Sharing the Road

Study questions with answers

11 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. Strong winds are usually the biggest problem for which type of vehicle?

   Correct answer: Lighter vehicles

   Lighter vehicles have the hardest time holding their lane in strong wind, which can be worst right as you exit a tunnel.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.7.3)

2. 2. If a heavy load slows you down going uphill and you are being tailgated, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Stay in the right lane

   Keep to the right lane when a heavy load holds you back, and avoid passing another slow vehicle on an upgrade unless you can complete the pass quickly and safely.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.7.2)

3. 3. Why should you double-check both directions when crossing multiple tracks?

   Correct answer: A train on one track can hide another on a second track

   A train on one track can hide a second train on another track, so you must look both ways and be sure all tracks are clear before crossing.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.15.3)

4. 4. Why should you never shift gears while crossing railroad tracks?

   Correct answer: You could stall or lose momentum on the tracks

   Shifting on the tracks risks having your vehicle stall or lose momentum on the crossing; you should get fully across without changing gears.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.15.5)

5. 5. Why should you give a distracted driver extra room?

   Correct answer: They may not notice you and could drift into your path

   A distracted driver might not realize you are there and could wander into your path, so leave extra following room and pass with care.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.9.7)

6. 6. About how long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a single railroad track?

   Correct answer: About 14 seconds

   A typical tractor-trailer takes 14 seconds or more to get across one set of tracks, and over 15 seconds to cross a double set.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.15.5)

7. 7. Why are drivers whose vision is blocked (for example, by a loaded van) a special hazard?

   Correct answer: They cannot see you and may move into your path

   If a driver cannot see you, that person may back out or pull into your lane; if you can only see the rear or front of a vehicle and not the driver, they cannot see you.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.8.3)

8. 8. On a left turn, when should you begin to turn the vehicle?

   Correct answer: After reaching the center of the intersection

   Reach the center of the intersection before you begin your left turn; turning too soon can cause the left side of your vehicle to hit another vehicle because of off-tracking.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.7.6)

9. 9. When you make a right turn too wide to complete in one lane, how should you handle it?

   Correct answer: Keep the rear near the curb and turn wide only as you finish

   Hold the back of the truck near the curb and swing wide only as you finish the turn; swinging left at the start can invite a driver to squeeze past on your right.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.7.6)

10. 10. What should you do before starting across a railroad crossing?

    Correct answer: Make sure you can clear the tracks completely first

    Confirm you can clear the whole crossing before you move, because a raised or steep crossing can hang up a vehicle, and you must never come to rest on the rails.

    Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.15.5)

11. 11. What is the safest way to handle a tailgater following your large vehicle?

    Correct answer: Increase your following distance and avoid sudden moves

    Increase your own following distance so you have room to slow gradually, avoid sudden moves, and do not try tricks like flashing your brake lights.

    Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.7.2)