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. When you have to back a vehicle, which direction should you generally back toward?

   Correct answer: Toward the driver's side

   Back toward the driver's side whenever possible so you can watch the rear through the side window.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.2.4 — Backing Safely

2. 2. What is the minimum tread depth for tires other than the front tires?

   Correct answer: 2/32 inch

   Tires other than the fronts need at least 2/32 of an inch of tread in the major grooves.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.1.3 — What to Look For

3. 3. How many missing or broken leaves in a leaf spring will put a vehicle out of service?

   Correct answer: One fourth or more of the leaves

   If one fourth or more of the leaves in a spring are missing or broken, the vehicle is placed out of service.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.1.3 — Suspension System Defects

4. 4. During a trip, how should you monitor your vehicle for developing problems?

   Correct answer: Watch the gauges and use your senses

   Watch the gauges and use your senses, looking, listening, smelling and feeling, to catch trouble early.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.1.2 — Types of Vehicle Inspection

5. 5. How do objects appear when viewed in a convex ('fisheye') mirror?

   Correct answer: Smaller and farther away than they are

   A convex mirror shows a wider area, but everything looks smaller and appears farther away than it truly is.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.4.2 — Seeing to the Sides and Rear

6. 6. Changing gears in most heavy trucks that have unsynchronized manual transmissions calls for which technique?

   Correct answer: Double clutching

   Shifting these transmissions calls for double clutching, though it is not needed with a synchronized transmission.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.3.1 — Manual Transmissions

7. 7. Why should you take the ignition key with you during the walk-around portion of the inspection?

   Correct answer: So no one can start or move the vehicle while you inspect

   Removing the key ensures the vehicle cannot be started or moved while you are outside inspecting it.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.1.5 — Seven-Step Inspection Method

8. 8. Because backing is always risky, what should you try to do whenever possible?

   Correct answer: Avoid backing whenever you can

   Avoid backing altogether when you can, and park so you can pull forward when it is time to leave.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.2.4 — Backing Safely

9. 9. How should you hold the steering wheel to keep control if you hit a pothole or curb?

   Correct answer: Firmly with both hands on opposite sides

   Grip the wheel firmly with both hands on opposite sides so an impact cannot jerk it from your grasp.

   Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.2.2 — Steering

10. 10. How far ahead do good drivers generally keep their eyes focused?

    Correct answer: About 12 to 15 seconds ahead

    Experienced drivers look about 12 to 15 seconds ahead, roughly a quarter mile at highway speed.

    Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.4.1 — Seeing Ahead

11. 11. When a helper assists you in backing, what is the most important thing to arrange with them beforehand?

    Correct answer: A signal that means 'stop'

    Agree on a clear signal for 'stop' before you begin, and keep the helper where you can see them.

    Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.2.4 — Backing Safely

12. 12. What is the minimum tread depth required in each major groove of your front tires?

    Correct answer: 4/32 inch

    Front tires must have at least 4/32 of an inch of tread in every major groove.

    Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.1.3 — What to Look For