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. A non-excepted interstate driver must give the state licensing agency a current:

   Correct answer: medical examiner's certificate

   Non-excepted interstate drivers are required to provide their state agency with a current medical examiner's certificate, or DOT card.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 1.2 Medical Documentation

2. 2. How often must a commercial driver wear the safety belt?

   Correct answer: At all times while operating the vehicle

   You must be properly restrained by a safety belt at all times while operating a CMV; it helps you keep control and avoid ejection.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 1.4 Other CDL Rules

3. 3. In Kentucky, a driver renewing a CDL that carries a hazardous materials endorsement must:

   Correct answer: retest for the hazardous materials endorsement

   Applicants are required to retest for the hazardous materials endorsement when they renew the CDL.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Retesting

4. 4. After the first 50 miles of a trip, how often must a driver re-check the securement of the cargo?

   Correct answer: Every 150 miles or every 3 hours, whichever is first

   Cargo securement must be inspected within the first 50 miles and then every 150 miles or every three hours, whichever comes first, plus after every break.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 3.1 Inspecting Cargo

5. 5. If your driver's license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, you must notify your employer within:

   Correct answer: two business days

   You must tell your employer within two business days if your license is suspended, revoked, canceled, or you are disqualified from driving.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 1.4 Other CDL Rules

6. 6. A single vehicle designed to carry 16 or more people, including the driver, requires a CDL because of its:

   Correct answer: passenger-carrying design capacity

   A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, counting the driver, falls under the CDL requirements.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 1 CDL Classifications

7. 7. Under the rules, an employer may NOT let you drive a commercial motor vehicle if:

   Correct answer: your CDL is suspended or you hold more than one license

   Your employer may not allow you to drive a CMV if you hold more than one license or if your CDL is suspended or revoked.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 1.4 Other CDL Rules

8. 8. After a conviction for a traffic violation other than parking, within how many days must you tell your employer?

   Correct answer: 30 days

   You must notify your employer within 30 days of a conviction for any traffic violation except parking, no matter what vehicle you were driving.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 1.4 Other CDL Rules

9. 9. While operating a commercial motor vehicle, sending or reading text messages is:

   Correct answer: prohibited by federal regulation

   Federal regulations prohibit texting by CMV drivers; violations can lead to disqualification and civil penalties.

   Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 2.9 Texting

10. 10. Under the CDL rules, how many driver's licenses may you legally hold at one time?

    Correct answer: Only one

    You cannot hold more than one license; breaking this rule can bring a fine of up to $5,000 or jail.

    Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 1.4 Other CDL Rules

11. 11. What happens to a driver's CDL after a first violation of an out-of-service order?

    Correct answer: Loss of the CDL for at least 90 days

    A first out-of-service order violation costs you your CDL for at least 90 days.

    Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 1.3 Violation of Out-of-Service Orders

12. 12. If you are convicted of a traffic violation (other than parking) in another state, you must notify your home licensing agency within:

    Correct answer: 30 days

    You must tell your motor vehicle licensing agency within 30 days of a conviction in any other jurisdiction, whatever vehicle you drove.

    Source: KY CDL Manual, Sec 1.4 Other CDL Rules