CDL practice test
"A truck's braking distance is shorter when it's empty than when it's fully loaded."
False. Trucks brake best when they are used as they were designed: to carry a properly balanced load. Empty trucks actually have longer braking distances than loaded trucks because they have less traction.
If you double your speed, how much more distance will it take to brake to a stop?
Four times as much When you double your speed, your braking distance increases by roughly the square of the speed increase - to about four times as much as before. For example, increasing your speed from 15 to 30 mph will increase your stopping distance from 46 to 148 feet.
You should inspect wheel bearing seals for
Leaks. The most likely problem with wheel bearing seals is leaking, so you should check for grease on the wheels and any visible evidence of cracks or leaks.
How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a double railroad track?
More than 15 seconds. You can expect it to take more than 15 seconds for a typical tractor-trailer to clear a double track and at least 14 seconds to clear a single track.
Before transporting a sealed load, you must check
That you don't exceed gross weight or axle weight limits. While you cannot actually inspect sealed loads, it's still your responsibility to ensure that you do not exceed your axle weight limits or gross weight restrictions, so check them both.
Which of the following is MOST likely to get stuck on raised railroad crossings?
The two types of combination vehicles most likely to get stuck at a raised railroad crossing are low-slung units (car carries, lowboys, moving vans, etc.) and single-axle tractors that are pulling a long trailer whose landing gear is set to accommodate a tandem-axle tractor. Be very careful when driving such vehicles at railroad crossings.
What is a common cause of tire fires
Underinflated tires and dual tires that touch are the most common causes of tire fires.
The most important hand signal that you and a helper should agree on is
"Stop" Unfortunately, once an accident happens, you can't take it back. That's why it's absolutely essential for you and your helper to have clear hand signal for "Stop." That way, you'll be able to quickly stop what you are doing before an accident can occur.
Which of the following is NOT a key steering system component?
1. Tie Rod 2. Steering wheel 3. Axle 4. Gear box Axle. Each axle is, of course, an integral part of your vehicle. However, it is not a key part of the steering system, which includes the other choices, the steering column, the arm and knuckle, the hydraulic fluid reservoir, the pitman arm, and the spindle.
Where should you place your warning devices if you must stop on a one-way road or divided highway?
10 ft, 100 ft, and 200 ft toward approaching traffic. This is required by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation 49 CFR 392.22. This regulation also specifies where to place warning devices on other types of roadways such as undivided two-way roads and curves. (These situations are also covered in section 2.5.2 of the Florida CDL Handbook.)
According to the Florida CDL Handbook, how far ahead should you look while driving?
12 to 15 seconds. According to the Florida CDL Handbook, you should look ahead the distance that your CMV will travel in 12 to 15 seconds. At the slower speeds of city driving, your CMV will travel about one block in 15 seconds. At 60 mph, your CMV will travel a quarter mile (1,320 feet) in 15 seconds.
How many tie-downs are required for a 20-foot load?
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 should have two tie-downs.
In Florida, to pass an emergency vehicle that is stopped on the side of a multilane roadway, you must move into a non-adjacent lane - if it's safe to do so. Otherwise, you must slow down to
20 mph below the speed limit. Under Florida's Move Over Law, when you encounter an emergency vehicle, sanitation vehicle, utility vehicle, or tow truck that is stopped with its flashing lights on, you must move into a non-adjacent lane if possible, leaving at least one vacant lane between you and the vehicle. If this is impossible (e.g., no other lanes in your direction) or unsafe, you must slow down until you have passed the vehicle. If the posted speed limit is greater than 20 mph, you must slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit; otherwise, you must slow down to 5 mph. (Note: All US states now have their own Move Over Laws, but some of them require drivers to do different things. When traveling out of state, always check the local traffic laws.)
If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55mph, you should leave how many seconds of following distance?
4 seconds. The formula for following distance is one second per ten feet of vehicle, plus an extra second if you are traveling over 40 mph. Length/10, +1 if above 40 mph.
The minimum tire tread depth for the front tires is
4/32 inch. or 0.125 inches Front tires require depth of at least 4/32 inch. All other tires require a tread depth of at least 2/32 inch.
Once you start your trip, you must inspect the securement of your cargo within
50 miles. Once you start your trip, you must inspect the securement of your cargo within 50 miles and then every 3 hours or 150 miles thereafter.
Getting only _____ or less of sleep the night before your trip will triple your risk of an accident.
6 hrs. Getting only 6 hrs or less of sleep the night before your trip will triple your risk of an accident. Adults really need 8 to 9 hrs of sleep to maintain alertness.
Under Florida law, which of the following drivers must hold a CDL? 1. A driver of a military vehicle 2. A farmer carrying fresh produce to the market 3. A long-haul trucker carrying fresh produce 4. All of the above
A long-haul trucker carrying fresh produce Military drivers, emergency personnel, farmers, and farm employees (but not those employed to drive vehicles for farms) are exempt from needing a CDL. Also, someone who drives a recreational vehicle or straight truck for noncommercial purposes (e.g., to move the driver's own personal property) is exempt from needing a CDL.
What is the definition of a hazard?
A road user or road condition that presents a possible danger. A hazard is a road user or road condition that presents a possible danger. A hazard is something that can go wrong but shouldn't if you've been vigilant.
Which of the following should you NOT do if you experience a tire failure?
Brake hard and immediately. Hard braking could cause your vehicle to go out of control, so brake gently only after the vehicle has slowed down and you have regained control.
What is the best way to check what is going on behind and to the sides of your vehicle?
Check your mirrors regularly. To know what's going on behind and to the sides of your vehicle, check your mirrors regularly while you drive, and check them even more often in special situations. Before you start to drive adjust your mirrors so that each mirror shows a different part of your vehicle.
An antilock braking system (ABS)
Does not change the way you normally brake. ABS does not have much effect on your everyday driving. it does not affect your braking capability or necessarily shorten your stopping distance. It just helps you keep control of your vehicle by activating when your wheels are about to lock up.
If you are being tailgated, you should:
Increase your following distance. If you are being tailgated, avoid sudden changes or tricks such as flashing your brake lights. Instead, increase your following distance to give both you and the tailgater more space to react to hazards. This may also encourage the tailgater to pass you. Don't speed up in an attempt to appease or outdistance the tailgater. No speed is too fast for some tailgaters.
Letting the air out of hot tires
Is a bad idea because when the tires cool off, pressure will be too low. When tires get hot, the air pressure increases. However, relieving that extra pressure will leave the air pressure too low when the tires cool again, and then the tires may catch fire or blow out. If your tires are too hot to touch, stop until they have cooled down.
Total stopping distance equals
Perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance. Total stopping distance is the sum of your perception distance (how far your vehicle goes from when you see the hazard until your brain processes it), reaction distance (how far the vehicle goes from when your brain orders your foot to take action until your foot actually starts to brake), and braking distance (how far the vehicle continues to travel once you apply the brake).
Signs of a drunk driver include all of the following except
Reacting quickly to hazards Alcohol can impair a driver's coordination and judgment and increase his or her reaction time. As a result, the driver may straddle two lanes, weave from lane to lane, fail to obey traffic laws, drive dangerously fast, or (in an attempt to stay in control) drive very slowly.
To shift up, you should release the accelerator, push in the clutch and shift into neutral, and then
Release the clutch. To shift up with double clutching, release the accelerator, press the clutch and shift into neutral at the same time, release the clutch, let the engine and gears slow to the required rpm for the next gear, press the clutch and shift into a higher gear at the same time, then release the clutch and press the accelerator at the same time.
Which of the following statements about retarders are true?
Retarders (of which there are several types) help slow your vehicle, reducing the need for braking. However, they can make a skid more likely in inclement weather or whenever your wheels have poor traction. Therefore, you should turn off your retarder in poor weather.
When going down a downgrade in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you should
Select a low range. If you keep applying the brakes to control your speed on a steep descent, the brakes may fade (lose their effectiveness). Instead, if your vehicle has an automatic transmission, select a low range that prevents the transmission from shifting up beyond the selected gear. This will generate a braking effect to slow the vehicle, known as engine braking. The lower the gear, the greater the engine braking effect. Apply the brakes only when engine braking is insufficient or you want to stop.
Why should you cover your cargo?
There are several reasons to cover your cargo, including protecting other people and the cargo itself. In addition, it will help you comply with regulations in several states. Florida law requires you to cover loose cargo to prevent any part of it from blowing off, falling off, or otherwise escaping from your vehicle. [FL Stat § 316.520]
How many reflective warning triangles must you carry with you for emergencies?
Three Your truck's emergency equipment must include warning devices such as three reflective red triangles, three liquid burning flares, or six fusees.
what will help a drunk sober up?
Time Your body breaks down alcohol at a predictable rate. Typically, this is one standard drink per hour, where one stand drinks equals 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, 5 ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beet. Neither coffee nor fresh air nor water can increase that rate. You need to wait until the alcohol has been broken down.
On a vehicle equipped with air brakes, what is the purpose of the device marked "A", which is on top of the air compressor in this figure?
To keep storage tank pressures within a certain range. The air compressor can typically produce pressures of hundreds of pounds per square inch. Therefore, an air compressor governor (labeled "A" in this figure) is employed to keep storage tank air pressures within a relatively narrow range. When air tank pressure rises to the "cut-out" level (typically about 125 psi), the governor stops the compressor from pumping air into the storage tanks. When the tank pressure falls to the "cut-in" pressure (typically about 100 psi), the governor allows the compressor to pump air into the storage tanks again. (Note: During your pre-trip inspection test, your examiner will probably ask you to point out the air compressor. If it's in a location where it's not easily visible, just point in its general area.)
How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with an antilock braking system (ABS)?
Today, most vehicles with ABS have a light on the instrument panel that will light up briefly when the vehicle is started to alert you about the ABS. Or you can check for wires from your brakes. Also vehicles manufactured after March 1, 1998 are required to have a panel light.
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. Note: you should increase your following distance in heavy traffic, in bad weather, with heavy vehicles, or at higher speeds.
When you start to drive down a steep downgrade, which of the following should influence your choice of speed?
When choosing a safe speed for driving down a steep downgrade, consider its steepness, its length, the road and weather conditions, and the weight of your vehicle and its cargo.
To transport cargo safely, which of the following are you NOT responsible for?
You are not responsible for the stated of sealed cargo, nor can you inspect it. You are only responsible for the safety of the cargo, ensuring that it is balanced, secured, and not overloaded, and does not get in the way of emergency equipment.
Why should you keep your tires properly inflated?
Your tires will last longer. Keep your tires properly inflated. (Use a tire pressure gauge to get an accurate reading.) Overinflated tires are more likely to fail prematurely. Low tire pressures cause faster tire wear and reduced cornering ability and increase the effect of hydroplaning. Underinflation also causes increased flexing of the tire, which increases tire temperature. Tires that overheat can catch fire. Of course, even properly inflated tires are no guarantee against skids.
Your vehicle's safety equipment must include
Your vehicle's safety equipment must include warning devices (such as reflective triangles) and a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher. You must also have spare electrical fuses but only if your vehicle uses fuses instead of circuit breakers.
If you don't have enough weight on the front axle
you may not be able to steer safely. Less weight may mean less grip of the road. Insufficient weight on the front axle may make it harder to steer safely. Underloading the driving axles increases the chance that the drive wheels will spin.
