Road Signs

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. How many separate hazard classes are listed in the hazardous-materials class chart?

   Correct answer: Nine

   The chart lists nine numbered hazard classes, from explosives through miscellaneous hazardous materials.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

2. 2. When a downgrade sign reads 'Maximum Safe Speed,' what should a commercial driver do?

   Correct answer: Never travel faster than the number shown

   A posted maximum-safe-speed figure is an upper limit you must never go above on that grade.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

3. 3. What shape must a hazardous-materials placard be displayed in on a vehicle?

   Correct answer: A square turned to sit on one of its points

   Placards are square-on-point signs, tilted so they form a diamond, making them easy for responders to recognize from any direction.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

4. 4. The four-digit identification number for a hazardous material on a placard or orange panel is preceded by which letters?

   Correct answer: NA or UN

   Identification numbers used by first responders are shown with the prefix 'NA' or 'UN' in front of the four-digit code.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

5. 5. What is the minimum required size of a hazardous-materials placard?

   Correct answer: At least 9.84 inches (250 mm) square

   Placards must measure at least 9.84 inches (250 mm) on each side and stand upright on a point in a diamond form.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

6. 6. What does an X-shaped crossbuck sign at a grade crossing require of a driver?

   Correct answer: Give the train the right-of-way at the crossing

   The crossbuck marks the crossing and tells you to give the right-of-way to any train that is using the tracks.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

7. 7. On the hazard-class chart, gasoline and acetone fall under which numbered class?

   Correct answer: Class 3

   Flammable liquids such as gasoline and acetone are grouped as hazard Class 3.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

8. 8. The slow-moving-vehicle emblem you may see on farm equipment is what shape and color?

   Correct answer: A red-bordered triangle with an orange middle

   A slow-moving vehicle is marked by a triangle that is red around its edge with an orange center, warning you to expect very low speeds.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

9. 9. What is an escape ramp, which is marked by signs on mountain downgrades?

   Correct answer: A soft-surface bed built to stop a runaway vehicle

   An escape ramp is a bed of loose, soft material, sometimes on an upgrade, built to bring a runaway truck safely to a stop.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

10. 10. How many identical placards must be shown on a vehicle that is required to be placarded?

    Correct answer: Four

    A placarded load carries four matching placards, one on the front, one on the rear, and one on each side.

    Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

11. 11. Battery acid and hydrochloric acid are examples of which hazard class?

    Correct answer: Class 8

    Corrosive substances like battery acid belong to hazard Class 8.

    Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

12. 12. What does the round warning sign posted ahead of a public railroad crossing look like?

    Correct answer: Black lettering on a yellow round sign

    The advance-warning marker for a grade crossing is a round sign with black symbols on a yellow background, telling you to slow, look and listen.

    Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely