General Knowledge Flashcards
GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
CDL needed for:
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more
- Combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
It is illegal to operate a CMV if your BAC is .04 or more
Front tire tread depth
At least 4/32-inch
Back tire tread depth
At least 2/32-inch
Emergency safety equipment
Spare electrical fuses, three red reflective triangles, 6 fusees, and a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher
Testing service brake stopping action
Go about 5 mph and push brake firmly
Method for shifting up
- Release accelerator, push in clutch and shift to neutral at the same time
- Release clutch
- Let engine and gears slow down to the rpm required for the next gear
- Push in clutch and shift to the higher gear at the same time
- Release clutch and press accelerator at the same time
Method for shifting down
- Release accelerator, push in clutch, and shift to neutral at the same time
- Release clutch
- Press accelerator, increase engine and speed to the rpm required in the lower gear
- Push in clutch and shift to lower gear at the same time
Special conditions when you should downshift
- Before starting downhill
- Before entering a curve
Retarders
Help slow a vehicle, reducing the need for using your brakes
Types of retarders
- Exhaust
- Engine
- Hydraulic
- Electric
Emergency flashers
If you must stop on the side of the road, you must put your flashers on within 10 minutes
Warning devices when stopping on the side of the road (one way or divided highway)
Place warning devices 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic
Warning devices when stopping on the side of the road (two-lane road carrying traffic or undivided highway)
Place warning devices within 10 feet of the front or rear corners to mark the location of the vehicle and 100 feet behind and ahead of the vehicle
Stopping distance
Perception distance + Reaction distance + Braking distance = Total stopping distance
Reaction distance
The average driver has a reaction time of 3/4 second to 1 second. At 55mph this accounts for 61 feet traveled.
Braking distance
The distance your vehicle will travel while you are braking. At 55mph on dry pavement with good brakes, it can take about 216 feet.
Total stopping distance
At 55mph, your vehicle will travel a minimum of 419 feet.
Aggressive driving
The act of operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or push manner, without the regard for the rights of safety of others
Road rage
Operating a motor vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others or physically assaulting a driver or their vehicle
Passive crossings
This type of crossing does
not have any type of traffic control device
Active crossings
This type of crossing has a
traffic control device installed at the crossing to
regulate traffic at the crossing. These active
devices include flashing red lights, with or without
bells and flashing red lights with bells and gates.
