Alaska CDL — General Knowledge practice
Alaska CDL — General Knowledge: Safe Driving Practices practice test
Following distance, scanning, blind spots, using your lights, and the habits that prevent crashes and keep you in control.
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
16 questions · pass with 13 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
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12 sample Safe Driving Practices questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
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1. According to NHTSA figures in the manual, about how many deaths occur each year on U.S. roadways in crashes involving distracted driving?
Correct answer: About 5,500
The manual cites roughly 5,500 deaths a year, plus an estimated 448,000 injuries, in motor vehicle crashes that involve distracted driving.
Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.9.1, The Distracted Driving Crash Problem
2. In cargo securement, what is bracing?
Correct answer: Supports running from high on the load down to the floor or walls to stop it from moving
Bracing prevents cargo movement by reaching from the top portion of the cargo to the floor or walls of the compartment. Blocking, by contrast, fits against the cargo's front, back, or sides.
Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 3.3.1, Blocking and Bracing
3. When checking fluids in the engine compartment, which level may require the engine to be running?
Correct answer: Automatic transmission fluid
The engine compartment checklist notes that the automatic transmission fluid level may need the engine running to be read.
Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.1.5, Seven-step Inspection Method
4. On the inspection test, about how much play should an engine belt have at its center?
Correct answer: 1/2 to 3/4 inch
Belts are checked for snugness, which the manual puts at 1/2 to 3/4 inch of play at the center, as well as for cracks, frays, and other wear.
Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 11.1.1, Engine Compartment (Engine Off)
5. When does the manual say you should learn how to put on tire chains?
Correct answer: Ahead of time, before winter conditions force you to
You may meet conditions where you cannot move without chains, so the manual says to learn to install them before you are standing in snow and ice.
Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.13.1, Vehicle Checks
6. According to the inspection test's 'safe start' procedure, how long do you keep the clutch depressed when starting the engine?
Correct answer: Until the engine reaches idling speed, then release it slowly
For a safe start you put the gearshift in neutral, press the clutch before cranking, and hold it down until the engine is idling. Then you let it out slowly.
Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 11.1.1, Engine Compartment (Engine Off)
7. Why does the manual say to do your vehicle inspection the same way every time?
Correct answer: You learn all the steps and are less likely to forget something
A consistent routine helps you learn every step, and it lowers the chance that you will leave something out.
Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.1.5, Seven-step Inspection Method
8. You need glasses or contacts to drive. What does the manual suggest keeping in your vehicle?
Correct answer: An extra set of corrective lenses
A spare set of corrective lenses in the vehicle lets you keep driving safely if your usual pair is broken or lost.
Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.11.2, Driver Factors
9. What two jobs does the manual give the suspension system?
Correct answer: Holding up the vehicle and its load, and keeping the axles in place
The suspension carries the vehicle and its load and keeps the axles where they belong, which is why broken suspension parts can be extremely dangerous.
Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.1.3, What to Look For
10. Why shouldn't you look at your mirrors for too long while driving?
Correct answer: The truck covers a lot of ground while you are not watching the road ahead
Mirror checks should be quick glances between the mirrors and the road. Staring at a mirror means a long stretch of travel with no idea what is going on in front.
Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.4.2, Seeing to the Sides and Rear
11. Why does the manual call texting the most alarming distraction?
Correct answer: It is a physical and a mental distraction at the same time
Texting takes your eyes and hands away and also occupies your mind, so it is a physical and a mental distraction happening together.
Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.9.5, Texting
12. The manual says to look 12 to 15 seconds ahead. What does it say about things that are closer?
Correct answer: Keep moving your eyes between what is near and what is far
Looking far ahead does not mean ignoring what is close. Good drivers keep switching their attention between near and far.
Source: Alaska Commercial Driver License Manual — Section 2.4.1, Seeing Ahead
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