CDL General Knowledge
You must park on the side of a level, straight, 2 Lane Rd. Where should you place the reflective triangles?
One within 10 feet of the rear of the vehicle, one about 100 feet to the rear, and one about 100 feet in front of the vehicle
How do you test the hydraulic brakes for leaks?
Pump the brake pedal three times, then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds. The pedal should not move.
heavy vehicles must sometimes travel more slowly than other traffic. Which of these is not a good rule to follow while you are driving such a vehicle? a. Signal other drivers when it is safe for them to pass you b. Stay to the right c. Turn on your flashers if it is legal to do so
Signal other drivers when it is safe for them to pass you
You must drive on a slippery road. Which of these is a good thing to do is such a situation? a. Apply the brakes during turns b. Use a smaller following distance c. Slow down
Slow down gradually
vehicle vehicle is loaded with most most of the weight on the steering axle. What may result? a. Hard steering a possible damage to the tires b. Two little traction on the steering axle c. Slow down gradually
Slow down gradually
To help you stay alert while driving, you should:
Take short breaks before you get drowsy.
The reaction distance is the distance traveled from the time
The brain tells the foot to push the brake pedal to the time the foot actually push the pedal
which of these statements about certain types of cargo is true? a. Unstable low such as handing me or livestock require extra caution on curves b. Oversize loads can be hard without special permits during daylight hours c. When liquids or hold, the tank should always be loaded completely full
Unstable load such as hanging me or livestock require extra caution on curves
Which of these statements about cold-weather driving is true?
Windshield washer and a free should be used
It is legal to drive with 1/4 of a vehicles leaf springs broken or missing? a. Yes b. It doesn't make any difference as long as you don't exceed the speed limit c. no
Yes
Which of these is true about hours of service?
You should balance your hours of service with enough sleep to keep you alert.
Which of these statements about engine is overheating is true?
You should never remove the radiator cap on a pressurized system answer the system has cooled down
when driving at night use your low beams when an oncoming vehicle is within a. 500 feet b. 400 feet c. 300 feet
a. 500 feet
when should you wear seatbelts? a. Anytime you are in a moving vehicle b. only in states where the law requires it c. Whenever you are hauling house it is material
a. Anytime you are in a moving vehicle
Name two situations in which the legal maximum weights may not be safe to haul. a. during bad weather; in mountains b. at night; in heavy traffic c. through tunnel; over bridges
a. During bad weather; in the mountains
The splash guards or mudflaps must not be: a. More than 8 to 10 inches from the ground b. Check for damage c. Mount it securely
a. More than 8 to 10 inches from the ground
To avoid rollbacks when you start, you should: a. Partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off of the break b. Engage the clutch very quickly c. Stop on a flat area
a. Partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the break
which of these statements is true about causes of vehicle fires? a. Poor trailer ventilation can cause flammable cargo to catch fire b. Carrying a properly charge fire extinguisher will help prevent fires c. Under inflated tires will not cause a vehicle fire
a. Poor trailer ventilation can cause flammable cargo to catch fire
which of the following is NOT the type of retarder? a. Robotic b. Hydraulic c. Electric
a. Robotic
Convex (curved) mirrors: a. Show a wider area than flat mirrors b. Make objects appear closer than they really are c. Make objects appear larger than they really are
a. Show a wider area than flat mirrors
why are placards used? a. To communicate the risk b. So hazardous material won't be mixed with food c. Because it is the law
a. to communicate the risk
What is a hazard?
any road condition or other road user that is a possible danger
when inspecting mirrors in windshields for cracks, dirt, illegal stickers, and other obstructions to your vision you should: a. Look in the mirror to see if you look good b. Clean and adjust as necessary c. Not worry about any of it
b. Clean and adjust as necessary
The total weight of the powered unit, the trailer, and the cargo is called: a. Gross axle weight b. Gross combination weight c. Gross vehicle weight
b. Gross combination weight
The braking effect of the engine is the greatest when the engine is ________ The government RPM and the transmission is in the _______ gears. a. Above; lower b. Near; lower c. Below; higher
b. Near; lower
what does "axle weight" mean? a. The weight transmitted to the tires from the axle b. The weight transmitted to the ground by one axle or one set of axles c. Both of the above
b. The weight transmit it to the ground by one axle or one set of axles
which of these is NOT called my rough acceleration? a. Mechanical b. Tire damage c. Damage to the coupling
b. Tire damage
what is Hydroplaning? a. Driving in the snow b. When the tires lose your contact with the road c. When you hit a pothole
b. When the tires lose their contact with the road
What is a " pull up?" a. When pulling off of the shoulder, pulling up until the trailer is straight b. Pulling forward while backing a trailer to reposition it c. A maneuver performed by a toll truck to pick up an overturned truck
b. pulling forward while backing a trailer to repositioning it
I am en-route inspections should include checking tired temperature Cargo doors and cargo being secured
both of the above
The amount of liquid to load into a tank depends on The amount the liquid will expand in transit The legal weight limits
both of the above
You are driving a 40 foot vehicle at 50 mph. Driving conditions are ideal (Dry pavement, good visibility). What is the least amount of space that you should keep in front of your vehicle to be safe? a. 3 seconds b. 4 seconds c. 5 seconds
c. 5 seconds
To prevent skidding, you should: a. Brake hard at all times b. Turn the wheel sharply for all turns c. Adjust the conditions while driving
c. Adjust the conditions while driving
Stab braking should not be use on vehicles with a. Spring brakes b. Air brakes c. Anti-lovk brakes
c. Anti-lock brakes
Overloading can have a bad effect on? a. Speed control b. Steering c. Both of the above
c. Both of the above
Serious traffic violations that calls your CDL license to be suspended include: a. Reckless driving and following a vehicle to closely b. excessive speeding (15 mph or more above the post that limit) and improper lane changes c. Both of the above
c. Both of the above
The amount of liquid to load into a tank depends on a. The amount the liquid will expand in transit b. The legal weight limits c. Both of the above
c. Both of the above
Which of these is a proper use of vehicle lights in flashers? a. Flashing your brake lights towards someone behind you of a hazard that will require slowing down b. flashing your brake lights towards someone behind you that you are going to stop on the road c. Both of the above
c. Both of the above
Which of these items is checked in a pre-trip inspection? a. weather all vehicle lights are working and clean b. Wiper blades c. both of the above
c. Both of the above
You should check the following for looseness, sticking, damage, or improper settings: a. Steering wheel and transmission controls b. Excelerator, brakes, and clutch pedals c. Both of the above
c. Both of the above
which of the following provide extra gears on some trucks? a. Multi speed rear axles b. Auxiliary transmissions c. Both of the above
c. Both of the above
Why should you signal continuously while turning? a. You need both hands on the wheel to town safely b. It is illegal to turn off your signal before completing a turn c. Both of the above are correct
c. Both of the above are correct
You are testing the stopping action of service brakes on a hydraulic system. Which of these can mean there is a problem? a. The vehicle pools to one side when the brake pedal is pressed b. The brake pedal goes to the floor c. both of the above are correct
c. Both of the above are correct
which of the following said do NOT do in the event of hydraulic brake failure? a. use the parking or emergency brake b. Pump brakes c. Shift up
c. Shift up
Which of the following statements about tank vehicles is true? a. The term "tank vehicle" refers only to those vehicles having permanently attached tank b. All tank vehicles have some sort of bulkhead or baffle c. Special skills are required to hail liquid tanks
c. Special skills are required to haul liquid tanks
Optional safety equipment may include emergency phone numbers, tire chains, and: a. Red reflective triangles b. A charge fire extinguisher c. Tire changing equipment
c. Tire changing equipment
when you drive in the mountains, you'll have to use lower gears to drive safely down grades. Which of these does not affect your choice of years? a. Weight of the load b. Length of the grade c. Type of tire tread
c. Type of tire tread
When driving through roadway work zones you should: a. Turn on your parking lights b. Reduce speed only if workers are close to the road way c. Watch for short pavement drop offs
c. Watch for short pavement drop offs
Stab braking: a. Should never be used. b. involves steady pressure on the brake pedal without locking the wheels c. Involves releasing the brakes only after the wheel lock up
c. involves releasing the brakes only after the wheels lock up
Which of these statements is true about other drivers? a. drivers using turn signals can be trusted to turn in the direction they indicate b. Mail or delivery truck drivers do not pose a hazard c. short term or daily rental truck drivers are often not used to the limited vision and pose a hazard
c. short term or daily rental truck drivers are often not used to the limited vision and pose a hazard
which of these statements about double clutching in shifting is true? a. Double clutching should only be used with a heavy load b. Double clutching should not be used when the road is slippery c. you can use the tachometer to tell you when to shift
c. you can use the tachometer to tell you when to shift
The best drivers are those who watch and prepare for hazards. This is called being
defensive
As part of your pre-trip inspection, you must check for
poorly balanced weight, overloads both of the above
There are certain types of vehicle inspections, including
post trip, pre-trip, en-route
you are driving on a 2 Lane Rd. an oncoming driver drifts into your lane and is heading straight for you. Which of these is most often the best action to take? a. Prepare for impact b. Steer to the right c. Brake hard
steer to the right
And en-route inspection should include checking
that the cargo is properly secured, for tire overheating and brake overheating both of the above
In your mirror, you see a car approaching from the rear. The next time you check your mirror, you don't see the car. To change lanes, you should
wait until you are sure the car is it in your Blindspot
a key principal to remember about loading car goal is to keep the load
Balanced in the cargo area
It is important to shift gears correctly to keep
Control of the vehicle.
What are two ways to know when to shift?
E use engine speed (RPM) and roads be (MPH)
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
Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?
In order to protect yourself and others.
What does communicating mean and safety driving
Letting other drivers know you're there to help prevent crashes
which of these is not a danger when an automatic transmission is forced into a lower gear at a high speed?
Losso steering control
which of these statements is true about speed management? a. Road surfaces will freeze before bridges b. Shady parts of the road allow better traction than other areas c. One slippery roads, it takes longer to stop and it is harder to turn without skidding
One slippery roads, it takes longer to stop and it is harder to turn without skidding
What should the wheel bearings seals be checked for?
The hub oil level and possible leaks
Name some important steering system parts: a. Tie rod, spindle, and pitman arm b. Main spring, axle, and spring shackle c. Lead spring, vehicle frame, and torque rod
The rod, spindle, and pitman arm.
Which of these statements about overhead clearance is true?
The weight of a vehicle changes its height.
When backing, why is it important to have a helper?
There are blind spots you can't see
which of these is important to check before driving in the winter?
Tires Exhaust Both of the above
When driving through roadway work zones, you should
Watch for short pavement drop offs
What is black ice?
a thin layer of ice that you can see the road through
if you do not have a CB radio, what is the first thing you should do at an accident scene? a. Protect the accident scene b. Clear the area c. Flag down help
a. Protect the accident scene
Which of these is especially true about your tires in hot weather? a. You should check tire mounting and air pressure before driving b. If a tire is too hot to touch, you should hose it down with water c. You should bleed a small amount of air to keep tire pressure steady
a. You should check tire mounting and air pressure before driving
Stab braking should not be used on vehicles with
anti-lock brakes
If you are convicted for drinking under the influence while driving a commercial vehicle and this is your first offense you will most likely get
at least a year one year suspension of your CDL
Will bearing feels should be checked for a. Color changes b. Gasoline c. Leaks
c. Leaks
you are driving a truck with a manual transmission. While driving on an uphill grade, you have to stop the truck on the shoulder. Which of these is a good rule to follow when putting it back in motion up the grade?
use the parking brake to hold the vehicle until the clutch engages
When checking lights you should:
(all) Turn off the engine and take the key with you; Turn on the headlights and four way flashers.
Front end header boards:
(both correct) Block the forward movement of your cargo; Protect you from your cargo in case of collision.
with a BAC of ___ most people lose consciousness, and some die. a. 0.4 b. 0.16 c. 0.1
0.4
Cargo that can shift should have at least ____ tie downs.
2
which of these statements about drinking alcohol is true? a. Not everyone who drinks is affected by alcohol b. Coffee in fresh air will help a drinker sober up c. A few beers have the same affect on driving as a few shots of whiskey or a few glasses of wine
A few beers have the same affect on driving as a few shots of whiskey or a few glasses of wine
Which of these will happen if a tire blows out at highway speeds?
A vibrating feeling
every time you park your vehicle and shut the engine off, you should: a. Apply the parking brake b. Turn the steering wheel as far to the left as you can c. Leave it in gear
Apply the parking brake
Containerized loads:
Are typically used for freight carried partway by rail or ship
blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is calculated by measuring a persons
Bodyweight
While driving you should use your mirrors to check The conditions of the tires and cargo Where are the rear of your vehicle is while you make turns
Both of the above
You are testing the stopping action of service brakes on hydraulic system. Which of these came mean there is a problem? The vehicle poles to one side when the brake pedal is pressed The brake pedal goes to the floor
Both of the above
which of these is important to check before driving in the winter? tires exhaust
Both of the above
while driving, you should use your mirrors to check: a. The conditions of the tires and go b. Where the rear of your vehicle is why you make turns c. Both of the
Both of the above
which of the following cannot be checked at the same time? a. Headlights and Amber reflectors b. Brake lights, turn signals, and four-way flashers functions c. Brake lights and read reflectors (on the rear)
Brake lights, time signals, and four-way flashers functions
What affects can wet brakes cause?
Breaks can grab or become weak
what is your most valuable wait to see the sides and rear while driving? a. Check your mirrors regularly b. Look out the window c. Get out and expect the area
Check your mirrors regularly
which of these statements is not true about engine belts in hot weather? a. Loose Biltz will not turn the water pump and or fan on properly b. You can check the tightness of built by pressing on them c. Cracking is likely to occur but it is not a safety through it
Cracking is likely to occur but it is not a safety through it
which of these is good to do when steering to avoid a crash?
Do not turn any more than needed to clear what is in the way
vehicle vehicle is loaded with most of the weight on the steering axle. What may result?
Heart steering a possible damage to the tires
The purpose of retarders is to
Help slow the vehicle while driving and reduce brake wear.
So avoid a crash, you had to drive on to the right shoulder. You are now driving at 40 mph on the shoulder. How should you move back onto the pavement?
If possible, come to a complete stop before steering back onto the pavement
what is an advantage of going right instead of left around an obstacle? a. It is much easier to turn on the truck to the right b. There is no advantage c. if you are blocked on both sides, move move to the right won't force another vehicle into an opposing traffic lane and a possible head on collision
If you are blocked on both sides, move to the right won't force another vehicle into an opposing traffic lane and a possible head on collision
