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 do good drivers look while driving?

   Correct answer: 12 to 15 seconds

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

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely

2. 2. To change gears, most heavy trucks with an unsynchronized manual transmission require what?

   Correct answer: Double clutching

   An unsynchronized gearbox calls for double clutching; a synchronized transmission does not need it.

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely

3. 3. With low-beam headlights, roughly how far ahead can you see?

   Correct answer: About 250 feet

   Low beams light up about 250 feet ahead, while high beams reach about 350 to 500 feet.

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Night, Fog & Winter Driving

4. 4. What is the only real cure for fatigue while driving?

   Correct answer: Sleep

   Only sleep will cure fatigue; coffee, fresh air, and other tricks won't make you truly alert.

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Night, Fog & Winter Driving

5. 5. When starting on an upgrade, what should you avoid?

   Correct answer: Rolling backward into the vehicle behind you

   Don't roll backward when you start, or you may hit a vehicle behind you.

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely

6. 6. When you must back up, toward which side should you turn if possible?

   Correct answer: The driver's side

   Turn toward the driver's side while backing so you can watch the rear through your side window.

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely

7. 7. You should never remove a pressurized radiator cap until...

   Correct answer: The cooling system has cooled down

   Wait for the cooling system to cool down first; pressurized steam and hot water can spray out and badly burn you.

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Night, Fog & Winter Driving

8. 8. What is the single most important reason to inspect your vehicle?

   Correct answer: Safety for you and everyone else on the road

   Safety for you and other road users is the top reason to inspect; a defect found early can prevent a crash.

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely

9. 9. When should you switch a retarder off?

   Correct answer: When the pavement is wet, icy, or covered with snow

   Turn the retarder off on wet, icy, or snowy roads because it can make the drive wheels skid.

   Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely

10. 10. Before backing with a helper, what signal should you both agree on in advance?

    Correct answer: A signal for stopping

    Work out hand signals ahead of time and be sure you agree on a signal that means 'stop.'

    Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely

11. 11. What is the manual's best advice for driving in thick fog?

    Correct answer: Don't drive, and pull off at a rest area if you can

    The best advice is to avoid driving; pull off at a rest area or truck stop while visibility is poor.

    Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Night, Fog & Winter Driving

12. 12. When should you shift into a low gear on a steep hill?

    Correct answer: Before you start down the hill

    Shift down before the grade begins; once your speed builds, dropping into a lower gear may become impossible.

    Source: Oklahoma CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely