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 a move-over lane change is not safe when approaching a roadside emergency vehicle, what should you do instead?

   Correct answer: Slow down and proceed carefully at a safe speed

   When changing lanes would be unsafe, slow down and proceed with caution at a speed safe for the traffic conditions.

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

2. 2. Which vehicles are always required to stop at a railroad-highway crossing even when no train is visible?

   Correct answer: Passenger and placarded hazmat vehicles

   All passenger-carrying and placarded hazardous-materials vehicles must stop at these crossings, then check that the tracks are clear.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Warning Signs and Devices)

3. 3. If two left-turn lanes are available, which one should a commercial vehicle use, and why?

   Correct answer: The right turn lane, since you may need to swing right

   Take the right-hand of the two turn lanes; starting from the inside lane may force you to swing right during the turn, and drivers to your left are easier to see.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Space for Turns)

4. 4. When a cross-buck sign shows red flashing lights that begin to flash, what must a commercial driver do?

   Correct answer: Stop and give the right-of-way to the approaching train

   Flashing red lights at a crossing signal an oncoming train; you must stop and let the train go first.

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

5. 5. At an unmarked crossing where vehicles required to stop have no painted stop line, how far from the nearest rail must they stop?

   Correct answer: Between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail

   When no stop line is painted, a vehicle that must stop should halt within a band that is at least 15 feet but under 50 feet away from the closest rail.

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

6. 6. Before crossing or entering traffic in a heavy commercial vehicle, what must you keep in mind about the gap you need?

   Correct answer: You need a much larger gap than a car does

   Since big vehicles pick up speed slowly and occupy more room, entering traffic can demand a far bigger opening than a car needs.

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

7. 7. Why should you not turn wide to the left as you begin a right turn?

   Correct answer: A driver behind may attempt to slip past on your right side

   Drifting left first can make a driver behind you believe you intend a left turn and slip past on your right, so your completed turn may strike them.

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

8. 8. A 'move-over' law requires a driver approaching a stopped emergency vehicle on the roadside to do what?

   Correct answer: Slow down and, if safe, move to a lane away from the vehicle

   Move-over laws require slowing down and, when safe, changing to a lane not next to the stopped emergency vehicle or work zone.

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

9. 9. When you complete a right turn that is too tight to stay in one lane, how should you position the rear of your vehicle?

   Correct answer: Keep the rear close to the curb to block passing on the right

   Keep the rear of the vehicle close to the curb as you finish the turn; this stops other drivers from squeezing past you on the right.

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

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

    Correct answer: Once the gates rise and the lights stop flashing, when it is safe

    You must remain stopped until the gates rise fully and the lights stop flashing, then cross only when it is safe to do so.

    Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Gates)

11. 11. When you must cross into an oncoming lane to complete a wide right turn and a vehicle is coming toward you, what should you do?

    Correct answer: Give it room to go by or stop, but do not back up

    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: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Right Turns)

12. 12. When making a left turn at an intersection in 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 strike another vehicle because of off-tracking.

    Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Space for Turns)