General Knowledge 1
Checking your vehicle's suspension does NOT include checking a) The axle positioning parts b) The air suspension components c) The tires d) The shock absorbers
c) The tires
Which of these statements is true about the relationship between cargo and height? a) The height of an empty van is the same as that of a loaded one b) The weight of the cargo does not change a vehicle's height c) The weight of the cargo changes a vehicle's height d) An empty van is lower than a loaded one
c) The weight of the cargo changes a vehicle's height
The steps for checking your signal lights include the following a) Turn on all lights, turn on the stop lights, and turn on the left turn signal lights b) Turn on the stop lights, turn off all lights, and turn on the left turn signal lights c) Turn off all lights, turn on the stop lights, and turn on the left turn signal lights d) Turn off all lights, turn on the left turn signal lights, and turn on the stop lights
c) Turn off all lights, turn on the stop lights, and turn on the left turn signal lights
Which of these lights cannot be checked at the same time? a) Headlights, brake lights, and clearance lights b) Turn signals, taillights, and clearance lights c) Turn signals, brake lights, and four-way flashers
c) Turn signals, brake lights, and four-way flashers
You are driving a heavy vehicle with a manual transmission. You have to stop the vehicles on the shoulder while driving on an uphill grade. Which of these is a good rule to follow when putting it back to motion up the grade? a) Keep the clutch slipping while slowly accelerating b) Let the vehicle roll backwards a few feet before you engage the clutch, but turn the wheel so that the back moves away from the roadway c) Use the parking brake to hold the vehicle until the clutch engages
c) Use the parking brake to hold the vehicle until the clutch engages
Merging onto a road is safest if you: a) Inch over into the nearest lane so that other vehicles will give you room b) Gain speed on the shoulder and then merge c) Wait for a large enough gap in traffic to enter the road
c) Wait for a large enough gap in traffic to enter the road
If you're not sure what to use to put out a hazardous materials fire, you should: a) Use water b) Use dirt c) Wait for qualified fire fighters
c) Wait for qualified fire fighters
When driving through work zones, you should: a) Reduce speed only if workers are close to the roadway b) Turn on your parking lights c) Watch for sharp pavement drop-offs
c) Watch for sharp pavement drop-offs
Which of these statements about speed management is true? a) Shady parts of the road allow better traction than to open areas b) Road surfaces will freeze before bridges c) When the road is slippery, it will take longer to stop and it will be harder to turn without skidding
c) When the road is slippery, it will take longer to stop and it will be harder to turn without skidding
You should use your mirrors to check: a) If your running lights are working properly b) Blind spots only c) Where the rear of your vehicle is while you make turns
c) Where the rear of your vehicle is while you make turns
Which of these statements about double clutching and shifting is true? a) Double clutching should not be used when the road is slippery b) Double clutching should only be used with a heavy load c) You can use the tachometer to tell you when to shift
c) You can use the tachometer to tell you when to shift
At what speed should you test the stopping action of the service brakes? a) 15 mph b) 10 mph c) 2 mph d) 5 mph
d) 5 mph
Which of these is NOT part of the basic method for shifting up? a) Release the clutch b) Release the clutch and press the accelerator at the same time c) Push in the clutch and shift into a higher gear at the same time d) Accelerate while pressing the clutch and turning toward the driver's side
d) Accelerate while pressing the clutch and turning toward the driver's side
A top-heavy load is dangerous because it can cause a) A rollover if you swerve around a hazard b) Damage to the axles or steering c) A rollover on a curve d) All of the above
d) All of the above
Which of these is part of the seven-step inspection method? a) Step 1: Vehicle Overview b) Step 5: Do a Walkaround Inspection c) Step 6: Check the Signal Lights d) All of the above
d) All of the above
Which of these will cause you to lose your CDL for a minimum of one year for the first offense? a) Refusing to undergo blood alcohol testing when asked to do so b) Committing a felony that involves your use of a CMV c) Driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) when your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .04% or higher d) All of the above
d) All of the above
If you are involved in a collision, you should a) Gather appropriate information for a collision report b) Do the best you can to care for injured persons c) Notify the proper authorities d) Do all of the above
d) Do all of the above
Retarders a) Apply braking power to the drive wheels b) Reduce wear and tear on the brakes c) Reduce the need to apply the brakes to slow the vehicle d) Do all of the above
d) Do all of the above
Which of these should you do during a trip as part of your en route inspection? a) Watch your gauges to check for trouble b) Check critical items when you stop, such as brakes, tires, and lights c) Pay attention with your senses to possible problems d) Do all of the above
d) Do all of the above
Which of these is not a problem associated with other drivers during night driving? a) Lack of alertness from fatigue b) Temporary blindness from glare c) Impaired vision d) Loss of concentration from hunger
d) Loss of concentration from hunger
During your pre-trip test, when examining hoses with the instructor, you need to look for a) Frays in the water pump belt b) A low windshield washer fluid level c) The location of the dipstick d) Puddles on the ground
d) Puddles on the ground
During a seven-step inspection, checking the engine compartment does NOT include checking a) The coolant level in the radiator b) The engine oil level c) The battery fluid level d) The oil pressure gauge
d) The oil pressure gauge
According to the Handbook, children present a hazard because a) They don't know that trucks are dangerous b) They often have grudges against truck drivers c) They don't know how to drive d) They move quickly without checking traffic
d) They move quickly without checking traffic
Legal maximum weight limits may not be safe in all of the following, EXCEPT a) Mountain driving b) A storm c) Winter d) Traffic
d) Traffic
Which of these happens when a tire blows out at highway speed? a) A vibrating feeling b) A hissing sound c) A rapid drop in speed to less than 20 mph
a) A vibrating feeling
Which of the following is NOT a basic skill needed to operate a commercial vehicle? a) Ability to multitask while driving b) Ability to steer c) Ability to back the vehicle safely d) Ability to accelerate
a) Ability to multitask while driving
You check your safety belt to ensure that a) It is securely mounted b) It is original equipment c) It has six yards of slack d) It matches the color of the rest of your cab
a) It is securely mounted
Which of these should you NOT do during a drive wheel skid? a) Steer into the skid b) Countersteer c) Turn quickly d) Stop braking
a) Steer into the skid
Which of the following should you NOT do if you experience a tire failure? a) Be aware that a tire has failed b) Apply the brakes hard and immediately c) Stay off the brake pedal d) Hold
b) Apply the brakes hard and immediately
When hydraulic brakes fail while driving, the system won't build up pressure and the brake pedal will feel spongy or go to the floor. What action should you take? a) Push down on the brake pedal as hard as you can b) Pump the brake pedal to generate pressure c) Put the vehicle in neutral and set the parking brake
b) Pump the brake pedal to generate pressure
Which of these is usually true about driving in tunnels? a) Headlights are required by law b) There may be strong winds when exiting c) Speeds are limited to 30 mph or less
b) There may be strong winds when exiting
In a seven-day period, you are permitted to drive a maximum of ___ hours a) 70 b) 50 c) 60 d) 65
c) 60
An A: B: C type fire extinguisher is designed to work on which types of fires? a) Electrical b) Gasoline c) Wood, paper, and cloth d) All of the above
d) All of the above
Which of these are signs of a driver under the influence? a) Difficulty maintaining his or her speed b) Stopping suddenly for no apparent reason c) Trouble staying in his or her own lane d) All of the above
d) All of the above
Where should you place your warning devices, if you must stop on a one-way or divided highway? a) 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward approaching traffic b) 20 feet, 50 feet, and 100 feet toward approaching traffic c) 50 feet, 100 feet, and 150 feet toward approaching traffic d) 100 feet, 200 feet, and 300 feet toward approaching traffic
a) 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward approaching traffic
Within how many days must you notify your employer of any traffic violations (except parking)? a) 30 b) 14 c) 60 d) 10
a) 30
Flags or lights are required on projecting loads that extend a) 4 or more feet beyond the rear body b) 56 inches or more beyond the rear body c) 3 or more feet beyond the rear body d) 6 or more feet beyond the rear body
a) 4 or more feet beyond the rear body
Which of these is NOT a rule to follow for backing safely? a) Accelerate slightly to complete the backing process quickly b) Back slowly while using your mirrors c) Make sure of a helper as often as possible d) Combine backing and turning toward the driver's side whenever you can
a) Accelerate slightly to complete the backing process quickly
Extra care is needed to keep your vehicle centered in your lane because commercial vehicles: a) Are often wider than other vehicles b) Tend to sway from side to side c) Require a lot of room to change lanes
a) Are often wider than other vehicles
When you back with a trailer, you should a) Back in as straight a line as possible b) Not bother to correct drift c) Not pull forward once you have started backing d) Turn the steering wheel in the same direction in which you want to go
a) Back in as straight a line as possible
How does vehicle weight affect stopping? a) Empty trucks can take longer to stop than if loaded, but this is not normally the case for buses b) It doesn't, brakes work the same no matter the weight of the vehicle for both trucks and buses c) Fully loaded trucks take longer to stop, but buses loaded with passengers take less distance
a) Empty trucks can take longer to stop than if loaded, but this is not normally the case for buses
Which of these systems should receive extra attention during a winter weather inspection? a) Exhaust b) Suspension c) Steering
a) Exhaust
Which of the following is NOT a proper way to signal? a) Flash your signals to draw more attention b) Signal continuously until you have completed your turn c) Turn your signal off after completing the maneuver d) Signal early
a) Flash your signals to draw more attention
Which of these statements about marking a stopped vehicle is true? a) If a hill or curve keeps drivers behind you from seeing the vehicle within 500 feet, the rear reflective triangle should be moved back beyond any hill or curve to give adequate warning b) The vehicle's taillights should be kept on to warn other drivers c) You must put out your emergency warning devices within 5 minutes
a) If a hill or curve keeps drivers behind you from seeing the vehicle within 500 feet, the rear reflective triangle should be moved back beyond any hill or curve to give adequate warning
According to the Commercial Driver Supplement, Why should you limit the use of your horn? a) It can startle other drivers b) On vehicles with air brakes, it can use air pressure that may be needed to stop c) You should keep both hands tightly gripping the steering wheel at all times
a) It can startle other drivers
When the roads are slippery, you should: a) Make turns as carefully as possible b) Stop and test the traction when going up hills c) Decrease the distance that you look ahead of your vehicle
a) Make turns as carefully as possible
On wet roads, you should reduce your speed by a) One-third b) One-quarter c) 60 percent d) One-half
a) One-third
According to the state of California, you are considered involved in interstate commerce UNLESS the cargo you are transporting a) Originates in the state and is headed for a location in the state b) Is headed for a location out of state c) Consists of waste or other hazardous substances d) Originates out of state
a) Originates in the state and is headed for a location in the state
Which of these equals the total stopping distance? a) Perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance b) Perception distance + reaction distance c) Reaction distance + braking distance d) Reaction distance + braking distance + signal distance
a) Perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance
Why is a broken exhaust system dangerous? a) Poison fumes could enter the cab or sleeper berth b) You could pollute the air with exhaust smoke c) Oil on the tie rod may catch on fire
a) Poison fumes could enter the cab or sleeper berth
Which of these is true regarding the use of drugs while driving? a) Prescription drugs are allowed if a doctor says the drugs will not affect safe driving ability b) No prescription or non-prescription drugs are allowed at any time, for any reason c) Use of amphetamines like "speed" is allowed if you are using the drugs to stay awake
a) Prescription drugs are allowed if a doctor says the drugs will not affect safe driving ability
After Starting the engine: a) The coolant temperature gauge should begin a gradual rise to normal b) The oil pressure gauge should take 3-5 minutes to rise to normal c) The engine temperature gauge will take 3-5 minutes to rise to normal
a) The coolant temperature gauge should begin a gradual rise to normal
Which of these statements about brakes is true? a) The heavier a vehicle or the faster it is moving, the more heat the brakes have to absorb to stop it b) Brake drums cool very quickly when the vehicle is moving very fast c) Brake fade is not caused by heat
a) The heavier a vehicle or the faster it is moving, the more heat the brakes have to absorb to stop it
When you are passing another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist, you should assume that: a) They may move into your traffic lane b) They know you want to pass c) They see your vehicle
a) They may move into your traffic lane
Your safety equipment must include a) Three red reflective triangles to be used as warning devices b) Spare electrical fuses, but only if your vehicle has circuit breakers c) Spare brake drums d) A spare front axle
a) Three red reflective triangles to be used as warning devices
Which of these statements about certain types of cargo is true? a) Unstable loads such as hanging meat or livestock can require extra caution on curves b) Oversize loads can be hauled without special permits during times when the roads are not busy c) When liquids are hauled, the tank should always be loaded totally full
a) Unstable loads such as hanging meat or livestock can require extra caution on curves
Which of these is true about bad weather and driving conditions? a) When the temperature drops, bridges will freeze before roads will b) The road is more slippery as rain continues than when rain begins c) Driving conditions become more dangerous as the temperature rises above freezing
a) When the temperature drops, bridges will freeze before roads will
Which of these is especially true about your tires in hot weather? a) You should check tire mounting and air pressure before driving b) If a tire is too hot to touch, you should hose it down with water c) A small amount of air should be let out so air pressure remains steady
a) You should check tire mounting and air pressure before driving
Which of the following is NOT a main concern when you are driving in very hot weather? a) Your seat belt causing you to sweat b) Tar bubbling up and causing slippery roadways c) Driving slowly enough to prevent overheating d) Loose belts possibly causing overheating
a) Your seat belt causing you to sweat
How far ahead do most good drivers look, according to the Handbook? a) 5 to 10 seconds b) 12 to 15 seconds c) 7 to 12 seconds d) 10 to 12 seconds
b) 12 to 15 seconds
How far should a driver look ahead of the vehicle while driving? a) 5-8 seconds b) 12-15 seconds c) 18-21 seconds
b) 12-15 seconds
You are driving a 400 foot vehicle at 35 mph. The road is dry and visibility is good. What is the least amount of space you should keep in front of your vehicle to be safe? a) 3 seconds b) 4 seconds c) 5 seconds
b) 4 seconds
You are driving a new truck with a manual transmission. What gear will you probably have to use to take a long, steep downhill grade? a) The same gear you would use to climb the hill b) A lower gear than you would use to climb the hill c) A higher gear than you would use to climb the hill
b) A lower gear than you would use to climb the hill
If you need to leave the road in a traffic emergency, you should: a) Try to get all wheel off the pavement b) Avoid braking until your speed had dropped to 20 mph c) Avoid the shoulder because most shoulders will not support a large vehicle
b) Avoid braking until your speed had dropped to 20 mph
To help you stay alert and safe while driving, you should a) Drink coffee if you get drowsy b) Avoid medications whose warning labels mention drowsiness c) Roll down your windows to get fresh air d) Have a whiskey to brace yourself
b) Avoid medications whose warning labels mention drowsiness
Which of the following should you NOT do while driving at night? a) Avoid blinding other drivers b) Avoid using your high beams, just in case c) Avoid glare from the headlights of oncoming vehicles d) All of the above
b) Avoid using your high beams, just in case
What must you do if you are involved in a collision that involves death, injury, or property damage over $1,000? a) Report it to your employer b) File an official report on form SR-1 within 10 days c) Stop driving your vehicle for 10 days d) Do all of the above
b) File an official report on form SR-1 within 10 days
The total weight of a powered unit, the trailer, and the cargo is called: a) Gross vehicle weight b) Gross combination weight c) Gross axle weight
b) Gross combination weight
To determine BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION (BAC) for a person, it is necessary to know: a) How often the person drinks alcohol (tolerance level) b) How much the person weighs c) Hold old the persons is
b) How much the person weighs
Where must you keep shipping papers when transporting hazardous materials? a) Under the driver's seat b) In a pouch on the driver's door or on the seat c) In the glove compartment, which must be locked
b) In a pouch on the driver's door or on the seat
Which of these is correct about emergency or evasive action? a) Stopping is always the safest thing to do in an emergency b) In order to turn quickly, you must have a firm grip on the steering wheel c) You can usually stop more quickly than you can turn to miss an obstacle
b) In order to turn quickly, you must have a firm grip on the steering wheel
Controlled braking: a) Involves locking the wheels for short periods of time b) Is used to keep a vehicle in a straight line when braking c) Should only be used with hydraulic brakes
b) Is used to keep a vehicle in a straight line when braking
An antilock braking system (ABS) will a) Shorten your stopping distance b) Not change the way you brake normally c) Increase a vehicle's stopping power d) Let you drive faster
b) Not change the way you brake normally
The aggregate working load limit of your cargo tiedowns must be at least ___ times the weight of the cargo. a) Two-and-a-half b) One-half c) Four d) Two
b) One-half
You don't want to be a distracted driver, so you a) Smoke, eat, and drink on straight portions of the road b) Preset your favorite radio stations c) Read maps or use your phone only when there are no other vehicles around you d) Have all your emotionally difficult conversations in your first hour of driving
b) Preset your favorite radio stations
What should you do when your vehicle hydroplanes? a) Start stab braking b) Release the accelerator c) Accelerate slightly
b) Release the accelerator
Step 3 of the seven-step inspection method is Start Engine and Inspect inside the Cab. This step involves each of the following tasks, EXCEPT a) Checking the transmission controls b) Starting the engine, then putting the gearshift in neutral c) Checking the air pressure gauge d) Starting the engine, then listening for unusual noises
b) Starting the engine, then putting the gearshift in neutral
What is the safest speed when you are driving in heavy traffic? a) As fast as possible, to get out of the way b) The speed of other traffic (if not illegal or unsafe) c) 15 mph below the speed of other traffic d) The posted speed limit
b) The speed of other traffic (if not illegal or unsafe)
What is the gross vehicle weight (GVW)? a) A vehicle's maximum weight rating, specified by its manufacturer b) The total weight of a single vehicle and its load c) The total weight of the vehicle, including the load any trailers d) Any of the above
b) The total weight of a single vehicle and its load
Which of these is true about your overhead clearance? a) Paving a road does not affect the clearance height under bridges or overpasses b) The weight of a cargo can change the height of your vehicle c) Warnings are always posted for low clearance areas like bridges and overpasses
b) The weight of a cargo can change the height of your vehicle
CDL medical certificates must be renewed every: a) Year b) Two years c) Four years
b) Two years
Which of these is not a possible penalty for having more than one license? a) Being put in jail b) Warning for a first offense c) Having your California CDL canceled d) Being fined up to $5,000
b) Warning for a first offense
After your pre-trip inspection, you should inspect your cargo a) Within 25 miles of the start of the trip b) Within 50 miles of the start of the trip c) Within 10 miles of the start of the trip d) Within an hour after starting the trip
b) Within 50 miles of the start of the trip
You are driving a vehicle that could safely be driven at 55 mph on an open road. But traffic is now heavy, moving at 35 mph though the speed limit is 55. The safest speed for your vehicle is most likely: a) 25 mps b) 45 mph c) 35 mph
c) 35 mph
Which of these items is NOT checked in a pre-trip inspection? a) Whether all vehicle lights are working and are clean b) Cargo securement c) Amount of fuel in the vehicle
c) Amount of fuel in the vehicle
Which of these statement about backing a heavy vehicle is NOT true? a) You should back and turn toward the driver's side whenever possible b) You should use a helper and communicate with hand signals c) Because you can't see, you should back slowly until you slightly bump into the dock
c) Because you can't see, you should back slowly until you slightly bump into the dock
You are driving a long vehicle that makes wide turns. You want to turn left from one street into another. Both are two-lane, two-way streets. You should: a) Begin turning your vehicle as soon as you enter the intersection b) Turn into the left lane and then move to the right lane when the traffic is clear c) Begin turning the vehicle when you are halfway through the intersection
c) Begin turning the vehicle when you are halfway through the intersection
Which of these is NOT a common cause of vehicles fires? a) Problems in the electrical system b) Underinflated tires c) Halogen headlights d) Flammable cargo
c) Halogen headlights
Truck escape ramps: a) Cannot be used by certain types of heavy vehicles b) Are not for buses c) Help avoid damage to vehicles
c) Help avoid damage to vehicles
The purpose of retarders is to: a) Apply extra braking power to the non-drive axles b) Help prevent skids c) Help slow the vehicle while driving and reduce brake wear
c) Help slow the vehicle while driving and reduce brake wear
Your vehicle is stuck on railroad tracks. You shouldYour vehicle is stuck on railroad tracks. You should a) Gather up your belongings and paperwork and then leave the cab b) Try to save some of the cargo if you don't see a train yet c) Immediately get out of the cab and move away from the tracks d) Keep trying to move your vehicle until you see the train
c) Immediately get out of the cab and move away from the tracks
Which of these is NOT a good rule to follow when caring for injured at an accident scene? a) If a qualified person is helping them, stay out of the way unless asked to assist b) Move severely injured persons if there is danger due to fire or passing traffic c) Keep injured persons cool
c) Keep injured persons cool
You are driving on a straight, level highway at 50 mph. There are no vehicles in front of you. Suddenly a tire blows out on your vehicle. What should you do first? a) If a qualified person is helping them, stay out of the way unless asked to assist b) Move severely injured persons if there is danger due to fire or passing traffic c) Keep injured persons cool
c) Keep injured persons cool
Which statement is true? a) Most people are most alert at night than during the day b) Most hazards are easier to see at night than during the day c) Many heavy vehicle accidents occur between midnight and 6 a.m.
c) Many heavy vehicle accidents occur between midnight and 6 a.m.
Which of these is true about rear drive wheel braking skids? a) Locked wheels usually have more traction than rolling wheels b) Front wheels slide sideways to try to "catch up" with rear wheels c) On vehicles with trailers, the trailer can push the towing vehicle sideways
c) On vehicles with trailers, the trailer can push the towing vehicle sideways
What three things add up to the total stopping distance for your truck or bus? a) Attention distance, reaction distance, slowing distance b) Observation distance, response distance, braking distance c) Perception distance, reaction distance, braking distance
c) Perception distance, reaction distance, braking distance
Which of these statements about causes of vehicle fires is true? a) Under-inflated tires will NOT cause a vehicle fire b) Carrying a properly charged fire extinguisher will help prevent fires c) Poor trailer ventilation can cause flammable cargo to catch on fire
c) Poor trailer ventilation can cause flammable cargo to catch on fire
According to the state of California, what is the most important and obvious reason to check your vehicle? a) Employer liability b) To make sure your paint is not chipped c) Safety d) To see if your vehicle needs a wash
c) Safety
Which of the following should you NOT do when you are being tailgated? a) Avoid quick changes b) Avoid tricks such as flashing your brake lights c) Speed up d) Increase your following distance
c) Speed up
You are checking your steering and exhaust systems in a pre-trip inspection. Which of these problems, if found, should be fixed before the vehicle is driven? a) Oil of the tie rod b) Black smoke from the exhaust pipe c) Steering wheel play more than 10 degrees (2 inches on a 20-inch steering wheel)
c) Steering wheel play more than 10 degrees (2 inches on a 20-inch steering wheel)
