Signals & Pavement Markings

Study questions with answers

7 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. If your vehicle does not have self-canceling turn signals, what must you remember after a turn?

   Correct answer: Turn the signal off after the turn

   Remember to turn the signal off after completing the turn if it does not cancel itself. A signal left blinking can confuse other drivers about your intentions.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.5, Signal Your Intentions

2. 2. What should you do with your turn signal before changing lanes?

   Correct answer: Turn the signal on before changing lanes

   Put your turn signal on before you change lanes, then change slowly and smoothly so a driver you did not notice has a chance to react.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.5, Communicating

3. 3. One of the three rules for using turn signals is to signal early. What does that accomplish?

   Correct answer: It helps keep others from trying to pass you

   Signaling well ahead of a turn is your best defense against other drivers attempting to pass you, because they know your intentions in advance.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.5, Signal Your Intentions

4. 4. When is it appropriate to turn on your four-way emergency flashers?

   Correct answer: When driving very slowly or stopped

   Switch on the four-way flashers any time you are creeping along or fully stopped, to alert other drivers who may be closing on you faster than they realize.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.5, Communicating

5. 5. According to the rule to signal continuously, when should you cancel a turn signal?

   Correct answer: Not until you have finished the turn

   Keep the signal on until the turn is finished. Both hands belong on the wheel during a safe turn, so do not reach to cancel the signal partway through.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.5, Signal Your Intentions

6. 6. How can you warn drivers behind you that you are about to slow down?

   Correct answer: Tap the brake pedal to flash the brake lights

   A couple of gentle taps on the brake, enough to flash your brake lights, warn following drivers. For very slow or stopped driving, use the four-way flashers.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.5, Communicating

7. 7. What may you see painted on the pavement before a set of railroad tracks?

   Correct answer: A white stop line

   A white stop line may be painted on the pavement before the tracks, along with pavement markings, telling you where to stop if a stop is required.

   Source: Illinois CDL Guide — Sec. 2.15, Railroad Crossings