Maryland CDL — General Knowledge: Road Signs Practice Test

Question 1

During the walk-around inspection, clearance and identification lamps and reflectors on the front of the vehicle should be what color?

Accepted Answer

Amber — Lamps and reflectors facing forward should be amber, while those at the rear of the vehicle should be red.

Answer

Red

Answer

Green

Answer

Blue

Question 2

Which emblem warns you that the vehicle ahead is a slow-moving one such as farm machinery?

Accepted Answer

A red triangle with an orange center — Naturally slow vehicles like tractors display a red triangular emblem with an orange middle to alert faster traffic approaching from behind.

Answer

A solid orange rectangle

Answer

A white diamond with black lettering

Answer

A round green disc

Question 3

How many identical placards must be shown on a vehicle that is required to be placarded for hazardous materials?

Accepted Answer

Four — one each on the front, rear, and both sides — A placarded load must carry at least four matching placards positioned so each of the four directions can read one.

Answer

One, mounted on the rear only

Answer

Two, on the left and right sides

Answer

Six, spaced evenly around the vehicle

Question 4

When a downgrade is posted with a 'Maximum Safe Speed' sign, how should you treat that number?

Accepted Answer

As the highest speed you should ever travel on that grade — A posted limit or 'Maximum Safe Speed' sign on a grade sets a ceiling you must never exceed; also heed signs showing the grade's length and steepness.

Answer

As a suggestion you may exceed when heavily loaded

Answer

As the minimum speed required to keep traffic moving

Answer

As a limit that applies only to passenger cars

Question 5

A weight-limit sign posted near a bridge is based on what?

Accepted Answer

A bridge formula that lowers allowable weight as axles get closer together — Bridge weight-restriction signs reflect a formula that reduces the permitted axle weight when axles are spaced closely, protecting the structure.

Answer

The color and make of the vehicle crossing

Answer

The number of passengers aboard the vehicle

Answer

The posted speed limit for that stretch of road

Question 6

A hazardous materials placard on a commercial vehicle is displayed in what shape?

Accepted Answer

A square turned to stand on one corner, forming a diamond — Placards are diamond-shaped and at least 9.84 inches on a side, mounted so they can be read from every side of the vehicle.

Answer

A horizontal rectangle

Answer

A round circle

Answer

An upright octagon

Question 7

On a two-lane road approaching a railroad crossing, what marking appears along with the pavement 'X'?

Accepted Answer

A no-passing zone marking — On two-lane roads the crossing pavement markings include a no-passing marking, and a no-passing zone sign is posted as well.

Answer

A center turn island

Answer

A painted bike-lane symbol

Answer

A pedestrian crosswalk

Question 8

The pavement 'X' with the letters 'RR' painted on the roadway carries the same meaning as which sign?

Accepted Answer

The advance warning sign for a railroad crossing — The large 'X' and 'RR' markings on the pavement mean the same thing as the round advance warning sign — a crossing lies ahead.

Answer

A yield sign

Answer

A posted speed limit sign

Answer

A no-parking sign

Question 9

What does the round, yellow sign bearing a black railroad symbol, posted ahead of a crossing, tell a driver to do?

Accepted Answer

Slow down, watch and listen for a train, and be ready to stop at the tracks — The advance warning sign appears before a public crossing and signals you to reduce speed, look and listen for a train, and be prepared to halt if one is coming.

Answer

Come to a full stop no matter whether a train is near

Answer

Accelerate to clear the tracks before any train can arrive

Answer

Disregard it unless flashing lights are also present

Question 10

When the red lights begin flashing at a railroad crossing, what must you do?

Accepted Answer

Stop, because a train is approaching and has the right-of-way — Flashing red lights mean a train is coming; stop and yield, and where there are multiple tracks be sure every track is clear before crossing.

Answer

Keep the same speed if you do not see a gate

Answer

Speed up to cross before the train arrives

Answer

Treat it as a yield sign and merge slowly

Question 11

The four-digit identification number used by first responders for a hazardous load is preceded by which letters?

Accepted Answer

'NA' or 'UN' — Identification numbers begin with 'NA' or 'UN' and let emergency crews look the substance up in the Emergency Response Guidebook.

Answer

'DOT' or 'US'

Answer

'HM' or 'RQ'

Answer

'ID' or 'CL'

Question 12

At a railroad crossing marked only with a crossbuck sign, what is a driver legally required to do?

Accepted Answer

Yield the right-of-way to any train using the track — A crossbuck marks the grade crossing itself and requires drivers to give way to approaching trains.

Answer

Always stop even when no train is anywhere in sight

Answer

Proceed without slowing because a crossbuck has no legal force

Answer

Wait for a flagger before entering the crossing

Road Signs

Study questions with answers

1. During the walk-around inspection, clearance and identification lamps and reflectors on the front of the vehicle should be what color?

2. Which emblem warns you that the vehicle ahead is a slow-moving one such as farm machinery?

3. How many identical placards must be shown on a vehicle that is required to be placarded for hazardous materials?

4. When a downgrade is posted with a 'Maximum Safe Speed' sign, how should you treat that number?

5. A weight-limit sign posted near a bridge is based on what?

6. A hazardous materials placard on a commercial vehicle is displayed in what shape?

7. On a two-lane road approaching a railroad crossing, what marking appears along with the pavement 'X'?

8. The pavement 'X' with the letters 'RR' painted on the roadway carries the same meaning as which sign?

9. What does the round, yellow sign bearing a black railroad symbol, posted ahead of a crossing, tell a driver to do?

10. When the red lights begin flashing at a railroad crossing, what must you do?

11. The four-digit identification number used by first responders for a hazardous load is preceded by which letters?

12. At a railroad crossing marked only with a crossbuck sign, what is a driver legally required to do?

More CDL — General Knowledge topics

Practice Road Signs in another state