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. What is the minimum tread depth required on tires other than the front tires?

   Correct answer: 2/32 inch

   Tires other than the front ones need at least 2/32 inch of tread depth.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.1.3 (What to Look For)

2. 2. How should you hold the steering wheel while driving?

   Correct answer: Firmly with both hands on opposite sides

   Grip the wheel firmly with both hands on opposite sides so a curb or pothole cannot jerk it away from you.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.2.2 (Steering)

3. 3. You notice yourself yawning repeatedly and drifting in your lane. What is the only real cure?

   Correct answer: Stopping to sleep or take a nap

   These are warning signs of fatigue, and the only genuine cure is to stop and get some sleep or a nap.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.11.2 (Fatigue and Lack of Alertness)

4. 4. When should you turn a retarder off?

   Correct answer: When the pavement is icy, wet, or covered with snow

   Because a retarder can make the drive wheels skid, switch it off any time the pavement is icy, wet, or covered with snow.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.3.4 (Retarders)

5. 5. How far ahead does the manual say good drivers should look?

   Correct answer: 12 to 15 seconds ahead

   Experienced drivers look 12 to 15 seconds ahead, roughly one block at low speed and a quarter mile at highway speed.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.4.1 (Seeing Ahead)

6. 6. What is the minimum tread depth required in every major groove on the front tires?

   Correct answer: 4/32 inch

   Front (steering) tires must have at least 4/32 inch of tread in every major groove.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.1.3 (What to Look For)

7. 7. How do objects appear when seen in a convex (curved 'fisheye') mirror?

   Correct answer: Smaller and farther away than they really are

   In a convex mirror everything looks smaller and appears farther away than it really is, so you must allow for that.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.4.2 (Seeing to the Sides and Rear)

8. 8. What is the best advice for driving in fog?

   Correct answer: Avoid driving and pull off until it clears

   The best choice is not to drive in fog at all; pull into a rest area or a truck stop and wait until you can see better.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.12 (Driving in Fog)

9. 9. Under which two special conditions should you downshift to a lower gear?

   Correct answer: Before starting down a hill and before entering a curve

   You should downshift before starting down a hill and before entering a curve, so you keep control without overusing the brakes.

   Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.3.1 (Manual Transmissions)

10. 10. How often should you inspect your tires when driving in very hot weather?

    Correct answer: Every two hours or every 100 miles

    In hot weather, inspect your tires once every two hours, or every 100 miles, because heat drives up tire pressure.

    Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.14.1 (Pre-Trip Checks)

11. 11. About how far ahead can you see with low-beam headlights?

    Correct answer: About 250 feet

    Low beams light the road about 250 feet ahead, so you must keep your speed low enough to stop within that distance.

    Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.11.4 (Vehicle Factors)

12. 12. You are stopped on an upgrade with a manual transmission. How can you keep from rolling back when you start?

    Correct answer: Partly engage the clutch before releasing the brake

    Partly engage the clutch before releasing the brake, and use the parking brake as needed so you do not roll back into anyone.

    Source: Louisiana CDL Manual, Section 2.2.1 (Accelerating)