Right-of-Way

Study questions with answers

12 sample Right-of-Way questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. If there are two left-turn lanes, which one should a commercial driver use?

   Correct answer: The right-hand of the two turn lanes

   Use the right-hand turn lane; starting in the inside lane may force you to swing right and endanger drivers on your left.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Left Turns)

2. 2. Which vehicles are required to stop at a passive railroad crossing that has only advance warning signs?

   Correct answer: Passenger-carrying and hazmat vehicles

   All passenger-carrying and hazardous-materials vehicles are required to stop at the crossing.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Advance Warning Signs)

3. 3. Another driver waves at you, appearing to signal that it is safe for you to pass. What does the manual say you should do?

   Correct answer: Avoid signaling others to pass and judge the situation yourself

   You should not direct traffic by signaling others when it is safe to pass, because doing so could cause a crash you may be blamed for.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Don't Direct Traffic)

4. 4. Before you start a large vehicle across an intersection or into traffic, what must you make sure of?

   Correct answer: That you can clear the whole road before traffic arrives

   Since a large vehicle picks up speed slowly and needs plenty of room, confirm the whole roadway can be cleared before any oncoming traffic arrives.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Space Needed to Cross or Enter Traffic)

5. 5. Why should you never try to beat a train to a grade crossing?

   Correct answer: It is very difficult to judge a train's speed

   It is extremely hard to judge how fast a train is moving, so racing it to the crossing is dangerous.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Never Race a Train to a Crossing)

6. 6. Compared with a car, what does a heavy commercial vehicle need in order to safely enter or cross a roadway?

   Correct answer: A much larger gap in traffic

   Because of slow acceleration and its size, a large vehicle needs a much bigger gap in traffic to enter than a car would.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Space Needed to Cross or Enter Traffic)

7. 7. When making a left turn at an intersection, how far should your vehicle be before you begin turning?

   Correct answer: Reach the center of the intersection before turning

   Reach the center of the intersection before starting a left turn; turning too soon can let your vehicle's left side hit another vehicle because of off-tracking.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Left Turns)

8. 8. To finish a turn you have to swing into the lane for oncoming traffic while a car approaches. What must you not do?

   Correct answer: Backing up to give the oncoming car room

   Give the oncoming vehicle room to pass or stop, but do not back up for it, because backing could cause you to hit someone behind you.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Right Turns)

9. 9. A driver who cannot see you because their view is blocked poses what kind of situation?

   Correct answer: A very dangerous hazard to watch closely

   People who cannot see others are a very dangerous hazard, so be ready for them to move into your path.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Blocked Vision)

10. 10. When a truck too large to make a right turn from one lane swings out, what is the correct technique?

    Correct answer: Turn wide as you finish, keeping the rear close to the curb

    Turn wide as you complete the right turn and keep the rear near the curb; do not swing wide left first, which invites a driver to pass on your right.

    Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Right Turns)

11. 11. At a crossbuck-only railroad crossing, who has the right-of-way?

    Correct answer: The train

    At a crossbuck you must give any train the right-of-way, so the train always goes first.

    Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Cross-buck Signs)

12. 12. As you come up on an emergency vehicle that is authorized and halted at the roadside, what is the best action when traffic and safety permit?

    Correct answer: Slow down and move to a lane not next to the vehicle

    You should slow and yield by moving into a lane that is not next to the emergency vehicle when it is safe to do so.

    Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Move-Over Laws)