Sharing the Road

Study questions with answers

12 sample Sharing the Road questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. A driver whose rear window is blocked by cargo or a loaded station wagon is a hazard because of what?

   Correct answer: Their blocked vision keeps them from seeing you

   Drivers whose vision is blocked can't see others well; if you can see only the front or rear of a vehicle but not the driver, assume the driver cannot see you.

   Source: Massachusetts CDL Manual — Section 2.8: Seeing Hazards

2. 2. Which of the following is a clue that a driver ahead may be impaired by alcohol or drugs?

   Correct answer: Weaving across the road or drifting between sides

   Weaving across the road, drifting between sides, leaving the road, stopping at the wrong time, and sudden speed changes are all clues of an impaired driver.

   Source: Massachusetts CDL Manual — Section 2.8: Seeing Hazards

3. 3. Freeway and turnpike off-ramps can be dangerous for large vehicles because posted ramp speeds are set for what?

   Correct answer: Automobiles, not larger or loaded vehicles

   Ramp speed limits are often set for automobiles and may not be safe for larger or heavily loaded vehicles, especially where the ramp goes downhill and curves at the same time.

   Source: Massachusetts CDL Manual — Section 2.8: Seeing Hazards

4. 4. How do strong winds most affect vehicles, and where can the problem be especially bad?

   Correct answer: They are worse for lighter vehicles, especially leaving a tunnel

   Strong winds make it hard to stay in your lane, usually worse for lighter vehicles, and the effect can be especially strong just as you come out of a tunnel.

   Source: Massachusetts CDL Manual — Section 2.7: Managing Space

5. 5. What is a "hazard" as the manual defines it?

   Correct answer: Any road condition or road user that is a possible danger

   A hazard is any road condition or road user — a driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian — that presents a possible danger you may have to react to.

   Source: Massachusetts CDL Manual — Section 2.8: Seeing Hazards

6. 6. What can happen if too little weight is placed on the steering (front) axle of a loaded truck?

   Correct answer: The steering can become too light to control safely

   Shifting weight too far rearward leaves the front axle under-loaded, which can leave the steering axle carrying too little weight to steer the vehicle safely.

   Source: Massachusetts CDL Manual — Section 3.2: Weight and Balance

7. 7. When you are being tailgated by another vehicle, what does the manual say you should NOT do?

   Correct answer: Speed up to put distance between you

   Don't speed up when tailgated; it is safer to be followed too closely at a low speed. Instead, open up more room ahead so you can avoid sudden moves.

   Source: Massachusetts CDL Manual — Section 2.7: Managing Space

8. 8. Why is it dangerous to start a right turn by first swinging wide to the left?

   Correct answer: A driver behind you might try to slip past on the right side

   Swinging left at the start makes a following driver think you are turning left, so they may try to pass on your right and be struck as you complete the right turn.

   Source: Massachusetts CDL Manual — Section 2.7: Managing Space

9. 9. Why should you assume a pedestrian or another driver does not see you when you are about to pass?

   Correct answer: They might suddenly move in front of you

   Assume they don't see you because they could suddenly move into your path; when legal, tap the horn or, at night, flash from low to high beam, and drive so you can avoid a crash anyway.

   Source: Massachusetts CDL Manual — Section 2.5: Communicating

10. 10. When a heavy load keeps you from matching the speed of traffic, which lane should you use?

    Correct answer: The right lane

    Stay in the right lane when a heavy load slows you down; heavy vehicles that can't keep pace are often tailgated, and going uphill you shouldn't pass another slow vehicle unless you can do it quickly and safely.

    Source: Massachusetts CDL Manual — Section 2.7: Managing Space

11. 11. How does aggressive driving differ from road rage?

    Correct answer: Road rage involves an intent to harm; aggressive driving is pushy, unsafe operation

    Aggressive driving is operating in a selfish, pushy manner without regard for others' safety; road rage goes further, involving an intent to harm or assault another driver or vehicle.

    Source: Massachusetts CDL Manual — Section 2.10: Aggressive Drivers/Road Rage

12. 12. Why does hanging meat in a refrigerated trailer make an unstable load?

    Correct answer: It hangs high and can swing, raising the center of gravity

    Suspended beef, pork, or lamb hangs high and can swing, which raises the load's center of gravity and calls for real care on sharp curves like ramps.

    Source: Massachusetts CDL Manual — Section 3.4: Cargo Needing Special Attention