Road Signs

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. What does the crossbuck sign at a railroad crossing require of you?

   Correct answer: Yield the right-of-way to any train

   The crossbuck marks the grade crossing; at it you must give any train the right-of-way.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.15.2 (Cross-buck signs)

2. 2. When a downgrade posts a 'Maximum Safe Speed' sign, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Never exceed the speed shown

   You must never exceed the posted maximum safe speed, regardless of how light your load is.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.16.1 (Select a safe speed)

3. 3. A sign mounted below the crossbuck showing a number tells you what?

   Correct answer: How many tracks the road crosses

   When a road crosses more than one track, a sign under the crossbuck shows how many tracks there are.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.15.2 (Cross-buck signs)

4. 4. The round, yellow railroad advance warning sign tells you to do what?

   Correct answer: Slow down, look and listen, and be ready to stop for a train

   The sign tells you to reduce speed, watch and listen for a train, and be prepared to stop if one approaches.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.15.2 (Advance warning signs)

5. 5. Hazardous materials placards are displayed in what shape?

   Correct answer: A square set on a point, forming a diamond

   Placards are square signs turned upright on a point, forming a diamond, and readable from all four sides of the vehicle.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.23.3 (Placards)

6. 6. Which emblem warns that the vehicle ahead travels at low speed?

   Correct answer: An orange-centered red triangle emblem

   Slow-moving vehicles such as farm machinery display an orange-centered red triangle emblem.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.8.3 (Slow drivers)

7. 7. A placarded vehicle must display at least how many identical placards?

   Correct answer: Four identical signs, one on the front, one on the rear, and one on each side

   At least four identical placards are required, mounted on the front, the rear, and both sides.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.23.3 (Placards)

8. 8. The four-digit identification number for a hazardous material is preceded by which letters?

   Correct answer: 'NA' or 'UN'

   A hazmat identification number is a four-digit code preceded by the letters 'NA' or 'UN'.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.23.3 (Identification numbers)

9. 9. Battery fluid and hydrochloric acid are examples of which hazard class?

   Correct answer: Class 8, Corrosives

   Battery fluid and hydrochloric acid are Class 8 corrosives.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.23.3 (Hazard Class Definitions)

10. 10. Hazardous materials placards must be readable from how many directions?

    Correct answer: All four directions

    Placards are placed so they can be read from all four directions around the vehicle.

    Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.23.3 (Placards)

11. 11. Gasoline and acetone fall under which hazard class?

    Correct answer: Class 3, Flammable liquids

    Gasoline and acetone are examples of Class 3, flammable liquids.

    Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.23.3 (Hazard Class Definitions)