General Knowledge Test 4

The best drivers are those who watch and prepare for hazards. This is called being

defensive

Signs of distracted drivers include

drivers having conversations with passengers

You should schedule your driving

for the hours you are normally awake.

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

When approaching a traffic light that has been green for a long time, you should

start to slow down so you will be ready to stop

If an automatic transmission is forced into a lower gear while driving, what is not affected on a downgrade?

steering

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

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

What is the definition of "sleep debt?"

the cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep

Under federal regulations, if a vehicle is carrying a load that is more than two feet wide and extends more than four feet beyond the rear of the vehicle, _________ must be placed at the extreme end of the load.

two red flags

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

wait for it to wear off

You should try to park your vehicle so that

you can pull forward when you leave.

When approaching a curve, you should:

Downshift before entering the curve and accelerate slightly as you go through it

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

Hard steering and possible breakdown

Which of these is not a danger when an automatic transmission is forced into a lower gear at a high speed?

Loss of steering control

When roads are slippery, you should:

Make turns as gently as possible

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

Yes

Every time you park your vehicle and shut the engine off, you should

apply the parking brake

Which of these statements is NOT true?

A drinker can control how fast his or her body absorbs and gets rid of alcohol.

Which of these statements about drinking alcohol is true?

A few beers have the same effect on driving as a few shots of whisky

What is black ice?

A thin layer of ice clear enough that you can see the road underneath it

What is/are the important reason(s) for doing a vehicle inspection?

A vehicle defect found during an inspection could save you problems later. You could have a breakdown on the road that will cost time and dollars, or even worse, a crash caused by the defect. Also, Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect their vehicles.

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

Which of these items is not checked in a pre-trip inspection?

Amount of fuel in the vehicle

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

Approximately 420 feet

When driving on grades, which of these is the best choice for a safe speed?

Based on your vehicle and its cargo, select a speed that is safe within the posted limit

Which of the following statements about backing is true?

Because you cannot see everything behind your vehicle, backing is always dangerous. Avoid backing whenever you can. When you have to back, here are a few simple safety rules: start in the proper position, look at your path, use mirrors on both sides, back slowly, back and turn toward the driver's side if possible, use a helper whenever possible.

What are the proper collision procedures that are required for any collision in which you are involved but not seriously injured?

Both of the above are required procedures

You should check the following for looseness, sticking, damage, or improper settings

Check all of the following for looseness, sticking, damage, or improper setting: steering wheel, clutch, and accelerator.

The Commercial Driver's Handbook suggests several things to do when you pass a vehicle. Which of these is NOT one of them?

Constantly blow your horn while passing the vehicle.

Which of these is NOT a proper use of vehicle lights?

Flashing your brake lights to stop someone from tailgating

What is the first thing you should try to do if your brakes fail while driving downhill?

Get off the road as soon as possible

What are some advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle?

If an oncoming driver has drifted into your lane, a move to your right is best. If that driver realizes what has happened, the natural response will be to return to their own lane. No one is likely to be driving on the shoulder, but someone may be passing you on the left.

If you are being tailgated, you should

Increase your following distance

How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a single railroad track? A double railroad track?

It takes 14 seconds to clear a single track and more than 15 seconds to clear a double track.

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

Over length, over width, and overweight loads require:

Over-length, over-width, and/or overweight loads require special transit permits. Driving is usually limited to certain times. Special equipment may be necessary such as "wide load" signs, flashing lights, flags, etc.

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

Release brakes and counter steer

How can you test the parking brake?

Set the parking brake and pull forward gently

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

Text messages

A stale green light means?

The light ahead has been green for quite a while

The load means the following?

The maximum safe weight a tire can carry at a specified pressure

What checks should you perform on the steering gear box?

The steering box should not be missing any nuts, bolts, or cotter keys

Name some important steering system parts.

Tie rod, spindle, pitman arm.

To safely adjust your speed to current driving conditions, what should you look for ahead?

Traffic and road conditions

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

Which of these statements about using turn signals is true?

When turning, you should signal early

Is it safe to add coolant to a coolant recovery tank or coolant overflow tank while the engine is at operating temperature?

Yes, as long as the engine isn't overheated.

Which of these statements about managing space to the sides is true?

You should avoid traveling next to others whenever possible

Blocking the cargo to keep it from shifting must be done

at the front, back, and/or sides of a piece of cargo

If you need to leave the road in a traffic emergency, you should

avoid braking until your speed has decreased to about 20 mph