Road Signs

Study questions with answers

8 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. The slow-moving vehicle emblem is described as:

   Correct answer: A red triangle with an orange center

   Farm and construction equipment often display a red triangle with an orange center to warn of their low speed.

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

2. 2. A sign below the cross-buck at a crossing that reads a number tells you:

   Correct answer: How many tracks the crossing has

   When more than one track is present, a small sign under the cross-buck shows the number of tracks to expect.

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

3. 3. A cross-buck is the sign shaped like:

   Correct answer: A large white X marking a railroad crossing

   The X-shaped cross-buck identifies a railroad crossing and requires drivers to yield to trains.

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

4. 4. Warning signs that alert drivers to reduced speed limits and lane closures ahead are typical of:

   Correct answer: Roadway work zones

   Work zones are marked with signs warning of lower limits and changed conditions; speeding through them is the top cause of deaths there.

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

5. 5. A round yellow railroad advance warning sign means:

   Correct answer: A railroad crossing is ahead; slow down and be ready to stop

   The round advance warning sign tells you a crossing is coming so you can slow, look, and prepare to stop if needed.

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

6. 6. Reflective triangles carried in a commercial vehicle are used to:

   Correct answer: Warn approaching traffic when the vehicle is stopped on or near the road

   The three reflective triangles are emergency warning devices placed on the road to alert others to your stopped vehicle.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 2.1 (Vehicle Inspection - Emergency Equipment)

7. 7. The large 'X' with the letters RR painted on the pavement before a crossing is:

   Correct answer: A pavement marking warning of the railroad crossing ahead

   Pavement markings including an X and RR alert drivers to a rail crossing ahead, reinforcing the advance warning sign.

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

8. 8. Signs posted on a steep mountain grade often point out the location of:

   Correct answer: Escape ramps for runaway vehicles

   Escape-ramp signs show drivers where runaway ramps are located so they can plan for a possible brake failure.

   Source: Alabama CDL Manual - Section 2.16.3 (Brake Fading or Failure)