CDL A Michigan
What is the definition of a hazard? A. A road user or road condition that presents a possible danger B. Something you must stop for C. Something you can safely ignore D. Something you can easily avoid
A. 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? A. Brake hard and immediately. B. Be aware that a tire has failed. C. Hold the steering wheel firmly. D. Stay off the brake pedal.
A. 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.
To transport cargo safely, which of the following are you NOT responsible for? A. Ensuring the freshness of sealed cargo B. Ensuring the safety of the cargo C. Recognizing possible overloads D. Making sure that cargo is properly secured
A. Ensuring the freshness of sealed cargo You are not responsible for the state 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.
If you double your speed, how much more distance will it take to stop? A. Four times as much B. Three times as much C. Twice as much D. Five times as much
A. Four times as much When you double your speed, your braking distance increases to almost 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.
While driving at night, which lights should you use as often as you can? A. High beams B. Novelty lights C. Low beams D. Emergency flashers
A. High Beams When driving at night, you should be using your high beams to expand your field of vision as often as possible, as long as it is safe and legal and you will not blind any other drivers. In Michigan, you must dim your headlights when you are within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
If the engine is not overheated, is it completely safe to remove the radiator cap? A. No. B. Yes, as long as the radiator isn't damaged. C. Yes, as long as there is no overflow. D. Yes.
A. No. It is not enough for the engine not to be overheated. The cooling system must cool completely before you attempt to remove the radiator cap. Even then, you should be very careful because there may still be tremendous pressure and damaging steam and fluids.
What can you do at an accident scene to help avoid another accident? A. Set out warning devices to keep other vehicles from running into the accident scene. B. Have a drink to calm your nerves. C. Stay in your vehicle and do nothing until help arrives. D. Leave your vehicle, do nothing, and get to higher ground.
A. Set out warning devices to keep other vehicles from running into the accident scene. Unless you have been injured, it is your responsibility to ensure that others can see your vehicle at the accident scene. Set out your warning devices as quickly as possible to avoid further accidents such as a pile-up.
The locking jaws should close around which section of the kingpin? A. Shank B. Base C. Head D. None of the above
A. Shank Make sure that the fifth wheel jaws close around the shank for a proper, secure connection.
You don't want to be a distracted driver, so you... A. avoid using your cell phone until you reach your destination. B. read maps or use your phone only when there are no other vehicles around you. C. smoke, eat, and drink on straight portions of the road. D. have all your emotionally difficult conversations in the first hour of driving.
A. avoid using your cell phone until you reach your destination. A distraction is still a distraction, even on a straightaway or an empty road. Do not eat, drink, smoke, text, read, or have difficult conversations while driving. Avoid using your cell phone until you are done driving for the day.
Letting the air out of hot tires A. is a bad idea because when the tires cool off, the pressure will be too low. B. is a good idea because the extra pressure will be relieved. C. will have no effect at all. D. will cool them down. You will be able to continue your journey sooner.
A. is a bad idea because when the tires cool off, the 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.
Before transporting a sealed load, you must check A. that you don't exceed gross weight or axle weight limits. B. a picture of whatever is inside. C. a small sample of whatever is inside. D. all of the above.
A. 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.
Always try to back toward the driver's side because A. you can see better, watching the vehicle's rear from the side window. B. your truck will naturally pull toward the driver's side. C. it's more comfortable for turning your neck. D. all of the above are true.
A. you can see better, watching the vehicle's rear from the side window. You should always back toward the driver's side because you will be able to see things much more easily. For example, you can keep an eye on the vehicle's rear by viewing it from your side window. If your truck pulls in either direction, it needs service. Your neck's comfort should not affect your safety decision.
What might happen if you swing wide to the left before you turn right? A.Someone might try to pass you on your right. B Someone might try to pass you on your left. C. You might damage your leaf springs. D. All of the above might happen.
A.Someone might try to pass you on your right. If you swing wide to the left, a driver may try to pass you on your right while you are turning. Instead, make the right turn with the rear of your vehicle as close to the curb as possible and turn wide as you complete the turn. This will deny drivers room on the right to try to pass you.
How many tie-downs are required for a 20-foot load? A. 3 B. 2 C. 4 D. 1
B. 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? A. 3 seconds B. 4 seconds C. 7 seconds D. 6 seconds
B. 4 seconds The formula for following distance is one second per ten feet of vehicle, plus an extra second if you are traveling at or above 40 mph. So for a 30-foot vehicle traveling at 55 mph, you should leave a following distance of 4 seconds.
The minimum tread depth for front tires is A. 3/8 inch. B. 4/32 inch. C. 1/2 inch. D. 1/32 inch.
B. 4/32 inch. Front tires require a tread depth of at least 4/32 inch. All other tires require a tread depth of at least 2/32 inch.
Which of these is NOT part of the basic method for shifting up? A. Releasing the clutch B. Accelerating while pressing the clutch and turning toward the driver's side C. Pushing in the clutch and shifting into a higher gear at the same time D. Releasing the clutch and pressing the accelerator at the same time
B. Accelerating while pressing the clutch and turning toward the driver's side You must 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. Acceleration is not involved until the very end, and definitely not while pressing the clutch.
Which of the following is a key steering component? A. Torque rod B. Gear box C. Leaf spring D. Bearing plate
B. Gear Box The gear box is an integral part of the steering system. The other three choices are parts of the suspension system.
How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a double railroad track? A. More than 30 seconds B. More than 15 seconds C. 14 seconds D. 10 seconds
B. 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.
Which of the following can cause a vehicle fire? A. Spilled fuel cleaned up quickly and properly B. Short circuits and loose connections C. Flammable cargo with proper ventilation D. Driver smoking in a rest area
B. Short circuits and loose connections Smoking, flammable cargo, and spilled fuel are potentially dangerous. Properly managed, however, they should not start a fire except under special circumstances such as a short circuit or loose connection.
What will help a drunk sober up? A. Fresh air B. Time C. A glass of water D. Coffee
B. Time Your liver breaks down alcohol at a predictable rate. Typically, this is one standard drink (1.5 ounces of hard liquor, 5 ounces of wine, or one 12-ounce can of beer) per hour. Neither coffee nor fresh air nor water can increase that rate. You need to wait until the alcohol has been broken down.
What is a common cause of tire fires? A. Overinflated tires B. Underinflated tires C. Cold tires D. All of the above
B. Underinflated tires Underinflated tires and dual tires that touch are the most common causes of tire fires.
What is the best way to figure out how many seconds of following distance you have? A. Send a text message to a friend to text you back in ten seconds. See how far you have traveled in that time. B. Wait until the vehicle ahead of you passes a shadow or landmark. Then count the seconds until you reach it. C. 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. D. 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.
B. Wait until the vehicle ahead of you passes a shadow or landmark. Then count the seconds until you reach it. Count how many seconds it takes you to reach some object after the vehicle in front of you has passed it. You can count seconds as follows: "One-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two,..." The other three choices here either will not work or involve dangerous distractions. Note that you should increase your following distance in heavy traffic, in bad weather, with heavy vehicles, or at higher speeds.
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) will A. let you drive faster. B. keep your wheels from locking when you brake hard. C. increase your vehicle's stopping power. D. shorten your stopping distance.
B. keep your wheels from locking when you brake hard. ABS kicks in only to keep the wheels from locking, which can cause a skid. ABS does not change the way you normally brake the rest of the time. It is not a substitute for careful braking, defensive driving, good brakes, or regular maintenance.
Total stopping distance equals A. reaction distance + braking distance. B. perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance. C. reaction distance + viewing distance + braking distance. D. braking distance + stopping distance.
B. 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 a 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).
You should put the starter switch key into your pocket while you perform the pre-trip inspection because A. it could damage the starting mechanism. B. someone could start and move the truck. C. it could damage the steering mechanism. D. any of the above could occur.
B. someone could start and move the truck. While you are performing the pre-trip inspection, you do not want someone (such as a co-driver) who is unaware of your location to start your vehicle and accidentally injure you.
Which is NOT one of the four basic skills that operating a commercial vehicle requires? A. Steering B. Accelerating C. First-aid certification D. Backing safely
C. First-aid certification As described in detail in section 2.2 of the Michigan Commercial Driver License Manual, the four basic skills for safe operation of a commercial vehicle are accelerating, steering, stopping, and backing safely. While first-aid certification might come in handy at some point in your career, it is not one of the four basic skills.
Which of the following is NOT true about an escape ramp? A. It may be located a few miles from the top of a downgrade. B. It may turn uphill. C. It is of no use if you are traveling too fast. D. It may be made of soft gravel.
C. It is of no use if you are traveling too fast. Escape ramps are designed with soft gravel, upgrades, or both, to slow down vehicles that experience brake failure on a downgrade. Regardless of your speed, look for one of these escape ramps, which can save lives, equipment, and cargo.
Do empty trucks have the best braking? A. Yes, but only on wet surfaces. B. Yes, but only if the trucks are newer than 1998. C. No. D. Yes.
C. 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.
If you feel drowsy while driving, what should you do? A. Drink a cup of coffee. B. Open the windows for some fresh air. C. Pull off the road and get some sleep. D. Drink energy drinks.
C. Pull off the road and get some sleep. If you are drowsy, cold air, fresh air, or caffeinated beverages may make you feel more alert only momentarily. The only real solution is to get off the road as soon as possible and get some real rest.
In which of the following two situations should you downshift? A. Starting up a hill and finishing a curve B. Starting down a hill and finishing a curve C. Starting down a hill and entering a curve D. Starting up a hill and entering a curve
C. Starting down a hill and entering a curve Downshifting before starting down a hill lets you take advantage of engine braking. You should downshift to the gear required, which is usually lower than the gear required to climb the hill. Downshifting before a curve improves stability and helps you get the power you will need to accelerate out of the turn.
On which of the following types of fires should you NOT use a B:C fire extinguisher? A. Gasoline B. Electrical C. Wood D. Grease
C. Wood A B:C fire extinguisher should not be used on burning materials that you can use ordinary water on, such as wood, paper, and cloth. These require an A or A:B:C fire extinguisher.
When backing, it is important to use a helper A. because you are providing a job for someone else. B. because people feel more comfortable when you do. C. because you have blind spots. D. for all of the above reasons.
C. because you have blind spots. It is important to use a helper when you are backing because you will be dealing with blind spots that you cannot see. Before you start, the two of you should agree on a set of hand signals for "Go" and (most importantly) "Stop."
Signs of distracted drivers include... A. vehicles constantly traveling above the speed limit. B. vehicles exiting the roadway. C. drivers having conversations with passengers. D. drivers listening to overly loud music.
C. drivers having conversations with passengers. Whether the conversation takes place face-to-face or through a cell phone, text messaging, or CB radio, it still requires a driver's attention and may distract the person.
Hazardous materials placards are A. signs on the inside of the vehicle that remind the driver of what he or she is carrying. B. signs that warn the public to stay at least 1,000 feet away from the vehicle. C. signs on the outside of the vehicle that identify the hazard class of the cargo. D. signs that help tax collectors determine how much to tax a hazardous cargo.
C. signs on the outside of the vehicle that identify the hazard class of the cargo. Hazardous materials placards are four regulated signs on the outside of the vehicle that identify the hazard class of the cargo for those who need to know, such as emergency service personnel or those who load and unload cargo.
The most important hand signal you should agree on with a helper is A. "Go." B. "Faster." C. "Turn up the music." D. "Stop."
D. "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 a clear hand signal for "Stop." That way, you'll be able to quickly stop what you are doing before an accident can occur.
Where should you place your warning devices if you must stop on a one-way road or divided highway? A. 100 feet, 200 feet, and 300 feet toward approaching traffic B. 20 feet, 50 feet, and 100 feet toward approaching traffic C. 50 feet, 100 feet, and 150 feet toward approaching traffic D. 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward approaching traffic
D. 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward approaching traffic This is required by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Part 392.22, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations also specify where to place warning devices on other types of roadways such as two-way roads and curves. (These situations are also covered in section 2.5.2 of the Michigan Commercial Driver License Manual.)
It has just reached freezing. Which of the following areas may be slippery? A. A shaded area B. A bridge C. A wet-looking road D. All of the above
D. All of the above Once the temperature drops to freezing, some sections of road will start to freeze before others. The first to freeze will be shaded areas and bridges. If the road appears wet, it may be covered in black ice, a thin layer of slippery ice through which you can see the road.
Which of the following might get stuck at a raised railroad crossing? A. Car carrier B. Moving van C. Lowboy D. All of the above
D. All of the above The two types of combination vehicles most likely to get stuck at a raised railroad crossing are low-slung units (car carriers, lowboys, moving vans, etc.) and single-axle tractors that are pulling a long trailer with the landing gear set to accommodate a tandem-axle tractor. Be very careful when driving such vehicles at railroad crossings.
How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS)? A. Look for wheel speed sensor wires that are coming from the rear of your brakes. B. Check for a yellow ABS malfunction lamp on the instrument panel. C. Check if your vehicle was manufactured after March 1, 1998. (Such vehicles are required to have the panel light.) D. All of the above can work.
D. All of the above 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.
When you start down a long downgrade, which of the following should influence your choice of speed? A. The road conditions B. The total weight of your vehicle and its cargo C. The steepness of the grade D. All of the above
D. All of the above 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.
How often must you stop to check your cargo while on the road? A. Every 3 hours or 150 miles B. After each break you take C. Within the first 50 miles D. All of the above
D. All of the above While the rules vary by jurisdiction, the Michigan Commercial Driver License Manual states that you should check your cargo within the first 50 miles of your trip and then every 3 hours or 150 miles, as well as after each break you take.
How can you start moving without rolling backward? A. Apply the trailer brake hand valve. B. Partly engage the clutch before removing your foot from the brake. C. Put on the parking brake whenever necessary. D. Do all of the above.
D. Do all of the above. If you have a manual transmission vehicle, partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake. Put on the parking brake whenever necessary to keep from rolling back. Release the parking brake only when you have applied enough engine power to keep from rolling back. On a tractor-trailer equipped with a trailer brake hand valve, the hand valve can be applied to keep from rolling back.
Why should you cover your cargo? A. To protect your cargo from bad weather B. Because many states require it C. To protect individuals from any spilled cargo D. For all of the above reasons
D. For all of the above reasons 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.
Which of the following statements about using mirrors is true? A. Convex mirrors make things look larger and closer than they are. B. Check them twice for a lane change. C. You should look at your mirrors several times a second. D. There are blind spots that they cannot show you.
D. There are blind spots that they cannot show you. You should check your mirrors regularly but remember that there are blind spots that you cannot see in your mirrors. When you are backing, a helper can check your blind spots for you.
Which of the following should you NOT do when you are driving on slippery roads? A. Make sure there is adequate space all around your vehicle. B. Make necessary turns as gently as you can. C. Use a light touch on your brakes and accelerator. D. Use your retarder.
D. Use your retarder. On a slippery surface, applying retarders or your brakes may cause you to lose control because your wheels will have less traction. Make sure your retarder is turned off, and apply the brakes cautiously.
If you experience a hazardous materials emergency, you should A. avoid smoking and keep open flames away. B. keep people away. C. warn people of the danger. D. do all of the above.
D. do all of the above. If you experience an accident with hazardous materials, you should do the following: 1) Keep people away from the scene; 2) communicate the danger to others, especially emergency services personnel; and 3) use a fire extinguisher to put out a fire or keep it from spreading.
Before a trip, to prevent drowsiness, you should A. avoid medications that cause drowsiness. B. get 8-9 hours of sleep. C. schedule trips for the daytime hours. D. do all of the above.
D. do all of the above. Sleep debt is a dangerous condition in which missing sleep adds up until you risk falling asleep at the wheel unless you get some rest. People are often surprised that getting less than six hours of sleep per night triples the risk of an accident. Before a trip, you should get adequate sleep (adults need 8 to 9 hours to maintain alertness); prepare your route carefully to identify total distance, stopping points, and other logistical considerations; schedule trips for the hours during which you are normally awake, not the middle of the night; drive with a passenger; avoid medications that cause drowsiness; consult your physician if you suffer from daytime sleepiness, have difficulty sleeping at night, or take frequent naps; and incorporate exercise into your daily life to give yourself more energy.
If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, you should A ignore rude gestures and refuse to react negatively. B. avoid eye contact. C. call the police from your cell phone if you can do it safely. D. do all of the above.
D. do all of the above. When an aggressive driver is trying to confront you, do not give the person the confrontation that he or she seeks. Instead, seek police, peace, and safety.
You should inspect wheel bearing seals for... A.twisted axles. B.broken leaf springs. C.tears. D.leaks.
D. 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.
