Signals & Pavement Markings

Study questions with answers

12 sample Signals & Pavement Markings questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. When is the best time to turn on your signal before making a turn?

   Correct answer: Well before you reach the turn

   Signal well ahead of the turn; doing it early is the best way to discourage others from passing you.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

2. 2. During the walk-around, what color must the parking and clearance lights at the front of the vehicle be?

   Correct answer: Amber

   Lights and reflectors facing the front should be amber, while those at the rear should be red.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

3. 3. During the walk-around inspection, what color must the reflectors and marker lights at the rear of the vehicle be?

   Correct answer: Red

   Rear-facing reflectors and clearance lights must be red; amber is used elsewhere on the vehicle.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

4. 4. At a crossing with gates, when should you begin to stop?

   Correct answer: When the lights start flashing, before the gate drops

   Stop when the lights start flashing and before the gate lowers, then stay put until the gates rise and the lights stop.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

5. 5. On a trailer, where is the ABS malfunction lamp located?

   Correct answer: On the left side of the trailer

   Trailer ABS warning lamps are mounted on the left side, either at the front or the rear corner.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

6. 6. How can you warn drivers behind you that you are about to slow down?

   Correct answer: Tap the brake pedal to flash the brake lights

   Lightly tapping the brake pedal flashes your brake lights, warning drivers behind you that a slowdown is coming.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

7. 7. What should you do with your turn signal once a turn is finished on a truck without self-canceling signals?

   Correct answer: Cancel it once the turn is complete

   Turn the signal off after completing the turn so following drivers are not misled about your next move.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

8. 8. How should you signal your intention during the actual turn itself?

   Correct answer: Leave it on continuously until the turn is complete

   Keep the signal on continuously through the turn; you need both hands on the wheel, so do not cancel it until the turn is done.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

9. 9. When is it appropriate to switch on your four-way emergency flashers?

   Correct answer: When you are stopped or moving very slowly

   Use the four-way flashers when you are stopped or must drive very slowly, to alert traffic closing on you.

   Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

10. 10. What do flashing red lights at a railroad crossing tell you to do?

    Correct answer: Stop, because a train is coming

    When the red lights begin to flash, a train is approaching and you must stop and yield to it.

    Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

11. 11. What color is the ABS malfunction lamp that tells you the antilock system has a problem?

    Correct answer: Yellow

    Antilock brake malfunction lamps are yellow; if the lamp stays on you may have lost ABS at one or more wheels.

    Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely

12. 12. In a state that has a move-over law, how are drivers alerted to the requirement?

    Correct answer: Posted move-over signs

    Where move-over laws apply, posted signs direct you to reduce speed and move over as you near a stopped emergency vehicle.

    Source: Connecticut CDL Manual - Section 2: Driving Safely