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CDL Test: Seeing ahead questions and answers

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Seeing ahead

9 questions

  1. #1

    Mirror adjustment can only be checked accurately when:

    1. the vehicle is moving slowly
    2. the engine is turned off
    3. the trailer(s) are straight
    4. the trailer is loaded

    Answer: C. Check mirrors before every trip, with the trailer(s) straight, for an accurate adjustment.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 38Mirror adjustment should be checked prior to the start of any trip and can only be checked accurately when the trailer(s) are straight.

  2. #2

    Compared with a flat mirror, objects seen in a convex (“fisheye”) mirror appear:

    1. larger and closer than they really are
    2. the same size but reversed
    3. larger but farther away
    4. smaller and farther away than they really are

    Answer: D. In a convex mirror everything looks smaller and farther away than it actually is.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 39But everything appears smaller in a convex mirror than it would if you were looking at it directly. Things also seem farther away than they really are.

  3. #3

    Besides watching traffic, what else can your mirrors help you spot?

    1. A tire fire
    2. A low fuel level
    3. A loose steering wheel
    4. A cracked windshield

    Answer: A. Mirrors let you keep an eye on your tires, which is one way to spot a tire fire.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 38Use the mirrors to keep an eye on your tires. It’s one way to spot a tire fire.

  4. #4

    During a lane change, why should you check your mirrors after you have signaled?

    1. To confirm your turn signal is working
    2. To check that no one has moved into your blind spot
    3. To let other drivers know you are leaving
    4. To check your cargo straps

    Answer: B. Check mirrors after signaling to make sure no one has moved into your blind spot.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 38After you have signaled, to check that no one has moved into your blind spot.

  5. #5

    When you check your mirrors while driving, you should:

    1. stare at the mirror long enough to be sure the lane beside you is clear
    2. check only the left mirror, because the right side is less important
    3. check quickly and look back and forth between the mirrors and the road ahead
    4. check them only when you stop, because mirrors are not needed while moving

    Answer: C. Don't focus on the mirrors too long, or you will travel a distance without knowing what is ahead.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 39Don’t focus on the mirrors for too long.

  6. #6

    Looking ahead 12 to 15 seconds at highway speeds is about:

    1. a few car lengths
    2. a mile and a half
    3. roughly 300 feet
    4. a quarter of a mile

    Answer: D. At highway speeds, 12 to 15 seconds ahead is about a quarter of a mile.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 38At highway speeds it’s about a quarter of a mile.

  7. #7

    What is a hazard, according to the manual?

    1. Any road condition or other road user that is a possible danger
    2. A crash that has already happened and blocks the road ahead
    3. Only a vehicle that is stopped on the road ahead of you
    4. Any vehicle larger than yours that is traveling in your lane

    Answer: A. A hazard is a possible danger; when it cuts in front of you, it becomes an emergency.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 45A hazard is any road condition or other road user (driver, bicyclist, pedestrian) that is a possible danger.

  8. #8

    Approaching a stopped emergency vehicle on the roadside, if a lane change is unsafe, you should:

    1. maintain your speed and sound the horn to warn the roadside personnel
    2. slow down and proceed with caution, keeping a safe distance from roadside personnel
    3. stop completely behind it and wait until the emergency vehicle leaves
    4. pass quickly in the same lane to get by the scene as soon as possible

    Answer: B. If you cannot change lanes safely, slow down and keep a safe distance from the roadside personnel.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (AAMVA model), Section 2, p. 45If a lane change is unsafe, slow down and proceed with caution while maintaining a safe distance for the roadside personnel.

  9. #9

    Good drivers look ahead at least:

    1. 5 to 8 seconds
    2. 12 to 15 seconds
    3. 30 to 40 seconds
    4. 1 to 2 seconds

    Answer: B. 12-15 seconds is about one block in town and about a quarter mile at highway speed.

    Source: North Dakota CDL Manual (2025-2027), 2.4.1Most good drivers look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead.
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