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. Steering-wheel play greater than what amount can make a vehicle hard to steer?

   Correct answer: More than 10 degrees

   More than 10 degrees of play, about 2 inches of slack at a 20-inch wheel's rim, makes the truck hard to steer.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

2. 2. About how far ahead can you see with low-beam headlights?

   Correct answer: About 250 feet

   Low beams light the road about 250 feet ahead, while high beams reach roughly 350 to 500 feet.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

3. 3. What is the most important reason to inspect your vehicle?

   Correct answer: Safety for yourself and others

   The main reason to inspect is safety, both your own and that of everyone else using the road; catching a defect early can prevent a crash.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

4. 4. How far ahead do good drivers generally keep their eyes while driving?

   Correct answer: About 12 to 15 seconds ahead

   Looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead gives you time to spot trouble and still react to what is closer.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

5. 5. What is a basic rule about backing a commercial vehicle?

   Correct answer: Avoid backing whenever you can

   Because you cannot see everything behind you, backing is always risky, so avoid it whenever you can and use a helper.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

6. 6. Within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle must you dim your high beams?

   Correct answer: Within 500 feet

   Lower your high beams once an oncoming vehicle sits 500 feet ahead, and also when you trail another vehicle by that same gap.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

7. 7. How much more likely are you to be killed if you are thrown from a vehicle in a crash?

   Correct answer: Four times as likely

   A driver not wearing a safety belt is four times more likely to die if thrown from the vehicle, so buckle up at all times.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

8. 8. What is the only real cure for driver fatigue?

   Correct answer: Getting rest or sleep

   Sleep is the only genuine cure for fatigue; caffeine or fresh air may help briefly but wear off.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

9. 9. How do objects appear when seen in a convex (fisheye) mirror?

   Correct answer: Smaller and farther away than they are

   A convex mirror shows a wider view, but everything looks smaller and seems farther away than it really is.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

10. 10. Which headlights should you use when driving in fog?

    Correct answer: Low-beam headlights and fog lights

    Use low-beam headlights and fog lights in fog; high beams reflect off the fog and reduce your visibility.

    Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

11. 11. At highway speed, looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead is about what distance?

    Correct answer: About a quarter of a mile

    At highway speeds, that span of time works out to roughly a quarter of a mile down the road.

    Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

12. 12. When you must back a large vehicle, toward which side should you turn whenever possible?

    Correct answer: Toward the driver's side

    Steering toward the driver's side while backing lets you watch the rear through your side window.

    Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely