General Knowledge

Question 1

What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?

Answer 1

Federal and State law requires drivers to inspect their vehicle. The vehicle inspection is a crucial preventative safety and maintenance measure that minimizes breakdowns, reduces collision risk, and saves lives.

Question 2

What things should you check during a trip?

Answer 2

a) Before, During, and After: Check gauges:Air Pressure Supply, Fuel, Coolant Fuel (if pulling reefer unit).
b) Before, at Stops, and After:Tires, Wheels, Rims, Tractor and Trailer Brakes, Lights and Reflectors, Trailer electrical connections, Trailer coupling devices, Cargo Securement devices.
c) Use 5 senses to stay aware of any potential engine or vehicle handling issues.

Question 3

Name some key steering system parts.

Answer 3

Parts of the steering systems include: Steering wheel, steering shaft, gear box, hydraulic fuel reservoir, power steering cylinder, pitman arm, drag link, steering arm, steering knuckle, spindle, and tie rod.

Question 4

Name some suspension system defects.

Answer 4

Suspension system defects include: air suspension leak, shock absorber leak, broken spring hangers, missing or broken spring leaves, missing or broken torque rod, u bolts, etc.

Question 5

What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?

Answer 5

You must carry at all times: fire extinguisher, electrical fuses, warning devices (three reflective triangles, 6 fuses, or 3 liquid burning flares).

Question 6

What is the minimum tread depth for front tires? For other tires?

Answer 6

Front Tire Minimum Tread Depth: 4/32 in.

Rear/Other Tire Minimum Tread Depth: 2/32 in.

Question 7

Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during the walk around inspection.

Answer 7

a) Check fluids: Engine oil, coolant, power steering, windshield washer, battery, automatic transmission.
b) Check hoses: radiator hoses, power steering hose.
c) Check for fluid leaks: fuel, oil, coolant, power steering, hydraulic, battery.
d) Check belts for tightness and wear: alternator, water pump, air compressor.
e) Check wiring: Look for worn electrical wiring insulation.
f) Check windows, and mirrors: Look for cracks, dirt, etc.

g) Check sensors: Clear any dirt off of sensors.
h) Check front wheels, tires, and brakes: look for rim damage, tire depth, tire damage,slack adjustor, suspension, etc.

Question 8

What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?

Answer 8

Leaking

Question 9

How many red reflective triangles should you carry?

Answer 9

Four

Question 10

How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?

Answer 10

a) Pump brake pedal three times.
b) Hold brake pedal firmly for five seconds.
c) Feel for movement. The pedal should not move, if it does, get it fixed!

Question 11

Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the Vehicle inspection?

Answer 11

To avoid potential theft or accident.

Question 12

Why should you back toward the driver’s side?

Answer 12

It is easier to see the rear of the trailer from the driver’s side window than the passenger side window.

Question 13

If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?

Answer 13

Use the parking brake and keep the brake engaged until RPMs are high enough to accelerate without rolling back. You can also use the trolley hand valve if equipped. For manual, partially engage the clutch before releasing the pedal brake.

Question 14

When backing, why is it important to use a helper?

Answer 14

Using a helper reduces the risk of collision when backing up. A helper can warn you of obstructions and guide you safely into a parking spot.

Question 15

What’s the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?

Answer 15

STOP!

Question 16

What are the two special conditions where you should downshift?

Answer 16

The two most important moments when you should downshift is before starting down a hill and when you are entering a curve.

Question 17

When should you downshift automatic transmissions?

Answer 17

Use downshifting when descending a hill to limit the RPM of the engine to use the engine braking effect.

Question 18

Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery. True or False?

Answer 18

False, if the drive wheels have poor traction wear the retarders will make it more likely for skidding to occur.

Question 19

What are the two ways to know when to shift?

Answer 19

Two ways to know when to shift are: monitoring the RPM gauge to determine the appropriate time to shift based on the operating speed of each gear, or using the speed gauge to determine the best time to shift based upon the speed the vehicle is traveling.

Question 20

How far ahead does the manual say you should look?

Answer 20

It is important to look ahead at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead.

Question 21

What are two main things to look for ahead?

Answer 21

It is important to look ahead for traffic merging into your lane and to look ahead for vehicles slowing down or stopping.

Question 22

What’s your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?

Answer 22

To view the sides and rear of the vehicle it is important to use both side mirrors.

Question 23

What does “communicating” mean in safe driving?

Answer 23

Communicating in “safe driving” means communicating your intentions and your presence using your signals, lights, and horn.

Question 24

Where should you place reflectors when stopped on a divided highway?

Answer 24

When stopped on a highway place reflective triangles behind the trailer 10, 100, and 200 feet.

Question 25

What three things add up to total stopping distance?

Answer 25

The vehicle's total stopping distance is equal to the sum of Perception Distance, Reaction Distance, and Braking Distance.

Question 26

If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by two or four times?

Answer 26

If your speed increases by a factor of 2, your stopping distance must increase by a factor of 4.

Question 27

Empty trucks have the best braking. True or False?

Answer 27

False.

Question 28

What is hydroplaning?

Answer 28

Hydroplaning is when the tires of the vehicle lose traction due to excessive water on the roadway, causing a water skiing effect. 

Question 29

What is "black ice”?

Answer 29

Black ice is a thin sheet of frozen water on the roadway that appears clear, in other words, invisible ice.  Look for wetness on the road during freezing temperatures. 

Question 30

How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?

Answer 30

Depending on the length of the vehicle and your traveling speed, adjust your following distance accordingly. Keep a distance of 4 secs for a 40 ft truck if driving under 40mph. Keep a distance of 5 secs for a 40 ft truck if driving over 40mph. Keep a distance of 6 secs for a 60 ft truck if driving under 40mph. Keep a distance of 7 secs for a 40 ft truck if driving over 40mph.

Question 31

If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 mph, how many seconds of following distance should you allow?

Answer 31

At least 4 secs of following distance. 

Question 32

You should decrease your following distance if somebody is following you too closely. True or False?

Answer 32

False.

Question 33

If you swing wide to the left before turning right, another driver may try to pass you on the right. True or False?

Answer 33

True.

Question 34

What is a hazard?

Answer 34

A possible danger presented by a road condition or a road user. 

Question 35

Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?

Answer 35

So that you can be prepared to react to the danger if presented.

Question 36

What are some tips to follow so you won’t become a distracted driver?

Answer 36

Plan your route ahead of time, have everything you need within arms reach, turn off your phone, avoid eating while driving, etc.

Question 37

How do you use in-vehicle communications equipment cautiously?

Answer 37

Use the hands-free function, use voice activated calling, don't read or type a text, turn off your phone.

Question 38

How do you recognize a distracted driver?

Answer 38

Watch for other vehicles drifting into a different lane, vehicles traveling too slowly, drivers using their cellphone. 

Question 39

What is the difference between aggressive driving and road rage?

Answer 39

Aggressive driving is driving in a selfish or reckless manner, road rage is driving with intent to do harm.

Question 40

What should you do when confronted with an aggressive driver?

Answer 40

Get out of their way, avoid eye contact, don't challenge, call the police if necessary. 

Question 41

What are some things you can do to reduce your stress before and while you drive?

Answer 41

Meditate, exercise, get some sleep.

Question 42

You should use low beams whenever you can. True or False?

Answer 42

True.

Question 43

What should you do before you drive if you are drowsy?

Answer 43

Take a short nap.

Question 44

What effects can wet brakes cause? How can you avoid these problems?

Answer 44

Wet brakes are less effective and can cause issues such as loss of braking power, wheels locking up, inconsistent braking, jackknifing, etc.

Question 45

You should let air out of hot tires so the pressure goes back to normal. True or False?

Answer 45

False. Pressure returns to normal when the tires cool.

Question 46

You can safely remove the radiator cap as long as the engine isn't overheated. True or False?

Answer 46

False, even at normal operating temperature, if the cap is part of a pressurized system, boiling liquid may spray when the cap is removed. Wait until the engine has entirely cooled. 

Question 47

What factors determine your selection of a "safe" speed when going down a long, steep downgrade?

Answer 47

You must take into consideration multiple factors when selecting a safe speed to travel down a hill such as: the total weight of the vehicle and cargo combined, the length and steepness of the hill, condition of the road, and the weather. 

Question 48

Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?

Answer 48

It is important to shift into a low gear before starting down a hill because you won't be able to shift into a lower gear once the vehicle's speed builds up as you're descending a hill. 

Question 49

Describe the proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade.

Answer 49

Apply brakes until reaching a speed 5mph below your safe speed, release brake pedal and wait until your speed reaches maximum safe speed and then apply brakes again until your speed is reduced back to 5mph below your safe speed.

Question 50

What type of vehicles can get stuck on a railroad-highway crossing?

Answer 50

Some vehicles can get stuck on railroad tracks when crossing such as: lowboy, car carrier, moving van, or possum-belly livestock trailer. 

Question 51

How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer unit to clear a double track?

Answer 51

For typical tractor-trailer it takes approximately 15 secs to safely clear a double track.

Question 52

Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency. True or False?

Answer 52

True. Stopping is not always the best option if you don't have room to make safe stop. It may be necessary to steer out of the path of danger.

Question 53

What are some advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle?

Answer 53

As long as the shoulder is clear, there is more room for your vehicle to evade another oncoming vehicle that has drifted into your lane. Any in other case, it is best to avoid steering left into the oncoming flow of traffic, even if the shoulder is blocked, to avoid the risk of collision and injuring others. 

Question 54

What is an "escape ramp?"

Answer 54

An escape ramp is a soft gravel, sometimes designed uphill, as an emergency bail route for a driver that has experienced brake fade or has gained too much speed when descending a hill. 

Question 55

If a tire blows out, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly. True or False?

Answer 55

False. Hard braking when experiencing a flat could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

Question 56

How do you know if your vehicle has antilock brakes?

Answer 56

There is a yellow light indicator on the left side of the trailer. 

Question 57

What is the proper braking technique when driving a vehicle with antilock brakes?

Answer 57

Brake as you normally would without ABS, only with as much pressure as necessary to safely stop and maintain control. 

Question 58

How do antilock brakes help you?

Answer 58

Antilock brakes help to prevent the wheels from locking up by decreasing brake pressure before the wheels lock up. 

Question 59

What are some things to do at an accident scene to prevent another accident?

Answer 59

In the event of an accident it's important to remember to take three actions: secure the area, notify authorities, and care for the injured. Securing the area helps to prevent another accident from happening at the scene by: if possible, moving the vehicle onto the right road shoulder, put on emergency flashers, and to setup reflective warning triangles. 

Question 60

Name two causes of tire fires.

Answer 60

Tire fires can be caused by under-inflated tires or dual tires that rub against one another. 

Question 61

What kinds of fires is a B:C extinguisher not good for?

Answer 61

B:C extinguishers do not extinguish wood, paper, cloth, or combustible metal fires. 

Question 62

When using your extinguisher, should you get as close as possible to the fire?

Answer 62

No, stand as far from the fire as possible. 

Question 63

Name some causes of vehicle fires.

Answer 63

After accidents, spilled fuel and the incorrect use of emergency flares can cause a fire. Improperly sealing, securing, or ventilating flammable cargo can cause a fire. Wires can short circuit and cause a fire if connections are loose or if insulation is worn. Drivers can cause a fire if smoking while fueling or near spilled fuel. 

Question 64

Common medicines for colds can make you sleepy. True or False?

Answer 64

True. Some cold medicines contain doxylamine or diphenhydramine which can cause drowsiness. Be sure to select a non-drowsy cold medication to use when driving. 

Question 65

Coffee and a little fresh air will help a drinker sober up. True or False?

Answer 65

False. The only thing that will help someone to sober up from consuming alcohol is time. It can take up to 8-12 hours before the effects of alcohol wear off.

Question 66

What is a hazardous materials placard?

Answer 66

A hazardous material placard is a sign placed on the rear of trailers to warn other drivers that the trailer contains hazardous cargo.

Question 67

Why are placards used?

Answer 67

Placards are used to warn others that the trailer contains hazardous cargo.

Question 68

What four things related to cargo are drivers responsible for?

Answer 68

Drivers are responsible for ensuring that cargo is inspected, that the trailer is not overloaded and that the weight is balanced, that the cargo is safely secured and does not obscure your frontal or side view, and that the cargo doesn't block access to emergency equipment. 

Question 69

How often must you stop while on the road to check your cargo?

Answer 69

At least after every 3 hrs or 150 miles and during every break from driving.

Question 70

How is Gross Combination Weight Rating different from Gross Combination Weight?

Answer 70

The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the loaded weight of the vehicle determined by the manufacturer. The Gross Combination Vehicle Weight Rating is the total loaded weight of the vehicle and trailer or the sum of the vehicle's weight rating and the trailer's vehicle rating. 

Question 71

Name two situations where legal maximum weights may not be safe.

Answer 71

It might not be safe to drive the legal maximum weight limit if you are driving in bad weather or in mountains. 

Question 72

What can happen if you don't have enough weight on the front axle?

Answer 72

Not having enough weight on the front axle can cause steering issues and can also cause the drive wheels to spin out due to lack of traction. 

Question 73

What is the minimum number of tie-downs for any flatbed load?

Answer 73

One tie-down for every 10ft of cargo, no less than two tie-downs.

Question 74

What is the minimum number of tie-downs for a 20-foot load?

Answer 74

A 20ft load requires at least two tie-downs.

Question 75

Name the two basic reasons for covering cargo on an open bed.

Answer 75

To protect others in the event of a cargo spill and to protect the cargo in the event of bad weather.

Question 76

What must you check before transporting a sealed load?

Answer 76

Ensure the cargo is properly secured and ensure that you are in compliance with gross weight and axle weight limits.