Traffic Laws

Study questions with answers

12 sample Traffic Laws questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Which endorsement is required to pull double or triple trailers?

   Correct answer: The doubles/triples (T) endorsement

   Pulling multiple trailers requires the doubles/triples (T) endorsement, earned by passing a special knowledge test.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Endorsements)

2. 2. When must a commercial driver wear the safety belt?

   Correct answer: At all times while operating the CMV

   Any time the CMV is in operation, the driver has to stay buckled with the safety belt properly fastened.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Other CDL Rules)

3. 3. Within how long must a CDL holder notify their employer after being convicted of a traffic violation other than parking?

   Correct answer: Within 30 days

   You must tell your employer within 30 days of any traffic-violation conviction, no matter what vehicle you were driving.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Other CDL Rules)

4. 4. What does the law say about texting while operating a commercial motor vehicle?

   Correct answer: It is prohibited while driving the CMV

   Manually entering or reading text on an electronic device while driving a CMV is prohibited by federal regulation.

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

5. 5. A vehicle designed to carry how many people, including the driver, requires a CDL regardless of weight?

   Correct answer: 16 or more

   Any vehicle built to transport 16 or more people, counting the driver, falls under the CDL program.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (CDL Classifications)

6. 6. Which single vehicle requires a commercial driver license based on weight alone?

   Correct answer: Any single vehicle rated at 26,001 pounds or more

   Any one vehicle rated by the manufacturer at 26,001 pounds or above requires a CDL.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (CDL Classifications)

7. 7. How soon must a driver tell their employer that their license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled?

   Correct answer: Within two business days

   You have two business days to inform your employer if you become disqualified or your license is revoked, suspended, or cancelled.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Other CDL Rules)

8. 8. When applying for a commercial driving job, how much of your driving employment history must you provide?

   Correct answer: The last 10 years

   You must give the employer information about every driving job you have held over the past 10 years.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Other CDL Rules)

9. 9. How many driver licenses may a commercial driver legally hold at one time?

   Correct answer: One license only

   A commercial driver may hold only one license; breaking this rule can bring a fine of up to $5,000 or jail.

   Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Other CDL Rules)

10. 10. Which endorsement combines the requirements for hauling hazardous materials in a tank vehicle?

    Correct answer: The X endorsement

    Drivers who haul placarded hazardous materials in a tank must hold the X endorsement, which covers both the tank and hazmat knowledge tests.

    Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Endorsements)

11. 11. Besides talking or dialing restrictions, what are motor carriers prohibited from doing regarding hand-held phones?

    Correct answer: Requiring or allowing drivers to use a hand-held phone while driving

    Motor carriers are not allowed to require or permit their drivers to use hand-held phones while driving a CMV.

    Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Cell/Mobile Phones)

12. 12. A tank endorsement is required when hauling liquid or gas in a tank with what capacity?

    Correct answer: A tank rated over 119 gallons individually and 1,000 gallons or more in total

    The tank endorsement covers tanks whose individual rating tops 119 gallons and whose combined rating reaches 1,000 gallons or beyond.

    Source: Tennessee CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Endorsements)