Signals & Pavement Markings

Study questions with answers

10 sample Signals & Pavement Markings questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Before changing lanes, in addition to signaling, what should you check?

   Correct answer: Your mirrors, to be sure no one is beside you or in a blind spot

   Put your turn signal on and check your mirrors before, during, and after the lane change to be sure no one is alongside or has moved into your blind spot.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Lane Changes)

2. 2. On a two-lane road carrying traffic both ways, where should the warning triangles go?

   Correct answer: Within 10 feet of the vehicle, and 100 feet both behind and ahead

   On an undivided two-way road, place a triangle within 10 feet of the vehicle to mark it, plus one 100 feet behind and one 100 feet ahead, on the shoulder or in your lane.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Warning Device Placement)

3. 3. While setting out warning triangles, how should you position yourself relative to oncoming traffic?

   Correct answer: Hold the triangle between yourself and oncoming traffic

   Hold the triangles between yourself and the oncoming traffic as you place them, so approaching drivers can see you and you stay safer.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Putting Out Triangles)

4. 4. At night, how can you signal your presence to a vehicle you are about to pass?

   Correct answer: Flash your headlights from low to high and back

   When legal at night, flash your headlights from low to high beam and back to alert the other driver, and where allowed tap the horn lightly in daytime.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Communicating Your Presence)

5. 5. If you must stop on the shoulder of a road, within how long must you put out your emergency warning devices?

   Correct answer: Within ten minutes

   You must place your emergency warning devices within ten minutes of stopping on a road or shoulder.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Communicating Your Presence)

6. 6. What is the best practice for the timing of a turn signal before a turn?

   Correct answer: Signal early, well before you turn

   Signal early, well before the turn. Doing so is the best way to keep other drivers from trying to pass you as you slow down.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Signal Your Intentions)

7. 7. Pavement markings at a railroad crossing typically consist of what?

   Correct answer: An X with the letters RR

   The pavement markings for a rail crossing show a large X with the letters RR, and on two-lane roads a no-passing marking. They carry the same meaning as the advance warning sign.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Pavement Markings)

8. 8. After you pull off the road and stop, what should you turn on?

   Correct answer: The four-way emergency flashers

   Turn on your four-way emergency flashers when stopped at the roadside, especially at night. Don't rely on taillights, which drivers may mistake for a moving vehicle.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Parked at the Side of the Road)

9. 9. If you are stopped just beyond a hill or curve that blocks the view of your vehicle, what should you do with a warning device?

   Correct answer: Move a triangle back beyond the obstruction, up to 500 feet

   Move the rearmost triangle back beyond the hill, curve, or obstruction, up to 500 feet, so approaching drivers get warning before they can see your vehicle.

   Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Warning Device Placement)

10. 10. What should you remember to do after completing a turn without self-canceling signals?

    Correct answer: Cancel the signal once the turn is done

    Turn off your signal after the turn if it does not cancel itself. A signal left on can mislead other drivers about your intentions.

    Source: Ohio CDL Driver Manual, Section 2 (Cancel Your Signal)