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. During a walk-around inspection, why should you check the leaf springs on the suspension?

   Correct answer: Missing one-fourth or more of the leaves puts it out of service

   Broken or missing spring leaves are dangerous; if one-fourth or more of the leaves are missing, the vehicle is placed out of service.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Suspension System Defects)

2. 2. Why should a driver switch off a speed retarder on roads that are wet, icy, or covered with snow?

   Correct answer: It can cause the drive wheels to skid on slippery roads

   When the drive wheels have poor traction, an engaged retarder can make them skid, so it should be switched off on slippery surfaces.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Retarders)

3. 3. How far ahead does the manual advise good commercial drivers to look while driving?

   Correct answer: Roughly 12 to 15 seconds ahead

   Most good drivers look 12 to 15 seconds ahead — about one block at low speed and roughly a quarter mile at highway speed.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Seeing Ahead)

4. 4. When approaching a curve, what is the correct way to handle your speed and gear?

   Correct answer: Slow down and downshift before entering the curve

   Drop to a safe speed and select the correct lower gear before you reach the curve; carrying light power through it improves stability.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Before Entering a Curve)

5. 5. In hot weather you find a tire is too hot to touch. What should you do?

   Correct answer: Remain stopped until the tire cools off

   When a tire is too hot to lay a hand on, keep the vehicle parked until it cools; driving on could make it blow out or ignite. Never bleed air to lower the pressure.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Driving in Very Hot Weather)

6. 6. When first starting out on slippery winter roads, how should you begin moving?

   Correct answer: Start gently and slowly to feel the road

   Ease away gently and slowly at first to sense how the road is behaving, and take your time; make every turn as smoothly as you can.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Driving Slippery Surfaces)

7. 7. During the seven-step inspection, air pressure should build within what range and time before the vehicle is safe to drive?

   Correct answer: From 50 to 90 psi within about 3 minutes

   On an air-brake vehicle, pressure should climb from 50 to 90 psi in roughly 3 minutes; learn your governor cut-out, commonly near 120 to 140 psi.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Look at the Gauges)

8. 8. In very hot weather, how often should you check the tires for pressure and mounting?

   Correct answer: Every two hours or every 100 miles

   In very hot conditions, inspect the tires roughly every two hours or every 100 miles, because heat raises tire pressure.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Driving in Very Hot Weather)

9. 9. After driving through deep water, how can you help dry out wet brakes?

   Correct answer: Apply light brake pressure for a short distance to warm them

   Hold gentle brake pressure over a short stretch to warm and dry the linings, then, when it is safe, make a test stop to confirm they grip.

   Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Wet Brakes)

10. 10. During the seven-step method, how do you check hydraulic brakes for a leak?

    Correct answer: Pump three times, then hold firm pressure for five seconds

    Press the pedal three times, then push down firmly and keep it held for five seconds; any movement of the pedal points to a leak that needs fixing before you drive.

    Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Test for Hydraulic Leaks)

11. 11. Why should you keep the starter key in your pocket while doing the walk-around portion of a vehicle inspection?

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

    Taking the key with you ensures no one can start or move the vehicle while you are inspecting around it with the engine off.

    Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Turn Off Engine and Check Lights)

12. 12. When backing a commercial vehicle, toward which side should you back and turn whenever possible?

    Correct answer: Toward the driver's side

    Back toward the driver's side so the rear stays visible through your side window; reversing to the right hides too much and is far riskier.

    Source: New Jersey CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Backing Safely)