Permit Knowledge Test Flashcards
1
Q
What his the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
A
Safety, for yourself and other road users.
2
Q
What things should you check during a trip?
A
- Watch gauges for signs of trouble
- Use your senses to check for problems (look, listen, smell, feel)
- Check critical items when you stop:
- Tires, wheels and rims.
- brakes
- lights and reflectors
- brake and electrical connections to trailer
- Trailor coupling devices
- Cargo securment devices
3
Q
Name some key steering system parts?
A
- Steering wheel
- Steering shaft
- Steering knuckle
- Steering arm
- Power steering cylinder
- Spindle
- Tie rod
- Gear box
- Pitman arm
- Drag link
-Hydrolic fluid reservoir
4
Q
Name some suspension system defects?
A
- Spring Hangers that allow movements of axle from proper position. Figure 2.2
- Cracked or broken spring hangers
- Missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring. If one-fourth or more are missing, it will put the vehicle “out of service”, but any defect could be dangerous. Figure 2.3
- Broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring or leaves that have shifted so they might hit a tire or other part.
- Leaking shock absorbers.
- Torque rod or arm, u-bolts, spring hangers, or other axle positioning parts that are cracked, damaged, or missing.
- Air suspension systems that5 are damaged and/or leaking. Figure 2.4
- Any loose, cracked, broken or missing frame members.
5
Q
What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?
A
- Fire extinguisher(s)
- Spare electrical fuses (unless equipped with circuit breakers).
- Warning devices for parked vehicles (for example, three reflective warning triangles, or 6 fuses, or 3 burning flares).
6
Q
What is the minimum tread depth for front tires? For other tires?
A
4/32 for front
2/32 on other tires
7
Q
Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during the walk around inspection?
A
- Condition of front axle.
- Condition of steering system.
- No loose, worn, bent, damaged or missing parts
- Must grab steering mechanisms to test for looseness.
- Condition of windshield.
- Check for damage and clean if dirty.
- Check windshield Wimmer arms for proper spring tension.
- Check wiper blades for damage, “stiff” rubber, and securement.
- Lights and reflectors.
- Parking, clearance, and identification lights clean, operating, and proper color (amber at front).
- Reflectors clean and proper color (amber at front).
- Right front turn signal light clean, operating, and proper color (amber or white on signals facing forward).
8
Q
What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?
A
Not leaking.
9
Q
How many red reflective triangles should you carry?
A
3
10
Q
How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
A
Pump the brake pedal three times. Then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds. The pedal should not move. If it does, then there may be a leak or other problem. Get it fixed before driving.
11
Q
Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the vehicle inspection?
A
Safety
12
Q
Why should to back toward the driver’s side?
A
Back to the driver’s side so that you can see better. Backing toward the right side is dangerous because you can’t see as well. If you back and turn toward the driver’s side, you can watch the rear of your vehicle by looking out the side window. Use driver-side backing–even if it means going around the block to put your vehicle in this position. The safety added is worth it.
13
Q
If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?
A
For a manual transmission, 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 b rake 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.
14
Q
When backing, why is it important to use a helper?
A
There are blind spots you can’t see. That’s why a helper is important. The helper should stand near the back of your vehicle where you can see the helper. Before you begin backing, work out a set of hand signals that you both understand. Agree on the signal for “stop”.
15
Q
What’s the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?
A
Stop
16
Q
What are the two special conditions where you should downshift?
A
- Before starting down a hill.
- Before entering a curve.
17
Q
When should you downshift automatic transmissions?
A
Before a turn or hill.
18
Q
Retarder keep you from skidding when the road is slippery. True or False?
A
False
19
Q
What are the two ways to know when to shift?
A
- Use engine speed (rpm). Study the driver’s manual for your vehicle and learn the operating rpm range. Watch your tachometer, and shift up when your engine reaches the top of the range.
- Use the road speed (mph). Learn what speeds each gear is good for. Then, by using the speedometer, you’ll know when to shift up.
With either method, you may learn to use engine sounds to know when to shift.
20
Q
How far ahead does the manual say you should look?
A
12 to 15 seconds.
21
Q
What are two main things to look for ahead?
A
Vehicles coming onto the highway, into your lane, or turning. Watch for brake lights from slowing vehicles. Traffic lights.
22
Q
What’s the most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?
A
Check your mirrors regularly.
23
Q
What does “communicating” mean in safe driving?
A
- Signaling your intentions.
- Communicating your presence.
24
Q
Where should you place reflectors when stopped on a divided highway?
A
10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic.
25
What three things add up to total stopping distance?
- Perception distance
- Reaction distance
- Braking distance
26
If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by two or four times?
Four
27
Empty trucks have the best braking. True or False?
False
28
What is hydroplaning?
When water or slush collects on the road, your vehicle can hydroplane. It's like water skiing--the tires lose their contact with the road and have little or no traction. You may not be able to steer or brake.
29
What is black ice?
The thin layer of ice that is clear enough that you can see the road underneath it. It makes the road look wet. Any time the temperature is below freezing and the road looks wet, watch out for black ice.
30
How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?
Wait until the vehicle ahead passes a shadow on the road, a pavement marking, or some other clear landmark. Then count off the seconds like this: "one thousand and one, one thousand and two" and so on, until you reach the same spot. Compare your count with the rule with the rule of one second for every ten feet of length.
31
If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 mph, how many seconds of following distance should you allow?
4 seconds
32
You should decrease you following distance if somebody is following you too closely. True or False?
True
33
If you swing wide to the left before turning right, another driver may try to pass you on the right. True or False?
True
34
What is a hazard?
A hazard is any road condition or other road user (driver, bicyclist, pedestrian) that is a possible danger. For example,a car in front of you is headed toward the freeway exit, but his brake lights come on and he begins braking hard. This could mean that the driver is uncertain about taking the off ramp. He might suddenly return to the highway. This car is a hazard. If the driver of the car cuts in front of you, it is no longer just a hazard; it is an emergency.
35
Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?
You will have more time to plan and react.
36
What are some tips to follow so you won't become a distracted driver?
- Turn off all communication devices.
- Do not type or read a text message on a mobile device while driving.
- Familiarize yourself with all your vehicle's features and equipment before you get behind the wheel.
- Pre-program radio stations or pre-load CDs.
- Clear the vehicle of any unnecessary objects.
- Review maps, program your GPS and plan your route before you begin driving.
- Don't attempt to read or write while you drive.
- Avoid smoking, eating and drinking while you drive. Leave early to allow time to stop and eat.
- Don't engage in complex or emotionally intense conversations with other occupants.
- Secure commencement from other occupants to behave responsibly and to support the driver in reducing distractions.
37
How do you use in-vehicle communications equipment cautiously?
???
38
How do you recognize a distracted driver?
- Vehicles that may drift over the lane divider lines or within their own lane.
- Vehicles traveling at inconsistent speeds.
- Driver's who are preoccupied with maps, food, cigarettes,cell phones, or other objects.
- Drivers who appear to be involved in conversations with their passengers.
39
What is the difference between aggressive driving and road rage?
- Aggressive driving is the act of operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of others.
- Road Rage is operating a motor vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others or physically assaulting a driver or their vehicle.
40
What should you do when confronted with an aggressive driver?
- Put your pride in the back seat. Do not challenge them by speeding up or attempting to hold-your-own in your travel lane.
- Avoid eye contact.
- Ignore gestures and refuse to react to them.
- Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate authorities by providing a vehicle description, license number, location and, if possible, direction of travel.
- If you have a cell phone, and can do it safely, call the police.
- If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther downtown he road, stop a safe distance from the crash scene, wait for the police to arrive, and report the driving behavior that you witnessed.
41
What are some things you can do to reduce your stress before and while you drive?
- Listen to "easy listening" music.
- Don't allow yourself to become distracted by talking on your cell, eating, etc.
- Expect delays because of traffic, construction or bad weather and make allowances.
- You you are going to be later than expected - deal with it. Take a deep breathe and accept the delay.
42
You should use low beams whenever you can. True or False?
False
43
What should you do before you drive if you are drowsy?
- Get sleep. 8 to 9 hours
- Prepare route to carefully identify total distance, stopping points and other logistic considerations.
- Schedule trips for the hours you are normally awake, not the middle of the night.
- Drive with a passenger
- Avoid medications that cause drowsiness.
- Consult a physician if you suffer from daytime sleepiness, have difficulty sleeping at night or take frequent naps.
- Incorporate exercise into your daily life to give you more energy.
44
What effects can wet brakes cause? How can you avoid these problems?
Wet brakes can cause the brakes to be weak, to apply unevenly, or to grab. This can cause lack of braking power, wheel lockups, pulling to one side or the other, and jackknife if you pull a trailer.
To avoid:
-Slow down and place transmission in a low gear.
-Gently put on the brakes. This presses linings against brake drums or discs and keeps mud, silt, sand, and water from getting in.
-Increase engine rpm and cross the water while keeping light pressure on the brakes.
-When out of the water, maintain light pressure on the brakes for a short distance to heat them up and dry them out.
-Make a test stop when safe to do so.
45
You should let air out of hot tires so the pressure goes back to normal. True or False?
False
46
You can safely remove the radiator cap as long as the engine isn't overheated. True or False?
False
47
What factors determine your selection of a "safe" speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?
- Total wight of the vehicle and cargo.
- Length of the grade.
- Steepness of the grade.
- Road conditions.
- Weather.
48
Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?
To let the engine brake effect help slow you down and reduce chances of brake fade or failure.
49
Describe the proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade?
- Apply the brakes just hard enough to feel a definite slowdown.
- When your speed has been reduced to approximately five mph below your "safe" speed, release the brakes. (This brake application should last for about three seconds).
- When your speed has increased to your safe speed, repeat steps 1 and 2.
50
What type of vehicles can get stuck on a railroad-highway crossing?
These trailers get stuck on raised crossings.
- Low slung units (lowboy, car carrier, moving van, possum-belly livestock trailer).
- Single-axial tractor pulling a long trailer with its landing gear set to accommodate a tandem-axis tractor.
51
How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer unit to clear a double track?
At least 14 for a single track, 15 for a double track.
52
Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency. True or False?
True, sometimes steering away is better if you don't have room to stop.
53
What are some advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle?
- Avoid a head on collision.
| - No one is likely driving on the shoulder.
54
What is an "escape ramp"?
A soft gravel ramp that resists the motion of the vehicle and brings it to a stop. Some turn uphill, using the hill to stop the vehicle and soft gravel to hold it in place.
55
If a tire blows out, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly. True or False?
False
56
How do you know if your vehicle has antilock brakes?
- Tractors, trucks, and buses will have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on the instrument panel.
- Trailers will have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on the left side, either on the front or rear corner.
57
What is the proper braking technique when driving a vehicle with antilock brakes?
- Use only the braking force necessary to stop safely and stay in control.
- Brake the same way, regardless of whether you have ABS on the bus, tractor, the trailer, or both.
- As you slow down, monitor your tractor and trailer and back off the brakes (if it is safe to do so) to stay in control.
58
How do antilock brakes help you?
ABS helps you avoid wheel lock up and maintain control. You may or may not be able to stop faster with ABS, but you should be able to steer around an obstacle while braking, and avoid skids caused by over braking.
59
What are some things to do at an accident scene to prevent another accident?
Protect the area:
- If you vehicle is involved in the accidents, try to get it to the side of the road. This will help prevent another accident and allow traffic to move.
- If you're stopping to help, park away from the accident. The area immediately around the accident will be needed for emergency vehicles.
- Put on your flashers.
- Set out reflective triangles to warn other traffic. Make sure other drivers can see them in time to avoid the accident.
Notify Authorities:
If you have a cell phone or CB, call for assistance before you get out of your vehicle. If not, wait until after the accident scene has been properly protected, then phone or send someone to phone the police. Try to determine where you are so you can give the exact location.
Care for the Injured:
If a qualified person is at the accident and helping the injured, stay out of the way unless asked to assist. Otherwise, do the best you can to help any injured parties.
60
Name two causes of fires?
- After accidents. Spilled fuel, improper use of flares.
- Tires. Under-inflated tires and duals that touch.
- Electrical system. Short circuits due to damaged insulation, loose connections.
- Fuel, Driver smoking, improper fueling, loose fuel connections.
- Cargo. Flammable cargo, improperly sealed or loaded cargo, poor ventilation.
61
What kinds of fires in a B:C extinguisher not good for?
The B:C type fire extinguisher is designed to work on electrical fires and burning liquids.
Class of fire is B or C Extinguisher type is Regular dry chemical.
62
When using your fire extinguisher, should you get saw close as possible to the fire?
No, you should stay as far away as possible.
63
Name some causes of vehicle fires?
- After accidents. Spilled fuel, improper use of flares.
- Tires. Under-inflated tires and duals that touch.
- Electrical system. Short circuits due to damaged insulation, loose connections.
- Fuel, Driver smoking, improper fueling, loose fuel connections.
- Cargo. Flammable cargo, improperly sealed or loaded cargo, poor ventilation.
64
Common medicines for colds can make you sleepy. True or False?
True
65
Coffee and a little fresh air will help a drinker sober up. True or False?
False
66
What is a hazardous materials placard?
Placards are signs put on the outside of a vehicle that identify the hazard class of the cargo.
67
What are placards used for?
Used to warn others of hazardous materials.
68
What four things related to cargo are drivers responsible for?
- Inspecting your cargo.
- Recognizing overloads and poorly balanced weight.
- Knowing your cargo is properly secured and does not obscure your view ahead or to the sides
- Know you cargo does not restrict you access to emergency equipment.
69
How often must you stop while on the road to check your cargo?
After the first 50 miles and then re-check as often as necessary. You need to inspect
-After you have driving 3 hours or 150 miles.
After every break you take during driving.
70
How is Gross Combination Weight Ratting 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): Maximum GCW specified by the manufacturer for a specific combination of vehicles plus its load.
71
Name two situations where legal maximum weights may not be safe?
During bad weather or in mountains.
72
What can happen if you don't have enough weight on the front axle?
Can make the steering axle weight cause poor traction. The drive wheels may spin easily. During bad weather, the truck may not be able to keep going.
73
What is the minimum number of tie-downs for any flatbed load?
One tie down for every 10 feet. No matter how small the cargo, there should be at least two tie-downs holding it.
74
What is the minimum number of tie downs for a 20 foot load?
Two
75
Name two basic reasons for covering cargo on an open bed?
- To protect people from spilled cargo.
| - To protect the cargo from weather.
76
What must you check before transporting a sealed load?
You cannot inspect sealed loads, but you should check that you don't exceed gross weight and axle weight limits.
77
Name some things to check in the interiors of a bus during a pre-trip inspection?
- Each handhold and railing.
- Floor covering.
- Signaling devices, including the restroom emergency buzzer, if the bus has a restroom.
- Emergency exit handles.
- The seats must be safe for riders and securely fastened to the bus.
78
What are some hazardous materials you can transport by bus?
- Small-arms ammunition labeled ORM-D
| - Emergency hospital supplies and drugs.
79
What are some hazardous materials you can NOT transport by bus?
-Division 2.3 poison gas, liquid Class 6 poison, tear gas, irritating material.
-More than 100 pounds of solid Class 6 poisons.
-Explosives in the space occupied by people, except small arms ammunition.
-Labeled radioactive materials in the space occupied by people.
More than 500 pounds total of allowed hazardous materials, and no more than 100 pounds of any one class.
80
What is a standee line?
No rider may stand forward of the rear of the driver's seat. buses designed to allow standing must have a two-inch line on the floor or some other means of showing riders where they cannot stand. This is called the standee line. All standing riders must stay behind it.
81
Does it matter where you make a disruptive passenger get off the bus?
Yes. Don't discharge riders where it would be unsafe for them. If may be safer at the next scheduled stop or a well-lighted area where there are other people. Many carriers have guidelines for handling disruptive riders.
82
When must you stop before crossing a drawbridge?
Stop at drawbridges that do not have a signal light or traffic control attendant. Stop at least 50 feet before the draw of the bridge. Look to make sure the draw is completely closed before crossing.
83
Describe from memory the "prohibited practices" listed in the manual?
- Avoid fueling your bus with riders on board unless absolutely necessary. Never refuel in a closed building with riders on board.
- Dont talk with riders, or engage in any other distracting activity, while driving.
- Do not tow or push a disabled bus with riders aboard the vehicle unless getting off would be unsafe. Only tow or push the bus to the nearest safe spot to discharge passengers. Follow your employer's guidelines on towing or pushing disabled buses.
84
How far from a railroad crossing should you stop?
Between 15 and 50 feet.
85
The rear door of a transit bus has to be open to put on the parking brake. True or False?
False
86
Why must air tanks be drained?
Because the water and oil can freeze and cause brake failure.
87
What is a supply pressure gauge used for?
Tells you how much pressure is in the air tanks.
88
All vehicles with air brakes must have a low air pressure warning signal. True or False?
True
89
What are spring brakes?
Brakes held by mechanical force (because air pressure can eventually leak away). When driving, powerful springs are held back by air pressure. If the air pressure is removed, the springs put on the brakes. A parking brake control in the cab allows the driver to let the air out of the spring brakes. This lets the springs put the brakes on. A leak in the air brake system which causes all the air to be lost, will also cause the spring to put on the brakes.
90
Front wheel brakes are good under all conditions. True or False?
True
91
How do you know if your vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes?
Tractors, trucks, and buses will have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on the instrument panel. Trailers will have yellow ABS malfunction lamps on the left side, either front or back.
92
What is a dual air brake system?
A dual air brake system has two separate air brake systems, which use a single set of brake controls. Each system has its own air tanks, hoses, lines, etc. One system typically operates the regular brake not eh rear axle or axles. The other system operates the regular brakes on the front axle. Both systems supply air to the trailer. The first system is called the "primary" system. The other is called the "secondary" system.
93
What are the slack adjusters?
The slack adjuster is the part of an air-brake system that is used to adjust the brakes when needed. The slack adjuster is located on the air canister on the axle housing near the wheel. On vehicles with drum brakes, it is between the pushrod and the S-cam.
94
How can you check the slack adjusters?
Park on level ground and chock the wheels to prevent the vehicle from moving. Release the parking brakes so you can move the slack adjusters. Use gloves and pull hard on each slack adjuster that you can reach. If a slack adjuster moves more than about one inch where the push rod attaches to it, it probably needs adjustment. Adjust or have it adjusted.
95
How can you test the low pressure warning signal?
Shut the engine off so that the low pressure warning signal is not on. Turn the electrical power on and step on and off the brake pedal to reduce air tank pressure. The low air pressure warning signal must come on before the pressure drops to less than 60 psi in the air tank (or tank with the lowest air pressure, in dual air systems).
96
How can you check that the spring brakes come on automatically?
Continue to fan off the air pressure by stepping on and off the brake pedal to reduce air pressure. The tractor protections valve and parking brake valve should close (pop out) on a tractor-trailer combination vehicle and the parking brake valve should close (pop out) on other combination and single vehicle types when the air pressure falls to the manufacturer's specification (20 -45 psi). That will cause the spring brakes to come on.
97
What are the maximum leakage rates?
Less than 2 psi in one minute for single vehicles and less than three psi in one minutes for combination vehicles.
98
Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?
So that you can safely use the braking effect of the engine.
99
What factors can cause brakes to fade or fail?
- Excessive use of the service brakes results in overheating and leads to brake fade.
- Brake fade is also affected by adjustment. To safely control a vehicle, every brake must do its share of the work. Brakes out of adjustment will stop doing their share before those that are in adjustment. the other brakes can then overheat and fad, and there will not be enough braking available to control the vehicle.
100
The use of brakes on a long, steep downgrade is only a supplement to the braking effect of the engine. True or False?
True
101
If you are away from your vehicle only a short time, you do not need to use the parking brake. True or False?
False
102
How often should you drain air tanks?
At the end of each day.
103
How should you brake when you drive a tractor-trailer combination with ABS?
- Use only the braking force necessary to stop safely and stay in control.
- Brake the same way, regardless of whether you have ABS on the tractor, the trailer, or both.
- As you slow down, monitor your tractor and trailer and back off the brakes (if it is safe to do so) to stay in control.
104
You still have normal brake functions if your ABS is not working. True or False?
True
105
Define the danger zone. How far does the danger zone extend around the bus?
10 feet all around and as much as 30 feet from the front bumper.
106
What should you be able to see if the outside flat mirrors are adjusted properly? The outside convex mirrors? The crossover mirrors?
Flat Mirrors:
- 200 feet or 4 bus lengths behind the bus.
- Along the sides of the bus.
- The rear tires touching the ground.
Convex:
The entire side of the bus up to the mirror mounts.
-Front of the rear tires touching the ground
-At least one traffic lane on either side of the bus.
107
You are loading students along your route. When should you activate your alternating flashing amber warning signals?
At least 200 feet or approximately 5 -10 seconds before the school bus stop, or in accordance with district policy.
108
You are unloading students along your route. Where should students walk to after exiting the bus?
At least 10 feet away from the side of the bus to a position where the driver can plainly see all students.
109
After unloading any school, why should you walk through the bus?
Check for sleeping students and items left behind by students.
110
What position should students be in front of the bus before they cross the roadway?
- Walk approximately 10 feet away from the side of the school bus to a position where you can see them.
- Walk to a location at least 10 feet in from to the right corner of the bumper, but still remaining away from the front of the school bus.
- Stop at the right edge of the roadway. You should be able to see the student's feet.
111
Under what conditions must you evacuate the bus?
Mandatory conditions are:
- The bus is on fire or there is a threat of fire.
- The bus is stalled on, or adjacent to, a railroad-highway crossing.
- The position of the bus may change and increase danger.
- There is an imminent danger of collision.
- There is a need to quickly evacuate because of hazardous materials spill.
Considerations for evacuation:
- Is there a fire or danger of fire?
- Is there a smell of raw or leaking fuel?
- Is there a chance the bus could be hit by other vehicles?
- Is the bus in the path of a sighted tornado or rising waters?
- Are the downed power lines?
- Would removing the students expose them to speeding traffic, severe weather, or a dangerous environment such as downed power lines?
- Would moving students complicate injuries such as neck or back injuries and fractures?
- Is there a hazardous spill involved? Sometimes, it may be safer to remain on the bus and not come in contact with the material.
112
How far from the nearest rail should you stop at a highway-rail crossing?
No closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail, where you have the best view of the tracks.
113
What is a passive highway-rail crossing? Why should you be extra cautious at this type of crossing?
This type of crossing does not have any type of traffic control device. You must stop at these crossing and follow proper procedures. Passive crossings require you to recognize the crossing, search for any train using the tracks and decide if there is sufficient clear space to cross safely.
114
How should you use your brakes if your vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes (ABS)?
- Use only the braking force necessary to stop safely and stay in control.
- Brake the same way, regardless of whether you have ABS on the bus. However, in emergency braking, do not pump the brakes on a bus with ABS brakes.
- As you slow down, monitor your bus and back off the brakes (if it is safe to do so) to stay in control.
