Maryland CDL — General Knowledge practice
Right-of-Way
Who goes first at intersections, four-way stops, roundabouts, and crosswalks, and how to yield to pedestrians and emergency vehicles.
Questions reviewed against the official Maryland driver handbook · July 7, 2026
12 questions · pass with 10 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
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. At a crossing with two separate tracks, what should you do after one train has passed?
Correct answer: Make sure no other train is coming on the second track before crossing
A train on one track can hide a train on the other, so look both ways and confirm every track is clear before starting across.
Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.15: Railroad-Highway Crossings
2. Because of a large vehicle's slow acceleration, what should you do before crossing or entering traffic?
Correct answer: Wait for a larger gap than a car would need before pulling out
Slow acceleration and the space a big vehicle takes mean you need a much larger gap, and you should be sure you can clear the road before traffic reaches you.
3. When gates at a railroad crossing are down and lights are flashing, when may you proceed?
Correct answer: Only after the gates rise and the lights stop flashing
Remain stopped until the gate arms rise fully and the flashing lights turn off, then continue when the way is clear.
Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.15: Railroad-Highway Crossings
4. When merging onto a highway, how should you use your mirrors?
Correct answer: To be sure the opening in traffic is wide enough for your entire vehicle to fit
When merging, use your mirrors to be certain the gap is big enough for your vehicle to enter safely.
Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.4: Looking Ahead and Managing Space
5. When you are stopped and a stopped bus is ahead, what hazard should you expect?
Correct answer: Passengers crossing in front of or behind the bus who cannot see you
People often cross in front of or behind a stopped bus and frequently cannot see you, so anticipate pedestrians.
6. If a vehicle coming toward you has wandered into your lane, which direction is usually the best escape?
Correct answer: To the right
Steering right is usually best; if the other driver realizes the mistake, their instinct is to return to their own lane.
Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.17: Driving Emergencies
7. Which vehicles are required to stop at a railroad crossing even when no train is visible?
Correct answer: Passenger-carrying and placarded hazmat vehicles
The advance warning sign requires all passenger and hazmat-carrying vehicles to stop at the crossing.
Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.15: Railroad-Highway Crossings
8. When you are being tailgated, what is the recommended way to handle it?
Correct answer: Increase your following distance so you can slow gradually and let the tailgater pass
Leaving extra room ahead lets you slow gradually and gives a tailgater a better chance to pass; never speed up.
9. What is the safest first response when confronted by an aggressive driver?
Correct answer: Make every effort to get out of their way
Do not challenge an aggressive driver; get out of their way, avoid eye contact, and refuse to react to gestures.
Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.10: Aggressive Drivers
10. A driver whose vehicle you can see but who cannot see you (their view is blocked) should be treated how?
Correct answer: As a hazard who may back out or pull into your lane
If you can see only the front or rear of a vehicle and not the driver, they cannot see you and may move into your path — be ready to stop.
11. As you approach an emergency vehicle that is stopped at the side of the road with its lights on, what should you do?
Correct answer: Slow down and yield, moving to a lane not next to it when it is safe
Approach a roadside emergency vehicle with caution: change to a non-adjacent lane if safe, otherwise slow and pass carefully.
12. At a crossbuck-marked railroad crossing, who has the right-of-way?
Correct answer: The train always has the right-of-way
A crossbuck requires you to yield to the train, which always has the right-of-way at a grade crossing.
Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.15: Railroad-Highway Crossings
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Every Maryland question is written from the official Maryland driver handbook and checked against its current edition. DMV Test Free is a free, independent study resource — not affiliated with any DMV or government agency. About DMV Test Free