Road Signs

Study questions with answers

12 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. A round sign showing a black symbol on a yellow background posted before a set of train tracks tells a commercial driver to do what?

   Correct answer: Slow down, look and listen for a train, and be prepared to stop at the tracks

   The round advance-warning marker means to ease off, watch and listen for a train, and be ready to halt at the rails if one is coming.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Railroad-highway Crossings)

2. 2. At many crossings the crossbuck sign is fitted with flashing red lights and bells. When those lights start flashing, the driver must do what?

   Correct answer: Stop, because a train is coming, and yield to it

   Flashing red lights warn that a train is approaching; the driver must stop and give the train the right-of-way.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Flashing Red Light Signals)

3. 3. A move-over sign posted on a highway tells a commercial driver to do what when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle?

   Correct answer: Slow down and move over to a non-adjacent lane when safe

   Move-over laws require drivers to slow down and, if it is safe, change into a lane that is not next to the stopped emergency vehicle or work zone.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Move-Over Laws)

4. 4. What message do diamond-shaped orange signs and narrowed lanes on a highway most likely convey?

   Correct answer: A roadway work zone requiring extra caution

   Orange signs and narrowed, uneven lanes mark a work zone, where you should slow down, drive carefully, and watch for workers and equipment.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Work Zones)

5. 5. A yellow lamp located on the left side of a trailer is used to indicate what condition?

   Correct answer: A malfunction in the trailer's antilock brakes

   Trailers carry a yellow antilock-braking-system malfunction lamp on the left side; if it stays lit, the ABS may not be working properly.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (How to Know If Your Vehicle Is Equipped with ABS)

6. 6. What color must the reflectors and marker lights be at the rear of a large vehicle?

   Correct answer: Red

   During the walk-around inspection, rear reflectors, marker lights, and taillights must be clean and the proper color, which is red at the rear.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Walk-around Inspection)

7. 7. On a two-lane road, an 'X' painted on the pavement together with the letters 'RR' warns a driver of what?

   Correct answer: A railroad crossing is ahead, the same meaning as the advance-warning sign

   Pavement markings with an X and RR carry the same message as the advance-warning sign, alerting you to a railroad crossing ahead.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Pavement Markings)

8. 8. Identification numbers shown on placards or orange panels of a bulk cargo tank are preceded by which letters?

   Correct answer: 'NA' or 'UN'

   The four-digit identification number that helps first responders identify the material is preceded by the letters 'NA' or 'UN'.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Identification Numbers)

9. 9. On a two-lane road approaching a railroad crossing, what does a 'no passing zone' marking mean for the driver?

   Correct answer: Passing is prohibited while approaching the crossing

   The no-passing marking and sign near a crossing tell drivers they may not pass other vehicles in that stretch approaching the tracks.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Pavement Markings)

10. 10. A red triangular emblem with an orange center displayed on the back of a vehicle indicates what?

    Correct answer: A vehicle that by its nature moves slowly

    The reflective triangle with an orange middle is the slow-moving-vehicle symbol; it marks equipment such as farm machinery or tractors that travel well below normal traffic speed.

    Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Slow Drivers)

11. 11. When a highway sign reads 'Maximum Safe Speed' on a downgrade, what should a commercial driver do?

    Correct answer: Never exceed the speed the sign shows

    Where a maximum-safe-speed sign is posted, the driver must never travel faster than the speed shown on it.

    Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Select a Safe Speed)

12. 12. How are hazardous-materials placards shaped, and how many must a placarded vehicle display?

    Correct answer: Diamond-shaped, and at least four identical placards are required

    Placards are diamond-shaped signs turned upright on a point, and a placarded vehicle must carry at least four identical ones, readable from every side.

    Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Lists of Regulated Products)