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. When you see a delivery truck such as a step van or postal vehicle, what hazard should you anticipate?

   Correct answer: The driver may suddenly step out or pull into the traffic lane

   Delivery drivers are often in a hurry, with vision blocked by packages or open doors, and may suddenly step out or pull into traffic.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Delivery Trucks Can Present a Hazard)

2. 2. What clues may tell you a driver ahead is a confused tourist unfamiliar with the area?

   Correct answer: Roof luggage, out-of-state plates, and sudden stops or lane changes

   Roof-top luggage, out-of-state plates, sudden stops, unexplained lane changes, and hesitation are clues to a confused or unfamiliar driver.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Confused Drivers)

3. 3. How should you handle passing a driver who appears to be distracted?

   Correct answer: Give plenty of room and pass carefully, since they may drift

   Give a distracted driver plenty of room, keep a safe following distance, and be very careful when passing because they may drift in front of you.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Watch Out for Other Distracted Drivers)

4. 4. What clues suggest another driver may be impaired by alcohol, drugs, or drowsiness?

   Correct answer: Weaving, drifting, or stopping at the wrong time

   Weaving or drifting across the road, leaving the road onto the shoulder, stopping at the wrong time, or sudden speed changes are all clues to an impaired driver.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Impaired Drivers)

5. 5. Why can pedestrians and bicyclists on the road be an especially dangerous hazard?

   Correct answer: They may not see or hear you if their backs are turned or they wear headphones

   Walkers, joggers, and cyclists may have their backs to traffic and may be wearing headphones, so they often cannot see or hear your vehicle.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Drivers Who Are Hazards)

6. 6. Why should you be cautious around a stopped bus?

   Correct answer: Riders may walk across ahead of or behind it where you can't spot them

   Riders may step across ahead of or behind a halted bus, and neither they nor you can see one another clearly.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Parked Vehicles Can Be Hazards)

7. 7. Why are rental-truck drivers a hazard worth watching carefully?

   Correct answer: They are frequently unaccustomed to how little the truck lets them see

   Drivers of rental trucks frequently aren't accustomed to how little they can see toward the sides and behind, so they may overlook you while maneuvering.

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

8. 8. On an upgrade where a weighty load holds your speed down, what helps reduce tailgating?

   Correct answer: Keep to the right-hand lane whenever possible

   Keep to the right-hand lane when possible, since slower heavy vehicles draw tailgaters, particularly on climbs.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Space Behind)

9. 9. What are the two dangers of traveling alongside other vehicles in a wide commercial vehicle?

   Correct answer: Another driver may turn into you, and you may be trapped with no room to move

   A driver beside you might suddenly change lanes into you, and you could be trapped with no room to change lanes when you need to.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Space to the Sides)

10. 10. If you are being tailgated by another driver, what should you do?

    Correct answer: Increase your following distance and avoid sudden changes

    Increase your following distance so you won't have to make sudden changes, avoid quick moves, and don't speed up; being tailgated at lower speed is safer.

    Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Dealing with Tailgaters Safely)

11. 11. How should you respond when confronted by an aggressive driver?

    Correct answer: Get out of their way and avoid engaging with them

    Do all you can to move aside, skip eye contact, disregard gestures, and never challenge them by matching their speed or refusing to yield your lane.

    Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (What You Should Do When Confronted by an Aggressive Driver)

12. 12. Which type of vehicle is most affected by strong winds, making it hard to stay in the lane?

    Correct answer: Lighter vehicles

    The wind problem is usually worse for lighter vehicles, and it can be especially bad when emerging from tunnels.

    Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Strong Winds)