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Commercial driver’s license (CDL) knowledge tests · California DMV

Seeing hazards

Practice this topic49 questions

Questions and answers

  1. What is a hazard?

    Any road condition or other road user that is a possible danger

    A hazard is a possible danger, whether a road condition or another road user.

    Section 2 · 2.8.1 – Importance of Seeing Hazards ↗

  2. A car ahead heads for the freeway exit and its brake lights come on hard. Why is it a hazard?

    The driver may be unsure about the exit and could suddenly return to the highway

    Hard braking near an off ramp can mean an uncertain driver who may swing back onto the highway.

    Section 2 · 2.8.1 – Importance of Seeing Hazards ↗

  3. When does a hazard become an emergency, in the handbook’s example?

    When the vehicle cuts in front of you

    The uncertain car is a hazard. Once it cuts in front of you, it is an emergency.

    Section 2 · 2.8.1 – Importance of Seeing Hazards ↗

  4. What is the benefit of seeing a hazard early?

    You have more time to act before it becomes an emergency

    Early sight of a hazard gives time to check mirrors, signal, change lanes, or slow down.

    Section 2 · 2.8.1 – Importance of Seeing Hazards ↗

  5. Why is sudden braking or a quick lane change a poor way to handle a hazard?

    It is more likely to lead to an accident

    A driver who sees the hazard late must act suddenly, and sudden moves are more likely to cause an accident.

    Section 2 · 2.8.1 – Importance of Seeing Hazards ↗

  6. What do move-over laws require as you approach a roadside incident?

    Slow down and change lanes

    Move-over laws require drivers to slow and change lanes when approaching a roadside incident.

    Section 2 · 2.8.2 – Hazardous Roads ↗

  7. You approach an emergency vehicle stopped at the roadside, and changing lanes would be unsafe. What should you do?

    Slow down and proceed with caution at a safe speed

    If a lane change is unsafe, slow down and proceed with caution while keeping a safe speed for traffic conditions.

    Section 2 · 2.8.2 – Hazardous Roads ↗

  8. When safety and traffic allow, into which lane should you move as you pass a stopped emergency vehicle or a work zone?

    A lane not next to the emergency vehicle or work zone

    Yield by changing into a lane that is not next to the stopped vehicle or work zone.

    Section 2 · 2.8.2 – Hazardous Roads ↗

  9. In California, what is the consequence of failing to obey the move-over law?

    It is an infraction, punishable by a fine

    Failing to obey the move-over law is an infraction punishable by a fine.

    Section 2 · 2.8.2 – Hazardous Roads ↗

  10. What makes a work zone a road hazard?

    Narrower lanes, sharp turns, uneven surfaces, and distracted drivers

    Work zones may have narrower lanes, sharp turns, or uneven surfaces, and workers or construction vehicles may get in the way.

    Section 2 · 2.8.2 – Hazardous Roads ↗

  11. How can you warn drivers behind you as you slow for a work zone?

    Use your 4-way emergency flashers or brake lights

    Drive slowly and carefully, and warn those behind with the 4-way flashers or brake lights.

    Section 2 · 2.8.2 – Hazardous Roads ↗

  12. The pavement drops off sharply at the edge of the road. What can happen if you drive too near the edge?

    The vehicle can tilt and its top can hit roadside objects

    Driving near a drop off can tilt the vehicle toward the roadside so its top hits signs or tree limbs. Steering across the drop off is also hard.

    Section 2 · 2.8.2 – Hazardous Roads ↗

  13. You see a cardboard box lying in your lane. How should you treat it?

    As a possible danger, since it may hold something solid or heavy

    Objects that look harmless can be dangerous. A box or sack may contain heavy material.

    Section 2 · 2.8.2 – Hazardous Roads ↗

  14. What damage can objects on the road do to your vehicle?

    Harm tires and rims, damage electrical and brake lines, or lodge between dual tires

    Foreign objects can damage tires, rims, and lines, and cause severe damage if caught between dual tires.

    Section 2 · 2.8.2 – Hazardous Roads ↗

  15. Why stay alert for objects on the road?

    To see them early enough to avoid them without sudden, unsafe moves

    Spotting objects early lets you avoid them smoothly.

    Section 2 · 2.8.2 – Hazardous Roads ↗

  16. A freeway off ramp has a posted speed. Is that speed safe for your loaded truck?

    Not necessarily, since it may be safe for small vehicles only

    Posted ramp speeds may be safe for small vehicles but not for larger or heavily loaded ones.

    Section 2 · 2.8.2 – Hazardous Roads ↗

  17. Which exits can be especially dangerous for commercial vehicles?

    Exits that go downhill and turn at the same time

    On a downhill, curving exit the grade makes it hard to slow, and braking while turning is dangerous.

    Section 2 · 2.8.2 – Hazardous Roads ↗

  18. When should you get down to a safe speed for a curved ramp?

    Before you get onto the curved part

    Make sure you are going slowly enough before the curved part of an off or on ramp.

    Section 2 · 2.8.2 – Hazardous Roads ↗

  19. Why watch rental trucks carefully?

    Their drivers are often not used to the limited vision to the sides and rear

    Rental truck drivers are often unused to the truck’s limited view.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  20. At a blind alley you can see only the rear of a vehicle, not its driver. What should you assume?

    The driver cannot see you and may back out or enter your lane

    If you cannot see the driver, the driver cannot see you. Always be prepared to stop.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  21. Why can delivery trucks be a hazard?

    The driver’s vision is often blocked and the driver may be in a hurry

    Packages or doors block the view, and hurried drivers may step out or pull into the traffic lane suddenly.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  22. What clues show that a parked vehicle may be about to move?

    Brake lights, backup lights, exhaust, or movement inside

    Watch for movement inside the vehicle, brake lights, backup lights, and exhaust.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  23. Why be careful around a stopped bus?

    Passengers may cross in front of or behind it and often cannot see you

    People leaving a bus may cross in front or behind and often cannot see you.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  24. Why may walkers, joggers, and bicyclists on the road not notice you?

    They may have their backs to traffic and may be wearing headsets

    With their back to traffic they cannot see you, and with a headset they cannot hear you.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  25. Why may pedestrians not see you on a rainy day?

    Hats or umbrellas block their view and they may be hurrying

    Hats and umbrellas hide traffic, and people rushing out of the rain may not look.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  26. A pedestrian is looking straight at you. Can you assume they will wait?

    No, they may believe they have the right of way

    Stay alert even when people are looking at you. They may think they have the right of way.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  27. Why are children a serious hazard?

    They tend to act quickly without checking traffic

    Children act quickly without looking, especially when playing with one another.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  28. Why is an ice cream truck a hazard clue?

    Children may be nearby and may not see you

    Where ice cream is sold, children are likely to be near and may not see you.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  29. Why are people working on or near the roadway a hazard clue?

    The work distracts other drivers and the workers may not see you

    Roadside work distracts other drivers, and the workers themselves may not see you.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  30. What are the hazard clues for a disabled vehicle?

    Jacked up wheels or raised hoods

    People changing a tire or fixing an engine often ignore the danger from traffic.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  31. Why are accident scenes particularly hazardous?

    People may run across the road, passing drivers look at the accident, and vehicles may stop suddenly

    Those involved may not look for traffic, and passing drivers tend to watch the accident and slow or stop suddenly.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  32. Why are people in and around shopping areas a hazard?

    They are often looking for stores or into store windows and not at traffic

    Shoppers often do not watch traffic, and vehicles may slow or stop suddenly.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  33. What clues suggest that a driver is a tourist unfamiliar with the area?

    Car-top luggage and out-of-state license plates

    Car-top luggage and out-of-state plates are clues to tourists, who can be very hazardous.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  34. Where is driver confusion common?

    Near freeway or turnpike interchanges and major intersections

    Confused drivers, who may change direction or stop without warning, are common near interchanges and major intersections.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  35. Which behaviour is a clue to a confused driver?

    Stopping in the middle of a block or changing lanes for no apparent reason

    Unexpected actions and hesitation, such as very slow driving or frequent braking, are clues to confusion.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  36. What does the “slow moving vehicle” emblem look like?

    A red triangle with an orange center

    The emblem is a red triangle with an orange center.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  37. Vehicles showing the slow moving vehicle emblem are not designed to go faster than what speed?

    25 mph

    Vehicles with the emblem are not designed to exceed 25 mph.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  38. A driver ahead signals a turn. Why can this be a hazard?

    They may slow more than expected or stop

    A turning driver may go very slowly into an alley or driveway, or have to stop for pedestrians or oncoming vehicles.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  39. How may drivers in a hurry behave around your commercial vehicle?

    Pass without a safe gap and cut in close, or pull out in front of you

    Impatient drivers may pass and cut in too close, or pull in front to avoid being stuck behind you, making you brake.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  40. Which is a clue that a driver may be impaired?

    Weaving across the road or drifting from one side to another

    Clues include weaving, leaving the road, stopping at the wrong time, an open window in cold weather, and erratic speed.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  41. A car ahead stops at a green light. What may this be a clue to?

    An impaired driver

    Stopping at the wrong time, such as at a green light or too long at a stop, is a clue to an impaired driver.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  42. In cold weather a car passes with its window open. What may that suggest?

    The driver may be impaired, for example sleepy

    An open window in cold weather is one of the listed clues to an impaired driver.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  43. When should you be especially alert for drunk and sleepy drivers?

    Late at night

    Be alert for drunk drivers and sleepy drivers late at night.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  44. A driver ahead makes an over-the-shoulder check without signaling. What may they be about to do?

    Change lanes

    Head and body movements are clues. A shoulder check suggests a lane change even without a signal.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  45. In which road users are body movement clues most easily seen?

    Motorcyclists and bicyclists

    These clues are easiest to see in motorcyclists and bicyclists.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  46. When is a driver “in conflict”?

    When they must change speed or direction to avoid hitting someone

    A conflict is a situation where a driver has to change speed or direction to avoid a collision.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  47. Why watch other drivers who are in conflict?

    Their reaction may put them in conflict with you

    When drivers react to a conflict at an intersection, merge, or lane end, they may do something that affects you.

    Section 2 · 2.8.3 – Drivers Who Are Hazards ↗

  48. When you see a hazard, what should you do?

    Think about the emergencies that could develop and decide what you would do

    Look for hazards so you have time to plan a way out, and be ready to act on the plan.

    Section 2 · 2.8.4 – Always Have a Plan ↗

  49. Why do you look for hazards at all?

    Because they may turn into emergencies and you need time to plan a way out

    Hazards may turn into emergencies. Planning ahead makes you a prepared, defensive driver.

    Section 2 · 2.8.4 – Always Have a Plan ↗

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