Safe Driving Practices

Study questions with answers

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.

1. 1. The manual says that whenever you can, you should back your vehicle toward which side? Why?

   Correct answer: The driver's side, because you can see the rear more clearly

   Back toward the driver's side whenever possible, because you can watch the rear of the vehicle out the side window and see better than backing to the right.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.2.4 (Backing Safely)

2. 2. Before backing, why does the manual recommend using a helper?

   Correct answer: A helper can watch the blind spots you cannot see

   A helper is important because there are blind spots you cannot see; the helper should stand where you can see them, and you should agree on a signal for 'stop.'

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.2.4 (Backing Safely)

3. 3. To change gears, most heavy trucks that have an unsynchronized manual gearbox call for which technique?

   Correct answer: Double clutching

   Double clutching is required to change gears in most heavy vehicles with unsynchronized manual transmissions.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.3.1 (Manual Transmissions)

4. 4. Why is it valuable to spot a hazard before it becomes an emergency?

   Correct answer: It gives you time to plan and act before it becomes an emergency

   Seeing a hazard early gives you time to check mirrors, plan an escape, and act smoothly, rather than braking hard or swerving suddenly.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.8.1 (Importance of Seeing Hazards)

5. 5. How far ahead does the manual say good drivers should look?

   Correct answer: About 12 to 15 seconds ahead

   Skilled drivers keep their eyes 12 to 15 seconds down the road, which is about a block in town and roughly a quarter mile on the highway.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.4.1 (Seeing Ahead)

6. 6. When backing a commercial vehicle, what gear and speed does the manual advise?

   Correct answer: The lowest reverse gear, backing as slowly as possible

   Always back as slowly as possible in the lowest reverse gear, so you can correct steering errors and stop quickly if needed.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.2.4 (Backing Safely)

7. 7. When starting on an upgrade in a manual-transmission vehicle, how can you keep from rolling back?

   Correct answer: Partly engage the clutch before releasing the brake

   Begin easing the clutch out before your right foot leaves the brake, and set the parking brake if you need it until the engine makes enough power to hold you.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.2.1 (Accelerating)

8. 8. Under what road conditions should a driver turn off a speed retarder?

   Correct answer: Any time the pavement is wet, icy, or snowy

   A retarder can send the drive wheels into a skid, so shut it off any time the pavement is wet, icy, or covered with snow.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.3.4 (Retarders)

9. 9. Two special conditions call for downshifting to the proper gear. Which pair does the manual name?

   Correct answer: Before starting down a hill and before entering a curve

   You should downshift before starting down a hill and before entering a curve, so you have engine control and stability.

   Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.3.1 (Manual Transmissions)

10. 10. When you use your mirrors while driving, how should you look at them?

    Correct answer: Glance quickly, moving your attention between mirrors and the road ahead

    Check mirrors quickly, glancing back and forth between them and the road ahead; staring too long means traveling a long way without seeing what is in front.

    Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.4.2 (Seeing to the Sides and Rear)

11. 11. How should you hold the steering wheel while driving?

    Correct answer: Firmly with both hands on opposite sides of the wheel

    Hold the wheel firmly with both hands on opposite sides, so a curb or pothole cannot jerk the wheel out of your grip.

    Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.2.2 (Steering)

12. 12. A driver distraction is best described as what?

    Correct answer: Anything that pulls your focus off the driving task

    Any activity, inside or outside the cab, that pulls your focus off the driving task counts as a driver distraction.

    Source: Colorado CDL Manual, Section 2.9 (Distracted Driving)