Wisconsin CDL — General Knowledge practice
Signals & Pavement Markings
How to read traffic signals, lane lines, and pavement markings — including yellow and white lines, arrows, and flashing lights.
Questions reviewed against the official Wisconsin driver handbook · July 7, 2026
13 questions · pass with 10 correct. You get instant feedback and an explanation after every answer.
Study questions with answers
12 sample Signals & Pavement Markings questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.
1. What is the best practice for the timing of a turn signal before you turn?
Correct answer: Signal early, well before the turn
Signal well ahead of the turn so drivers behind you do not try to pass as you slow.
Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 — Signal Your Intentions
2. What should you do with your turn signal before you change lanes?
Correct answer: Signal before beginning the lane change
Switch the signal on before starting the lane change and move over slowly and smoothly.
Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 — Signal Your Intentions
3. Why should you not wave or signal other drivers that it is safe for them to pass you?
Correct answer: It could trigger a crash you would be blamed for
Directing traffic that way could cause a crash for which you might be blamed and held liable.
Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 — Signal Your Intentions
4. If a white stop line is painted before railroad tracks, where must the front of a stopping vehicle remain?
Correct answer: Behind the painted stop line
The front of the vehicle has to stay behind the painted stop line while it is stopped at the crossing.
Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.15.2 — Warning Signs and Devices
5. How can you warn a following driver that you are about to slow down?
Correct answer: Tap the brakes to flash the brake lights
Lightly tapping the brake pedal flashes the brake lights and alerts the driver behind you.
Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 — Signal Your Intentions
6. On a two-lane, two-way road, how should the three warning devices be placed after you stop?
Correct answer: At 10 feet, 100 feet ahead and 100 feet behind
Set one within 10 feet of the vehicle, one about 100 feet to the rear and one about 100 feet to the front.
Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.5.2 — Communicating Your Presence
7. The pavement marking that warns of a rail crossing on two-lane roads consists of what?
Correct answer: An X together with the letters RR
It is a large X paired with the letters RR painted on the roadway, plus a no-passing marking.
Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.15.2 — Warning Signs and Devices
8. After you stop on the road or shoulder, within how long must your emergency warning devices be set out?
Correct answer: Within 10 minutes
The reflective triangles or other devices must be in place within 10 minutes of stopping.
Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.5.2 — Communicating Your Presence
9. When should you switch on your four-way emergency flashers?
Correct answer: When stopped or traveling very slowly
Use the four-way flashers when you are stopped or moving very slowly so others can see and react to you.
Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.5.1 — Signal Your Intentions
10. While setting out warning triangles at a stop, how should you position yourself relative to traffic?
Correct answer: Keep the triangle between you and oncoming traffic
Hold the triangle between your body and the oncoming traffic so drivers can see you as you place it.
Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.5.2 — Communicating Your Presence
11. When you must stop on a one-way or divided highway, at what distances toward oncoming traffic do the warning devices go?
Correct answer: At 10, 100 and 200 feet
Place them at about 10 feet, 100 feet and 200 feet in the direction traffic approaches you.
Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.5.2 — Communicating Your Presence
12. You stop where a hill or curve keeps drivers from seeing your vehicle within 500 feet. How do you adjust the rear warning device?
Correct answer: Move the rear triangle back toward the obstruction, up to 500 feet
Move the rearmost triangle farther back, up to 500 feet, so approaching drivers get warning before the obstruction.
Source: Wisconsin CDL Manual, Section 2.5.2 — Communicating Your Presence
More CDL — General Knowledge topics
Practice Signals & Pavement Markings in another state
Every Wisconsin question is written from the official Wisconsin driver handbook and checked against its current edition. DMV Test Free is a free, independent study resource — not affiliated with any DMV or government agency. About DMV Test Free