2.0 Driving Safely and On-Road Operation CDL-A Practice Quiz

• A. Press the accelerator firmly to load the drivetrain quickly
• B. Pop the clutch to engage maximum torque immediately
• C. Apply power smoothly so the vehicle moves forward without jerking
• D. Slip the clutch heavily until the engine reaches governed rpm

The CDL manual instructs drivers to accelerate smoothly so the vehicle moves forward without jerking, protecting cargo, drivetrain, and traction.

• A. At least 12 to 15 seconds ahead
• B. At least 3 to 5 seconds ahead
• C. At least 30 to 40 seconds ahead
• D. Only as far as the headlights illuminate, regardless of conditions

The manual states a driver should look 12 to 15 seconds ahead, which is roughly a quarter mile at highway speed and one block in city driving.

• A. Both hands firmly on the wheel, on opposite sides, at all times
• B. One hand at the bottom of the wheel for relaxed cruising
• C. Both hands palms-down on top of the wheel
• D. One hand on the wheel, one on the gear shift, ready to downshift

The manual instructs drivers to keep both hands firmly on the wheel on opposite sides so they can react to a tire failure or emergency steering input without the wheel being twisted out of their hands.

• A. Hold the brake pedal at maximum pressure until the vehicle stops
• B. Apply steady, controlled pressure on the brake pedal so the vehicle stops smoothly
• C. Pump the brakes rapidly all the way to the stop
• D. Coast in neutral and rely entirely on the parking brake

Steady, controlled brake-pedal pressure delivers a smooth stop, keeps cargo secure, and keeps wheels rolling.

• A. One second of following distance for every 5 feet of vehicle length
• B. One second of following distance for every 10 feet of vehicle length
• C. Two seconds of following distance regardless of vehicle length
• D. Three seconds of following distance for any speed under 50 mph

The CDL manual specifies at least one second of following distance for every 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds below 40 mph.

• A. 4 seconds total
• B. 5 seconds total
• C. 7 seconds total
• D. 10 seconds total

At 60 feet of length, the under-40 rule yields 6 seconds, plus 1 additional second for travel over 40 mph, equaling 7 seconds total.

• A. Only between dusk and dawn, never during daylight hours
• B. In rain, fog, snow, and any other low-visibility condition during the day
• C. On city streets only, where pedestrians are present
• D. Only when the windshield wipers fail to clear the glass

The manual instructs drivers to turn on headlights in any low-visibility condition such as rain, fog, or snow so the vehicle is more visible to others.

• A. Back at moderate highway-style speed to keep momentum through the dock
• B. Steer with one hand and look only through the right mirror
• C. Back blind and rely on hazard flashers to warn bystanders
• D. Back slowly, use both mirrors, and use a helper to spot blind areas whenever possible

The manual prescribes backing slowly, using both mirrors, and using a helper when one is available because this combination minimizes blind-spot risk.