CDL Test: Distracted driving questions and answers
Every question we use, with the correct answer, an explanation and the source it comes from.
Distracted driving
12 questions-
#1
CMV drivers who text while driving are how many times more likely to be in a safety-critical event?
- 23.2 times
- 2 times
- 6 times
- 100 times
Answer: A. Research cited in the manual: texting raises the odds 23.2 times; dialing about 6 times.
Source: Michigan CDL Manual (2022), 2.9 -
#2
Texting or using a hand-held phone while driving a CMV can bring a civil penalty of up to:
- $100
- $500
- $2,750 per violation
- $50,000
Answer: C. Drivers: up to $2,750 per violation; employers who allow it: up to $11,000; two or more convictions lead to disqualification.
Source: Michigan CDL Manual (2022), 2.9 -
#3
According to the manual, how long on average did drivers who were dialing a phone take their eyes off the forward roadway?
- 1.8 seconds
- 2.5 seconds
- 6.0 seconds
- 3.8 seconds
Answer: D. Dialing drivers looked away from the road for an average of 3.8 seconds.
Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 49Dialing drivers took their eyes off the forward roadway for an average of 3.8 seconds.
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#4
At 55 mph, about how far do you travel during the 4.6 seconds it takes to send or receive a text message?
- 371 feet
- 306 feet
- 250 feet
- 450 feet
Answer: A. At 55 mph you would travel 371 feet, the length of an entire football field, without looking at the road.
Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 49At 55 mph, you would travel 371 feet, or the length of an entire football field
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#5
Compared with hand-held cell phones, hands-free devices are:
- much less likely to distract you
- safe to use if you keep your eyes on the road
- just as likely to distract you
- distracting only when you dial
Answer: C. Attention is diverted from the driving task when using either a hands-free or a hand-held device.
Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 49Note that hands-free devices are no less likely than hand-held cell phones to cause you to become distracted.
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#6
Your CDL is disqualified for how long after a second texting conviction while operating a CMV within three years?
- 30 days
- 90 days
- 120 days
- 60 days
Answer: D. Disqualification is 60 days for the second offense within three years and 120 days for three or more.
Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 49Disqualification is 60 days for the second offense within three years and 120 days for three or more offenses within three years.
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#7
Under the federal rule, texting means:
- only sending a text message from a cell phone
- manually entering or reading text on an electronic device
- talking on a phone using a speaker
- only typing on a phone keypad
Answer: B. The definition includes entering text into or reading text from any electronic device.
Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 49Texting means manually entering text into, or reading text from, an electronic device.
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#8
Under the federal texting rule, a motor carrier:
- may allow texting at traffic lights
- may require texting for dispatch messages
- is exempt if the driver has hands-free
- may not require or allow drivers to text while driving
Answer: D. Motor carriers are prohibited from requiring or allowing their drivers to text while driving.
Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 49Additionally, motor carriers are prohibited from requiring or allowing their drivers to engage in texting while driving.
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#9
According to the manual, if drivers react a half-second slower because of distractions, what happens to crashes?
- They increase by 10 percent
- They stay about the same
- They double
- They triple
Answer: C. If drivers react a half-second slower because of distractions, crashes double.
Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 49If drivers react a half-second slower because of distractions, crashes double.
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#10
Which of these is a sign that another driver may be distracted?
- The vehicle travels at inconsistent speeds
- The vehicle keeps a steady speed in its lane
- The driver signals before every lane change
- The vehicle leaves a large following distance
Answer: A. Distracted drivers may drift over lane lines or within their lane and travel at inconsistent speeds.
Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 50Vehicles traveling at inconsistent speeds.
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#11
Why should you be very careful when passing a driver who seems to be distracted?
- The driver will speed up to block you from getting back into the lane
- The driver may not be aware of you and may drift in front of you
- The driver will always brake to let you in once you signal
- The driver cannot hear your horn and will not move over
Answer: B. The other driver may not be aware of your presence and may drift in front of you.
Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 50Be very careful when passing a driver who seems to be distracted.
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#12
A driver unsafely reaches for a mobile phone, intending to use the hands-free function. Is the driver in compliance?
- No, unsafely reaching for the phone is not in compliance
- Yes, because hands-free use is always allowed
- Yes, if the vehicle is moving slowly
- Yes, if the call is short
Answer: A. Drivers are not in compliance if they unsafely reach for a mobile phone, even if they intend to use hands-free.
Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 49Drivers are not in compliance if they unsafely reach for a mobile phone, even if they intend to use the hands-free function.