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 starting on an upgrade with a manual transmission, how can you keep from rolling back?

   Correct answer: Partly engage the clutch before releasing the brake, using the parking brake if needed

   Push the clutch partway before taking your foot off the brake, and use the parking brake to hold until you have enough power to move forward.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.2: Basic Control

2. 2. Why should you generally back toward the driver's side of your vehicle?

   Correct answer: You can see the rear better by looking out the side window

   Backing toward the driver's side lets you watch the rear through the side window; backing to the right is far more dangerous because it is harder to see.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.2: Basic Control

3. 3. How do you know an ABS malfunction lamp is working normally at start-up?

   Correct answer: It comes on briefly for a bulb check, then goes out

   On newer trucks the yellow ABS light briefly illuminates when you start up as a bulb test, then switches off; a lamp that stays lit signals possible loss of ABS.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.18: Antilock Braking Systems

4. 4. Before starting down a steep grade, what gear selection is correct?

   Correct answer: Shift to a low gear before the descent begins

   Shift into a low gear before the downgrade; trying to downshift after the vehicle speeds up may leave you unable to get into any gear.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.16: Mountain Driving

5. 5. In very hot weather, how often should you inspect your tires?

   Correct answer: Every two hours or every 100 miles

   Because heat pushes tire pressure up, inspect tires every 2 hours or 100 miles; a tire too hot to place your hand on means you should stay parked until it cools.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.14: Driving in Hot Weather

6. 6. How much can you see ahead with low-beam headlights?

   Correct answer: About 250 feet

   Low beams light roughly 250 feet ahead and high beams 350 to 500 feet, so keep your speed low enough to stop within that range.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.11: Driving at Night

7. 7. In a convex (curved) mirror, how do objects appear compared with looking at them directly?

   Correct answer: Smaller and farther away than they really are

   Convex mirrors show a wider area, but everything looks smaller and appears farther away than it actually is.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.4: Looking Ahead and Managing Space

8. 8. What is the minimum tread depth required in every major groove on the front (steering) tires?

   Correct answer: 4/32 of an inch

   Front tires need at least 4/32-inch tread in each major groove; other tires need at least 2/32 inch.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.1: Vehicle Inspection

9. 9. Why should you turn off the engine brake or speed retarder on slippery roads?

   Correct answer: It can make the drive wheels skid

   On wet, icy, or snowy roads a retarder can cause the drive wheels to lose traction and skid, so keep it off.

   Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.13: Driving in Winter

10. 10. Why is inspecting your vehicle described as most important?

    Correct answer: For safety — keeping you and others on the road safe

    Safety is the top reason to inspect: a working vehicle protects you and everyone around you, though saving money and obeying the law also matter.

    Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.1: Vehicle Inspection

11. 11. What is the best advice about driving in fog?

    Correct answer: It is best not to drive; pull off and wait until visibility improves

    The safest choice is to avoid driving in fog entirely; if you cannot, slow down, switch on low beams and fog lights, use your flashers, and do not pass.

    Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.12: Driving in Fog

12. 12. What is the correct way to test hydraulic service brakes for a leak during inspection?

    Correct answer: Pump the pedal three times, then hold firm pressure for five seconds and confirm it does not move

    With hydraulic brakes, pump the pedal three times, then apply firm pressure and hold five seconds — the pedal should not move.

    Source: Maryland CDL Manual — Section 2.1: Vehicle Inspection