Commercial driver’s license (CDL) knowledge tests · California DMV
Distracted and Aggressive Driving
Questions and answers
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How does the handbook define a driver distraction?
Anything that takes your attention away from driving
A distraction is anything at all that pulls your attention from the driving task.
Section 2 · 2.9 – Distracted Driving ↗ -
Which of these is listed as a distraction that comes from outside the vehicle?
Reading billboards along the road
Billboards, accident scenes, road construction and sunlight are outside distractions. Climate controls and daydreaming happen inside the vehicle.
Section 2 · 2.9 – Distracted Driving ↗ -
Does the handbook count talking on a CB radio as a possible distraction?
Yes, it is listed next to talking on a cell phone
Talking on a cell phone or a CB radio is listed among the in-vehicle activities that can distract you.
Section 2 · 2.9 – Distracted Driving ↗ -
Who is put in danger when your full attention is not on driving?
You, your passengers, other vehicles and pedestrians
Distracted driving endangers everyone around you, not just yourself.
Section 2 · 2.9 – Distracted Driving ↗ -
According to the Large Truck Crash Causation Study, what share of large-truck accidents happened when the driver was distracted by something outside the vehicle?
8 percent
The study reported 8 percent for external distraction and 2 percent for internal distraction.
Section 2 · 2.9.1 – The Distracted Driving Crash Problem ↗ -
According to the same study, what share of large-truck accidents happened when the driver was internally distracted?
2 percent
Internal distraction accounted for 2 percent, compared with 8 percent for external distraction.
Section 2 · 2.9.1 – The Distracted Driving Crash Problem ↗ -
About how many people are killed each year on U.S. roads in accidents involving distracted driving?
About 5,500
The handbook gives a figure of approximately 5,500 deaths each year.
Section 2 · 2.9.1 – The Distracted Driving Crash Problem ↗ -
About how many people are injured each year in accidents involving distracted driving?
An estimated 448,000
An estimated 448,000 people are injured each year. The 5,500 figure is the number killed.
Section 2 · 2.9.1 – The Distracted Driving Crash Problem ↗ -
How much of the brain energy normally given to safe driving is taken up by talking on a cell phone?
39 percent
Research cited in the handbook says a phone conversation takes 39 percent of the energy the brain would give to driving.
Section 2 · 2.9.1 – The Distracted Driving Crash Problem ↗ -
Does a hands-free phone remove the mental burden of a phone conversation while driving?
No, the burden is there even with a hands-free phone
The loss of attention comes from the conversation itself, so it happens even when the phone is hands-free.
Section 2 · 2.9.1 – The Distracted Driving Crash Problem ↗ -
What does slowed perception caused by distraction lead to?
Noticing an important traffic event late or not at all
A distracted driver may be late in perceiving an important traffic event, or miss it completely.
Section 2 · 2.9.2 – Effects of Distracted Driving ↗ -
Besides acting late, what can delayed decision making and improper action cause a distracted driver to do?
Make wrong inputs to the steering, accelerator or brakes
Distraction can delay the right action or lead to incorrect steering, accelerator or brake inputs.
Section 2 · 2.9.2 – Effects of Distracted Driving ↗ -
You reach across the cab for an object that fell. What type of distraction is this?
A physical distraction
A physical distraction takes your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road, such as reaching for an object.
Section 2 · 2.9.3 – Types of Distractions ↗ -
You keep thinking about an argument you had earlier in the day. What type of distraction is this?
A mental distraction
A mental distraction takes your mind away from the road, even when your hands and eyes stay where they should.
Section 2 · 2.9.3 – Types of Distractions ↗ -
Which activity is given as an example of a distraction that is both physical and mental?
Sending or reading text messages
Texting and talking on a cell phone combine both types, which makes an accident even more likely.
Section 2 · 2.9.3 – Types of Distractions ↗ -
When dialing a mobile phone in a CMV, how many buttons may you press before it counts as hand-held use?
No more than a single button
Dialing by pressing more than a single button counts as using a hand-held mobile telephone.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
While belted in, you lean out of your normal seated driving position to reach a phone. How does the rule treat this?
It counts as using a hand-held mobile telephone
Moving from a seated, belted driving position to reach for a phone is part of the definition of hand-held use.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
Which of these counts as using a hand-held mobile telephone?
Holding the phone in one hand to talk
Using at least one hand to hold the phone for a voice call is hand-held use.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
If you choose to use a mobile phone while operating a CMV, what kind may you use?
Only a hands-free phone located close to you
Only a hands-free phone that is close to you and can be operated within the rule is allowed.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
After how many convictions for hand-held phone use while operating a CMV is your CDL disqualified?
2 or more
Disqualification starts with the second conviction.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
How long is the CDL disqualification for a second hand-held phone offense within 3 years?
60 days
The second offense within 3 years brings 60 days. Three or more offenses bring 120 days.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
How long is the CDL disqualification for 3 or more hand-held phone offenses within 3 years?
120 days
Three or more offenses within 3 years bring a 120-day disqualification.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
Within what period are repeat hand-held phone offenses counted for disqualification?
3 years
The 60-day and 120-day disqualifications apply to offenses within 3 years.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
What may a motor carrier do about hand-held phone use by its drivers while driving?
It must neither allow nor require it
Motor carriers are prohibited from allowing or requiring drivers to use hand-held phones while driving.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
Besides the driver, who else may face civil penalties for hand-held phone use in a CMV?
The employer
Drivers are subject to civil penalties, and employers may be as well.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
When does the emergency exception allow you to use a hand-held mobile phone in a CMV?
When you need to contact law enforcement or other emergency services
The exception covers only necessary communication with law enforcement or other emergency services.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
How much greater are the odds of a safety-critical event for CMV drivers who dial a phone while driving?
6 times greater
Dialing makes a safety-critical event 6 times more likely. The 23.2 figure applies to texting.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
For how long, on average, did dialing drivers take their eyes off the road ahead?
3.8 seconds
Dialing drivers looked away for an average of 3.8 seconds. The 4.6 second figure applies to texting.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
At 55 mph, how far does a driver travel while looking away to dial for 3.8 seconds?
306 feet
At 55 mph that is 306 feet, roughly the length of a football field.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
Are hands-free devices less likely than hand-held phones to distract you?
No, they are no less likely to distract you
Attention is diverted from driving with either kind of device.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
In California, when may you use an electronic device while driving?
Only when it is hands-free
California allows only hands-free use, and the handbook adds that even these devices are unsafe while driving.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
You are on a call and traffic becomes difficult. What does the handbook advise?
Hang up the phone
One of the tips is to hang up in difficult traffic situations.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
If you must use an electronic communication device while driving, how should you use it?
Keep it brief and never use it for social visiting
Calls should be short, and the device should never be used for social conversation.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
You are approaching a road construction zone. What does the handbook say about using an electronic communication device there?
Do not use it
Do not use vehicle equipment or communication devices when approaching heavy traffic, construction, many pedestrians or severe weather.
Section 2 · 2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones ↗ -
What does texting mean under the rule for CMV drivers?
Manually entering text into, or reading text from, an electronic device
Texting covers both typing text and reading it on an electronic device.
Section 2 · 2.9.5 – Texting ↗ -
Which of these counts as texting under the rule?
Typing a request to open a webpage
Texting includes emailing, instant messaging and entering a command or request to access a webpage.
Section 2 · 2.9.5 – Texting ↗ -
What is the maximum civil penalty a driver can face for a texting violation in a CMV?
Up to $2,750
Each texting violation is subject to a civil penalty of up to $2,750 for the driver.
Section 2 · 2.9.5 – Texting ↗ -
A CMV driver is convicted of texting while driving for the second time in 3 years. How long is the disqualification?
60 days
The second texting offense within 3 years brings a 60-day disqualification, the same as for hand-held phone use.
Section 2 · 2.9.5 – Texting ↗ -
How much greater are the odds of a safety-critical event for CMV drivers who text while driving?
23.2 times greater
Texting makes a safety-critical event 23.2 times more likely.
Section 2 · 2.9.5 – Texting ↗ -
For how long, on average, does sending or receiving a text take your eyes from the road?
4.6 seconds
The average is 4.6 seconds.
Section 2 · 2.9.5 – Texting ↗ -
At 55 mph, how far do you travel during the 4.6 seconds a text takes your eyes off the road?
371 feet
At 55 mph you cover 371 feet, the length of an entire football field, without looking at the road.
Section 2 · 2.9.5 – Texting ↗ -
Why does the handbook call texting the most alarming distraction?
It is a physical and a mental distraction at the same time
Texting makes you look at a small screen, use your hands and think about the message all at once.
Section 2 · 2.9.5 – Texting ↗ -
What should your goal be regarding in-vehicle distractions?
Eliminate them all before driving begins
The aim is to remove all in-vehicle distractions before you start driving.
Section 2 · 2.9.6 – Do Not Drive Distracted ↗ -
What happens to accidents if drivers react half a second slower because of distractions?
Accidents double
A half-second delay in reaction is enough to double accidents.
Section 2 · 2.9.6 – Do Not Drive Distracted ↗ -
A driver unsafely reaches for a mobile phone but plans to use its hands-free function. Is the driver in compliance?
No, unsafely reaching for the phone is itself a violation
Drivers are not in compliance if they unsafely reach for a phone, even when they intend to use hands-free.
Section 2 · 2.9.6 – Do Not Drive Distracted ↗ -
When should you review maps, program the GPS and plan your route?
Before you begin driving
Route planning is done before the trip starts so it does not distract you on the road.
Section 2 · 2.9.6 – Do Not Drive Distracted ↗ -
How does the handbook suggest you avoid eating while you drive?
Leave early so you have time to stop to eat
Avoid eating, drinking and smoking while driving, and leave early to allow time for a meal stop.
Section 2 · 2.9.6 – Do Not Drive Distracted ↗ -
What kind of conversation with other occupants should you avoid while driving?
Complex or emotionally intense conversations
Complex or emotionally intense conversations take too much of your attention.
Section 2 · 2.9.6 – Do Not Drive Distracted ↗ -
When should you adjust the vehicle controls and mirrors to your preferences?
Before driving
Controls and mirrors are set before you drive so they do not distract you later.
Section 2 · 2.9.6 – Do Not Drive Distracted ↗ -
If you must use a mobile phone, which setup does the handbook recommend?
An earpiece or speaker phone with voice-activated dialing
Keep the phone within reach while belted, use an earpiece or speaker phone, voice dialing and the hands-free feature.
Section 2 · 2.9.6 – Do Not Drive Distracted ↗ -
Which of these is a sign that another driver may be distracted?
The vehicle drifts within its lane and its speed keeps changing
Drifting over lane lines or within the lane and travelling at inconsistent speeds are warning signs.
Section 2 · 2.9.7 – Watch Out for Other Distracted Drivers ↗ -
How should you treat a driver who appears distracted?
Give plenty of room and keep your safe following distance
Leave extra room and keep a safe following distance.
Section 2 · 2.9.7 – Watch Out for Other Distracted Drivers ↗ -
Why should you be very careful when passing a driver who seems distracted?
The driver may not know you are there and may drift in front of you
A distracted driver may be unaware of your presence and drift into your path.
Section 2 · 2.9.7 – Watch Out for Other Distracted Drivers ↗ -
How does the handbook define aggressive driving?
Driving in a selfish, bold or pushy way without regard for others
Aggressive driving is selfish, bold or pushy driving that ignores the rights or safety of others.
Section 2 · 2.10.1 – What Is It? ↗ -
How does the handbook define road rage?
Driving with the intent to harm others or assaulting a driver or vehicle
Road rage goes beyond aggressive driving. It involves intent to do harm or a physical assault.
Section 2 · 2.10.1 – What Is It? ↗ -
What does the handbook name as one sign of an aggressive driver?
Changing lanes often and abruptly without notice
Frequent, abrupt lane changes without warning are a sign of an aggressive driver.
Section 2 · 2.10.1 – What Is It? ↗ -
A driver gets out at a red light and strikes another driver’s vehicle. What is this?
Road rage
Physically assaulting a driver or their vehicle is road rage, not just aggressive driving.
Section 2 · 2.10.1 – What Is It? ↗ -
What has a lot to do with how stress will affect you while driving?
How you feel before you start your vehicle
Your mood before you start has a strong effect on how stress hits you on the road.
Section 2 · 2.10.2 – Do Not Be an Aggressive Driver ↗ -
What kind of music does the handbook suggest to reduce stress while you drive?
Easy listening music
Listening to easy listening music is one of the suggested ways to reduce stress.
Section 2 · 2.10.2 – Do Not Be an Aggressive Driver ↗ -
You realise you will arrive later than expected. What does the handbook advise?
Take a deep breath and accept the delay
Being late is something to accept calmly, not to fight with risky driving.
Section 2 · 2.10.2 – Do Not Be an Aggressive Driver ↗ -
How should you plan your travel time to avoid becoming an aggressive driver?
Be realistic and expect delays from traffic, construction or weather
Realistic planning with allowances for delays keeps stress down.
Section 2 · 2.10.2 – Do Not Be an Aggressive Driver ↗ -
What does the handbook say about driving slowly in the left lane?
Do not do it
Driving slowly in the left lane of traffic is on the list of things not to do.
Section 2 · 2.10.2 – Do Not Be an Aggressive Driver ↗ -
Another driver cuts in front of you. Is it acceptable to shake your head at them?
No, avoid even harmless-looking gestures of irritation
Even small expressions of irritation, such as shaking your head, might anger another driver.
Section 2 · 2.10.2 – Do Not Be an Aggressive Driver ↗ -
Another driver seems eager to get in front of you. What attitude does the handbook suggest?
Let them in with a “Be my guest” attitude
Letting others go ahead becomes a habit and you will be less offended by other drivers.
Section 2 · 2.10.2 – Do Not Be an Aggressive Driver ↗ -
How should you think about another driver who is driving badly?
Give them the benefit of the doubt, because it has nothing to do with you
Try to imagine why they drive that way. Whatever the reason, it is not about you.
Section 2 · 2.10.2 – Do Not Be an Aggressive Driver ↗ -
What is the first and most important thing to do when confronted by an aggressive driver?
Make every attempt to get out of their way
Getting out of the way comes first.
Section 2 · 2.10.3 – What You Should Do When Confronted by an Aggressive Driver ↗ -
An aggressive driver is pressing you from behind. Should you speed up or hold your place in the lane to stand your ground?
No, put aside your pride and do not challenge them
Challenging an aggressive driver by speeding up or holding your own only makes things worse.
Section 2 · 2.10.3 – What You Should Do When Confronted by an Aggressive Driver ↗ -
What does the handbook say about eye contact with an aggressive driver?
Avoid it
Avoid eye contact, and ignore their gestures.
Section 2 · 2.10.3 – What You Should Do When Confronted by an Aggressive Driver ↗ -
What details should you give when reporting an aggressive driver to the authorities?
Vehicle description, license number, location and direction of travel
Report the vehicle description, license number, location and, if possible, the direction of travel.
Section 2 · 2.10.3 – What You Should Do When Confronted by an Aggressive Driver ↗ -
An aggressive driver who passed you is involved in an accident farther down the road. What should you do?
Stop a safe distance away, wait for the police and report what you saw
Stop at a safe distance, wait for police and report the driving behaviour you witnessed.
Section 2 · 2.10.3 – What You Should Do When Confronted by an Aggressive Driver ↗ -
When does the handbook say you should call the police about an aggressive driver from your cell phone?
If you have a phone and can use it safely
Call only if you can use the phone safely.
Section 2 · 2.10.3 – What You Should Do When Confronted by an Aggressive Driver ↗
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