Signals & Pavement Markings

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. 1. What message do railroad-crossing pavement markings carry compared with the advance warning sign?

   Correct answer: The same warning that the advance sign gives

   The X and RR pavement markings, along with the no-passing line, deliver the same warning as the advance warning sign.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Railroad-highway Crossings)

2. 2. What are the three good rules for using turn signals before a turn?

   Correct answer: Signal early, keep it on through the turn, and cancel it when finished

   Signal early so others don't try to pass, signal continuously because both hands are needed to turn, and cancel the signal once the turn is done.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Communicating)

3. 3. When you must drive very slowly and it is legal, how can you alert following drivers who may be closing fast?

   Correct answer: Turn on the emergency flashers if it is legal

   Turning on your emergency flashers alerts approaching drivers who often don't realize how quickly they are catching a slow vehicle.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Communicating)

4. 4. How can a driver warn following traffic that they are about to slow down?

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

   Lightly tapping the pedal a couple of times flashes your brake lights, telling drivers behind that you are slowing.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Communicating)

5. 5. At night, within what distance of an oncoming vehicle must you dim your high beams?

   Correct answer: Within 500 feet

   Lower your high beams once an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet, and likewise when you close to within 500 feet behind another vehicle.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Driving at Night)

6. 6. On a one-way or divided highway, where should the three warning devices be placed after stopping?

   Correct answer: Toward oncoming traffic at about 10, 100, and 200 feet

   On a one-way or divided road, set the devices toward oncoming traffic at roughly 10, 100, and 200 feet from the vehicle.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Communicating)

7. 7. When it is hard to see at dawn, dusk, or in rain, which lights should you turn on?

   Correct answer: The headlights on low beam

   Turn on your headlights, using the low beams rather than just the clearance or identification lights, so others can see you.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Communicating)

8. 8. How should you change lanes to give an unseen driver a chance to react?

   Correct answer: Signal, then move over slowly and smoothly

   Signal first, then change lanes slowly and smoothly so a driver you may not have seen has a chance to honk or move away.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Communicating)

9. 9. When you stop on an undivided road that carries traffic both ways, how should the warning devices be positioned?

   Correct answer: Within 10 feet of the vehicle plus 100 feet behind and ahead

   On an undivided two-way road, put a device within 10 feet of the vehicle and one about 100 feet behind and 100 feet ahead of it.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Communicating)

10. 10. After you stop on the shoulder of a road, within how many minutes must the emergency warning devices be placed?

    Correct answer: Within 10 minutes

    Warning devices must be set out within ten minutes after you stop on a road or shoulder.

    Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Communicating)

11. 11. When should a driver use the four-way emergency flashers?

    Correct answer: When stopped or driving unusually slowly

    Use the four-way flashers when you are stopped or moving very slowly so faster traffic notices you sooner.

    Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Communicating)

12. 12. When holding a reflective triangle out to place it, where should you position it relative to oncoming traffic?

    Correct answer: Between yourself and the oncoming traffic

    Hold the triangle between yourself and the oncoming traffic so approaching drivers can see you as you set it out.

    Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Communicating)