Visual Search & Communication

5 free sample questions of the 35 in this topic. The full set is in the app.

1. Question 1

   Good drivers look how far ahead while driving?

   • A.3 to 5 seconds
   • B.8 to 10 seconds
   • C.12 to 15 seconds
   • D.30 seconds or more
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: C. 12 to 15 seconds

   Look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead — about one block at city speeds, about a quarter mile at highway speeds — while still shifting attention between near and far.

   Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook (DL 650) — §2.4.1 — How far ahead to look

2. Question 2

   At highway speeds, looking 12–15 seconds ahead means looking about:

   • A.One truck length
   • B.One block
   • C.A quarter of a mile
   • D.A full mile
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: C. A quarter of a mile

   12–15 seconds of travel is roughly a block in the city and roughly a quarter mile at highway speeds.

   Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook (DL 650) — §2.4.1 — How far ahead to look

3. Question 3

   A traffic light has been green for a long time as you approach. You should:

   • A.Speed up to make the light
   • B.Start slowing down and be ready to stop
   • C.Flash your high beams at the signal
   • D.Change lanes to the left
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Start slowing down and be ready to stop

   A stale green will probably change before you arrive — begin slowing and be ready to stop.

   Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook (DL 650) — §2.4.1 — Look for traffic

4. Question 4

   Objects seen in a convex (curved) mirror appear:

   • A.Larger and closer than they really are
   • B.Smaller and farther away than they really are
   • C.Exactly as they would to the naked eye
   • D.Only in black and white
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Smaller and farther away than they really are

   Convex mirrors show a wider area, but everything looks smaller and farther away than it really is — allow for that when judging distance.

   Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook (DL 650) — §2.4.2 — Field of vision using a convex mirror

5. Question 5

   When can trailer mirrors be adjusted accurately?

   • A.While driving on a straight road
   • B.Only when the trailer(s) are straight
   • C.Any time the engine is off
   • D.Only at night
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Only when the trailer(s) are straight

   Check mirror adjustment before any trip — and it's only accurate with the trailer straight. Each mirror should show some part of the vehicle as a reference point.

   Source: California Commercial Driver Handbook (DL 650) — §2.4.2 — Mirror adjustment

30 more Visual Search & Communication questions are in the app, along with explanations and flashcards for every one.

OnRoute is an independent study aid based on the federal CDL standards (49 CFR Part 383), the FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training theory curriculum (49 CFR Part 380 Appendix A), and related Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the FMCSA, AAMVA, or any state driver licensing agency. CDL knowledge tests are administered by your state, and state-specific requirements may vary — always consult your state's CDL manual.