CDL 2021 Flashcards
When traveling down a long downgrade, you should brake by:
A. Only using the brakes.
B. Mostly using the brakes and downshifting occasionally.
C. Downshifting and then using brakes.
D. Never using the brakes.
Downshifting and then using brakes
Explanation: On a downgrade, you should use the braking effect of your engine as the principal way of controlling your speed. Save your brakes for additional slowing or stopping that may be required by road or traffic conditions.
If cargo on a flatbed trailer is 40 feet long, it must be secured by a minimum of:
A. One tie-down.
B. Two tie-downs.
C. Three tie-downs.
D. Four tie-downs.
Four tie-downs
Explanation: On flatbed trailers and trailers without sides, cargo must be tied down. There should be at least one tie-down for every 10 feet of cargo. Regardless of the size of the cargo, at least two tie-downs must be used.
Sending text messages while driving:
A. May be done if the messages are short.
B. Is encouraged.
C. Is permitted if you are asking a question of your employer.
D. Is not permitted.
Is not permitted
Explanation: Sending and reading text messages while driving is prohibited.
During an applied leakage test, the maximum leakage rate for a single vehicle with air brakes is:
A. 3 psi in one minute.
B. 6 psi in one minute.
C. 8 psi in one minute.
D. 4 psi in one minute.
3 psi in one minute
Explanation: It is important to know the maximum air loss rate that is safe for your specific vehicle. A single vehicle with air brakes should have a leakage rate no higher than 3 psi in a minute during an applied leakage test.
When loading a trailer, it is important to:
A. Place as little weight as possible over the axles.
B. Place an appropriate amount of weight over the axles.
C. Not be concerned about how the weight is distributed.
D. Only place weight over the axles.
Place an appropriate amount of weight over the axles
Explanation: The weight of cargo in a trailer should be evenly balanced. Having too much or too little weight on an axle can interfere with proper control of the vehicle. Additionally, having too much weight on one axle can damage it.
When asked about the vehicle’s oil during the vehicle inspection test, you must be able to do all of the following, except:
A. Indicate where the dipstick is located.
B. Show that the oil level is within a safe operating range.
C. Show that the oil level is above the refill mark.
D. Show that the oil level is below the refill mark.
Show that the oil level is below the refill mark
Explanation: During the vehicle inspection test, you must be able to indicate where the oil dipstick is located; show that the oil level is within a safe operating range; and show that the oil level is above the refill mark.
Pressing and releasing the brake pedal unnecessarily can:
A. Release air faster than it can be replaced.
B. Add more air to a brake system.
C. Make the brake pedal harder to depress.
D. Create a loud noise.
Release air faster than it can be replaced
Explanation: On a vehicle with air brakes, pressing and releasing the brake pedal unnecessarily may let air out of the braking system faster than the compressor can replace it. This may cause the system’s air pressure to become too low and the brakes to stop working.
Spring brakes come on:
- When too much air pressure is lost.
- When a control on the dashboard is activated.
- When the tires have minimal tread depth.
- When the brakes are noisy
When too much air pressure is lost
Explanation: Spring brakes come on automatically when air pressure drops to an unsafe psi level. Instead of waiting for the spring brakes to automatically activate, you should safely exit the road as soon as you notice the low pressure warning signal and bring your vehicle to a stop while you are still able to control the brakes.
Mirror adjustment can only be checked properly if:
- The trailer is straight.
- There is no trailer attached to the tractor.
- The vehicle is on a slight incline.
- The vehicle is on a slight decline.
The trailer is straight.
Explanation: If a trailer is attached to a tractor, the adjustment of the vehicle’s mirrors can only be checked accurately if the trailer is straight.
Mirror adjustment can only be checked properly if:
- The trailer is straight.
- There is no trailer attached to the tractor.
- The vehicle is on a slight incline.
- The vehicle is on a slight decline.
The inspections should be done the same way each time.
Explanation: Pre-trip inspections should be conducted in the same way every time. This will reinforce the steps, making it less likely that you will forget to inspect something important.
When a brake pedal is pressed and the S-cam is turned, the S-cam:
- Presses the brake shoes against the inside of the brake drum.
- Tightens the brake drum onto the axle.
- Presses the brake lining against the wheel.
- Releases air from the air tanks
Presses the brake shoes against the inside of the brake drum
Explanation: When a brake pedal is pressed and the S-cam is turned, the S-cam presses the brake shoes against the inside of the brake drum. This causes friction and will cause the vehicle to slow.
Parts of an exhaust system should be:
- Loose.
- Leaking.
- Fastened securely.
- Cracked.
Fastened securely
Explanation: When inspecting an exhaust system, you should verify that parts of the system are not loose, broken, or missing. The system’s parts must be properly mounted and should not be rubbing against moving parts of the vehicle.
The most important reason to inspect your vehicle before a trip is:
- To ensure safety.
- To maximize gas mileage.
- To wake up before the drive.
- To fill up time
To ensure safety
Explanation: 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.
The parking brake should be:
- Used whenever you park your vehicle.
- Used while driving.
- Set when driving in bad weather.
- Removed
Used whenever you park your vehicle
Explanation: The parking brake in a vehicle with air brakes should be used every time the vehicle is parked.
When trying to put out an electrical fire:
- Use water.
- Use a B or C extinguisher.
- Use an X extinguisher.
- Use a Q extinguisher.
Use a B or C extinguisher.
Explanation: B and C type fire extinguishers are designed to work on electrical fires. Water should never be used to extinguish an electrical fire because doing so could result in an electrical shock.
When checking your mirrors:
- Do not use the passenger side mirror.
- Do not use the driver’s side mirror.
- Both mirrors should be used.
- Look in each mirror for long stretches of time.
Both mirrors should be used.
Explanation: To travel safely, it is essential that you know what is happening on all sides of your vehicle at all times. Check all mirrors frequently while driving.
Which of the following is not a good rule to follow when using turn signals?
- Signal early.
- Signal continuously.
- Do not use your turn signal if you think others know what you plan to do.
- Cancel your signal after the turn is completed.
Do not use your turn signal if you think others know what you plan to do.
Explanation: To be certain that others are aware of your intentions, always signal whenever you plan to turn or change lanes. You should signal well in advance of a turn; signal continuously throughout the turn; and make sure to cancel the signal when you are finished turning.
A suspension system:
- Has a weight capacity rating.
- Uses pressurized water to support the load.
- Can handle any weight load.
- Has a minimum weight rating.
Has a weight capacity rating.
Explanation: Suspension systems receive weight capacity ratings, given by the manufacturers.
If you plan to slow down, you can warn drivers behind you by:
- Slamming on the brakes.
- Tapping the brakes a few times and before braking.
- Turning on one set of turn signals.
- Putting your hand out the driver’s side window and waving.
Tapping the brakes a few times and before braking.
Explanation: Before slowing down, it is a good idea to flash your brake lights by lightly tapping your brake pedal a few times. This will warn drivers behind you of your plans to slow down.
When you are driving while drowsy, you should:
- Press on and try to finish the trip.
- Take drugs to keep awake.
- Stop and take a nap.
- Stop for a coffee break.
Stop and take a nap.
Explanation: The only effective way to deal with drowsiness while driving is to stop and sleep. Caffeine or other stimulant drugs may help you stay awake, but they will not keep you alert. You will likely end up being even more tired when the artificial stimulants begin to wear off.
When starting the engine of a truck with a trailer, how can you tell if the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is not working?
- The yellow light on the rear of the trailer will stay on.
- The red light on the trailer will flash three times and then stay on.
- All the rear lights on the trailer will flash and then shut off.
- The blue light near the driver’s door will light.
The yellow light on the rear of the trailer will stay on.
Explanation: Trailers equipped with Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) are equipped on the left rear with a yellow malfunction lamp. If the malfunction lamp stays on after the engine has been started, the ABS is malfunctioning.
What can happen if a parking brake is used in very wet weather when temperatures are below freezing?
The brakes will squeak.
The brakes may freeze so the vehicle cannot move.
The brakes may suddenly release by themselves.
The brakes may explode
The brakes may freeze so the vehicle cannot move.
Explanation: If you use the parking brakes when the weather is very wet and the temperature is below freezing, the brakes may become frozen, preventing the vehicle from moving.
During a basic vehicle control skills test, you may be asked to:
Pull forward into a parking space.
Drive in a figure eight.
Alley dock.
Sound your horn.
Alley dock.
Explanation: Maneuvers that may be included in the basic vehicle control skills test include straight line backing, offset back/right parking, offset back/left parking, driver side parallel parking, conventional parallel parking, and alley docking.
If a vehicle gets stuck on a railroad track, the driver should:
Stay in the vehicle and try to restart the vehicle.
Get out of the vehicle and walk away from the tracks.
Try to flag down another vehicle to give them a push.
Wait in the vehicle for a law enforcement officer to arrive
Get out of the vehicle and walk away from the tracks.
Explanation: If your vehicle gets stuck on railroad tracks, immediately exit the vehicle and get away from the tracks. Check signs or signal housing at the crossing for emergency contact information. Call the emergency contact or call 911.