Sharing the Road

Study questions with answers

12 sample Sharing the Road questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Why are children near the roadway considered a serious hazard?

   Correct answer: They may dart out without looking for traffic

   Children tend to act quickly without checking traffic and may dart into the road.

   Source: Oregon Commercial Driver Manual, Section 2.8.3 - Drivers Who Are Hazards

2. 2. Why are drivers whose vision is blocked, such as some van or rental-truck drivers, a hazard?

   Correct answer: A driver who can't see may pull into your lane

   A driver who cannot see others may back out or pull into your lane, so you must stay alert and be ready to stop.

   Source: Oregon Commercial Driver Manual, Section 2.8.3 - Drivers Who Are Hazards

3. 3. In many states truck and bus speed limits differ from car limits by as much as how much?

   Correct answer: As much as 15 mph

   Speed limits for trucks and buses can be as much as 15 mph lower than for cars, so use extra caution when passing or changing lanes.

   Source: Oregon Commercial Driver Manual, Section 2.6.5 - Speed and Traffic Flow

4. 4. What is a good way to make it safer when another driver is tailgating you?

   Correct answer: Increase your following distance ahead

   Open up more room in front of you so you can avoid sudden speed or direction changes and make it easier for the tailgater to pass.

   Source: Oregon Commercial Driver Manual, Section 2.7.2 - Space Behind

5. 5. What clue can a driver's head and body movement give you about their next action?

   Correct answer: A driver often looks toward the direction they plan to turn

   Drivers usually look in the direction they are going to turn, so head and body movement can warn you of a turn even without a signal.

   Source: Oregon Commercial Driver Manual, Section 2.8.3 - Drivers Who Are Hazards

6. 6. What should you avoid doing when you are being tailgated?

   Correct answer: Turning on taillights or flashing your brake lights

   Avoid tricks such as turning on your taillights or flashing your brake lights; instead open up space and slow gradually.

   Source: Oregon Commercial Driver Manual, Section 2.7.2 - Space Behind

7. 7. Where should you keep a heavy vehicle that a load is slowing down on an uphill grade?

   Correct answer: In the right lane

   If a heavy load slows you down, stay in the right lane if you can so faster traffic can get around you.

   Source: Oregon Commercial Driver Manual, Section 2.7.2 - Space Behind

8. 8. How should you treat another driver who appears to be distracted?

   Correct answer: Give them plenty of room and keep your distance

   Give a distracted driver plenty of room and maintain your safe following distance, and use care when passing.

   Source: Oregon Commercial Driver Manual, Section 2.9.7 - Watch Out for Other Distracted Drivers

9. 9. Why are pedestrians and bicyclists who have their backs to traffic a hazard?

   Correct answer: They may not see or hear you and could move into your path

   Walkers and bicyclists may not see or hear you, especially with headphones, and could move into your path.

   Source: Oregon Commercial Driver Manual, Section 2.8.3 - Drivers Who Are Hazards

10. 10. What is the best first response when you are confronted by an aggressive driver?

    Correct answer: Get out of their way and avoid eye contact

    Make every attempt to get out of their way and avoid eye contact, rather than challenging them.

    Source: Oregon Commercial Driver Manual, Section 2.10.3 - When Confronted by an Aggressive Driver

11. 11. What might a driver who is in a hurry do around your commercial vehicle?

    Correct answer: Pass and cut too closely in front of you

    Drivers in a hurry may pass without a safe gap and cut too closely in front of you, or pull in front to avoid being stuck behind you.

    Source: Oregon Commercial Driver Manual, Section 2.8.3 - Drivers Who Are Hazards

12. 12. How can you help other drivers see you at dawn, dusk, or in rain or snow?

    Correct answer: Turn on your low-beam headlights

    Turn on your low-beam headlights, not just the identification or clearance lights, so others can see you.

    Source: Oregon Commercial Driver Manual, Section 2.5.2 - Communicating Your Presence