Right-of-Way

Study questions with answers

10 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. At a crossing with gates and flashing lights, when may you proceed?

   Correct answer: Once the gates rise fully and the flashing lights go dark

   Wait until the gates have fully raised and the lights have stopped flashing, then cross when it is safe.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.15.2 (Gates)

2. 2. At a railroad grade crossing, who has the right-of-way?

   Correct answer: The train, always

   A train always has the right-of-way at a crossing; you must yield to it.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.15 (Railroad-highway crossings)

3. 3. When merging a large vehicle into traffic, how do you make sure the gap is big enough?

   Correct answer: Use your mirrors to confirm the gap is large enough to enter safely

   Check your mirrors to be sure the opening in traffic gives your vehicle enough room to merge safely.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.4.2 (Merges)

4. 4. If there are two left-turn lanes, which one should a large vehicle use?

   Correct answer: The right-hand turn lane

   Take the right-hand turn lane so you have room to swing without moving into the inside lane, and other drivers are easier to see.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.7.6 (Left turns)

5. 5. After a train clears a crossing that has more than one track, why keep checking before you proceed?

   Correct answer: A train on one track can hide a second train on another track

   A passing train on one track can block your view of a second train coming on another track, so look both ways again.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.15.3 (Double tracks)

6. 6. When making a left turn at an intersection, when should you begin the turn?

   Correct answer: After reaching the center of the intersection, to avoid off-tracking into another vehicle

   Reach the center of the intersection before turning left; turning too soon lets the left side of your vehicle off-track into another vehicle.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.7.6 (Left turns)

7. 7. Before starting across railroad tracks, what must you be certain of?

   Correct answer: That you can get all the way across without stopping

   Do not let traffic trap you mid-crossing; confirm you can clear the tracks entirely before you begin.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.15.5 (Crossing the tracks)

8. 8. Approaching a work zone or a stopped emergency vehicle, if changing lanes is unsafe, what should you do?

   Correct answer: Slow down and pass cautiously at a safe speed for conditions

   When you cannot safely change lanes, slow down and pass cautiously at a speed safe for traffic conditions.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.8.2 (Move-over laws)

9. 9. When the red lights at a railroad crossing begin to flash, what must you do?

   Correct answer: Stop, because a train is approaching

   Flashing red lights mean a train is approaching; you must stop and yield the right-of-way.

   Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.15.2 (Flashing red light signals)

10. 10. Why does a heavily loaded truck usually need a larger gap than a car to enter traffic?

    Correct answer: It accelerates slowly and needs more room

    Large, loaded vehicles accelerate slowly and take up more space, so they need a bigger gap to pull into traffic safely.

    Source: Michigan CDL Manual, Section 2.7.7 (Space needed to cross or enter traffic)