CDL General Knowledge

A hazardous materials placard is ______. ...a sign put on the outside of a vehicle that identifies the hazard class of the cargo ...a sign put on the inside of a vehicle that identifies the hazard class of the cargo ...a sign put on the back of a vehicle that identifies the hazard class of the cargo ...a sign put on the outside of a vehicle that identifies the hazard class and weight of the cargo

...a sign put on the outside of a vehicle that identifies the hazard class of the cargo

An advantage of going right instead of left around an obstacle is ______. ...if you are blocked on both sides, a move to the right. At least you won't force anyone into an opposing traffic lane and cause a possible head on collision There is no advantage either way. ...it is much easier to turn a truck to the right than it is to the left. It is good to make a habit out of going the same way every time ...if the shoulder is paved, going right may be best. No one is ever on the shoulder; someone could be passing you on the left

...if you are blocked on both sides, a move to the right. At least you won't force anyone into an opposing traffic lane and cause a possible head on collision

The method for testing hydraulic brakes for leaks is to _____. ...pump the brake pedal five times and apply firm pressure for 3 seconds. The pedal should not move ...move slowly forward and step on the brake hard ...pump the brake pedal three times and apply firm pressure for 5 seconds. The pedal should not move ...hold the brake down for 5 seconds and listen for leaks Any of these

...pump the brake pedal three times and apply firm pressure for 5 seconds. The pedal should not move

Before transporting a sealed load, it is important to check that _____. ...the placard numbers match the seal numbers ...the seal is secure ...the load is properly secured ...the seal is authentic

...the load is properly secured

Two causes of tire fires are ______. ...under-inflated tires and poor retreads ...under-inflated tires and duals that touch ...hot brakes and under-inflated tires ...duals that touch and road debris

...under-inflated tires and duals that touch

Hydroplaning is _______. ...a water spill on the road that came from a water truck ...the amount of traction a truck has due to the weight of the vehicle on slippery surfaces ...a term used for quickly planning an alternate route due to heavy rain ...when tires lose their contact with the road and have little or no traction due to water on the road

...when tires lose their contact with the road and have little or no traction due to water on the road

Where should you place your warning devices if you must stop on a one-way road or divided highway? 20 feet, 50 feet, and 100 feet toward approaching traffic 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward approaching traffic 100 feet, 200 feet, and 300 feet toward approaching traffic 50 feet, 100 feet, and 150 feet toward approaching traffic

10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward approaching traffic

How many tie-downs are required for a 20-foot load? 3 2 4 1

2 The rule is that you should have one tie-down per 10 feet of cargo, and you must have at least two per load, regardless of the length. So for 20 feet, you must have two.

If you are traveling at 55 mph in a 30-foot vehicle, you should leave how many seconds of following distance? 3 seconds 6 seconds 4 seconds 7 seconds

4

What is an escape ramp? A ramp leading to a long bed of loose soft material to slow a runaway vehicle, sometimes in combination with an upgrade Another term for an off ramp A ramp commonly found on freeways in California used to get around major accidents None of these

A ramp leading to a long bed of loose soft material to slow a runaway vehicle, sometimes in combination with an upgrade

Which of these is NOT part of the basic method for shifting up? Pushing in the clutch and shifting into a higher gear at the same time Releasing the clutch Releasing the clutch and pressing the accelerator at the same time Accelerating while pressing the clutch and turning toward the driver's side

Accelerating while pressing the clutch and turning toward the driver's side

Which of the following are some suspension system defects? Broken leaves in leaf spring All of these Cracked or broken spring hangers Leaking shock absorbers

All

How often must you stop to check your cargo while on the road? Every 3 hours or 150 miles After each break you take Within the first 50 miles All of the above

All of the above

Wet brakes can cause _____. None of these ...brakes to apply unevenly ...lack of braking power ...pulling to one side or the other All of these

All of these

How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS)? Check for a yellow ABS malfunction lamp on the instrument panel. Check if your vehicle was manufactured after March 1, 1998. (Such vehicles are required to have the panel light.) Look for wheel speed sensor wires that are coming from the rear of your brakes. All of the above can work.

All the above

When you start down a long downgrade, which of the following should influence your choice of speed? The total weight of your vehicle and its cargo The road conditions The steepness of the grade All of the above

All the above

What is a hazard? A truck with no placards that has hazardous materials Any road condition or other road user that is a possible danger A material that you haul that requires placards

Any road condition or other road user that is a possible danger

Under which two special conditions should you downshift? If there is an accident and in sudden heavy rain Before entering a curve and before going up a hill Before starting down a hill and before entering a curve Before starting down a hill and before going up a hill

Before starting down a hill and before entering a curve

What is the reason that placards are used? To prevent terrorism It is the law So hazmat is not mixed with food Communicate the risk

Communicate the risk

How can you start moving without rolling backward? Apply the trailer brake hand valve. Partly engage the clutch before removing your foot from the brake. Put on the parking brake whenever necessary. Do all of the above.

Do all of the above.

How should you know when to shift? Engine speed and road speed Every 3 to 5 seconds or engine speed Engine speed and the shift indicator light Road speed and wind speed

Engine speed and road speed

To transport cargo safely, which of the following are you NOT responsible for? Making sure that cargo is properly secured Recognizing possible overloads Ensuring the freshness of sealed cargo Inspecting the cargo

Ensuring the freshness of sealed cargo

True or False: Because they are lighter, empty trucks have the best braking.

False

True or False: If somebody is following you too closely, you should decrease your following distance.

False

True or False: It is best to use low beams whenever you can.

False

True or False: The proper procedure if a tire blows out is to put the brakes on hard to stop quickly.

False

True or False: When the road is slippery, retarders will help keep you from skidding.

False

True or False: When using your fire extinguisher, it is best to get as close as possible to the fire.

False

What are the three types of emergency equipment that you must have with your vehicle? First aid kit, fire extinguisher, flares Flares, fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses Fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses, warning devices for parked vehicles None of these Warning devices for parked vehicles, first aid kit, flares

Fire extinguisher, spare electrical fuses, warning devices for parked vehicles

Which is NOT one of the four basic skills that operating a commercial vehicle requires? First-aid certification Steering Accelerating Backing safely

First-aid certification

What is the following procedure used for: Brake hard enough to feel a slowdown. When your speed has been reduced to 5 mph below your safe speed, release the brakes. When your speed has increased to your safe speed, repeat these steps. All of these For driving on slippery roads For a blown tire For coming down long steep grades

For coming down long steep grades

If you double your speed, how much more distance will it take to stop? Twice as much Five times as much Three times as much Four times as much

Four times as much

Which of the following is a key steering component? Gear box Torque rod Bearing plate Leaf spring

Gear Box

If you are drowsy, you should _____ before you drive. ...take a cold shower ...get sleep ...drink coffee ...do a little exercise

Get sleep

Of the following statements, which is false? Gross Combination Weight (GCW) is the total weight of a powered unit plus trailers plus the cargo Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the maximum GCW specified by the manufacturer for a specific combination of vehicles plus its load Gross Combination Weight (GCW) is the total weight of a powered unit plus trailers

Gross Combination Weight (GCW) is the total weight of a powered unit plus trailers

While driving at night, which lights should you use as often as you can? High beams Low beams Novelty lights Emergency flashers

High beams

What are the three things related to cargo that drivers are responsible for? Inspecting your cargo, hauling cargo, and securing the cargo None of these Inspecting your cargo, recognizing overloads, and properly secured cargo Weighing the cargo, securing the cargo, and delivering the cargo

Inspecting your cargo, recognizing overloads, and properly secured cargo

Which of the following is NOT true about an escape ramp? It may be made of soft gravel. It is of no use if you are traveling too fast. It may be located a few miles from the top of a downgrade. It may turn uphill.

It is of no use if you are traveling too fast.

In safe driving, what does communicating mean? Letting others know you are there by using turn signals, four way flashers, and horn Using hand signals Using a CB radio to let others know your intentions All of these None of these

Letting others know you are there by using turn signals, four way flashers, and horn

What are some things you should check on the front of your vehicle when doing the walk-around inspection? Windshield, wipers, mirrors, hood latches Oil, transmission, air compressor, radiator None of these Low beams, high beams, four way flashers, turn signals Tires, steering parts, suspension parts, headlights

Low beams, high beams, four way flashers, turn signals

How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a double railroad track? More than 15 seconds More than 30 seconds 14 seconds 10 seconds

More than 15 seconds

If the engine is not overheated, is it completely safe to remove the radiator cap? Yes, as long as there is no overflow. Yes. Yes, as long as the radiator isn't damaged. No.

No

Do empty trucks have the best braking? No. Yes. Yes, but only on wet surfaces. Yes, but only if the trucks are newer than 1998.

No Trucks brake best when they are used as they were designed: to carry a properly balanced load. Empty trucks actually have greater stopping distances than loaded trucks because they have less traction.

What is a pull-up? Pulling forward while backing a trailer to reposition it When pulling off the shoulder, pulling up until the trailer is straight An exercise that must be performed at a DOT physical exam in order to get a CDL

Pulling forward while backing a trailer to reposition it

The locking jaws should close around which section of the kingpin? Base Shank Head None of the above

Shank

Which of the following can cause a vehicle fire? Short circuits and loose connections Flammable cargo with proper ventilation Spilled fuel cleaned up quickly and properly Driver smoking in a rest area

Short circuits and loose connections

What might happen if you swing wide to the left before you turn right? You might damage your leaf springs. Someone might try to pass you on your left. Someone might try to pass you on your right. All of the above might happen.

Someone might try to pass you on your right.

In which of the following two situations should you downshift? Starting down a hill and finishing a curve Starting up a hill and entering a curve Starting down a hill and entering a curve Starting up a hill and finishing a curve

Starting down a hill and entering a curve

The most important hand signal you should agree on with a helper is "Stop." "Go." "Faster." "Turn up the music."

Stop

Which of the following statements about using mirrors is true? Check them twice for a lane change. Convex mirrors make things look larger and closer than they are. There are blind spots that they cannot show you. You should look at your mirrors several times a second.

There are blind spots that they cannot show you.

When going down a long, steep downgrade, what factors determine your selection of a safe speed? Total weight of the vehicle and cargo, length of the grade, steepness of the grade, road conditions, weather Total weight of the vehicle and cargo Total weight of the vehicle, steepness of the grade, weather Length of the grade and steepness of the grade

Total weight of the vehicle and cargo, length of the grade, steepness of the grade, road conditions, weather

True or False: Aggregate material must be carried in the cargo area of the vehicle and be 6 inches below the upper edge.

True

True or False: Another driver may try to pass you on the right if you swing wide to the left before turning right.

True

Which of the following should you NOT do when you are driving on slippery roads? Make sure there is adequate space all around your vehicle. Use a light touch on your brakes and accelerator. Make necessary turns as gently as you can. Use your retarder.

Use your retarder.

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. Use the stopwatch on your cell phone to determine how long it takes you to reach a mile marker after the vehicle in front of you has passed it. Get 1/4 closer to the car in front of you, then back off again. Multiply how long this took you by four to give the following distance. Send a text message to a friend to text you back in ten seconds. See how far you have traveled in that time.

Wait until the vehicle ahead of you passes a shadow or landmark. Then count the seconds until you reach it.

What is the method used to find out how many seconds of following distance space you have? Divide your speed by four and add one second for every 10 feet of trailer Wait until the vehicle ahead passes a clear landmark, then count off the seconds until you reach the same spot, multiplying by 2 Wait until the vehicle ahead passes a clear landmark, then count off the seconds until you reach the same spot None of these Divide your speed by four and add one second for every 10 feet of trailer in the day and 2 seconds at night

Wait until the vehicle ahead passes a clear landmark, then count off the seconds until you reach the same spot

On which of the following types of fires should you NOT use a B:C fire extinguisher? Grease Gasoline Wood Electrical

Wood

What is the reason you should make emergency plans when you see a hazard? You will have a plan to communicate the risk. All hazards turn into emergencies. You will have more time to act if you see hazards before they become emergencies. You will have less time to act if you see hazards before they become emergencies.

You will have more time to act if you see hazards before they become emergencies.

What is the reason to be in the proper gear before starting down a hill? You will not be able to shift into a lower gear once you are going down the hill. The clutch is made to be used on even surfaces. You will need to be in the same gear at the bottom of the hill. It is the law in most states. There is no need to do this.

You will not be able to shift into a lower gear once you are going down the hill.

What is the best way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle? Rear view cameras A helper Roll the window down Your mirrors All of these

Your mirrors

What is the correct number of red reflective triangles that you should carry? a) three b) five c) seven d) one

a

To avoid the effects that wet brakes can cause you may _____. All of these ...slow down ...gently put on the brakes. This presses linings against brake drums or discs and keeps mud, silt, sand, and water from getting in ..., when out of the water, maintain light pressure on the brakes for a short distance to heat them up and dry them out ...place transmission in a low gear ...increase engine rpm and cross the water while keeping light pressure on the brakes

all of these

When you are at an accident scene you should _____ to prevent another accident. ...set out reflective triangles to warn other traffic ...park away from the accident, if you are stopping to help ...put on your flashers All of these ...try to get it to the side of the road if your vehicle is involved in the accident

all of these

When stopped on a hill, what is the proper procedure to start moving without rolling back? a) Leave the trailer brakes on and drag the tires, releasing the brake after you are moving forward b) Partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake c) Put blocks behind the tires d) None of these e) Increase engine RPMs and let the clutch out quickly

b

You downshift automatic transmissions ______. None of these ...before going down a hill Never ...half way down a hill ...at the bottom of a hill

before going down a hill

Which of the following should you NOT do if you experience a tire failure? Stay off the brake pedal. Hold the steering wheel firmly. Be aware that a tire has failed. Brake hard and immediately.

brake hard and immediately

The manual says you should look _____ ahead while driving. a) ...5 to 8 seconds, at highway speeds, about an eighth of a mile b) ...15 to 20 seconds, at highway speeds, about a half of a mile c) ...12 to 15 seconds, at highway speeds, about a quarter of a mile d) ...9 to 12 seconds, at highway speeds, about a quarter of a mile

c

What are some of the important parts in the steering system? a) Main spring, axle, spring shackle b) Rim, lug nuts, tire c) Tie rod, spindle, pitman arm d) Leaf spring, vehicle frame, torque rod

c

When stopped on a divided highway where should your reflectors be placed? a) 30 feet, 100 feet, and 150 feet toward the approaching traffic b) 20 feet, 150 feet, and 300 feet toward the approaching traffic c) 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic d) 15 feet, 75 feet, and 150 feet toward the approaching traffic

c

For what reason do you keep the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection? a) So you don't lose it b) You will need it to inspect the trailer c) You will need it to open the side box d) So no one moves the vehicle while you are inspecting underneath it

d

If you experience a hazardous materials emergency, you should warn people of the danger. keep people away. avoid smoking and keep open flames away. do all of the above.

do all of the above.

The minimum tread depth for tires other than the front tires is ____. a) 5/32 b) 1/32 c) 3/32 d) 4/32 e) 2/32

e

Which of the following is the most important reason for doing a pre-trip inspection? a) To make sure nothing has been stolen from the vehicle b) Because other drivers do it c) None of these d) To make sure the vehicle will make your destination e) Safety for yourself and other road users

e

If you double your speed, will your stopping distance increase by two or four times? Two Neither Four

four

Letting the air out of hot tires: will cool them down. You will be able to continue your journey sooner. will have no effect at all. is a good idea because the extra pressure will be relieved. is a bad idea because when the tires cool off, the pressure will be too low.

is a bad idea because when the tires cool off, the pressure will be too low.

An anti-lock braking system (ABS) will: shorten your stopping distance. let you drive faster. keep your wheels from locking when you brake hard. increase your vehicle's stopping power.

keep your wheels from locking when you brake hard.

Wheel bearing seals should be checked for _____. ...color changes ...gasoline All of these ...smoke ...leaks

leaks

You should inspect wheel bearing seals for leaks. twisted axles. broken leaf springs. tears.

leaks

Of the following, which is NOT a common cause of vehicle fires? Loose air lines Spilled fuel after an accident Improper use of flares Electrical short circuits due to loose connections Improperly sealed flammable cargo

loose air lines

Total stopping distance equals reaction distance + viewing distance + braking distance. perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance. reaction distance + braking distance. braking distance + stopping distance.

perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance.

If you do become sleepy while driving, you should _____. ...drink caffeinated beverages ...turn up the radio ...stop to sleep ...roll down the windows

stop to sleep

The two main things to look ahead for while driving are _____. ...fire and flooding ...bridges and tunnels ...traffic and road conditions ...road signs and detours ...truck stops and police

traffic & road conditions

For any flatbed load you must have at least ____ tie downs. ...six ...one ...four ...two

two

Always try to back toward the driver's side because: it's more comfortable for turning your neck. your truck will naturally pull toward the driver's side. you can see better, watching the vehicle's rear from the side window. all of the above are true

you can see better, watching the vehicle's rear from the side window.