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. When lights begin flashing at a railroad crossing while a train approaches, who must yield?

   Correct answer: The driver must yield to the train

   You are required to yield the right-of-way to the approaching train and stop until it is safe to proceed.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Flashing Red Light Signals)

2. 2. What should you do about shifting gears while your vehicle is crossing railroad tracks?

   Correct answer: Do not shift gears while crossing

   Do not shift gears while crossing railroad tracks, because losing power mid-crossing could leave you stuck on the tracks.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Crossing the Tracks)

3. 3. When making a left turn at an intersection with a large vehicle, when should you begin the turn?

   Correct answer: Only after reaching the center of the intersection

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

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

4. 4. Why does a large vehicle need a larger gap than a car to enter or cross traffic?

   Correct answer: Because of slow acceleration and the space they require

   Large vehicles accelerate slowly and take up more space, so they need a much bigger gap in traffic than a car would.

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

5. 5. If you must cross into the oncoming lane to complete a right turn in a large vehicle, what should you do about oncoming traffic?

   Correct answer: Give them room to go by or stop, and don't back up

   Watch for vehicles coming toward you and give them room to pass or stop; do not back up, because you might hit someone behind you.

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

6. 6. About how long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a single railroad track?

   Correct answer: At least 14 seconds

   A typical tractor-trailer takes at least 14 seconds to clear a single track and more than 15 seconds to clear a double track.

   Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Crossing the Tracks)

7. 7. Why should a large-vehicle driver avoid swinging wide to the left at the start of a right turn?

   Correct answer: A driver behind may try to pass on the right and be struck

   A following driver may think you are turning left and try to pass on the right, so you could crash into them as you complete the right turn.

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

8. 8. At a crossbuck sign with no other signals, who has the right-of-way at the crossing?

   Correct answer: The train

   The crossbuck requires you to yield the right-of-way to any train, so the train always has priority.

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

9. 9. Before starting to cross a road with a heavy commercial vehicle, what must the driver be sure of?

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

   Because of slow acceleration, you must make sure you can get all the way across before approaching traffic reaches you.

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

10. 10. If an oncoming driver has drifted into your lane, which direction is generally the best escape?

    Correct answer: To the right

    A move to your right is usually best, because if the other driver realizes the mistake, the natural response is to return to their own lane.

    Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Where to Steer)

11. 11. When approaching an authorized emergency vehicle stopped on the roadside, what does the move-over requirement direct you to do?

    Correct answer: Slow and, if safe, yield by moving to a non-adjacent lane

    You should slow, and if safe, yield by changing into a lane not next to the emergency vehicle; if a lane change is unsafe, slow down and proceed with caution.

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

12. 12. At a crossing with more than one track, what must a driver confirm before proceeding after the lights stop?

    Correct answer: That all tracks are clear, since one train can hide another

    With multiple tracks, make sure all tracks are clear before crossing, because a train on one track can hide a train on another.

    Source: Minnesota CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Double Tracks Require a Double Check)