Traffic Laws

Study questions with answers

12 sample Traffic Laws questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. What does federal law say about a commercial driver reading or typing a text message while driving?

   Correct answer: It is prohibited while operating the vehicle

   Texting behind the wheel of a CMV is prohibited, and repeated convictions lead to driver disqualification.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 2 (Texting)

2. 2. Which requirement applies to wearing a safety belt in a commercial motor vehicle?

   Correct answer: You must wear it at all times while driving

   You must be properly restrained by a safety belt at all times while operating a CMV; it helps you keep control and reduces injury risk in a crash.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Other CDL Rules)

3. 3. A driver who operates a CMV in both interstate and intrastate commerce must self-certify under which category?

   Correct answer: Interstate commerce

   When your driving covers both, you must choose interstate commerce, which carries the stricter federal medical requirements.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Interstate or Intrastate Commerce)

4. 4. Regardless of weight, a vehicle needs a CDL if it is designed to carry how many people, including the driver?

   Correct answer: 16 or more

   A vehicle built to transport 16 or more occupants, counting the driver, falls under the CDL program.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Introduction)

5. 5. A single vehicle must have a gross vehicle weight rating of at least how much before a CDL is required to drive it?

   Correct answer: 26,001 pounds

   Any single vehicle rated at 26,001 pounds or more requires a commercial driver license to operate.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Introduction)

6. 6. For the CDL skills test, why can a vehicle with labeled or marked components not be used?

   Correct answer: You must be able to name the parts without help from labels

   The test checks that you can identify parts on your own, so any vehicle whose components are marked or labeled is not allowed for the skills test.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Skills Tests)

7. 7. When you apply for a commercial driving job, how many years of prior driving employment must you disclose?

   Correct answer: The past 10 years

   You must provide your employer with information about all driving jobs you have held during the previous 10 years.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Other CDL Rules)

8. 8. How many separate driver licenses may a commercial driver legally hold at one time?

   Correct answer: Only one

   You are allowed only one license; violating this rule can bring a court fine of up to $5,000 or jail time.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Other CDL Rules)

9. 9. A tank endorsement is required when a vehicle hauls liquid or gas in a tank with an individual rated capacity greater than what amount?

   Correct answer: 119 gallons

   The tank endorsement applies to tanks having an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and an aggregate capacity of at least 1,000 gallons.

   Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (CDL Endorsements)

10. 10. If your driver license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, how quickly must you inform your employer?

    Correct answer: Within two business days

    A driver must notify the employer within two business days of a suspension, revocation, cancellation, or disqualification.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Other CDL Rules)

11. 11. A driver who holds a Class A CDL is also permitted to operate which vehicles?

    Correct answer: Vehicles in Class B and Class C as well

    Because Class A skills include those needed for the lower groups, a Class A holder may also drive vehicles that require Class B or Class C.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (CDL Classifications)

12. 12. A non-excepted interstate driver must provide which document to the state licensing agency to keep a certified medical status?

    Correct answer: A current medical examiner's certificate

    Non-excepted interstate drivers must supply a current medical examiner's certificate, often called a DOT card, and keep it up to date.

    Source: Indiana CDL Manual, Section 1 (Medical Documentation Requirements)