Right-of-Way

Study questions with answers

12 sample Right-of-Way questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. When making a left turn at an intersection, you should begin the turn only after:

   Correct answer: reaching the center of the intersection

   Reach the center of the intersection before you start a left turn; turning too soon can let off-tracking swing your left side into another vehicle.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.7 Left Turns

2. 2. A bus may slow and check instead of stopping at a rail crossing when:

   Correct answer: a traffic signal there is showing green

   You do not have to stop, but must slow and check, at streetcar crossings, where an officer directs traffic, at a green signal, or at exempt or abandoned crossings.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 4.3 Railroad-highway Crossing/Stops

3. 3. If you must cross into the oncoming lane to finish a wide right turn, you should:

   Correct answer: watch for and give room to vehicles coming toward you

   Watch for oncoming vehicles and give them room; do not back up for them because you might hit someone behind you.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.7 Right Turns

4. 4. At a passive railroad crossing, which vehicles are always required to stop?

   Correct answer: Buses carrying passengers and vehicles hauling hazardous materials

   All passenger-carrying vehicles and vehicles hauling hazardous materials are required to stop at the crossing.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.15 Advance Warning Signs

5. 5. At a railroad crossing, a commercial vehicle must yield the right-of-way to:

   Correct answer: any approaching train

   A crossbuck requires you to yield to the train, and you should never try to beat a train to the crossing.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.15 Driving Procedures

6. 6. When you approach an emergency vehicle stopped on the shoulder, if it is safe you should:

   Correct answer: move into a lane away from it

   Yield by moving into a lane that is not next to the emergency vehicle when it is safe; if you cannot change lanes safely, slow down.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.8 Move-Over Laws

7. 7. A bus does NOT have to stop at a drawbridge when:

   Correct answer: a traffic light there shows green

   You need not stop, but must slow and make sure it is safe, when a traffic light shows green or an attendant controls the traffic.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 4.3 Drawbridges

8. 8. According to the manual, the most common place for bus accidents to happen is:

   Correct answer: at intersections

   Bus accidents often occur at intersections, so use caution even when a signal or stop sign controls the other traffic.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 4.3 Common Accidents

9. 9. When merging onto a highway, a commercial driver should use the mirrors to:

   Correct answer: confirm the gap in traffic is large enough to enter safely

   When merging, use your mirrors to be sure the gap in traffic is large enough for your vehicle to enter safely.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.4 Merges

10. 10. You should never wave another driver past you to pass because:

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

    Do not direct traffic; signaling to others that it is safe to pass could cause a crash for which you would be blamed.

    Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.5 Don't Direct Traffic

11. 11. At a drawbridge that has no signal light or attendant, a bus driver must:

    Correct answer: stop at least 50 feet before the draw

    Stop at least 50 feet before the draw of a bridge that has no signal or attendant, and make sure the draw is fully closed before crossing.

    Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 4.3 Drawbridges

12. 12. Because a loaded commercial vehicle accelerates slowly, when crossing or entering traffic you need:

    Correct answer: a larger gap than a car would need

    Slow acceleration and the space large vehicles need mean you require a much larger gap than a car to enter traffic.

    Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.7 Space Needed to Cross or Enter Traffic