Traffic Laws

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. How soon after a license suspension, revocation, or disqualification must you notify your employer?

   Correct answer: Within two business days

   A suspension, revocation, cancellation, or disqualification has to be reported to your employer within two business days.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 1: Introduction

2. 2. When applying for a commercial driving job, how far back must you list your previous driving jobs?

   Correct answer: The past 10 years

   You must give an employer information on every driving job you have held over the past ten years.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 1: Introduction

3. 3. Within how many days must you tell your employer about a conviction for a traffic violation, other than parking?

   Correct answer: Within 30 days

   Any traffic conviction except parking must be reported to your employer within 30 days, no matter what vehicle you were driving.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 1: Introduction

4. 4. Within how many days must an out-of-state traffic conviction be reported to your licensing agency?

   Correct answer: 30 days

   A conviction in another jurisdiction, other than parking, must be reported to your licensing agency within 30 days.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 1: Introduction

5. 5. What must a CMV driver do with hazardous-materials shipping papers while driving?

   Correct answer: Keep them within clear view and reach while driving

   Hazmat shipping papers must be tagged or kept on top of other papers and stored in a door pouch or within clear reach while driving.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

6. 6. How soon after starting a trip must a driver first inspect the cargo and its securing devices?

   Correct answer: Within the first 50 miles

   You must re-check the load within the first 50 miles and make any needed adjustments.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely

7. 7. A single vehicle needs a CDL once its gross vehicle weight rating reaches what figure?

   Correct answer: 26,001 pounds or more

   Any single vehicle rated at 26,001 pounds or more requires a commercial driver license.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 1: Introduction

8. 8. Under the federal rules, how may a CMV driver lawfully use a mobile phone while driving?

   Correct answer: Only with a hands-free device located close by

   Holding a phone or pressing more than one button is barred; only a hands-free phone within easy reach may be used to talk.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

9. 9. For how long must an Individual Vehicle Distance Record and its fuel receipts be kept?

   Correct answer: Four years

   These IRP and IFTA source records must be retained for a minimum of four years and are subject to audit.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 1: Introduction

10. 10. How many driver licenses is a commercial driver allowed to hold at one time?

    Correct answer: Only one

    You may hold only a single license; keeping more than one can bring a fine, jail, and loss of the extra licenses.

    Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 1: Introduction

11. 11. A vehicle built to carry how many people requires the driver to hold a CDL?

    Correct answer: 16 or more including the driver

    Carrying 16 or more people, counting the driver, brings a vehicle into the CDL program.

    Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 1: Introduction

12. 12. Which of the following is listed as exempt from the CDL requirement?

    Correct answer: A recreational vehicle

    Recreational vehicles are among the listed exemptions, along with certain farm, firefighting, emergency, and military vehicles.

    Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 1: Introduction