Right-of-Way

Study questions with answers

7 sample Right-of-Way questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. As you pass through a work zone with a worker near the travel lane, you should:

   Correct answer: Decrease your speed even further

   Beyond obeying the posted limit, slow down more when workers are near the travel lane.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 2.6.7 (Roadway Work Zones)

2. 2. Why should you never try to race a train to a crossing?

   Correct answer: It is extremely hard to judge a train's speed

   A train's speed is very difficult to gauge, and racing one to the crossing is never worth the risk.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 2.15.3 (Driving Procedures)

3. 3. At a crossing you must reduce speed enough that you can:

   Correct answer: Stop short of the tracks if a stop becomes necessary

   Your speed must let you stop before the tracks if needed, based on how far you can see in each direction.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 2.15.3 (Driving Procedures)

4. 4. When the flashing red lights activate at a railroad crossing, you must:

   Correct answer: Give the train the right of way

   Flashing lights mean a train is coming and holds the right of way; you must stop and let it pass.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 2.15.2 (Warning Signs and Devices)

5. 5. A driver entering the road ahead of you in heavy traffic may:

   Correct answer: Pull in front of you to avoid being stuck behind slower vehicles

   Drivers merging in a hurry may cut in front of you, so watch for them and keep space ahead.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 2.8.3 (Drivers Who Are Hazards)

6. 6. Because trains may be prohibited from sounding their horns at some crossings, you should:

   Correct answer: Not rely on hearing a train and check the tracks yourself

   At quiet crossings trains may not sound a horn, so you must reduce speed and look for approaching trains rather than listen for them.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 2.15.3 (Driving Procedures)

7. 7. Before you cross or enter traffic, you must be sure you have:

   Correct answer: Enough gap for your slower-accelerating, longer vehicle to clear

   Large vehicles need a bigger gap because they speed up slowly and take longer to clear the roadway.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 2.7.7 (Space Needed to Cross or Enter Traffic)