Traffic Laws

Study questions with answers

12 sample Traffic Laws questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. As part of applying for a job driving commercially, what work history must you disclose to the prospective employer?

   Correct answer: All driving jobs you have held in the past 10 years

   When seeking a commercial driving job, you must list every driving position you held over the past 10 years.

   Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Other Safety Rules)

2. 2. What is the minimum age to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce, regardless of license class?

   Correct answer: 21 years old

   To drive a CMV across state lines you must have reached age 21, and that minimum covers every class of CDL.

   Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Classifications)

3. 3. For a property-carrying driver, driving is not allowed beyond which hour after coming on duty following the required time off?

   Correct answer: The 14th hour after the driver comes on duty

   A property-carrying driver may not drive after the 14th consecutive hour following the start of the workday; off-duty time does not extend that window.

   Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Hours of Service Regulations)

4. 4. At what blood alcohol concentration is it illegal to operate a commercial motor vehicle?

   Correct answer: 0.04 percent or more

   It is unlawful to operate a CMV with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent or higher.

   Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Driver Disqualifications)

5. 5. After reaching the 60/70-hour on-duty limit, a driver may restart the 7- or 8-day period by taking how much time off?

   Correct answer: 34 or more consecutive hours off duty

   A driver may restart a 7- or 8-consecutive-day period after taking at least 34 consecutive hours off duty.

   Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Hours of Service Regulations)

6. 6. How many driver's licenses may a commercial driver legally hold at one time?

   Correct answer: Only one

   You may hold only one license; breaking this rule can bring a fine of up to $5,000 or jail time, and your extra licenses will be taken.

   Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Other Safety Rules)

7. 7. Which of the following is permitted for a driver using a mobile phone while operating a commercial vehicle?

   Correct answer: Using a hands-free phone that is within easy reach and belt-restrained

   You may not hold a phone or dial by pressing more than one button; only a hands-free phone kept close by and operable while belted in is allowed.

   Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Cell/Mobile Phones)

8. 8. Under the passenger-carrying hours-of-service rules, how many hours may you drive after 8 consecutive hours off duty?

   Correct answer: 10 hours

   Following 8 straight hours off duty, a driver carrying passengers may spend at most 10 hours driving.

   Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Hours of Service Regulations)

9. 9. Within how many days of a conviction for a traffic violation must you notify your employer?

   Correct answer: Within 30 days

   You must tell your employer within 30 days of any traffic conviction other than parking, no matter what vehicle you were driving.

   Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Other Safety Rules)

10. 10. When must a commercial driver wear a safety belt?

    Correct answer: At all times while operating the vehicle

    Whenever you operate a commercial motor vehicle, a safety belt must be worn and kept properly fastened the entire time.

    Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Other Safety Rules)

11. 11. If you are convicted of a traffic violation in another state, how soon must you notify PennDOT?

    Correct answer: Within 30 days

    You must notify PennDOT within 30 days of a conviction for any traffic violation, except parking, in any other jurisdiction.

    Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Other Safety Rules)

12. 12. The property-carrying rest-break rule lets you drive only if how much time has passed since your last off-duty or sleeper period of at least 30 minutes?

    Correct answer: 8 hours or less

    You can keep driving only when no more than 8 hours have elapsed since your most recent break of 30 minutes or longer, whether off duty or in the sleeper berth.

    Source: Pennsylvania CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Hours of Service Regulations)