CDL General Knowledge II Quiz: Test What You Should Look for Ahead
What are the two main things to look for ahead? Test your perception distance and stopping skills now!
This CDL General Knowledge quiz helps you practice what to look for ahead so you spot hazards early, judge perception distance, and plan safe stops. Use it to check gaps before the exam, tune your following distance, and then try the full practice or the speed round .
Study Outcomes
- Understand the Two Main Things to Look for Ahead -
Identify and describe the two primary elements - road conditions and potential hazards - that commercial drivers must monitor when scanning ahead.
- Apply Effective Forward Scanning Techniques -
Demonstrate how and when looking ahead of your vehicle while driving you should scan to maintain optimal awareness and safety.
- Calculate Perception Distance -
Use perception distance CDL methods to determine how far ahead you see and react to obstacles under various driving conditions.
- Analyze Stopping Distance Increases with Speed -
Evaluate why if you go twice as fast stopping distance increases and how faster speeds dramatically extend braking requirements.
- Anticipate Potential Hazards -
Predict and prepare for road hazards such as traffic slowdowns, emergency vehicles, and environmental changes before they occur.
- Evaluate Safe Following and Stopping Practices -
Combine knowledge of perception and braking distances to maintain safe following intervals and stopping practices in all driving scenarios.
Cheat Sheet
- Identify Hazards and Traffic Flow -
When answering "what are two main things to look for ahead," remember to scan for road hazards (like debris or animals) and monitor surrounding traffic patterns. Prioritize obstacles and driver behavior at least 12 - 15 seconds ahead to give yourself reaction time (source: FMCSA). Use the SIP mnemonic - Surface, Indicators, Path - to quickly recall key checks.
- Calculate Perception Distance -
Perception distance CDL calculations rely on your reaction time, usually about 1 second (NHTSA data). Multiply your speed in mph by 1.47 to get feet per second, then by reaction time: at 55 mph, perception distance ≈ 80 ft. Practicing this formula helps you internalize how far you travel before you even hit the brakes, boosting your confidence on the road.
- Understand Speed's Impact on Stopping -
Remember the rule "if you go twice as fast stopping distance increases" roughly fourfold (Virginia Tech Transportation Institute research). This includes braking and reaction distances, so doubling speed from 30 mph to 60 mph increases total stopping distance from about 90 ft to 360 ft. Visualize squares (30² vs. 60²) to cement "whenever you double your speed your vehicle has about" four times the stopping distance.
- Scan 12 - 15 Seconds Ahead -
When looking ahead of your vehicle while driving you should maintain a 12 - 15 second visual lead (approx. 0.25 miles at highway speeds). This anticipatory scanning, endorsed by state DMV manuals, lets you spot brake lights, traffic signals, and openings in congested lanes. It turns reactive driving into proactive safety, giving you ample time to adjust speed and maneuver smoothly.
- Use Mirror and Signal Checks -
Alongside forward scanning, toggle through your mirrors every 5 - 8 seconds to track overtaking vehicles (CAA guidelines). Combine mirror checks with timely turn signals to communicate intent and reduce surprise maneuvers. This habit ensures you're not just looking forward but also aware of threats from behind and the sides, reinforcing a complete defensive strategy.