Cdl general knowledge

The new BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) for commercial drivers to be considered intoxicated when driving a commercial vehicle is: A. 0.04 B. 0.01 C. 0.10

A. 0.04

To prevent a load from shifting, there should be at least one tiedown for every _ feet of cargo. A. 10 B. 15 C. 20

A. 10

You are driving a vehicle that could safety be driven at 55 mph on an open road. But traffic is heavy and other vehicle drive at the speed 35 mph, though the speed limit is 55 mph. The safest speed for your vehicle is more likely to be: A. 35 mph B. 45 mph C. 55 mph

A. 35 mph

Backing of the commercial vehicle is A. Always dangerous B. Is not dangerous if you don't have to turn. C. Not dangerous if you have a helper.

A. Always dangerous

You are checking your brakes and suspension system for a pre-trip inspection. Which of these statements is NOT true? A. Brake shoes should have brake fluid on them B. One missing leaf in a leaf spring can be dangerous C. Cracked drum should be replaced

A. Brake shoes should have brake fluid on them

Retarders: A. Can cause the driver wheels to skid when they have poor traction. B. Cause extra break wear. C. Work when you apply the brake pedal.

A. Can cause the driver wheels to skid when they have poor traction.

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 down the road to give adequate. B. You do not need to put out reflective triangles unless the vehicle will be stopped for 30 minutes or more. C. The vehicle's taillights should be kept on to warn other drivers

A. If a hill or curve keeps drivers behind you from seeing the vehicle within 500 feet, the rear reflective triangle should be moved down the road to give adequate.

To avoid a crush, you had to drive into the right shoulder. You are now driving at 40 mph on the shoulder. How should you move back into the pavement? A. If the shoulder is clear, stay on the right until your vehicle comes to a stop then move back into the pavement when it is safe. B. Brake hard to slow the vehicle, then steer sharply onto the pavement. C. Steer sharply onto the pavement, then brake hard as you counter steer.

A. If the shoulder is clear, stay on the right until your vehicle comes to a stop then move back into the pavement when it is safe.

Where should the ignition key be during the pre-trip inspection? A. In your pocket B. In the Ignition C. On the driver's seat

A. In your pocket

You can see a marking on a vehicle ahead of you. The marking is a red triangle with an orange center. What does the marking mean? A. It may be a slow moving vehicle. B. The vehicle is hauling hazardous materials. C. It is being driving by a student driver.

A. It may be a slow moving vehicle.

Which of these is a good thing to do when driving at night? A. Keep your speed slow enough that you can stop within the range of your headlights. B. Look directly at the oncoming headlights only briefly. C. Keep your instrument lights bright.

A. Keep your speed slow enough that you can stop within the range of your headlights.

When exiting or entering on a curved freeway ramp, you should: A. Maintain a speed 5-10 mph under the posted speed limit B. Maintain the posted speed limit. C. Slow down to at least 50% of the posted speed limit.

A. Maintain a speed 5-10 mph under the posted speed limit

When the roads are slippery, you should A. Make turns as gently as possible B. Stop and test the traction while going uphill C. Decrease the distance that you look ahead of your vehicle

A. Make turns as gently as possible

When the hydraulic brakes fail while you are driving, the system will not build up pressure and the brake pedal will feel spongy or goes to the floor. What should you do? A. Pump the brake pedal to generate pressure. B. Push down the brake pedal as hard as you can C. Put the vehicle in neutral and set the parking brake.

A. Pump the brake pedal to generate pressure.

You are driving on a straight, level highway at 50 mph. There are no vehicles in front of you. Suddenly a tire blew out on your vehicle. What should you do first? a. Stay off the brake until the brake has slowed down b. Begin light braking c. Begin emergency braking

A. Stay off the brake until the brake has slowed down

To correct a drive wheel braking skid, you should: A. Stop braking, turn quickly, then countersteer. B. Increase braking. C. Increase braking, turn quickly, and countersteer.

A. Stop braking, turn quickly, then countersteer.

The road you are driving on becomes very slippery due to glare ice. Which of these is a good thing to do in such a situation? A. Stop driving as soon as you can safely do so. B. Downshift to stop. C. Keep varying your speed by accelerating and breaking.

A. Stop driving as soon as you can safely do so.

You are starting your vehicle in motion from a stop. As you apply power to the drive wheels, they start to spin. You should A. Take your foot off the accelerator B. Take your foot off the accelerator and apply the brakes C. Try a lower gear

A. Take your foot off the accelerator

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. Brakes have more stopping power when they get very hot C. Brake drums cool very quickly when the vehicle is moving very fast

A. The heavier a vehicle or the faster it is moving, the more heat the brakes have to absorb to stop it

In case of which fires can you use water to put it out? A. Tire fires B. Gasoline fires C. Electrical fires

A. Tire fires

When you are parked at the side of the road at night you must: A. Turn on your four-way emergency flashers to warn others. B. Put out your emergency warning lights within 30 minutes. C. Use your taillights to give warning to other drivers.

A. Turn on your four-way emergency flashers to warn others.

High beams should be: A. Used when it is safe and legal to do so. B. Turned on when an oncoming driver does not dim his/her lights. C. Dimmed at the time when you get within 100 feet of another vehicle.

A. Used when it is safe and legal to do so.

Which of these is NOT part of the pre-trip inspection of the engine compartment? A. Valve clearance B. Engine oil level. C. Worn electrical wiring insulation

A. Valve clearance

Which may be a sign of tire failure? A. Wheels skidding B. A loud hissing noise C. Vibration

A. Wheels skidding

Your vehicle is in traffic emergency and may collide with another vehicle if you do not take action. Which of these is a good rule to remember at such a time? A. You can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop. B. Stopping is always the safest action in traffic emergency. C. Leaving the road is always more risky than hitting another vehicle.

A. You can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop.

Which of these statements about double clutching and shifting is true? A. You can use the tachometer to tell you when to shift. B. Double clutching should not be used when the road is slippery C. Double clutching should only be used with a heavy load.

A. You can use the tachometer to tell you when to shift.

Which of these statements about backing a heavy vehicle is true? A. You should avoid backing whenever you can. B. Helpers should be out of the driver's sight and use only voice (spoken) signals to communicate with the driver. C. It is safer to back toward the right side of the vehicle than toward the driver's side.

A. You should avoid backing whenever you can.

Which of these statements about tires and hot weather driving is true? A. You should inspect your tires every two hours or every 100 miles when driving in very hot weather B. The air pressure of a tire decreases as the temperature of the tire increases. C. If tires were too hot to touch, letting five or ten pounds of pressure out would cool them down.

A. You should inspect your tires every two hours or every 100 miles when driving in very hot weather

The distance that you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving amounts to about _ miles at normal highway speed A. 1/8 B. 1/4 C. 1/2

B. 1/4

How many red reflective triangles are you required to carry? A. 2 B. 3 C. 4

B. 3

You are driving a 40-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

When driving at night you should use your low beams when oncoming vehicle is within of how many feet? A. 400 B. 500 C. 300

B. 500

Stab braking should not be used on vehicle with A. Trailers B. Antilock brakes C. Hazardous materials

B. Antilock brakes

If you are convicted for driving under the influence while driving a commercial vehicle, and this is your first offence, you most likely will get: A. A probation period for 1 year B. At least one year suspension of your CDL C. A fine of $250.00

B. At least one year suspension of your CDL

The driver's manual suggests several things to do, when you pass a vehicle. Which of these in NOT the one of them? A. Lightly tap your horn B. At night, turn on your high beams before you start to pass and leave them until you have completely passed the vehicle C. Assume that other driver does not see you

B. At night, turn on your high beams before you start to pass and leave them until you have completely passed the vehicle

You are driving a long vehicle that makes wide turns. You want to turn left from Elm street onto Poplar street. Both are two-lane two-way streets. You should A. Begin turning your vehicle as soon as you enter the intersection B. Begin turning your vehicle when you are halfway through the intersection C. Turn into the left lane of Poplar street an then move to the right lane when the traffic is clear

B. Begin turning your vehicle when you are halfway through the intersection

The center of gravity of a load: A. Should be kept as high as possible B. Can make a vehicle more likely to tip over on curves if it is high. C. Is only problem if the vehicle is overlosded

B. Can make a vehicle more likely to tip over on curves if it is high

You wish to turn right from one two-line, two-way street to another. Your vehicle so long that you must swing wide to make the turn. Which of these figures shows how the turn should be made. A. Figure A B. Figure B C. Figure C

B. Figure B

Which of these is the most important thing to remember about emergency braking? A. Disconnecting the steering axle brakes will keep your vehicle in a straight line during emergency breaking B. If the wheels are skidding, you cannot control your vehicle C. Never do it without downshifting first

B. If the wheels are skidding, you cannot control your vehicle

Which of these best describes how you should use the brake pedal on a steep downhill grade? A. Light, pumping action. B. Light, steady pressure C. Repeated strong pressure then release.

B. Light, steady pressure

Which of these statements about acceleration is true? A. When traction is poor, more power should be applied to the accelerator B. Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage C. You should feel a jerking motion if you accelerate your vehicle properly

B. Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage

To help you to stay alert while driving, you should: A. Schedule trips for hours that you are normally asleep. B. Take short breaks before you get drowsy. C. Take cold medicine if you have a cold.

B. Take short breaks before you get drowsy.

A full stop is required at railroad crossing when: A. There are no flagman, warning signals or gate at the crossing B. The nature of a cargo makes a stop mandatory under the State or Federal regulations C. The crossing is located in the city or town with a frequent train transit.

B. The nature of a cargo makes a stop mandatory under the State or Federal regulations.

Communication means: A. Talking with law enforcement officers B. To communicate your intention to other motorists C. To talk on the CB radio

B. To communicate your intention to other motorists

You are driving a long vehicle that makes wide turns. You want to make a left turn from Ocean ST onto Atlantic ST. There are two left turn lanes (marked A and B) on Ocean ST. You should: A. Use left turn lane A B. Use left turn lane B C. Start in left turn lane A and swing into left turn lane B just before entering the intersection.

B. Use left turn lane B

Which of these statements about using turn signals is true? A. You do not need to use your turn signal when changing lanes in traffic on a four-lane highway. B. When turning, you should signal early. C. You should use your turn signal to mark your vehicle when it is pulled off on the side of the road.

B. When turning, you should signal early.

You are required to inspect your truck within how many miles after beginning the trip? A. 100 B. 150 C. 25

C. 25

If you are stopped at a roadside rest area and found to have a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of 0.02 you will: A. Be placed out of service for 72 hours. B. Be in deep trouble with your dispatcher C. Be placed out of service for 24 hours

C. Be placed out of service for 24 hours

Which of the following vehicles will have the longest stopping distance? A. Empty truck B. Loaded truck C. Bobtail tractor

C. Bobtail tractor

There are two types of jackknife; they are: A. Trailer B. Tractor C. Both A and B

C. Both A and B

You are traveling down a long, steep hill. Your brakes get so hot that they have failed. What should you do? A. Downshift and pump the brake pedal. B. Look for an escape ramp or escape route. C. Both of the above

C. Both of the above

Which of the following statements about speed management is true? A. If you double your speed, stopping distance will double B. Empty truck and loaded trucks will have the same stopping distance C. If you double your speed, stopping distance will be increased by 4 times

C. If you double your speed, stopping distance will be increased by 4 times

When loading a trailer, if the cargo is loaded all to the rear, it may result in: A. Wheel lockup B. Damage to steering axle C. Poor traction on drive wheels

C. Poor traction on drive wheels

To prevent brake fade you should: A. Coast downhill, which is not very steep B. Apply constant hard pressure on the brakes while driving downhill C. Select the gear, which will keep your vehicle to a safe speed on a deep downgrade.

C. Select the gear, which will keep your vehicle to a safe speed on a deep downgrade.

You must drive on a slippery road. Which of these is a good thing to do in such a situation? A. Use a smaller following distance B. Apply the brakes while on curves C. Slow down gradually

C. Slow down gradually

While driving, ice builds up on your wipers and they no longer clean the windshield. You should: A Keep driving, and turn your defroster on B. Keep driving and spray the windshield with washer fluids C. Stop safely and fix the problem

C. Stop safely and fix the problem

What is countersteering? A. Turning the steering wheel counterclockwise. B. Using the steering axle brakes to prevent oversteering. C. Turning the wheel back in the other direction after steering to avoid a traffic emergency.

C. Turning the wheel back in the other direction after steering to avoid a traffic emergency.

When driving through the work zone you should A. Reduce your speed only if workers are close to the roadway B. Turn on your parking lights C. Watch for sharp pavement drop off.

C. Watch for sharp pavement drop off.

Which of these statement about driving in areas with strong wind is true? A. You should drive alongside other vehicles to help break up the wind. B. The lighter your vehicle, the less trouble you will have with the wind. C. Winds are especially a problem when coming out of tunnels.

C. Winds are especially a problem when coming out of tunnels.

What is the proper way to hold a steering wheel? A. With both hands close together, near the top of the wheel. B. With both hands close together, near the bottom of the wheel. C. With both hands, on opposite sides of the wheel.

C. With both hands, on opposite sides of the wheel.

You must stop on a hill or curve on a two-lane two-way road. How far should you place reflective triangles: A. As far back as necessary so others can see you. B. Within 200 feet behind you. C. Within 500 feet behind you.

C. Within 500 feet behind you.

Which of these statements about speed management is true? A. Empty trucks always stop in a shorter distance than fully loaded. B. When you double your speed (go twice as fast), it will take twice the distance to stop. C. You should choose a speed that lets you stop within the distance that you can see ahead.

C. You should choose a speed that lets you stop within the distance that you can see ahead.

Brake (fade) a. Can be caused by the brakes getting very hot b. Can be corrected by letting up on the brakes for 1-2 seconds and then reapplying them c. Is a problem that only occurs with drum brakes

a. Can be caused by the brakes getting very hot

You should avoid driving through deep puddles or flowing water. But if you must which of these steps can help to keep your brakes working? a. Gently putting on the brakes while driving through the water b. Applying hard pressure on both the brake pedal and accelerator after coming out of the water c. Turning on your brake heater

a. Gently putting on the brakes while driving through the water

Which of these is good thing to remember when crossing or entering traffic with a heavy vehicle? a. Heavy vehicles need larger gaps in traffic than cars b. The best way to cross the traffic is to pull the vehicle partway across the road and block one lane while waiting for the other to clear c. Because heavy vehicles are easy to see, you can count on other drivers to move out of your way or slow down for you

a. Heavy vehicles need larger gaps in traffic than cars

The purpose of the retarders is to a. Help slow the vehicle while driving and reduce brake wear b. Apply extra braking power to the non-drive axles c. Help prevent skids

a. Help slow the vehicle while driving and reduce brake wear

For your safety, when setting out reflective triangles you should a. Hold the triangles between yourself and oncoming traffic b. Keep them out of sight while you walk to the spots where you set them out c. Turn on your flashers

a. Hold the triangles between yourself and oncoming traffic

If you are being tailgated, you should a. Increase your following distance b. Flash your brake lights c. Signal the tailgater when it is safe to pass you

a. Increase your following distance

According to driver's manual, why you should limit the use of your horn? a. It can startle other drivers b. The horn is not a good way to let others know you are there c. You should keep firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands at all time

a. It can startle other drivers

You must park on a side of a level, straight, four lane divided highway. Where should you place the reflective triangles? a. 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 b. One within 10 feet of the rear of the vehicle, one about 100 feet to the rear, and one about 100 feet to the front of the vehicle c. One within 10 feet of the front of the vehicle, one about 100 feet to the rear, and one about 200 feet to the rear

a. 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

Your vehicle has hydraulic brakes. While traveling on a level road, you press the brake pedal and find that it goes to the floor. Which of these statements is true? a. Pumping the brake pedal may bring the pressure up so you can stop the vehicle b. The parking brake will not work either because it is a part of the same hydraulic system c. Shifting into neutral will help to slow the vehicle

a. Pumping the brake pedal may bring the pressure up so you can stop the vehicle

You do not have a hazardous materials endorsement on your commercial driver's license. You are asked to deliver hazardous materials in a placarded vehicle. You should a. Refuse to haul the load b. Haul the load but only to the nearest place where a driver with Hazardous Materials Endorsement can take over c. Haul the load but file a report with the Department of Transportation after the trip

a. Refuse to haul the load

You are checking your wheels and rims for a pre-trip inspection. Which of these statements is true? a. Rust around wheel nuts may mean that they are loose b. A vehicle can be safely driven with one missing lug nut on a wheel c. Mismatched lock rings can be used on the same vehicle

a. Rust around wheel nuts may mean that they are loose

You are driving a heavy vehicle. You must exit a highway using an off-ramp that curves downhill. You should a. Slow down to a safe speed before the curve b. Slow to the posted speed limit for the off-ramp c. Wait until you are in the curves before downshifting

a. Slow down to a safe speed before the curve

You are checking your tires for a pre-trip inspection. Which of these statements is true? a. Tires of mismatched sizes should not be used together in the same vehicle b. Radial and bias-ply tires can be used together on the same vehicle c. 2/32 inch tread depth is safe for front tires

a. Tires of mismatched sizes should not be used together in the same vehicle

Which of these statements about certain types of cargo is true? a. Unstable load such as hanging meat od livestock can require extra caution on curves b. Oversize load can be hauled without special permit during times when the roads are not busy c. When liquids are hauled, th tank should always be loaded totally fuu

a. Unstable load such as hanging meat od livestock can require extra caution on curves

Which of these statements about downshifting is true? a. When you downshift for a curve, you should do so before you enter the curve b. When you downshift for a hill, you should do so after you start down the hill c. When double-clutching, you should let the rpms decrease while the clutch is released and the shift lever is in neutral

a. When you downshift for a curve, you should do so before you enter the curve

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 new truck with a manual transmission. What gear will you probably have to use 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

When driving at night, you should a. Look to the left side of the road when a vehicle is coming toward you b. Adjust your speed to keep your stopping distance within your sight distance c. Deem your lights within 300 feet of an oncoming vehicle

b. Adjust your speed to keep your stopping distance within your sight distance

If you need to leave the road in the traffic emergency, you should a. Try to get all wheels off the pavement b. Avoid breaking until your speed has dropped to about 20 mph c. Avoid a shoulder because most shoulders will not support a large vehicle

b. Avoid breaking until your speed has dropped to about 20 mph

If a straight vehicle (not trailer or articulation) goes into front-wheel skid, it will a. Slide sideways and spin out b. Go straight ahead even if the steering wheel is turned c. Go straight ahead but will turn if you turn the steering wheel

b. Go straight ahead even if the steering wheel is turned

Which of these is NOT a good rule to follow when caring for injured person at an accident scene? a. If a qualified is person helping them stay out of the way unless asked assist b. Keep an injured persons cool c. Move severely injured person if there is a danger due to fire or passing traffic

b. Keep an injured persons cool

You are driving on a two-lane road. An oncoming driver drifts into your lane and is headed straight for you. Which of these is most often the best action to take? a. Hard braking b. Steer to the right c. Steer onto the left shoulder

b. Steer to the right

How do you correct a rear-wheel acceleration skid? a. Apply more power to the wheels b. Stop accelerating c. Downshift

b. Stop accelerating

Which of these statements about overhead clearance is true? a. You should assume posted clearance signs are correct b. The weight of a vehicle changes its height c. If the road surface causes your vehicle to tilt toward object at the edge of the road, you should drive close to the shoulder

b. The weight of a vehicle changes its height

You are driving a heavy vehicle with a manual transmission. You have to stop the vehicle on the shoulder while driving on an uphill grade. Which of these is a good rule to follow when putting it back in motion up the grades a. Keep the clutch slipping while slowly accelerating. b. Use the parking brake to hold the vehicle until the clutch engages c. Let the vehicle roll backwards a few feet before you engage the clutch, but turn the wheel so that back moves away from the roadway

b. Use the parking brake to hold the vehicle until the clutch engages

Which of these statements about cold weather driving is true a. An engine cannot overheat when the weather is very cold b. Windshield washer antifreeze should be used c. Exhaust system leaks are less dangerous in cold weather

b. Windshield washer antifreeze should be used

Which of these statements about engine overheating is true? a. You should never shut off an overheated engine until it cools b. You should never remove the radiator cap on a pressurized system until the system is cooled c. Antifreeze is not needed when the weather is warm

b. You should never remove the radiator cap on a pressurized system until the system is cooled

Which of these statements about vehicle fire is true? a. If cargo in a van or box trailer catches on fire, you should open the cargo door as soon as possible b. If your engine is on fire, you should open the hood as soon as you can c. A burning tire should be cooled with water

c. A burning tire should be cooled with water

A key principle to remember about loading cargo is to keep the load a. To the front b. To the rear c. Balanced in the cargo area

c. Balanced in the cargo area

Which of these is a good thing to do when steering to avoid a crash? a. Apply the brakes while turning b. Steer with one hand so that you can turn the wheel more quickly c. Don't turn anymore than needed to clear what is in your way

c. Don't turn anymore than needed to clear what is in your way

Hydroplaning a. Only occurs when there is a lot of water b. Cannot occur when driving through a puddle c. Is more likely if tire pressure is low

c. Is more likely if tire pressure is low

Controlled braking a. Can be used when you are turning sharply b. Involves locking the wheels for short period of time c. Is used to keep a vehicle in a straight line when braking

c. Is used to keep a vehicle in a straight line when braking

As the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) goes up, what happens? a. The drinker more clearly sees how alcohol is affecting him/her b. The effect of alcohol decrease c. Judgement and self-control are affected

c. Judgement and self-control are affected

Which of these statements about staying alert to drive is true? a. A half-hour break for coffee will do more to keep you alert than a half-hour nap b. If you must stop to take a nap, it should be at truck stop or other rest area and never on the side of the road c. Sleep is the only thing can overcome fatigue

c. Sleep is the only thing can overcome fatigue

You are driving a vehicle at 55 mph on dry pavement. About how much total stopping distance will you need to bring it to a stop? a. Twice the length of the vehicle b. Half the length of the football field c. The length of a football field

c. The length of a football field

Which of these is good thing to remember about using mirrors? a. You should look at a mirror for several seconds at a time b. Convex mirrors make things look larger and closer than they really are c. There are blind spots that your mirror cannot show

c. There are blind spots that your mirror cannot show

Which of these statements about drugs is true? a. A driver can use any prescription drug while driving b. Amphetamine. (Pep pills or bennies) can be used to help the driver stay alert c. Use of drugs can lead to an accident and/or arrest

c. Use of drugs can lead to an accident and/or arrest

You should stop driving a. After 5 hours b. After 9 hours c. Whenever you become sleepy

c. Whenever you become sleepy