Signals & Pavement Markings

Study questions with answers

11 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. 1. If a hill or curve keeps drivers from seeing your stopped vehicle within 500 feet, what should you do with the rear warning device?

   Correct answer: Move it farther back down the road so approaching drivers get a warning

   Move the rearmost triangle farther back beyond the obstruction so approaching drivers receive a warning in time.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.5.2 (When parked at the side of the road)

2. 2. When stopped on a one-way or divided highway, where should the three warning triangles be placed?

   Correct answer: At 10 feet, then 100 feet, then 200 feet in the direction of oncoming traffic

   On a one-way or divided highway, set the triangles toward approaching traffic at roughly 10, 100, and 200 feet.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.5.2 (When parked at the side of the road)

3. 3. Objects viewed in a convex (fisheye) mirror appear how compared with reality?

   Correct answer: Smaller and farther away than they really are

   A convex mirror shows a wider area, but everything looks smaller and seems farther away than it truly is.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.4.2 (How to use mirrors)

4. 4. Which is a recommended rule for using turn signals in a large vehicle?

   Correct answer: Signal well before you turn so others do not try to pass

   Signal well before you turn so following drivers know your intention and are less likely to try to pass you.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 (Signal your intentions)

5. 5. When you are driving unusually slowly or are stopped on the road, what should you use to alert other drivers?

   Correct answer: The four-way emergency flashers

   The four-way emergency flashers warn other traffic when you are moving very slowly or are stopped.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 (Slowing down)

6. 6. How can you warn drivers behind you that you are about to slow down for a hazard ahead?

   Correct answer: Tap the brake pedal to flash your brake lights

   Lightly tapping the brake pedal flashes your brake lights, alerting following drivers that you will be slowing.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 (Slowing down)

7. 7. Why should you avoid signaling other drivers that it appears safe for them to pass?

   Correct answer: You could cause a crash and be held responsible

   Waving another driver on can lead to a crash, and you could be blamed for it, so let each driver judge for themselves.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 (Don't direct traffic)

8. 8. When stopped on an undivided two-way road, where should the warning devices go?

   Correct answer: Within 10 feet of the vehicle, plus 100 feet to the front and to the rear

   On a two-way, undivided road, put a device within 10 feet of the vehicle and one about 100 feet to the front and 100 feet to the rear.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.5.2 (When parked at the side of the road)

9. 9. After stopping on the road or shoulder, within how long must you put out your emergency warning devices?

   Correct answer: 10 minutes

   Warning devices must be set out within 10 minutes of stopping on a road or shoulder.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.5.2 (When parked at the side of the road)

10. 10. The 'RR' and 'X' pavement markings painted before a railroad crossing mean the same as what?

    Correct answer: The advance warning sign for the crossing

    These pavement markings carry the same meaning as the advance warning sign for the crossing.

    Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.15.2 (Pavement markings)

11. 11. After completing a turn in a vehicle without self-canceling signals, what should you do?

    Correct answer: Turn the signal off

    Turn the signal off once the turn is finished so it does not mislead other drivers.

    Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 (Signal your intentions)