Safe Driving Practices

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. How far ahead does the manual say good drivers should look while driving?

   Correct answer: At least 12 to 15 seconds ahead

   Most good drivers look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead, which is about one block at low speed and about a quarter mile at highway speed.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Seeing Ahead)

2. 2. The manual's best advice for driving in fog is what?

   Correct answer: Not to drive, and pull off until visibility improves

   The best advice for fog is not to drive in it; it is preferable to pull off into a rest area or truck stop until visibility improves.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Driving in Fog)

3. 3. What is the single most important hand signal to agree on with a helper before backing?

   Correct answer: A signal for 'stop'

   You and the helper should agree on a clear signal for 'stop' before you begin backing.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Use a Helper)

4. 4. What should a driver do when a traffic light has been green for a long time as they approach it?

   Correct answer: Start slowing down and be ready to stop

   A light that has been green a long time will probably change before you get there, so start slowing and be ready to stop.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Look for Traffic)

5. 5. How do objects appear when viewed in a convex (fisheye) mirror?

   Correct answer: Smaller and farther away than they really are

   In a convex mirror everything looks smaller and seems farther away than it really is, which you must allow for.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (How to Use Mirrors)

6. 6. Why is seeing a hazard early so valuable to a commercial driver?

   Correct answer: It gives you time to plan and act before an emergency develops

   Seeing a hazard before it becomes an emergency gives you more time to plan and act, which reduces the danger.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Importance of Seeing Hazards)

7. 7. Why is a high center of gravity, such as heavy cargo stacked on top, dangerous?

   Correct answer: It makes the vehicle more likely to tip over

   A high center of gravity makes the vehicle more likely to tip over, especially in curves or if you swerve, so load the heaviest cargo low.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely (Don't Be Top-heavy)

8. 8. A vehicle with frosted, ice-covered, or snow-covered windows in winter should be treated as what?

   Correct answer: A hazard, because the driver's vision is blocked

   Drivers whose vision is blocked are dangerous hazards, so a vehicle with iced-over windows is a hazard to watch closely.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Blocked Vision)

9. 9. When you pass a pedestrian or bicyclist, what should you assume about whether they see you?

   Correct answer: Assume they do not see you and could move suddenly

   Whenever you are about to pass, assume they don't see you, because they could suddenly move into your path.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (When Passing)

10. 10. How should you hold the steering wheel while driving a commercial vehicle?

    Correct answer: Firmly with both hands on opposite sides

    Hold the wheel firmly with both hands on opposite sides, so a curb or pothole cannot pull it away from you.

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

11. 11. How should you adjust each mirror before a trip to make it most useful?

    Correct answer: So each shows some part of your own vehicle as a reference

    Adjust each mirror to show some part of your own vehicle, giving you a reference point for judging the other images, and check them when the trailer is straight.

    Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Mirror Adjustment)

12. 12. When backing a commercial vehicle, toward which side should you back and turn whenever possible?

    Correct answer: Toward the driver's side

    Back toward the driver's side whenever possible so you can watch the rear of the vehicle out of the side window and see better.

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