General CDL A/B Louisiana 2019 Flashcards
1
Q
When loading cargo, it is important to:
A
Know the weight capacity rating of the suspension system.
It is a driver’s responsibility to make sure their vehicle is not overloaded. They must be aware
of legal weight limits and the maximum weight that their vehicle is rated to carry, including
the weight capacity rating of the suspension system.
2
Q
When loading cargo, weight should be placed:
A
As low as possible.
A vehicle is vulnerable to tipping over if its center of gravity is too high. To prevent this, you
should distribute the weight of your cargo evenly and as low as possible.
3
Q
Who is responsible for inspecting a vehicle’s cargo?
A
The driver
It is a driver’s responsibility to inspect their cargo; recognize overloading or poorly balanced
weight; know that the cargo is properly secured and not obscuring their view; and know that
the cargo does not restrict access to emergency equipment. The driver is always responsible
for their cargo, even if they were not the one who initially loaded and secured the cargo.
4
Q
Loading cargo onto a vehicle:
A
May be done by a person other than the driver, but the driver is responsible for the safety of the cargo.
Even if someone else loads cargo onto a vehicle, the driver is responsible for properly
inspecting the cargo, ensuring that it is properly loaded and secured, and ensuring that it
does not obscure their view or access to emergency equipment.
5
Q
Cargo being transported should be checked:
A
Before the trip and again within the first 50 miles of the trip.
Cargo should be inspected before beginning a trip, within the first 50 miles of the trip, and
every three hours or 150 miles traveled thereafter. Cargo should be inspected every time the
driver stops to take a break. The driver of a truck transporting cargo is responsible for the
cargo being safely secured throughout the trip.
6
Q
If transporting 30 feet of cargo on a flatbed trailer, you should use a minimum of ____ to
restrain the cargo.
A
Three tie-downs
When transporting cargo on a flatbed trailer, you should use at least one tie-down for every
10 feet of cargo. Any cargo, no matter how small, should be restrained by a minimum of two
tie-downs.
7
Q
You should always use at least ____ to secure cargo on a flatbed trailer.
A
Two tie-downs
When transporting cargo on a flatbed trailer, you should use at least one tie-down for every
10 feet of cargo. Any cargo, no matter how small, should be restrained by a minimum of two
tie-downs.
8
Q
Bracing is used to:
A
Prevent items from moving in a trailer.
Blocking and bracing are used to prevent cargo from shifting in transit. Blocking is used in
the front, in the back, and on the sides of a piece of cargo to prevent movement. Bracing
prevents movement by reaching from the upper portion of a piece of cargo to the floor and
sides of the cargo compartment.
9
Q
A truck may need to be under the legal maximum weight limit when being driven:
A
On a mountainous road.
Under some driving conditions, it may not be safe to operate a vehicle at its full legal
maximum weight. Keep this in mind when driving in poor weather or on mountainous
roadways.
10
Q
Too little weight on a steering axle can result in:
A
Poor traction.
The weight of cargo in a vehicle needs to be balanced appropriately so that it does not
interfere with the vehicle’s safe handling. For example, if cargo is placed too far to the rear of
a vehicle, the front axle will be under-weighted and the front wheels may not have enough
traction for the driver to steer safely.
11
Q
Dry bulk tanks require special care because:
A
They have high centers of gravity.
Driving with a dry bulk tank requires special care, both because dry bulk tanks have high
centers of gravity and because their loads often shift in transit. Be especially careful when
taking turns and curves while operating such a vehicle.
12
Q
You should cover cargo:
A
To protect the cargo from weather.
You should cover your cargo to protect people from the cargo if it spills, as well as to protect
the cargo from the weather.
13
Q
When carrying a sealed load, the driver:
A
Should ensure the weight of the cargo does not violate weight limits.
While a driver cannot inspect sealed loads, they can still ensure that the load does not
exceed gross weight and axle weight limits.
14
Q
When a combination vehicle goes around a corner:
A
The front and rear wheels move in different paths.
When a vehicle goes around a corner, the rear wheels follow a different path than the front
wheels. This is called off-tracking. This effect is especially pronounced on vehicles with
trailers.
15
Q
When coupling a trailer:
A
Make sure to couple matching glad hands.
When coupling, make sure you couple matching glad hands. They are often color-coded to
help drivers avoid mistakes. Typically, blue is used for service lines and red is used for
emergency lines.
16
Q
The trailer hand valve should:
A
Be used only to test the trailer brakes.
The trailer hand valve works the trailer brakes but should only be used when testing them.
Using it while driving could create a skid. Never use the trailer hand valve while parking
because doing so may release the air pressure from the braking system, releasing the brakes
that are holding the vehicle in place.
17
Q
Large combination vehicles take the longest amount of time to stop:
A
When empty.
Large combination vehicles take longer to stop when they are empty than when they are loaded. The decreased weight causes a vehicle’s wheels to have decreased traction on the
surface of the road.
18
Q
If a trailer begins to skid, the driver should:
A
Release the brakes.
If your trailer starts to skid while you are braking, you should release the brakes and allow
them to begin to regain traction. Once its wheels have regained their grip on the road, the trailer will begin to straighten out and follow the tractor.
19
Q
What does the trailer air supply control look like?
A
It is an eight-sided red knob.
On newer vehicles, the trailer air supply control is an eight-sided red knob. It’s used to control the tractor protection valve.
20
Q
Air pressure in the ____ air line is controlled by either the foot brake or trailer hand brake.
A
Service
Air pressure in the service air line is controlled by either the foot brake or trailer hand brake.
The service air line is also known as the control line or signal line. This line is connected to
relay valves, which allow the trailer brakes to be applied more quickly than would otherwise
be possible.
21
Q
One function of the emergency air line is to:
A
Control the emergency brakes.
The emergency air line (also known as the supply line) has two functions. The first is to supply air to the trailer air tanks, and the second is to control the emergency brakes on combination vehicles.
22
Q
Rollovers happen when:
A
You take a turn too fast.
Rollovers are caused by operators turning too fast. To avoid rolling over, drive slowly on entrance ramps, on exit ramps, and around corners. Avoid making quick lane changes when towing trailers.
23
Q
The “crack-the-whip” effect can:
A
Turn over a trailer.
Trailers can overturn as a result of the “crack-the-whip” effect. The last trailer in a
combination is the most prone to tip over due to this effect. Drivers should be aware of the
rearward amplification of their specific vehicles and drive accordingly.
24
Q
A second conviction of operating a CMV with a minimum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of
0.04 percent will result in:
A
The loss of your CDL for life.
It is illegal to operate a CMV if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.04 percent or higher. A first offense will result in the loss of your CDL for one year. A second offense will result in the loss of your CDL for life.
25
While still below the legal limit, a driver operating a CMV with a detectable amount of alcohol in
their system will:
Result in an out-of-service order for 24 hours.
If you are found to have any detectable amount of alcohol in your system while operating a
CMV but your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is still below the legal limit of 0.04 percent,
you will be put out-of-service for 24 hours. It is both illegal and dangerous to operate a
motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
26
You may:
Not have more than one license.
A person cannot have more than one driver license at a time. States share information through a computer database to ensure that no person has more than one license. Violation of this law could result in fines or jail time.
27
If you are disqualified from driving:
You must notify your employer within two business days.
You must notify your employer within two business days if your license is suspended, revoked, or canceled, or if you are otherwise disqualified from driving.
28
While operating a CMV:
You are always required to wear a safety belt.
A safety belt is your best defense in the event of a collision. You must always wear a safety
belt while operating a CMV.
29
It is illegal to operate a CMV with a minimum blood alcohol content (BAC) of:
0.04 percent.
Operating a CMV with a minimum blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04 percent is illegal and
will result in loss of license for at least one year for a first offense. If you operate a CMV with
any detectable amount of alcohol in your system while remaining below the legal limit of
0.04 percent, you will be put out-of-service for at least 24 hours.
30
If asked by a law enforcement officer to take a test to determine your blood alcohol
concentration (BAC):
You will lose your CDL if you refuse to take the test.
Most states have an Implied Consent Law, which means that by driving a vehicle on the
state's roads, you have agreed to undergo a drug or alcohol test if a police officer asks you to do so. If you refuse to submit to a test, you will lose your operating privileges. Make sure you are aware of the laws for every state in which you drive.
31
Your CDL will be revoked if:
Your privilege to operate your personal vehicle is revoked.
If your privilege to operate your personal vehicle is revoked, canceled, or suspended due to
moving traffic violations, you will also lose your CDL. This does not apply if your license is
revoked due to parking violations.
32
If convicted of a traffic violation, you must inform your employer:
Within 30 days.
If you are convicted of any kind of traffic violation in any type of vehicle, you must notify
your employer within 30 days of the incident. You must also inform your motor vehicle
licensing agency within 30 days if the incident happened in another jurisdiction. This rule
does not apply to parking infractions.
33
While driving a CMV:
You may not hold a cell phone to make a call.
While driving a CMV, you may not make voice calls if you need to hold your phone or press
more than one button to do so. Additionally, you may not send or read text messages while
driving.
34
During the steering box portion of the vehicle inspection test, you should not:
Assume all cotter keys are present.
Before a trip, ensure that the steering box is securely mounted. Check for missing nuts, bolts, and cotter keys. Be sure that there are no power steering fluid leaks and that there is no damage to power steering hoses.
35
During a vehicle inspection, ensure that the landing gear is:
Fully raised.
When inspecting a trailer during a vehicle inspection test, ensure that its landing gear has no
missing parts and that it is fully raised. The crank handle should be secure and the support
frame should not be damaged.
36
When performing a pre-trip inspection and looking into the fifth wheel gap, you should:
Make sure the locking jaws are fully closed around the kingpin.
When inspecting a trailer coupling, you should make sure the fifth wheel locking jaws are closed around the shank of the kingpin, not the head of the kingpin.
37
Move over laws require:
All vehicles to vacate the lane closest to an emergency vehicle that is stopped with its lights flashing.
If an emergency vehicle with its lights on is stopped on the side of the road, move over laws
require drivers to vacate the lane directly next to the vehicle, if possible. If a driver cannot
move over safely, they must slow down and proceed with caution.
38
Emergency equipment in a vehicle is:
Required.
During a pre-trip inspection, you should check for emergency equipment, including spare
electrical fuses; three red reflective triangles, six fuses, or three liquid burning flares; and at
least one properly charged and rated fire extinguisher.
39
Mirror adjustment can only be checked properly if:
The trailer is straight.
On a vehicle with one or more trailers, mirror adjustment can only be checked accurately if
the trailers are straight. Mirror adjustment should be checked before the start of every trip.
40
If unable to tell if the road is becoming icy and slippery, a driver:
May open their window and feel the front of the side mirror for ice.
If you think the road surface may be becoming icy but you are not certain, you can open your window and feel the front of the side mirror, mirror support, or antenna. If ice has formed on any of these items, the road is likely becoming icy as well.
41
What happens when a vehicle hydroplanes?
The tires lose contact with the road.
On a wet road, it is possible for a vehicle's tires to lose traction with the road surface and begin to glide along on the layer of water. This is referred to as hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 30 mph.
42
A cardboard box on the roadway:
May contain a heavy object that could damage your vehicle.
Any foreign object on the road is potentially dangerous. For example, something seemingly
harmless, such as a cardboard box or paper sack, could contain a hard or heavy object that
could do serious damage to a vehicle.
43
A stopped bus:
Is a concern, whether passengers are visible or not.
Always drive cautiously around a stopped bus. Passengers may cross in front of or behind it,
and the bus may prevent them from seeing your vehicle.
44
Headlights:
Should be on the high beam setting whenever possible.
To improve visibility, you should use high beam headlights at night where it is safe and legal
to do so. However, the glare from high beam lights can blind other drivers. You should dim
your lights to their low beam setting when driving within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle.
45
What is road rage?
Operating a motor vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others
Aggressive driving is defined as operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner.
Road rage is defined as operating a motor vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others, or
the intent of physically assaulting another driver or their vehicle.
46
Black ice is:
A thin layer of ice on the road.
Black ice is a layer of ice that is thin and clear enough for the road to be visible through it.
The surface will look like a wet road. Always be alert to black ice if the road looks wet when
the temperature is below freezing.
47
Before entering a curve, you should:
Downshift.
Always downshift before entering a curve. Decreasing your speed before entering the curve
will allow you to maintain better control over the vehicle throughout the curve.
48
When driving, it is important to:
Look to the front, sides, and rear of your vehicle.
For safe driving, it is essential that you are aware of what is happening on all sides of your
vehicle. In addition to watching the road ahead, you should frequently check your mirrors to
monitor the road to the sides and to the rear of your vehicle.
49
When making a turn, when should you cancel your turn signal?
After the turn is completed
When turning or changing lanes, you should signal early and signal continuously. Cancel your
turn signal once the turn or lane change is complete.
50
The maximum amount of play that is safe on a 20-inch steering wheel is:
Two inches.
A steering wheel with play of more than 10 degrees may be defective. On a 20-inch wheel,
this is equal to about two inches of movement at the rim of the wheel.
51
If you identify a distracted driver on the road, you should:
Give them plenty of room.
If you encounter a distracted driver, make sure to give them plenty of room. Be very careful
if you pass their vehicle because the driver may be unaware of your presence and drift into
your lane.
52
When conducting a pre-drive inspection:
The previous inspection report should be reviewed, if applicable.
The first step of a vehicle inspection is to review the last vehicle inspection report. Only sign
the report if noted defects are certified to have been repaired.
53
If being tailgated, you should:
Increase the amount of space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
If you are being tailgated, you should increase the distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle ahead of you. This reduces the need for you to make sudden changes in speed or
direction while making it easier for the tailgater to pass your vehicle.
54
If a vehicle is equipped with power steering, the hoses should be checked:
For leaks.
When inspecting a vehicle with power steering, you should inspect the hoses, pumps, and
fluid levels. Specifically check the hoses for leaks.
55
You will often have to drive your vehicle under bridges and overpasses. If approaching such an
opening, you should:
Assume the posted clearance height is inaccurate.
Do not assume that posted height clearances are accurate. If the road was repaved after the
sign was posted, or if there is packed snow on the ground, the actual height of the opening
may be different than what is indicated. If you are not confident that your vehicle will be able
to safely clear an upcoming bridge or overpass, you should slow down and find another path,
if possible.
56
A ramp's posted speed limit:
Is suitable for some vehicles, but may be too fast for a large CMV.
Posted speed limits on exit and entrance ramps often show speeds that are safe to be driven
by cars. However, these speed limits may be too fast for large or heavily-loaded vehicles and
CMV drivers will likely need to slow down to a speed below the posted limit.
57
Parked delivery trucks may be hazardous because:
People are often in a hurry when exiting such trucks and may not look for other vehicles.
Passing parked delivery or postal trucks can be dangerous because the driver may be in a
hurry and pull into traffic without warning, or may they suddenly step out of the vehicle
without checking for other traffic.
58
How do ice cream trucks become hazardous to other drivers?
Children often run toward an ice cream truck without looking for other traffic.
Ice cream trucks can create hazardous conditions for other drivers because they attract
children. Children often do not notice or pay attention to other vehicles on the roadway
when running to or from ice cream trucks.
59
When a vehicle is started, warning lights and buzzers:
Should turn off within a few seconds.
After an engine is started, the warning lights and buzzers for oil, coolant, charging circuits,
and the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) should go out right away.
60
After two violations of any state law regarding hand-held mobile phone use:
Your CDL will be disqualified.
If you are twice convicted of violating any state law regarding hand-held mobile phone use,
your CDL will be disqualified. Consequences will become more severe with subsequent
violations.
61
One way to avoid becoming an aggressive driver is to:
Set realistic expectations regarding travel time.
To help avoid frustration, which can lead to aggressive driving behavior, you should begin a
trip with realistic expectations about your travel time. Plan ahead to allow time for potential
traffic delays. Other strategies to help prevent aggressive driving behavior include driving an
appropriate speed and keeping a reasonable following distance; avoiding making gestures at
other drivers; and keeping your hands on the steering wheel.
62
When passing another vehicle, you should:
Assume the other driver doesn’t see you.
It is always safest to assume that other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians don't see you. Be
prepared for the possibility that they may suddenly move into your path. It may be safe to
lightly tap your horn or flash your lights as you pass.
63
A tread depth of ____ should be in every major groove of a front tire.
4/32 of an inch
For safe operation, a commercial motor vehicle needs a tread depth of 4/32 of an inch in every major groove on the front tires, and a tread depth of 2/32 of an inch on other tires.
64
One way to prevent drowsiness while driving is to:
Get adequate sleep the night before the trip.
Driving while fatigued can be extremely dangerous. Strategies for preventing drowsiness
while driving include getting a full night's sleep before a trip; having someone ride with you;
scheduling trips for times during which you are normally awake; and avoiding medications
that may cause drowsiness. Exercising regularly can increase your energy levels and make
you less likely to become tired while driving.
65
A tread depth of ____ should be in every major groove of a tire that is not in the front of a
commercial motor vehicle.
2/32 of an inch
For safe operation, a commercial motor vehicle needs a tread depth of 4/32 of an inch in every major groove on the front tires, and a tread depth of 2/32 of an inch on other tires.
66
If driving so slowly that you could impede other drivers, you should:
Drive while using your four-way flashers.
If you must drive so slowly that you will impede the flow of traffic, you should turn on your
four-way flashers to alert drivers behind you (as long as local laws allow the use of flashers).
67
If driving through flowing water or a large puddle, you should:
Gently apply the brakes.
It is best to avoid driving through large puddles or moving water. If there is no way to avoid
driving through water, you should slow down, shift into a low gear, and gently apply the
brakes. Pressing linings against the brake drums or discs will keep water, mud, silt, and sand
from getting inside the brake mechanisms.
68
If one-fourth of the leaves in a leaf spring are missing when a vehicle is inspected:
The vehicle will be put out-of-service until it is fixed.
When inspecting a vehicle's suspension, you should look for broken or missing leaves in the
leaf springs. Any defect of this kind is dangerous. If one-fourth or more of the leaves are
missing from any leaf spring, the vehicle must be put out-of-service.
69
What is the best way to stop if your brakes fail while you are driving downhill?
Steer onto an escape ramp.
If your brakes fail on a downgrade, you will need to quickly find something outside that can
stop your vehicle. An escape ramp is the best option. If no escape ramp is available, use the
least hazardous available option, such as driving into an open field or side road that flattens
out or turns uphill.
70
A broken exhaust system:
Can allow poisonous fumes to enter the cabin.
A broken exhaust system can let poisonous fumes into a vehicle's cab or sleeper berth. Be sure to inspect your exhaust system for any loose, broken, or missing parts.
71
What are placards?
Signs placed on a vehicle to identify cargo hazards.
Placards are diamond-shaped warning signs that are placed on the outside of vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Placards are used to identify the specific hazard classes of the cargo being carried.
72
A pre-trip inspection:
Should be done in the same way every time.
A pre-trip vehicle inspection should be done in the same way every time. Consistency will help a driver learn all of the proper steps and decrease the possibility of the driver forgetting to inspect something.
73
Distracted driving:
Can be avoided by not engaging in complex conversations while driving.
To reduce the risk of distraction, do not engage in complex or emotionally intense conversations while driving. Pre-programming radio stations before your trip and avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking while at the wheel can also help you avoid becoming distracted
while driving. Remember that mental distractions that take your attention away from the task of driving can be just as dangerous as physical distractions.
74
If a driver has stopped on the road and is placing triangles to warn other motorists:
The triangles should be held between the driver and oncoming traffic.
For your own safety, when placing reflective warning triangles, you should carry them between your body and the oncoming traffic.
75
When approaching a vehicle for a pre-trip inspection, a driver should look under the vehicle:
To see if there are any fresh fluids on the ground.
When approaching your vehicle before an inspection, make note of its general condition and ensure that it is not damaged or leaning. Look under the vehicle for fresh leaks of oil, grease, or fuel. Check around the vehicle for hazards to movement, such as people, other vehicles, or low-hanging wires or tree limbs.
76
What is reaction distance?
The distance you will travel between realizing you must brake and when you physically hit the brakes.
Your vehicle's stopping distance can be calculated by adding together your perception distance, your reaction distance, and your vehicle's braking distance. Reaction distance is the distance traveled between the moment you mentally perceive a hazard and the moment you physically hit the brakes.
77
A pre-trip inspection should include:
A check of the engine oil level.
When examining the engine compartment during a pre-trip inspection, you should check the engine oil level, the radiator coolant level, and the condition of the hoses.
78
When starting the engine of a truck with a trailer, you can tell that your vehicle's ABS is not
working if:
The yellow light on the left rear of the trailer stays on.
When turning on your vehicle's engine, the lights on the dash should come on and then turn off. If the ABS malfunction light stays on, the system is not working properly. In the case of a truck with a trailer, if the yellow light on the left rear of the trailer stays on once the engine has been started, the system is not working properly.
79
When starting an engine, oil pressure should come up to a normal level:
Within seconds.
Look at your truck's gauges when starting the engine. The oil pressure in an engine should come up to a normal level within seconds of the vehicle's engine being started.
80
How can you check for a leak in hydraulic brakes?
Pump the brake pedal three times, then hold down the pedal for five seconds. If the pedal
moves, there may be a problem.
Check hydraulic brakes by pumping the brake pedal three times before applying firm pressure to the pedal for five seconds. The pedal should not move. If it does, there may be a leak or some other problem in the braking system.
81
When passing a row of parked vehicles, a driver should:
Watch for signs of a person exiting a vehicle.
You should be cautious when passing parked vehicles. A person may step out of a parked vehicle or out from between parked vehicles without looking for oncoming traffic. A driver may begin moving their vehicle before realizing you are there.
82
When backing with a trailer, turning toward the driver’s side is encouraged because:
The driver will have the best possible view.
When driving in reverse, it is always recommended that a driver backs their vehicle toward its left side. This will allow the driver the best possible view of the rear of their vehicle.
83
In very hot weather, tires should be checked regularly because:
Air pressure may increase with the temperature.
Air expands as it gets warmer, so the air pressure in your tires could reach dangerously high levels while being used in very hot weather. If this happens, stop and let your tires cool. Do not let air out of the tires, as this could result in the pressure dropping to an unsafe level once the tires cool down.
84
When stopping a manual transmission vehicle, you should:
Push the clutch in when the engine is close to idle.
When stopping, apply gradual pressure to the brake pedal and stop smoothly. If stopping a manual transmission vehicle, push the clutch in when the engine is close to idle.
85
When driving:
You should always use turn signals to warn others about your intentions.
It is important to communicate your intentions to others on the road. Make sure to signal before turning or changing lanes, even if no other vehicles are nearby.
86
When backing with a trailer, you should begin by:
Turning the steering wheel in the direction opposite of the turn.
When backing with a trailer, begin by turning the steering wheel in the direction opposite of the turn. Once the trailer starts to turn, reverse the direction of the steering wheel to follow the trailer.
87
When backing up, follow a turning trailer by:
Changing the direction of the steering wheel.
When backing with a trailer, begin by turning the steering wheel in the direction opposite of
the turn. Once the trailer starts to turn, reverse the direction of the steering wheel to follow
the trailer.
88
The most important reason to inspect your vehicle before a trip is:
To ensure safety.
The most important reason to inspect your vehicle before a trip is to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. Safety inspections before every trip are required by state and federal laws.
89
If you remain in neutral for too long while switching gears:
You may have trouble putting the vehicle into the next gear.
If you remain in neutral for too long while switching gears, you may have difficulty putting the vehicle into the next gear. If this happens, do not try to force the gear shift. Instead, return to neutral, release the clutch, increase the engine speed to match the road speed, and try again.
90
If you must stop on the side of a highway, how far behind your vehicle should warning devices
be placed?
10, 100, and 200 feet
When stopping your CMV on the side of a highway, warning devices must be placed 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet behind the vehicle.
91
Scan the road ____ ahead of your vehicle.
12 to 15 seconds
Good drivers scan the road at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of their vehicles. Looking ahead will allow you to identify and react to hazards before meeting them. Be sure to specifically look for vehicles that are coming onto the highway, entering into your lane, or turning.
92
You should check and adjust your mirrors:
Before driving.
Be sure to check your mirrors before beginning a drive. Your posture may change day to day and your mirrors may need to be adjusted.
93
When inspecting a power steering-equipped vehicle, you should be sure that:
The fluid is at the proper level.
When inspecting a vehicle equipped with power steering, check the hoses, pumps, and fluid level. Be sure to check for and repair leaks before operating the vehicle.
94
When adjusting your mirrors before a trip:
Part of your vehicle should be visible in the mirrors.
When properly adjusted, your mirrors should each display some part of your vehicle. Being able to see your own vehicle in your mirrors will give you a point of reference when judging the positions of other objects.
95
To warn drivers behind you that you will be slowing down, you should:
Tap your brake pedal a few times to illuminate your brake lights.
To let drivers behind you know that you plan to slow down, lightly tap your brake pedal a few times to flash your brake lights. It is important to communicate your intentions to other drivers.
96
When it is difficult to see and you are traveling near other drivers, you should:
Use low beam lights.
Use your low beam headlights when traveling near other drivers at times when it is difficult to see, such as at dawn, at dusk, or in poor weather conditions. Using the high beam setting under certain conditions could make it difficult for other drivers to see.
97
When driving on a wet road, you should reduce your speed by:
About one-third.
Reduce your speed when traveling on surfaces that provide reduced traction. Reduce your speed by about one-third when driving on a wet road.
98
When driving on packed snow, you should reduce your speed by:
One-half or more.
Reduce your speed when traveling on surfaces that provide reduced traction. Reduce your speed by one-half or more when traveling on packed snow.
99
You should maintain at least ____ of following distance per every 10 feet of your vehicle
when you are traveling more slowly than 40 mph.
One second
At speeds below 40 mph, you should allow at least one second of following distance for every 10 feet of your vehicle. Follow the same formula when traveling at faster speeds, then add one additional second to your following distance. Remember that larger vehicles require more space to stop than smaller vehicles.
100
Accelerating roughly is:
Discouraged, as it may cause damage to the vehicle.
When accelerating, speed up smoothly and gradually so your vehicle does not jerk. Rough acceleration can cause mechanical damage.
101
When stopping:
The brake pedal should be pressed down gradually.
Press the brake pedal down smoothly and gradually every time you slow or stop. The amount of brake pressure you need to apply depends on the speed of your vehicle and how quickly you need to stop.
102
If you must drive in reverse, it is helpful to:
First exit the truck and walk the path to look for obstacles.
If you must drive in reverse, you should first walk around the vehicle to check for hazards in your path of travel. Make frequent use of the mirrors on both sides of your vehicle while backing. Always back up as slowly as possible.
103
Dual tires should:
Not come into contact with one another.
When inspecting a vehicle, you should verify that your dual tires do not come into contact with one another, or with any other part of the vehicle.
104
If you are turning left at an intersection where there are two available turn lanes:
It is best to use the right lane.
You may have to swing right to safely make a left turn. If there are two left turn lanes available at an intersection, you should always begin your turn in the rightmost lane.
105
Most heavy vehicles require ____ to change gears.
Double clutching
Most heavy vehicles with manual transmissions require double clutching to change gears. A driver should release the accelerator, push in the clutch, and shift into neutral at the same time. After releasing the clutch and allowing the vehicle to change to the necessary speed, the driver should push in the clutch, shift gears, then simultaneously release the clutch and accelerate.
106
Slow down and be extra careful:
When approaching a work zone.
Slow down and be especially careful when driving in and around work zones, in places where the pavement drops off sharply at the edge of the road, when foreign objects are present on the road, and on freeway on- and off-ramps.
107
The two indicators that determine when you should upshift are:
Engine speed and road speed.
There are two indicators that determine when you need to shift into a higher gear. One indicator is the engine speed (rpm). You should read your vehicle's manual to learn its rpm range and shift up when you reach the top of that range. The other indicator is road speed (mph). You should learn which speeds each gear can accommodate, then keep an eye on the speedometer and shift up as needed.
108
Leaking shock absorbers:
Indicate a potentially dangerous defect.
The suspension system keeps a vehicle's axles in place. Damaged suspension parts, such as leaking shock absorbers, may be potentially dangerous defects on a vehicle.
109
If you need to travel down a hill, you should switch into a lower gear:
Before you start moving downhill.
Always downshift before beginning to drive downhill. Forcing an automatic transmission into a lower gear at a high speed could damage the transmission and also lead to a loss of ability to engine brake. Drive at a speed that will allow you to control your vehicle without overusing your brakes. When determining a safe speed to drive, you should take into account the steepness of the grade, the length of the grade, the weight of your vehicle, road conditions, and weather conditions.
110
For safety purposes, when should you turn off a retarder?
When the roadways are slippery
Retarders are mechanisms in some vehicles that help slow a vehicle and reduce the need for braking. However, using a retarder may cause wheels to skid when they have poor traction. Turn off retarders when traveling under wet, snowy, or icy conditions.
111
Texting while driving is especially dangerous because:
It is both a mental and physical distraction.
Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it is both a mental and physical distraction to the driver. In addition to diverting a driver's mental attention away from the road, texting requires a person to remove at least one hand from the vehicle's controls.
112
When checking your vehicle's lights before driving:
The engine should be turned off.
To check your vehicle's lights before a trip, you should set the parking brake, turn off the engine, remove the key from the ignition, and take the key with you. Turn on your low beam headlights and four-way flashers. Get out of the vehicle to make sure the lights are working properly.
113
When testing a parking brake, the vehicle should:
Be placed in a low gear while the driver attempts to pull forward.
To test a parking brake, you should fasten your safety belt, set the parking brake for the power unit, release the trailer parking brake (if applicable), place the vehicle in low gear, and attempt to pull forward against the parking brake. If the parking brake does not hold while you are attempting to pull forward against it, the brake is faulty and must be fixed.
114
When parked on the side of the road, you should:
Use your four-way flashers.
Always turn on your four-way emergency flashers if you must park on the side of the road. This is especially important when traveling at night.
115
If driving a vehicle with a manual transmission, you can prevent your vehicle from rolling
backward when starting from a stop by:
Partly engaging the clutch before removing your foot from the brake pedal.
To prevent rolling backward when starting from a stop, you should partly engage the clutch before removing your foot from the brake. Apply the parking brake whenever necessary to prevent your vehicle from rolling back.
116
How does doubling your speed from 20 mph to 40 mph affect your vehicle's braking distance?
It quadruples.
Increasing your vehicle's speed will increase your vehicle's striking power and braking distance. Doubling your vehicle's speed from 20 to 40 mph will multiply its braking distance by four.
117
When backing, it is best to:
Use a helper, if possible.
If you must drive in reverse, you should back up slowly and use the mirrors on both sides of your vehicle. Use a helper to monitor your blind spots whenever possible. You and the helper should agree on a signal for "stop."
118
A truck should be parked:
So that it can be pulled forward to leave the space.
Because you can't see everything behind you, backing is always dangerous and should be avoided whenever possible. Choose parking spaces from which you can pull forward when you leave.
119
When near a railroad crossing:
You may not hear a train, even if one is approaching.
You should never assume that you will hear an approaching train. The train operator may fail
to sound the horn, or the use of a train's horn may be prohibited in a specific area. Even if the train does sound its horn, noise from inside your own vehicle may prevent you from hearing the train until it is dangerously close.
120
When approaching a railroad crossing, you should:
Not rely solely on warning signals to indicate if a train is approaching.
You should not rely solely upon the presence of warning signals, gates, or flaggers to alert you to the approach of a train. Be especially alert to approaching trains at crossings that are not controlled by gates or signals. At any railroad crossing, you should operate under the assumption that a train is coming.
121
When using your mirrors, you should frequently look at your tires to:
Watch for tire fires.
Check your tires regularly when looking in your mirrors. This helps ensure that you will notice a tire fire, if one should happen. Tire fires may occur when a tire is under-inflated, if dual tires are touching, or if the tires are otherwise overheated.
122
What should you do if your vehicle gets stuck on railroad tracks?
Get out of the vehicle and call for assistance.
If your CMV gets stuck on railroad tracks, you should immediately leave the vehicle and get away from the tracks. Check the signposts or signal housing at the crossing for emergency contact information and call 911, or another appropriate emergency number.
123
To avoid a hazard, you:
May need to swerve your vehicle out of the way.
Stopping is not always the best way to avoid a hazard. If there is not enough space for you to stop to avoid coming into contact with the hazard, swerving out of the way may be your safest option.
124
You must put out emergency warning devices within ____ of stopping on the side of the
road.
10 minutes
If you must stop on the shoulder of a road, put out your emergency warning devices within 10 minutes of stopping. When pulling off the road to stop, be sure to turn on your four-way emergency flashers.
125
Texting while driving a CMV is:
Prohibited.
Texting while driving a commercial motor vehicle is both illegal and dangerous. Manually entering text into or reading text from any electronic device is considered texting.
126
If a driver begins to feel fatigued while driving, they should:
Stop and rest.
If you begin to feel drowsy while driving, the only safe response is to safely leave the road and get some sleep. Using artificial stimulants can be dangerous because they may cause extreme fatigue when they begin to wear off.
127
How could you reduce your stress while driving?
Listen to calming music
Being under stress can lead to aggressive driving, which is dangerous. Playing calming music can help you become more relaxed if you are feeling stressed while driving.
128
If an aggressive driver confronts you, you should not:
Challenge them.
When confronted with an aggressive driver, your first priority should be to get out of their way. Do not provoke the driver by making eye contact, trying to race, or refusing to move out of your traffic lane. Additionally, ignore any gestures that are intended to provoke you.
129
If a tire fails, you should:
Stay off the brakes.
Braking after a tire fails can result in a loss of control. Stay off your brakes, if possible, until your vehicle has slowed considerably.
130
When driving a vehicle equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you should:
Brake as you would in a vehicle not equipped with ABS.
When driving a tractor-trailer combination that is equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), you should brake in the same manner that you would if the vehicle was not equipped with ABS.
131
After an accident, flares should be used with caution because:
There may be fuel spilled on the ground that could catch fire.
A common cause of vehicle fires in the aftermath of an accident is the improper use of flares near spilled fuel. Use flares with caution.
132
If you have an engine fire, you should:
Turn off the engine as soon as possible.
To keep an engine fire from spreading, you should turn off the vehicle's engine as soon as possible. Do not open the hood if you don't have to.
133
If an approaching driver is using their high beam headlights, you should:
Look to the right side of your lane until the vehicle has passed.
If a vehicle is coming toward you while using its high beam headlights, glance away from the headlights and toward the right side of the road until the vehicle has passed. This will keep you from being blinded by the lights.
134
When trying to put out an electrical fire, you should:
Use a B:C extinguisher.
B:C fire extinguishers are designed to work on electrical fires and burning liquids. Don't pour water on an electrical fire.
135
If you’re not sure what to do to extinguish a fire in your vehicle, you should:
Wait for the firefighters.
If you are not sure which kind of extinguisher should be used on a fire in your vehicle, particularly a hazardous materials fire, you should wait for the firefighters to arrive and allow them to extinguish it.
136
When entering a foggy area, you should:
Slow down.
Always slow down before entering a foggy area. Use low beam headlights, avoid passing others, and avoid stopping on the side of the roadway. It is safest to completely avoid driving under foggy conditions, if possible.
137
When using a fire extinguisher on a fire, you should:
Stand as far away from the fire as possible.
When using a fire extinguisher, you should stand as far away from the fire as possible. Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire, not at the flames. If you are not sure which kind of extinguisher should be used on a fire, particularly a hazardous materials fire, you should wait for the firefighters to arrive and allow them to extinguish it.
138
The only way to sober up after consuming alcohol is to:
Wait.
Most alcohol is removed from the body by the liver, which processes alcohol at a fixed rate. Despite popular belief, techniques like drinking black coffee or taking a cold shower will not accelerate this process. The only thing you can do to become sober after drinking is allow your body the time it needs to eliminate the alcohol from your system.
139
Over-the-counter medication:
Can affect a person’s ability to drive safely.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications may have side effects that can impair a person's ability to drive safely. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance, including some over-the-counter medications.
140
If you are driving at a reduced speed in a construction zone when you spot a construction
worker near the road, you should:
Further reduce your speed.
Always decrease your speed when traveling through a construction area. Slow down even further if there are workers on or near the roadway.
141
If a vehicle is carrying hazardous cargo, placards must be placed:
On the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle.
Placards must be placed on the front, the rear, and both sides of a vehicle carrying hazardous cargo. They must be readable from any direction.
142
If you realize you may be running late to your destination, you should:
Deal with it and drive at a safe speed.
To reduce the risk of developing aggressive driving behavior, you should take measures to manage your stress. One strategy to do this is to simply take a deep breath and accept your circumstances if you realize you will be late to your destination.
143
Joggers who are wearing headsets:
May not be aware of what is happening around them.
Be careful around pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists who are wearing headphones. They may not be able to clearly hear surrounding traffic and may not be aware that you are there.
144
A person working on a disabled vehicle on the shoulder of a road:
May be focused on the repair and not paying attention to roadway traffic.
Be cautious when driving near people who are working on disabled vehicles. The task will likely consume their attention, so they may not be aware of traffic or other hazards on the road.
145
What is the purpose of a vehicle inspection report?
It tells the motor carrier about problems that may need to be fixed.
A vehicle inspection report allows a driver to inform the motor carrier of issues that could affect the safe operation of a vehicle. If required, the driver should fill out a vehicle inspection report after every day of driving. They should make note of any issues that could affect the safety of the vehicle or that could lead to a mechanical breakdown.
146
An open automobile window in cold weather may indicate that the driver is:
Driving impaired.
It is important to observe other drivers' behaviors and identify clues that indicate when person could be driving impaired. Drivers who have had too much to drink, are sleepy, are on drugs, or are ill can present hazards to other drivers. A person driving with their window open in cold weather may be impaired.
147
While driving, you should:
Develop plans to get out of any dangerous situation that could arise.
While driving, you should consistently check the road ahead for hazards. Develop a plan to deal with any hazards that could arise.
148
If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash on the road ahead of you, you should:
Stop after the crash scene and report the driver’s aggressive behavior to the police.
If you observe a crash involving an aggressive driver, you should stop a safe distance from the crash scene, wait for police to arrive, and inform them of the aggressive behavior you witnessed.
149
How many daily hours of sleep does an adult need to maintain alertness?
Eight to nine hours
Being properly rested is essential to the safe operation of a CMV. To maintain alertness, most people need eight to nine hours of sleep per night.
150
The radiator cap:
Should not be removed when the coolant is hot.
Never remove the radiator cap or any part of the pressurized cooling system until it has cooled. Opening the cap while the system is too hot could release steam and boiling water that could severely burn you. If the radiator cap is cool to the touch, the system is likely cool enough for you to open the cap.
