CDL Road Skills Test Practice Exam

CDL Road Skills Test Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

1. When making a right turn with a combination vehicle, you should:

a) Swing wide to the left before turning

b) Turn sharply to make a tight corner

c) Start the turn from the proper lane and make a wide enough turn

to avoid curb or vehicles

d) Always make a U-turn

Rationale: Proper lane positioning and a wide turn prevent the trailer

from hitting curbs or other vehicles.

2. When backing a combination vehicle to the left, the trailer will:

a) Move in the same direction as the steering wheel

b) Move in the opposite direction of the steering wheel

c) Move in the opposite direction to the steering wheel

d) Move straight regardless of steering 1 / 4

Rationale: Understanding trailer movement is crucial to avoid

jackknifing or hitting obstacles.

3. When approaching a railroad crossing, you should:

a) Always speed up to cross quickly

b) Slow down and be prepared to stop

c) Cross without stopping if no train is visible

d) Shift to neutral and coast across

Rationale: Slowing down and checking ensures safety; trains can

appear suddenly.

4. If your vehicle starts to skid on ice, you should:

a) Slam on the brakes

b) Steer in the opposite direction of the skid

c) Steer in the direction you want to go and ease off the accelerator

d) Shift to a lower gear

Rationale: Steering into the skid and easing off the accelerator helps

regain control safely.

• What is the proper hand placement on the steering wheel for a

combination vehicle?

• 12 and 6 o’clock
• 9 and 3 o’clock
• 10 and 2 o’clock
• 8 and 4 o’clock 2 / 4

Rationale: 9 and 3 provides better control and reduces injury risk

from airbag deployment.

6. When driving in fog, you should use:

a) High beam headlights

b) Parking lights only

c) Low beam headlights

d) Hazard lights only

Rationale: Low beams reduce glare and improve visibility in foggy

conditions.

• How often should you check mirrors when driving a combination

vehicle?

a) Only when changing lanes

b) Once every 10 minutes

c) Frequently and before every maneuver

d) Only on highways

Rationale: Frequent mirror checks are essential due to the size and

blind spots of combination vehicles.

8. When descending a long, steep hill, you should:

a) Use only the brakes to control speed

b) Shift into a higher gear

c) Use a combination of low gear and controlled braking

d) Turn off engine braking 3 / 4

Rationale: Low gear and controlled braking prevent brake

overheating and maintain vehicle control.

9. When a traffic light turns yellow, you should:

a) Speed up to beat the red light

b) Slow down and stop if safe

c) Continue without adjusting speed

d) Sound the horn and proceed

Rationale: Slowing down reduces risk of collision at intersections.

10. Before changing lanes on a highway, you should:

a) Only check your side mirrors

b) Only signal

c) Signal, check mirrors, and look over your shoulder

d) Honk the horn

Rationale: A shoulder check ensures blind spots are clear before

moving into another lane.

• How should you handle a tire blowout while driving?

a) Slam on the brakes immediately

b) Turn sharply to control the vehicle

c) Hold the steering wheel firmly and slow down gradually

d) Accelerate to stabilize

Rationale: Firm control and gradual braking prevent loss of vehicle

control.

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