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. In freezing weather, which part of the roadway is likely to become icy first?

   Correct answer: Bridges and overpasses

   Bridges and overpasses freeze before other roads because cold air can reach them from above and below. Approach them expecting ice even when the rest of the road seems clear.

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Winter Driving

2. 2. Before and during backing, the safest practice is to:

   Correct answer: Get out and look, and use a helper to watch your blind spots

   Get out and look (GOAL) at your path before backing, and use a helper to watch your blind spots. Back slowly so you can stop before you hit anything.

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Backing Safely

3. 3. As a general rule, how many tie-downs does a load need?

   Correct answer: At least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo, and at least two in all

   Use at least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo, and never fewer than two tie-downs, even for a short load. The combined strength of the tie-downs must be at least half the weight of the cargo.

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Securing Cargo

4. 4. When you accelerate, why should you speed up smoothly and gradually?

   Correct answer: Rough acceleration can damage the drivetrain and spin the drive wheels

   Rough, jerky acceleration can damage the coupling and drivetrain, and it can make the drive wheels spin and lose traction on slippery surfaces.

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Basic Vehicle Control

5. 5. If you become sleepy while driving, the safest action is to:

   Correct answer: Stop driving and rest or sleep as soon as you safely can

   A drowsy driver is a dangerous driver. Stop at a safe place and rest or sleep. Tricks like caffeine or fresh air only mask fatigue for a short time.

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Driver Fatigue

6. 6. Which of these is a wheel or rim problem that should take a vehicle out of service?

   Correct answer: Cracked rims, or missing and broken lug nuts

   Cracked or damaged rims and missing, bent, or broken lug nuts are dangerous defects. Rims that have been repaired by welding are not safe to use.

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Inspecting Wheels and Rims

7. 7. Who is responsible for making sure a commercial vehicle's cargo is properly loaded and secured?

   Correct answer: The driver of the vehicle

   The driver is responsible for inspecting the cargo and its securing devices and for making sure the load is safe, even if someone else loaded the truck.

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Cargo Safety

8. 8. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane on a wet road, you should:

   Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and let the vehicle slow until the tires grip again

   Take your foot off the accelerator and, with a manual transmission, push in the clutch so the vehicle slows and the tires regain their grip. Do not brake hard or steer sharply, which can send you into a skid.

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Wet Roads and Hydroplaning

9. 9. On a vehicle with a 20-inch steering wheel, about how much free play (movement before the wheels start to turn) is too much?

   Correct answer: More than about 2 inches

   More than about 2 inches of play at the rim of a 20-inch wheel, roughly 10 degrees, means the steering system is worn and needs repair. Loose steering makes the vehicle hard to control.

   Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Inspecting the Steering System

10. 10. When you must back a truck, why is it best to back toward the driver's side?

    Correct answer: You can see the rear of the vehicle better out the side window

    Backing toward the driver's side lets you watch the rear of the vehicle through the side window, so you can see clearly and correct your path.

    Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Backing Safely

11. 11. What is the minimum tread depth required in every major groove of a front (steering-axle) tire?

    Correct answer: 4/32 inch

    Steering-axle tires must have at least 4/32 inch of tread in every major groove. Other tires need at least 2/32 inch. Worn tires lose grip, especially on wet roads.

    Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Inspecting Tires

12. 12. What is the most important reason for doing a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle?

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

    Safety is the number one reason to inspect. A pre-trip inspection finds problems that could cause a breakdown or crash, protecting you and everyone sharing the road.

    Source: Georgia CDL Manual — Vehicle Inspection