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 fog, which headlight setting gives you the best visibility?

   Correct answer: Low beams

   Use low-beam headlights in fog; high beams reflect off the fog and reduce how well you can see, even in daytime.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Driving in Fog)

2. 2. How should you check your mirrors while driving down the road?

   Correct answer: Glance quickly, alternating with the road ahead

   Check them quickly, glancing back and forth between the mirrors and the road ahead so you do not travel far without watching what is coming.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Seeing to the Sides and Rear)

3. 3. What are the two ways described for knowing when to shift up in a vehicle with a manual transmission?

   Correct answer: Engine speed (rpm) and road speed (mph)

   You can watch engine speed on the tachometer or use road speed on the speedometer; with practice, engine sound also helps.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Shifting Gears)

4. 4. Objects viewed in a convex (fisheye) mirror differ from reality in what way?

   Correct answer: Objects look smaller and farther away

   A convex mirror shows a wider area, but everything looks smaller and appears farther away than it truly is.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Seeing to the Sides and Rear)

5. 5. What is the best advice the manual gives about driving in fog?

   Correct answer: Avoid driving and wait for it to clear if you can

   The best advice is not to drive in fog at all; if possible pull off into a rest area or truck stop until visibility improves.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Driving in Fog)

6. 6. Why should you avoid staring at the mirrors for too long while driving?

   Correct answer: You lose track of what is happening ahead

   Focusing on the mirrors too long means you can travel a long distance without seeing what is happening on the road ahead.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Seeing to the Sides and Rear)

7. 7. What is the safest way to hold the steering wheel while driving a commercial vehicle?

   Correct answer: Both hands firmly on opposite sides of the wheel

   Hold the wheel firmly with both hands on opposite sides so it cannot be pulled from your grip if you hit a curb or pothole.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Steering)

8. 8. How far ahead does the manual recommend that good drivers look while driving?

   Correct answer: About 12 to 15 seconds ahead

   Most good drivers keep their eyes 12 to 15 seconds ahead, which is roughly one block at low speed and about a quarter mile on the highway.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Seeing Ahead)

9. 9. Why is backing toward the right (passenger) side considered especially dangerous?

   Correct answer: You cannot see as well toward the right

   You cannot see nearly as well to the right, so backing that way greatly increases the risk of hitting something you cannot see.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Backing Safely)

10. 10. Why are hands-free phone conversations still a concern while driving a commercial vehicle?

    Correct answer: They still divert your attention from driving

    Hands-free devices are no less likely than hand-held phones to distract you, because your attention is still diverted from the driving task.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Cell/Mobile Phones)

11. 11. What is the correct response when you are confronted by an aggressive driver?

    Correct answer: Get out of their way and avoid eye contact

    Make every effort to get out of the way, avoid eye contact, and do not challenge the driver by speeding up or holding your lane.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Aggressive Drivers/Road Rage)

12. 12. When you first start moving, what is one way to make sure you do not roll back into a vehicle behind you?

    Correct answer: Partly engage the clutch before releasing the brake

    With a manual transmission, partly engage the clutch before you lift your right foot off the brake, and use the parking brake if needed.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Accelerating)