Driver Training - General Knowledge Study Questions Flashcards
- What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
Safety is the most important reason to inspect your vehicle.
(p 2-1)
- What things should you check during a trip?
- Watch gauges for signs of trouble
- Use senses to check for problems
- Look, listen, smell, and feel
- Check critical items when you stop
- Tires, wheels, and rims
- Brakes
- Lights and reflectors
- Brake and electrical connections to trailer
- Trailer coupling devices
- Cargo securement devices
(p 2-1)
- Name some key steering system parts
Steering Wheel Steering Wheel Shaft Steering Gear Box Pitman Arm Drag Link Steering Ring Knuckle Spindle Tie Rod Steering Arms
(p 2-3)
- What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?
- Fire extinguisher(s)
- Spare Electrical Fuses (unless equipped w/ CB’s)
- Warning devices for parked vehicles (ex: reflective warning triangles)
(p 2-5)
- What is the minimum tread depth for front tires?
At least 4/32 inch thread depth in every major groove on front tires.
At least 2/32 inch thread depth on other tires.
No fabric should show through the tread or sidewall.
(p 2-2, 2-35)
- Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during the walk-around inspection.
Lights - Headlights - Signal - Clearance Lights Windshield Wipers Front Suspension Front Wheels Front Brakes
(p 2-6, 2-7)
- What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?
Not leaking
p 2-11
- How many red reflective triangles should you carry?
Three
p 2-9
- How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
Pump brake pedal 3 times
Apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for 5 seconds
- Pedal should not move
- If pedal moves, there may be a leak or other problem
(p 2-13)
- Why should you back toward the driver side?
So you can see better.
If you back and turn toward the driver’s side, you can watch the rear of your vehicle by looking out the side window.
Backing toward right side is very dangerous because you cant see well.
(p 2-16)
- What is a pull-up?
When backing a trailer, make pull-ups to re-position your vehicle as needed.
(p 2-17)
- When backing, why is it important to use a helper?
There are blind spots you can’t see
p 2-16
- What’s the most important hand signal that you and your helper should agree on?
A signal for “Stop”
p 2-17
- What are two special conditions where you should downshift?
- Before Starting Downhill
- Before Entering a Curve
(p 2-18)
- When should you downshift automatic transmission?
When going down grades
Can select a low range to get greater engine braking when going down grades. The lower ranges prevent the transmission from shifting up beyond the selected gear (unless the governor rpm is exceeded). Very important to use this braking effect when going down grades.
(p 2-19)
- T or F? Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery.
False
Retarders help slow a vehicle, reducing the need for using brakes. They reduce brake wear and give you another way to slow down.
When turned “ON”, retarders apply their braking power (to the drive wheels only) whenever you let up on the accelerator pedal all the way.
(p 2-19)
- What are the two ways to know when to shift?
- Use Engine Speed (rpm)
- Use Road Speed (mph)
(p 2-18)
- How far ahead does the manual say you should look?
12 to 15 seconds ahead
- Lower speeds: About 1 block
- Highway speeds: About 1/4 mile
(p 2-19)
- What’s your most important way to see the sides and rear?
Check your mirrors
p2-20
- What does “communicating” mean in safe driving?
Signaling what you intend to do
p 2-21
- Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a divided highway?
10 ft,
100 ft,
and 200 ft toward approaching traffic
(p 2-22)
- What three things add up to total stopping distance?
Perception Distance
+ Reaction Distance
+ Braking Distance
= Total Stopping Distance
(2-24)
- If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by twice or four times?
Four times as much distance
Whenever you double your speed, it takes about four times as much distance to stop
(2-25)
- T or F? Empty trucks have the best braking.
False
Brakes, tires, springs, and shock absorbers on heavy vehicles are designed to work best when the vehicle is fully loaded.
Empty trucks require greater stopping distances because an empty vehicle has less traction. It can bounce and lock up its wheels, giving much poorer braking.
(2-25)
- What is hydroplaning?
Tires lose contact with the road and have little or no traction.
You may not be able to steer or brake.
You can regain control by releasing the accelerator and pushing the clutch. This will slow vehicle and let the wheels turn freely.
Do not use brakes to slow down.
(2-25)
- What is “black ice”?
A thin layer of ice that is clear enough that you can see the road underneath it.
It makes the road look wet.
Be cautions for black ice when the temperature is below freezing and the road looks wet.
(2-25)
- How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?
Use a: - Shadow on the road - Pavement marking - Some other clear landmark Then count off the seconds it takes for you to get there
(2-28)
- If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 mph, how many seconds of following distance should you have?
4 seconds
30ft x (1 sec / 10 ft) + 1 sec = 4 seconds
1 sec for each 10 ft of vehicle length (40 mph or less)
At speeds greater than 40 mph, add 1 sec for safety
(2-27)
- T or F? You should decrease your following distance if somebody is following you too closely?
False
- Opening up room in front of you will help you to avoid having to make sudden speed or direction changes
- It also makes it easier for the tailgater to get around you
(2-28)
- T or F? If you swing wide to the left before turning right, another driver may try to pass you on the right.
True
Turn wide as you complete the turn, keep the rear of your vehicle close to the curb. This will stop other drivers from passing on the right.
(2-30)
- T or F? You should use low beams whenever you can.
False
Use high beams when you can
Use high beams when it is safe and legal to do so.
Use when you are not within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle.
(2-34)
- What should you do before you drive if you are drowsy?
Stop driving at the nearest safe place
2-34
- T or F? You should let air out of hot tires so the pressure goes back to normal.
False
Air pressure increases with temperature.
Do Not let air out or the pressure will be too low when the tires cool off.
(2-37)
- T or F? You can safely remove the radiator cap as long as the engine isn’t overheated.
False
Never remove the radiator cap or any part of the pressurized system until the system has cooled.
Steam and boiling water can spray under pressure and cause severe burns.
If you can touch the radiator cap with your bare hand, it is probably cool enough to open.
(2-37)
- What factors determine your selection of a “safe” speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?
- Total weight of the vehicle and cargo
- Length of the grade
- Steepness of the grade
- Road conditions
- Weather
(2-39)
- Why should you be in the proper gear before starting downhill?
Shift the transmission to a low gear before starting down the grade.
Do not try to downshift after your speed has already built up.
- You will not be able to shift into a lower gear.
- You may not be able to get back into any gear and all the engine braking effect will be lost.
(2-40)
- Describe the proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade.
The use of brakes on a long and/or steep downgrade is only a supplement to the braking effect of the engine.
- Apply brakes just hard enough to feel a definite slowdown
- When speed has been reduced approx 5 mph below your “safe” speed, release the brakes (brake application should last for about 3 seconds)
- When your speed has increased to your “safe” speed, repeat steps 1 and 2
(2-40)
- What is a hazard?
Any road condition or other road user that is a possible danger
(2-41)
- Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?
Look for hazards in order to have time to plan a way out of any emergency.
Think about the emergencies that could develop and figure out what you would do.
Always be prepared to take action based on your plans.
(2-45)
- T or F? Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency.
True
Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency.
When you don’t have enough room to stop, you may have to steer away from what’s ahead.
- You can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop
(2-45)
- What are some advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle?
- Going into the shoulder lane
- Unlikely that anyone is driving in the shoulder
- Prevent forcing anyone into an opposing traffic lane and a possible head-on collision
(2-46)
- What is an “escape ramp”?
- Usually located a few miles from the top of a downgrade
- Some use soft gravel that resists the motion of a vehicle and brings it to a stop
- Others turn uphill, using the hill to stop the vehicle and soft gravel to hold it in place
(2-48)
- T or F? If a tire blows out, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly.
False
Stay off the brake
- Braking when a tire has failed could cause loss of control
- Unless about to run into something, stay off the brake until the vehicle has slowed down
- Then brake very gently, pull off the road, and stop
(2-49)
- What are some things to do at an accident scene to prevent another accident?
- Protect the area
- Keep another accident from happening in same spot
- Get vehicle to side of road
- If stopping to help, park away from the accident
- Put on flashers
- Set out reflective triangles - Notify authorities
- Call out on CB radio or use phone - Care for the injured
- Don’t move a severely injured person unless the danger of fire or passing traffic makes it necessary
- Stop heavy bleeding by applying direct pressure
- Keep injured person warm
(2-51)
- Name two causes of tire fires.
- Under-inflated tires
- Duals that touch
(2-52)
- What kinds of fires is a B:C extinguisher not good for?
Not good for wood, paper, and cloth (trash fires)
B:C type is designed to work on electrical fires and burning liquids
A:B:C is designed to work on burning wood, paper, and cloth as well
(2-53)
- T or F? Common medicines for colds can make you sleepy.
True
2-56
- What should you do if you become sleepy while driving?
Stop to Sleep
Take a Nap
Avoid Drugs
(2-54)
- T or F? Coffee and a little fresh air will help a drinker sober up.
False
Only time will help a drinker sober up
(2-55)
- What is a hazardous materials placard?
51. Why are placards used?
Placard used to warn others of hazardous material
- Signs put on outside of a vehicle to identify the hazard class of the cargo
- Placarded vehicle must have at least four identical placards (front, rear, both sides)
- Readable from all four directions
- 10 3/4 inches square turned upright on a point in a diamond shape
- For what three things related to cargo are drivers responsible?
- Inspecting your cargo
- Recognizing overloads and poorly balanced weight
- Knowing your cargo is properly secured
(3-1)
- How often must you stop while on the road to check your cargo?
- Inspect cargo and securing devices within 25 miles after beginning a trip
- Stop after you have driven 3 hours or 150 miles
- Check after every break you take during driving
(3-1)
- How is Gross Combination Weight Rating different from Gross Combination Weight?
Gross Combination Weight (GCW)
- Total weight of a powered unit plus trailer(s) plus the cargo
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
- The maximum GCW specified by the manufacturer for a specific combination of vehicle plus its load
(3-2)
- Name two situations where legal maximum weights may not be safe.
- During bad weather
- In mountains
(3-2)
- What can happen if you don’t have enough weight on the front axle?
Underloaded front axles can make the steering axle weight too light to steer safely.
- Caused by shifting weight too far to the rear
(3-3)
- What is the minimum number of tiedowns for any flat bed load?
At least two tiedowns, no matter how small the cargo.
- Combined strength of all cargo tiedowns must be strong enough to lift 1.5x the weight of the piece of cargo tied down
- At least one tiedown for each ten feet of cargo
(3-4)
- What is the minimum number of tiedowns for a 20-foot load?
2 tiedowns
(1 tiedown/10 feet) x 20 feet = 2 feet
- At least two tiedowns, no matter how small the cargo
- At least one tiedown for each ten feet of cargo
(3-4)
- Name the two basic reasons for covering cargo on an open load?
- Protect people from spilled cargo
- Protect the cargo from weather
(3-4)
- What must you check before transporting a sealed load?
Check that you don’t exceed gross weight or axle weight limits
- You cannot inspect sealed loads but you should check that you don’t exceed gross weight and axle weight limits
(3-4)
- What factors determine your selection of a “safe” speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?
- Total weight of the vehicle and cargo
- Length of the grade
- Steepness of the grade
- Road conditions
- Weather
(2-26, 2-39)