Maryland CDL — General Knowledge practice
Signals & Pavement Markings
How to read traffic signals, lane lines, and pavement markings — including yellow and white lines, arrows, and flashing lights.
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 Signals & Pavement Markings questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
1. Before you make a lane change, what should you do to communicate your intent?
Correct answer: Turn on your signal, then change lanes slowly and smoothly
Signal before changing lanes and move over gradually so a driver you did not see has a chance to react.
2. What color is the trailer ABS malfunction lamp, and where is it located?
Correct answer: Yellow, on the left side of the trailer
Trailers with ABS carry a yellow malfunction lamp on the left side; if it stays lit, the ABS may not be working.
Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.18: Antilock Braking Systems
3. Why should you not use your vehicle's lights to signal other drivers that it is safe to pass?
Correct answer: You could misjudge the situation and cause a crash for which you may be blamed
Directing traffic is discouraged; you might wave someone into danger, cause a crash, and be held responsible.
4. In a stab-braking recovery, when do you re-apply the brakes after releasing them?
Correct answer: After the wheels begin rolling again
Stab braking means fully applying the brakes, releasing when the wheels lock, and re-applying only once the wheels start rolling again.
Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.17: Driving Emergencies
5. How does a driver signal others when forced to stop on the roadway to unload or at a crossing?
Correct answer: By flashing the brake lights to warn following drivers
When you must stop in the road, warn the drivers behind you by flashing your brake lights.
6. When should you use your four-way emergency flashers?
Correct answer: When you are stopped or moving very slowly and legal to do so
Emergency flashers alert others when you are stopped or crawling along much slower than surrounding traffic.
7. At night, why are your turn signals and brake lights especially important?
Correct answer: They are the main way to tell other drivers what you intend to do in the dark
After dark, working turn signals and brake lights matter even more as the main way to show others what you plan to do.
Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.11: Driving at Night
8. At a railroad crossing, what does a white stop line marked on the road ahead of the rails require?
Correct answer: The front of your vehicle must stay behind that line while stopped
Where a stop line is painted before the rails, a stopped vehicle's front end must remain behind it.
Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.15: Railroad-Highway Crossings
9. What are the three good rules for using turn signals given in the manual?
Correct answer: Signal early, keep signaling through the turn, then cancel the signal
Signal well before the turn, keep it on until the turn is complete, and remember to shut it off afterward.
10. How should you warn drivers behind you that you are about to slow down?
Correct answer: Tap the brake pedal a few times to flash the brake lights
A few light taps on the brake to flash your brake lights warn following drivers; use four-way flashers when moving very slowly or stopped.
11. Before backing up with a helper, what is the most important thing to agree on?
Correct answer: A clear hand signal that means 'stop'
You and your helper should settle on hand signals you both understand, and above all a signal for 'stop.'
12. How should you cancel a turn signal after completing a sharp turn?
Correct answer: Turn it off manually, since self-canceling signals may not reset after a sharp turn
Even with self-canceling signals, a sharp turn may not trip the sensor, so you may need to switch the signal off by hand.
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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