Safe Driving Practices

Study questions with answers

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

1. 1. Which clue suggests the road ahead may be turning icy?

   Correct answer: Ice forming on your mirror arms or antenna

   Ice forming on your mirror arms, antenna, or wiper blades is a sign the road may be freezing. Black ice is a thin layer that can make the pavement simply look wet.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Winter Driving

2. 2. When you must back a large vehicle, why is it best to back toward the driver's side?

   Correct answer: It lets you see down that side of the vehicle out your window

   Backing toward the driver's side lets you see down that side of the vehicle out your window. Backing toward the right (blind) side hides much more of the area behind you.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Backing Safely

3. 3. Before and while backing a commercial vehicle, you should:

   Correct answer: Get out and look, use a helper if you can, and back slowly

   Because you cannot see everything behind you, get out and look before backing, use a helper when you can, and back slowly while checking your mirrors.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Backing Safely

4. 4. During the pre-trip inspection, what should you check in the engine compartment before starting the engine?

   Correct answer: Oil, coolant, and power steering fluid levels, plus belts and hoses for leaks or wear

   Check the engine oil, coolant, and power steering fluid levels, and look over the belts, hoses, and wiring for leaks, cracks, or wear before you start the engine.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Engine Compartment Check

5. 5. How do you know when to shift up to a higher gear?

   Correct answer: By watching engine rpm and road speed

   Use engine speed (rpm) and road speed to decide when to shift. Learn your engine's operating range and shift as it reaches the top of that range.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Shifting Gears

6. 6. After loading, when should you first re-check that your cargo is still secure?

   Correct answer: Within the first 50 miles of the trip

   Inspect the cargo and its securement within the first 50 miles, then re-check every 150 miles or every 3 hours (whichever comes first) and after each break.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Inspecting Cargo

7. 7. What is the only thing that can overcome fatigue and truly make a driver alert again?

   Correct answer: Getting enough sleep

   Sleep is the only real cure for fatigue. Coffee, fresh air, and the radio may help for a short time but will not keep a tired driver safe.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Staying Alert and Fit to Drive

8. 8. The three kinds of inspection a commercial driver performs on each trip are:

   Correct answer: Pre-trip, en route, and post-trip inspections

   You inspect before driving (pre-trip), watch your gauges and check the vehicle while driving (en route), and complete a post-trip inspection and report at the end.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Inspecting Your Vehicle

9. 9. What is the purpose of the written post-trip inspection report a driver completes at the end of the day?

   Correct answer: To record any defects so they can be fixed before the vehicle is used again

   The post-trip report lists any problems you found so the carrier can have them repaired before the vehicle is driven again. It helps keep unsafe vehicles off the road.

   Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Post-Trip Inspection and Report

10. 10. To avoid driving while fatigued, you should:

    Correct answer: Get enough sleep, take breaks, and stop when you feel drowsy

    Get enough sleep before a trip, schedule stops to rest, avoid medicines that cause drowsiness, and stop driving as soon as you feel sleepy.

    Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Driver Fatigue

11. 11. Rust streaks running out from the wheel lug nuts usually mean:

    Correct answer: The wheel fasteners may be loose

    Rust trails around the lug nuts are a warning that the nuts are loose and the wheel could come off. Also watch for missing or damaged lugs and cracked or bent rims.

    Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Wheels and Rims

12. 12. In cold weather, which part of the road is most likely to freeze first?

    Correct answer: Bridges and overpasses

    Bridges and overpasses freeze before other roads because cold air passes both above and below them. Approach them with extra caution near freezing temperatures.

    Source: Texas CDL Handbook — Winter Driving