IL General Knowledge CDL Practice Test - 4

You should put the starter switch key into your pocket while you perform the pre-trip inspection because

someone could start and move the truck EXPLANATION: Shut off engine and take key with you so someone else won't move truck while you are under it.

If you have been drinking alcohol, before you drive, you should

wait for it to wear off EXPLANATION: The liver can only process one-third an ounce of alcohol per hour, which is considerably less than the alcohol in a standard drink. This is a fixed rate, so only time, not black coffee or a cold shower, will sober you up.

A vehicle is loaded with most of the weight on the steering axle. What may result?

Hard steering and possible breakdown EXPLANATION: Too much weight on the steering axle can cause hard steering. It can damage the steering axle and tires.

Which of these is NOT part of the basic method for shifting up?

Accelerating while pressing the clutch and turning toward the driver's side EXPLANATION: Basic method for shifting up: release accelerator, push in clutch and shift to neutral at the same time. Release clutch. Let engine and gears slow down to the rpm required for the next gear. Push in clutch and shift to the higher gear at the same time. Release clutch and press accelerator at the same time.

On average, the total stopping distance with air brakes is?

Approximately 450 feet EXPLANATION: The total stopping distance is the total minimum distance your vehicle has traveled, in ideal conditions; with everything considered, including perception distance, reaction distance and braking distance, until you can bring your vehicle to a complete stop. At 55 mph, your vehicle will travel a minimum of 450 feet.

When approaching a curve, you should:

Downshift before entering the curve and accelerate slightly as you go through it EXPLANATION: Slow down to a safe speed, and downshift to the right gear before entering the curve. This lets you use some power through the curve to help the vehicle be more stable while turning. It also allows you to speed up as soon as you are out of the curve.

Signs of distracted drivers include

Drivers having conversations with passengers EXPLANATION: Watch for: vehicles that may drift over the lane divider lines or within their own lane; vehicles traveling at inconsistent speeds; drivers who are preoccupied with maps, food, cigarettes, cell phones, or other objects; drivers who appear to be involved in conversations with their passengers.

You must park on the side of a level, straight, four lanes, divided highway. Where should you place the three reflective triangles?

One within 10 feet of the rear of the vehicle, one about 100 feet to the rear, and one about 200 feet to the rear EXPLANATION: If you must stop on or by a one-way or divided highway, place warning devices 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic.

To correct a rear wheel or drive wheel braking skid, you should:

Release brakes and counter steer EXPLANATION: Do the following to correct a drive-wheel braking skid: stop braking letting the rear wheels roll again and keep the rear wheels from sliding; counter-steer as a vehicle turns back on course, it tends to keep on turning. Unless you turn the steering wheel quickly the other way, you may find yourself skidding in the opposite direction.

The most important hand signal that you and a helper should agree on is

Stop. EXPLANATION: Before you begin backing, work out a set of hand signals that you both understand. Agree on a signal for "stop."

Which of the following is NOT something you should check during a trip?

Text messages EXPLANATION: Your CDL will be disqualified after two or more convictions of any state law on texting while operating a CMV. No motor carrier shall allow or require its drivers to engage in texting while driving.

A stale green light means?

The light ahead has been green for quite a while EXPLANATION: A stale green light is a traffic light that is green when you first see it, thus you do not know how long it has been green - so we have to assume it will change at any moment.

The load means the following?

The maximum safe weight a tire can carry at a specified pressure EXPLANATION: The tire load is the maximum safe weight a tire can carry at a specified pressure. This rating is stated on the side of each tire.

What is the best way to figure out how many seconds of following distance you have?

Wait until the vehicle ahead of you passes a shadow or landmark. Then count the seconds until you reach it. EXPLANATION: To know how much space you have, wait until the vehicle ahead passes a shadow on the road, a pavement marking, or some other clear landmark. Then count off the seconds like this: "one thousand-and-one, one thousand-and-two" and so on, until you reach the same spot.

Should the pre-trip inspection report from the last driver be reviewed during your pre-trip inspection?

Yes EXPLANATION: You must review the inspection report made by the previous driver. Only if defects reported earlier have been certified as repaired or not needed to be repaired, should you sign the previous driver's report.

Blocking the cargo to keep it from shifting must be done

at the front, back, and/or sides of a piece of cargo. EXPLANATION: Blocking is used in the front, back, and/or sides of a piece of cargo to keep it from sliding. Blocking is shaped to fit snugly against cargo. It is secured to the cargo deck to prevent cargo movement.