General Knowledge - Test-guide Flashcards
Can you have more than one license?
No. You can be fined up to $5,000 or put in jail.
How long do you have to notify employer of conviction of a traffic violation?
30 days (except parking)
How much driving history must you give your employer?
All driving jobs held for the past 10 years. Do this when you apply.
What is the fine for driving without a CDL?
Up to $5,000 or jail
How first-time offenses will cause the loss of CDL?
All one year
- Driving a CMV under the influence
- Leaving the scene of an accident of your CMV
- Using your CMV to commit a felony
- Refusing sobriety test while driving CMV
- Causing death of other negligent or criminal operation of CMV
- Driving a CMV while CDL is revoked, suspended, canceled or disqualified
- If offense occurs while driving placarded for hazard material it is 3 years
When will you lose CDL for life?
Second offense
Using CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances
How much tread depth is needed?
4/32” on front tires, 2/32” on other tires.
What are considered serious traffic violations?
excessive speeding (+15mph), reckless driving, improper or erratic lane changes, following too closely, fatal traffic accidents, driving CMV without a CDL, driving CMV without CDL in possession.
When is it illegal to drive a CMV?
When BAC is .04% or more. You lose CDL for one year on first offense, life on second. If less than .04% and detectable then out of service for 24 hours.
What are the signs of a damaged rim?
Rust around wheel nuts may mean looseness.
Missing clamps, spacers, studs, or lugs
Mismatched, bent, or cracked lock rings
Wheels or rims with welding repairs
What are the signs of bad brake drums or shoes?
Cracked drums
Shoes with grease or oil
Shoes worn thin, broken, missing
What are the signs of a steering system defect?
Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees.
What are signs of suspension system defects?
Spring hangers, leaves, shock absorbers, torque rod or arm, u-bolts
What are signs of exhaust system defects?
exhaust pipes, mufflers, tailpipes, vertical stacks,
What is your responsibility if cargo contains hazardous materials?
Inspect for proper papers and placarding. Make sure cargo is balanced and secure.
How do you check hydraulic brakes?
Pump brake pedal 3x, then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for 5 secs. The pedal should not move. If it does there is a leak or problem that needs to be fixed.
How often does an in trip check need to occur?
Within the first 25-miles of the trip and every 150 miles or every three hours (whichever comes first)
How do I turn when backing with a trailer?
With a bus, car, or straight truck you turn the top of the wheel toward the direction you want to go.
With a trailer, you turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction.
How do you correct drift when backing?
When the trailer drifts, correct it by turning the top of the steering wheel in the direction of the drift.
How do you shift up in a manual transmission?
Requires double clutching to change gears:
- Release accelerator, push in clutch and shift to neutral
- Release clutch
- Let engine and gears slow down to rpm required for next gear
- Push in clutch and shift to higher gear
- Release clutch and push accelerator at same time
When do you shift up?
- Use engine speed (rpm)
2. Use road speed (mph)
How do you shift down in a manual transmission?
- Release accelerator, push in clutch and shift to neutral
- Release clutch
- Press accelerator, increase engine and gear speed to rpm required in lower gear
- Push in clutch and shift to lower gear
- Release clutch and press accelerator
When should you downshift?
Before starting down a hill. Usually in a lower gear then needed to climb the hill.
2. Before entering a curve.
What is a multi-speed rear axle and auxiliary transmission?
Used to provide extra gears. Usually controlled by a selector knob.
What is a retarder?
It helps slow a vehicle reducing the need for using brakes. Many types (exhaust, engine, hydraulic, electric). When turned on they apply their braking power (to the drive wheels only) whenever you let up on the accelerator pedal all the way.
When should you turn the retarder off?
When it is wet, icy, or snow because the drive wheels can have poor traction and the retarder may cause them to skid.
How far ahead should you look down the road?
12-15 seconds. At low speeds that is a block, a 1/4 mile at highway.
What should you do if driving slowly?
Turn on emergency flashers if its legal.
How long do you have to put out emergency warning devices if stopped on the road?
10 minutes.
Where do you place warnings if stopped on a two-lane road carrying traffic in both directions or on an undivided highway?
Within 10’ of the front or rear corners to mark location, and 100’ behind and ahead.
Where do you place warnings if stopped on a two-lane road carrying traffic in both directions or on an undivided highway?
Within 10’ of the front or rear corners to mark location, and 100’ behind and ahead.
Where do you place warnings if stopped beyond any hill, curve, or other obstruction that prevents seeing within 500’?
10’ of the rear corner, 100’ ahead, 100’-500’ behind
Where do you place warning if you stop on a one-way or divided highway?
Within 10’, 100’ and 200’ toward the approaching traffic.
What three things add up to total stopping distance?
Perception distance + Reaction distance + braking distance. At 55mph it takes 290 feet or 6 seconds.
What is the effect of speed on stopping distance?
When you double your speed, it takes about 4x as much distance to stop and vehicle will have 4x the destructive power.
What is the effect of weight on stopping distance?
The heavier the more work the brakes do, but heavy vehicles are designed to work best when fully loaded. Empty trucks require greater stopping distance b/c there is less traction. (not usually the case with buses though)
What is traction?
Friction between the tires and the road.