

Study questions with answers

12 sample Signals & Pavement Markings questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Because your large vehicle can block a following driver's view of trouble ahead, how can you warn that driver you must slow down?

   Correct answer: Flash your brake lights with a few light taps on the pedal

   Tapping the brake pedal lightly a couple of times makes your brake lights flash, warning drivers behind that you must slow for a hazard.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 (Signal Your Intentions)

2. 2. When should a driver use the four-way emergency flashers?

   Correct answer: When driving very slowly or when stopped

   Switch on the four-way flashers any time you must crawl along or sit stopped, so traffic coming up behind is alerted.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 (Signal Your Intentions)

3. 3. At a crossing equipped with gates and flashing red lights, when may you proceed after they activate?

   Correct answer: Only after the gates go up and the lights stop flashing

   Stop when the lights flash and before the gate lowers, and stay stopped until the gates rise and the lights stop flashing.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.15.2 (Warning Signs and Devices)

4. 4. At night, within what distance of an oncoming vehicle must you switch from high beams to low beams?

   Correct answer: Within 500 feet

   Lower your high beams once an approaching vehicle is 500 feet away, and likewise when you close to within 500 feet behind another vehicle.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.11.5 (Night Driving Procedures)

5. 5. During the walk-around inspection, what color must the clearance lights and reflectors at the rear of the vehicle be?

   Correct answer: Red

   Rear clearance lights and reflectors must be red, while those elsewhere on the vehicle are amber.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.1.5 (Seven-step Inspection Method)

6. 6. Some drivers try to help by waving another vehicle past. Why does the manual say not to do this?

   Correct answer: Because directing another driver could lead to a crash you would be blamed for

   You should not signal others that it is safe to pass; doing so could cause a crash for which you might be blamed and held liable.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 (Signal Your Intentions)

7. 7. One of the three good rules for using turn signals is to signal when?

   Correct answer: Well before you begin the turn

   You should signal early, well before you turn, which is the best way to discourage others from trying to pass you.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 (Signal Your Intentions)

8. 8. As you prepare to pass a vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist, how can you communicate your presence?

   Correct answer: Lightly tap the horn, or at night flash your lights low to high

   Assume they have not noticed you; where it is lawful, give a light horn tap, or after dark switch your headlights briefly from low to high beam and back.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.5.2 (Communicating Your Presence)

9. 9. If you must stop on or beside a one-way or divided highway, where should the three warning devices be placed?

   Correct answer: Roughly 10, 100, and 200 feet back toward oncoming traffic

   When stopped on a divided or one-way road, set the devices roughly 10, 100, and 200 feet back in the direction traffic is coming from.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.5.2 (Communicating Your Presence)

10. 10. After finishing a turn in a vehicle without self-canceling signals, what should the driver remember to do?

    Correct answer: Cancel the turn signal

    Once the turn is complete, turn the signal off so following drivers are not misled about your next move.

    Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 (Signal Your Intentions)

11. 11. When you stop on a two-lane road that carries traffic in both directions, how should the warning devices be positioned?

    Correct answer: One within 10 feet of the vehicle and one 100 feet to the front and to the rear

    On a two-way or undivided road, put a device within 10 feet of the vehicle and one about 100 feet behind and 100 feet ahead of it.

    Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.5.2 (Communicating Your Presence)

12. 12. What is the correct sequence for changing lanes in a large commercial vehicle?

    Correct answer: Signal first, then change lanes slowly and smoothly

    Activate your signal ahead of the lane change, then ease over slowly and smoothly so a driver you overlooked has time to react.

    Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 (Signal Your Intentions)