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. On a leaf spring, at what point does missing or broken leaves put the vehicle out of service?

   Correct answer: When one-fourth or more of the leaves are missing or broken

   If one-fourth or more of the leaves in a leaf spring are missing or broken, the vehicle is out of service, though any such defect could be dangerous.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Suspension System Defects)

2. 2. Which warning devices for a parked vehicle satisfy the emergency equipment requirement?

   Correct answer: Three reflective triangles, or six fuses, or three liquid-burning flares

   Acceptable warning devices are three reflective triangles, or at least six fuses, or three liquid-burning flares. A charged fire extinguisher and spare fuses are also required.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Emergency Equipment)

3. 3. At about what speed do you test the service brakes for stopping action?

   Correct answer: About 5 mph

   Roll forward at about five miles per hour and apply the brakes. Pulling to one side or an unusual feel or delay can mean brake trouble.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Test Service Brake)

4. 4. How should you deal with glare from the headlights of an oncoming vehicle at night?

   Correct answer: Look slightly to the right at the edge of your lane

   Do not look straight at oncoming lights. Instead, look slightly to the right toward the edge of your lane, and do not retaliate with your own high beams.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Avoid Glare)

5. 5. What are the two ways the manual describes for knowing when to shift up?

   Correct answer: Engine speed on the tachometer and road speed on the speedometer

   You can time upshifts by watching engine speed (rpm) on the tachometer, or by using road speed (mph) on the speedometer. With practice, engine sounds can also guide you.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Knowing When to Shift Up)

6. 6. In winter, what does a lack of spray from the wheels of other vehicles suggest?

   Correct answer: Ice may have formed on the road

   When other vehicles stop throwing up spray on a wet-looking road, it can mean the water has frozen and ice has formed on the surface.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Check for Ice)

7. 7. What is the single most important reason to inspect your vehicle before a trip?

   Correct answer: Safety for yourself and other road users

   Safety is the most important reason to inspect, both for you and for everyone else on the road. A defect caught early can prevent a breakdown or a crash.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Why Inspect)

8. 8. What is the minimum tread depth for tires other than the front steering tires?

   Correct answer: 2/32 inch

   Tires other than the front steering tires need at least 2/32 inch of tread depth. The front tires require the deeper 4/32 inch minimum.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Tire Problems)

9. 9. Which gear should you use when backing a commercial vehicle?

   Correct answer: The lowest reverse gear

   Always back as slowly as possible using the lowest reverse gear. That gives you more time to correct steering errors and stop quickly if needed.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Backing Safely)

10. 10. Why should you avoid using the engine brake or retarder on a slippery winter road?

    Correct answer: They can cause the drive wheels to skid on a slick surface

    The engine brake or speed retarder can make the drive wheels skid on slippery surfaces, so brake gently instead and don't rely on those devices in ice or snow.

    Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Driving Slippery Surfaces)

11. 11. Why is a leaking exhaust system especially dangerous in cold weather with the cab closed up?

    Correct answer: Carbon monoxide can leak in, making you sleepy and even killing you

    Loose exhaust connections can let carbon monoxide seep into the cab. The gas makes you sleepy and in large enough amounts can kill you, which is worse when windows are up.

    Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Winter Exhaust System)

12. 12. During start-up, what should the ABS malfunction lamp do on a properly working newer vehicle?

    Correct answer: Come on briefly, then go out

    On newer systems the yellow ABS lamp comes on briefly at start-up as a bulb check and then goes out. If it stays on or comes on while driving, you may have lost ABS control.

    Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (ABS Malfunction Lamp)