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 should you begin signaling before you change lanes or turn?

   Correct answer: Early, well before you make the move

   Signaling early, well before the maneuver, is the best way to keep other drivers from trying to move into the space you need.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Signal Your Intentions)

2. 2. What are the three good rules for using your turn signals when making a turn?

   Correct answer: Signal early, signal continuously, and cancel after turning

   Signal early so others do not try to pass, keep signaling continuously through the turn, and cancel the signal once the turn is finished.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Signal Your Intentions)

3. 3. How can a truck driver warn following traffic when forced to drive unusually slowly, where it is legal to do so?

   Correct answer: Turn on the emergency flashers

   Turn on the emergency flashers to alert drivers who may be closing in fast, since laws about flasher use vary by state.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Communicating)

4. 4. When you are stopped or driving very slowly on the roadway, which lights should you use to warn others?

   Correct answer: The four-way emergency flashers

   The four-way emergency flashers should be turned on whenever you are stopped or moving very slowly so others notice you in time.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Communicating)

5. 5. When you place reflective triangles at a stop, how should you hold them as you walk them out?

   Correct answer: Between yourself and the oncoming traffic

   Keep each triangle between yourself and oncoming traffic as you set it down so approaching drivers can see you.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Communicating Your Presence)

6. 6. Why should a driver never signal to another motorist that it is safe to pass?

   Correct answer: You could cause a crash and be held responsible

   Directing traffic is not your job; if you wave someone on and a crash results, you could be blamed and held liable for the damages.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Signal Your Intentions)

7. 7. A white stop line is painted on the pavement before a set of railroad tracks. What must a school bus do relative to that line?

   Correct answer: Keep the front of the bus behind the line

   When a stop line is present, the front of the bus must stay behind it while the bus is stopped at the crossing.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Warning Signs and Devices)

8. 8. At night, whenever you intend to pass another vehicle, what is one recommended way to signal your presence?

   Correct answer: Flash your headlights from low to high beam and back

   When it is legal, you can flash your headlights from low to high beam and back so the other driver knows you are there.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Communicating Your Presence)

9. 9. How can you warn drivers behind you that you are about to slow down for a hazard?

   Correct answer: Lightly tap the brake pedal to flash the brake lights

   A few light taps on the brake pedal, enough to flash the brake lights, alerts following drivers that you are slowing.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Communicating)

10. 10. When you must stop on a one-way or divided highway, where do the three warning devices go?

    Correct answer: At 10, 100, and 200 feet toward approaching traffic

    On a one-way or divided road, place the triangles at about 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Communicating Your Presence)

11. 11. When you stop on a two-lane road that carries traffic in both directions, where should the warning triangles be placed?

    Correct answer: About 10 feet from the vehicle and 100 feet ahead and behind

    On an undivided two-way road, place devices about 10 feet from the vehicle and 100 feet to the front and rear, in the lane or on the shoulder.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Communicating Your Presence)

12. 12. After stopping on the shoulder of a roadway, within how many minutes must your emergency warning devices be placed out?

    Correct answer: Within 10 minutes

    You must set out your emergency warning devices within ten minutes of stopping on a road or shoulder.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Communicating Your Presence)