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. In very hot weather, how often should you inspect your tires?

   Correct answer: Every two hours or 100 miles

   During very hot weather, check the tires about every two hours or every 100 miles. Heat raises tire pressure and the risk of a blowout.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.14, Driving in Very Hot Weather

2. 2. What is the minimum tread depth required on tires other than the front tires?

   Correct answer: 2/32 inch

   Tires other than the front ones must have at least 2/32 inch of tread in a major groove, while front tires require the deeper 4/32 inch.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.1, Vehicle Inspection

3. 3. In cold weather, why is carbon monoxide from a leaking exhaust especially dangerous?

   Correct answer: It can make you sleepy without warning

   Carbon monoxide is odorless and makes you sleepy, which is deadly behind the wheel. A leaking exhaust in a closed winter cab can build up this gas without you noticing.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.13, Driving in Winter

4. 4. On a passenger bus, what does the standee line mark?

   Correct answer: The point past which riders may not stand

   No rider may stand forward of where the driver's seat ends. The line on the floor marking that boundary is called the standee line.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 4, Standee Line

5. 5. In driving terms, what is a hazard?

   Correct answer: Any road condition or road user that could become a danger

   A hazard is any road condition or road user — such as a driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian — that could become a danger. Spotting hazards early gives you time to react.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.8, Seeing Hazards

6. 6. Why is backing a large vehicle considered so dangerous?

   Correct answer: You cannot see everything behind the vehicle

   You cannot see everything behind your vehicle, so backing is always risky. Whenever you can, plan ahead to avoid backing, and when you must back, do it slowly.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.2, Backing Safely

7. 7. What is the difference between blocking and bracing when securing cargo?

   Correct answer: Blocking keeps cargo from sliding; bracing keeps it from tipping or moving

   Blocking is fitted snugly around cargo at the front, back, or sides to stop it sliding, while bracing runs from the top of the cargo down to the floor or walls to prevent it moving.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 3, Blocking and Bracing

8. 8. How can you keep from rolling backward when starting on an upgrade?

   Correct answer: Hold with the parking brake until you have enough power to go forward

   Use the parking brake to hold the vehicle, and release it only once you have applied enough engine power to move forward. On some rigs the trailer brake hand valve can also hold you.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.2, Accelerating

9. 9. You see brake lights, backup lights, and exhaust coming from a stopped delivery truck ahead. What do these clues suggest?

   Correct answer: The driver is about to move the truck

   Signs like brake lights, backup lights, and exhaust are clues that the driver may be about to pull out or move. Treat the delivery truck as a hazard and be ready to slow.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.8, Seeing Hazards

10. 10. Before you change lanes, what should you do about your blind spots?

    Correct answer: Check that no one has moved into the blind spot

    Mirrors cannot show every area around your vehicle, so after signaling you should check that no one has moved into a blind spot before you actually change lanes.

    Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.4, Seeing

11. 11. When must a driver first inspect the cargo and its securing devices after starting a trip?

    Correct answer: Within the first 50 miles

    The load and its tie-downs must be re-checked once you have driven the first 50 miles of the trip, since cargo can settle and straps can loosen early on.

    Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 3, Securing Cargo

12. 12. When you must back a tractor-trailer, which direction is generally safest to back and turn toward?

    Correct answer: Toward the driver's side

    Back toward the driver's side whenever possible so you can watch the rear through your side window. Backing toward the right is riskier because you cannot see that side as well.

    Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.2, Backing Safely