Signals & Pavement Markings

Study questions with answers

10 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. 1. When you signal a lane change, how should you change lanes?

   Correct answer: Slowly and smoothly after signaling

   Put on your turn signal before changing lanes, then change lanes slowly and smoothly so a driver you did not see has a chance to react.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.5.1)

2. 2. When you must pass a pedestrian, bicyclist, or another vehicle, what should you assume?

   Correct answer: That they do not see you

   Always assume they do not see you and could suddenly move into your path; tap the horn lightly or flash your lights at night when legal.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.5.2)

3. 3. When you are stopped or driving very slowly, which lights should you use to warn other drivers?

   Correct answer: Four-way emergency flashers

   Use your four-way emergency flashers when you are stopped or moving very slowly, where legal, to alert other drivers.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.5.1)

4. 4. Why should you check your mirrors after you signal a lane change and start moving over?

   Correct answer: To be sure nobody has slipped into your blind spot

   You look again after signaling to be sure nobody has slipped into a blind spot, then check once more just as you begin moving over to confirm the lane is clear.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.4.2)

5. 5. What are the three good rules for using turn signals when you turn?

   Correct answer: Signal early, continuously, and then cancel

   Signal early so others do not try to pass you, signal continuously through the turn, and cancel the signal once the turn is complete.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.5.1)

6. 6. The 'slow-moving vehicle' emblem you may see on farm or construction machinery looks like what?

   Correct answer: A red triangle with an orange center

   The slow-moving-vehicle emblem is an orange-centered red triangle, warning that the vehicle ahead moves slowly.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.8.3)

7. 7. What do the pavement markings at a railroad crossing (an 'X' with the letters 'RR') mean?

   Correct answer: The same warning as the advance crossing sign

   The pavement markings at a rail crossing carry the same meaning as the advance warning sign — slow down, look and listen, and be ready to stop for a train.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.15.2)

8. 8. How can you warn drivers behind you that you are about to slow down?

   Correct answer: Tap the brake pedal to flash your brake lights

   Lightly tapping the brake pedal a couple of times flashes your brake lights, warning drivers behind you that you are about to slow.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.5.1)

9. 9. Why should you not use your vehicle's lights to signal other drivers when it is safe for them to pass?

   Correct answer: You could cause a crash and be blamed for it

   Directing traffic by signaling others to pass could cause a crash, and you could be blamed for it, so you should not do it.

   Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.5.1)

10. 10. When you flash your brake lights to warn of trouble ahead, why is this especially important in a large vehicle?

    Correct answer: Your size can hide hazards from drivers behind you

    Your vehicle's size can block the view of drivers behind you, so flashing your brake lights warns them of a hazard they cannot yet see.

    Source: North Carolina CDL Driver Handbook — Section 2: Driving Safely (2.5.1)