CDL Practice Test (General Knowledge)

How long should the mud flaps on a truck and trailer be? - ANSWER Long enough to reach within 8 in of the roadway If you're driving in town, how far will your recommended 12-15 second planning ahead measure in distanc ...

How long should the mud flaps on a truck and trailer be? - ANSWER Long enough to reach within 8 in of the roadway If you're driving in town, how far will your recommended 12-15 second planning ahead measure in distance? - ANSWER about a single block A bridge formula restricts the axle weight for axles which... - ANSWER are closer together How soon should oil pressure rise to a normal level after starting the engine? - ANSWER within seconds If starting from a standstill on a hill, what's the best way to get moving? - ANSWER partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake Driving on a highway, it is recommended that you monitor a quarter of a mile ahead. At highway speeds, this equates to...? - ANSWER 12-15 sec Descending a long downgrade, which of these will help you if you have brake difficulties? - ANSWER -escape ramp -a turn going uphill -an open field (all of the above) If you are tested and found to have a blood alcohol concentration below 0.04% but above 0.0, what will happen? - ANSWER You will be taken out of service for 24 hrs Federal, State, and local regulations concerning cargo weight, securement, and cover vary widely. Which should you obey? - ANSWER all of them What are two of the most common causes of tire fires? - ANSWER Under-inflation and duals that touch The minimum number of tiedowns on a load is...? - ANSWER 2 If your load protrudes more than 4 feet beyond the rear of your vehicle, which of these do you need in Texas? - ANSWER -a red flag at least 12X12 in (day) -a special permit -a burning red visible light (night) (all of the above) If an accident victim is bleeding heavily, what should you do to help? - ANSWER apply direct pressure to the wound If there is an obstacle in the road and you have a choice of directions around it, why should you choose to go right? - ANSWER it will avoid driving into oncoming traffic How can you avoid temporary night blindness from other drivers' lights? - ANSWER look at the sidelines instead If you have to stop on a divided highway, how should you place your warning triangles? - ANSWER At 10ft, 100ft and 200ft , all facing approaching traffic How should you position your trailer to check the alignment of your mirrors? - ANSWER straight with your cab If backing with a tractor trailer, turning the wheel left will do what? - ANSWER turn the cab left and the trailer right If you have to stop on an undivided road, how should you set out your emergency warning triangles? - ANSWER One front and one rear, and one nearer the vehicle toward traffic in the same lane If a railroad crossing has a steep approach/exit, what should you be very aware of? - ANSWER you could get hung up on the track When descending a hill in the state of Texas, what is it unlawful for you to do? - ANSWER to coast down the hill If you hit a thick fog bank, what's the best thing to do? - ANSWER stop in a safe space and wait for it to pass If you have a B:C type fire extinguisher, what is it suitable for dealing with? - ANSWER electrical fires and burning liquids What should you be aware of when passing a motorcycle? - ANSWER that your vehicle can throw a motorcycle off course How many different states' Commercial Driver's Licenses can you hold simultaneously? - ANSWER One If a road has been recently repaved, what can that mean for you going through an underpass? - ANSWER the clearance height may be lower than it was previously What is the greatest weight allowed for any vehicle or combination of vehicles, plus load, in the state of Texas? - ANSWER 80,000 lbs If you have a convex mirror (e.g., "fisheye," "spot," "bugeye"), what should you allow for? - ANSWER the objects may appear smaller and further away than they really are Which of the following are you not allowed to transport on public highways in Texas in an open truck? - ANSWER -gravel -sand -wood chips (loose material) If lug nuts have streaks of rust on them, what might that indicate? - ANSWER they might be loose Which of these commercial vehicles must come to a complete stop at a railroad crossing? - ANSWER -school buses -heavy equipment -trucks carrying explosives How should you check for overhanging hazards (trees, power lines, etc.) before backing up? - ANSWER get out of the vehicle and walk round to check for yourself How many red warning triangle/flares/reflectors should your vehicle be carrying? - ANSWER 3 If you need to establish a warning system at a time when artificial light is not required, what should you use in place of your warning triangles/ flares/reflectors, according to Texas law? - ANSWER 2 red flags If you can see the rear or front end of the vehicle but can't see the driver, you must assume...? - ANSWER s/he can't see you To gain a CDL in Texas, you must self-certify that...? - ANSWER - you are not addicted to alcohol -not an insulin-dependent diabetic -not addicted to drugs (all of the above) How do you know when it's time to shift gear? - ANSWER by monitoring the vehicle speed and engine speed If you double your speed, how much does your stopping distance increase? - ANSWER 4 times For which of these circumstances should you NOT use your horn? - ANSWER to show somebody they've annoyed you If you are towing another vehicle, what is the maximum length of tow connection you are permitted? - ANSWER 15 ft If you're carrying hazardous materials, what should you do with the shipping paper when you're out of the cab, for example, eating in a diner? - ANSWER leave it in plain view on the drivers seat You are following another vehicle. What is the minimum space you should maintained between the two vehicles? - ANSWER enough space for a following vehicle to overtake and enter the space btwn you safely If you travel at 55 mph instead of 65 mph, you could improve your fuel economy by as much as...? - ANSWER a mile per gallon Going down a mountain, upon reaching your "safe" speed, you should then brake to...? - ANSWER 5mph slower When performing a walk-around inspection, what must you do to the steering system? - ANSWER grab the steering mechanism to test it If you are stopped by the police and refuse to submit to a breath test or other testing method for drugs or alcohol, what will happen? - ANSWER you will be treated as if you failed the test and lose your license If you have a cargo fire inside a box trailer, it's important that you...? - ANSWER dont open the doors After your first stop, how often must you stop to check your cargo is secure? - ANSWER every 3 hrs/150 miles If you must leave the road to avoid a collision, you should...? - ANSWER -stay on the shoulder until fully stopped -keep one set of wheels on the pavement -avoid braking (all of the above) Which of these is a key steering system part? - ANSWER tie rod If you're the first person on scene at an accident, what should you do? - ANSWER stop at a safe distance and warn other traffic What is the purpose of a header board? - ANSWER protects you from your cargo in case of crash/emergency stop Which of the following must always stop at railroad grade crossings? - ANSWER trucks carrying explosives buses with passengers super-heavy equipment Can you take medications while driving? - ANSWER only if the doctor says it won't affect safe driving What should you do if you enter a drive-wheel braking skid? - ANSWER stop braking and counter steer Which of the following reduces your clearance? - ANSWER light load Which vehicles are exempt for length, width, and weight regulations - ANSWER fire department vehicles If your vehicle is not equipped with electrical fuses, what should you do? - ANSWER mention it to the examiner On engine start, what should you check for? - ANSWER make sure the oil pressure gauge is working On your second out-of-service violation in 10 years, you will lose your CDL for - ANSWER at least one year Which of these is a suspension system defect? - ANSWER leaking shock absorbers What is the best way to recover from a brake failure while going downhill? - ANSWER escape ramp Which of the following contains more alcohol? - ANSWER "they're all the same" How would you describe black ice? - ANSWER not easy to spot not black/thick Which of the following would cause you to stop IMMEDIATELY? - ANSWER low,dropping, or fluctuating oil pressure Why shouldn't you swing too far to the left before a right turn? - ANSWER a driver may want to pass you on the right What things should you check during a trip? - ANSWER -watch gauges for signs of trouble -look,listen,smell,feel -check critical items when you stop What are the causes of tire fires? - ANSWER under inflated Duals that touch What effect does a light load have on stopping distance? - ANSWER longer (braking system designed to best work on full load) What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection? - ANSWER your safety and others What may happen if your rear wheels lock? - ANSWER skid, jackknife , spin How fast must you be going for your speeding to be a serious traffic violation? - ANSWER 15mph over limit what is road rage? - ANSWER trying to hurt others with a vehicle If you hear a loud pop and your steering feels "heavy," what should you do? - ANSWER grip the wheel and stay off the brake When is stopping the safest thing to do in an emergency? - ANSWER when there is no other option What should you check on a sealed container? - ANSWER dont exceed gross weight and axel weight limits If you have more than one license - ANSWER you may be fined 5000 or go to jail What is unsafe coasting? - ANSWER keeping your vehicle out of gear for more than the length of the vehicle If you use a CMV to commit a felony involving controlled substances, your CDL will - ANSWER be revoked for life on your first offense You will lose your CDL for at least one year on the first offense for which of the following? - ANSWER -refusing to undergo a blood alcohol test -leaving the scene of an accident involving a CMV -driving a CMV with a BAC of 0.04% or higher What should you do if you feel drowsy before you drive? - ANSWER sleep What is the most important sign you and the helper should agree on when backing? - ANSWER stop What is the greatest weight allowed for any vehicle or combination of vehicles in Texas (except oversized loads)? - ANSWER 80000lbs If you let someone without a CDL drive your CMV, what punishment could they or you face? - ANSWER 5000 fine jail fired If your license to operate your personal vehicle is revoked for reasons other than alcohol, controlled substances, or a felony, you will - ANSWER lose your CDL for the same duration How many days do you have to notify your employer of a parking violation - ANSWER you dont have to, any other violation = 30 days Which of the following may be part of the skills test? - ANSWER straight line backing, offest back/right or left, parallel park on either side, and alley dock. What force do you have to particularly consider when driving in the mountains? - ANSWER gravity What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have? - ANSWER Fuses, signalling devices, and an extinguisher will let you deal with most immediate problems and keep you safe from other drivers. What should you do if you have to leave the road? - ANSWER keep one set of wheels on the pavement What color should your clearance lights and reflectors be? - ANSWER Your clearance lights and red reflectors should be *red on rear and amber elsewhere*. How close to the highway must mud flaps reach for trucks and trailers with more than four tires on the rear axle? - ANSWER 8 in What two things do all CDL vehicle inspection tests include? - ANSWER All of the tests include an *engine start and an in-cab inspection*. Then, you test may require an inspection of the entire vehicle or only a portion. What are the two basic reasons to cover cargo? - ANSWER The two basic reasons to cover cargo are to *protect people from spilled cargo and to protect the cargo from the weather*. Check your mirrors for flapping covers during the trip. How much does your risk of an accident increase if you have 6 hours of sleep or less? - ANSWER 3 times When should you downshift? - ANSWER before starting down a hill or entering a curve While driving, you may - ANSWER You are not allowed to text, hold the phone to your ear, or *dial by pressing more than one button while driving*. When should you inspect your cargo? - ANSWER -before the trip