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 the walk-around inspection, why must you grab the steering mechanism parts by hand?

   Correct answer: To test them for looseness

   You must physically grab the steering parts to test them for looseness that a visual check alone would miss.

   Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Walk-Around Inspection)

2. 2. What is the single most important reason for inspecting your vehicle?

   Correct answer: Safety for yourself and others

   Safety is the top reason for inspection, protecting both you and everyone else sharing the road from a defect that could cause a crash.

   Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Why Inspect)

3. 3. What is the minimum tread depth required in every major groove of a steering-axle (front) tire?

   Correct answer: 4/32 inch

   Front tires must keep at least 4/32 inch of tread in each major groove, while other tires need at least 2/32 inch.

   Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Tire Problems)

4. 4. Why does an empty truck often need a longer stopping distance than a loaded one?

   Correct answer: An empty truck has less traction

   Brakes, tires, and suspension perform best under a full load; an empty truck grips less, so it may need a longer distance to come to a stop.

   Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Effect of Vehicle Weight)

5. 5. How far ahead does the manual recommend that good drivers look?

   Correct answer: About 12 to 15 seconds ahead

   Skilled drivers look 12 to 15 seconds ahead, roughly a block at low speed and about a quarter mile at highway speed.

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

6. 6. How do objects appear when viewed in a convex (fisheye) mirror?

   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, which the driver must allow for.

   Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (How to Use Mirrors)

7. 7. In which direction should you back a commercial vehicle whenever you have the choice?

   Correct answer: Toward the driver's side

   Back toward the driver's side so you can watch the rear of the vehicle out the side window; backing to the right hides too much from view.

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

8. 8. What does the vehicle inspection report allow the next driver to learn?

   Correct answer: Any problems found on the previous trip

   Keeping a copy of the report in the vehicle for a day lets the next driver learn about any problems that were found.

   Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (After-Trip Inspection)

9. 9. How many red reflective triangles must a commercial vehicle carry as warning devices?

   Correct answer: Three

   Emergency equipment must include three red reflective triangles, or as an alternative at least six fuses or three liquid-burning flares.

   Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Emergency Equipment)

10. 10. What must you do before releasing the parking brake when starting on an upgrade with a manual transmission?

    Correct answer: Give enough engine power so it won't roll backward

    Add enough engine power to hold the rig before releasing the parking brake, so you do not roll backward into anyone behind you.

    Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Accelerating)

11. 11. How much steering wheel play is enough to make a large vehicle hard to steer?

    Correct answer: More than 10 degrees

    More than 10 degrees of play, roughly two inches measured at a 20-inch wheel's rim, points to a steering problem.

    Source: Utah CDL Manual — Section 2: Driving Safely (Steering System Defects)

12. 12. When should a retarder be switched off?

    Correct answer: Whenever the road is wet, icy, or snowy

    On wet, icy, or snow-covered roads a retarder can make the drive wheels skid, so it should be turned off whenever traction is poor.

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