Most Common General Knowledge Questions Flashcards
CDL Permit studying (169 cards)
1
Q
To prevent a load from shifting, there should be at least one tie-down for every ___ feet of cargo
A
10 ft
2
Q
Name two situations in which the legal maximum wights may not be safe to haul.
A
During bad weather; in Mountains
3
Q
If you are stopped at a rest area and found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) ID .02, you will be placed out of service for
A
24 hours
4
Q
The distance that you should look ahead of your vehicle while driving is about ______at highway speed.
A
1/4 mile
5
Q
Inspect your cargo after you have driven
A
25 miles or 50 miles, depending on the law in the state you are in; again after 3 hours or 150 miles; and after every stop for a break.
6
Q
Medical certificates must be renewed every
A
2 years
7
Q
What is the minimum tread depth for tires other than front tires?
A
2/32 inch
8
Q
Escape ramps are
A
Used to stop runaway vehicles.
9
Q
You are driving a vehicle that an be driven safely at 55 mph on an open road. Although the speed limit is 55 mph, traffic is heavy, moving at 35 mph The safest speed for your vehicle in this situation is
A
35 mph
10
Q
If you ar driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 mph, how many seconds of following distance should you allow?
A
4 seconds
11
Q
How far ahead should you be looking while driving in town?
A
1 block
12
Q
With the BAC of ___, most people lose consciousness, and some die.
A
0.4
13
Q
When driving a commercial vehicle with a height over 13 feet, you should
A
Stop and make sure if you aren’t certain that a clearance is high enough
14
Q
In your mirror, you see a car approaching from the rear. The next time you check your mirror, you don’t see the car. To change lanes you should
A
Wait until you are sure the car isn’t in your blind spot.
15
Q
Turn signals should be used
A
At least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes
16
Q
If you are driving a long distance, you should
A
Stop often and take short breaks before you feel really drowsy or tired
17
Q
What does «axel weight» mean?
A
The weight transmitted to the ground by one axle or one set of axles
18
Q
The distance your vehicle travels from the time your eyes see a hazard to the time your brain recognizes it is called _____.
A
Perception Distance
19
Q
Optional safety equipment may include emergency phone numbers, tire chains, and
A
Tire changing equipment.
20
Q
To prevent brake fade, you should
A
Select a gear that will keep your vehicle at a safe speed on steep downgrades.
21
Q
Wheel bearing seal should be checked for
A
Leaks
22
Q
One can recognize hazardous materials by lookin at the container’s
A
Label
23
Q
High beams should be
A
Used when it is safe and legal to do so.
24
Q
How do you calculate how many seconds of following distance you have?
A
Wait until the vehicle ahead of you passes a clear landmark. Then count off the d=seconds until you reach the same spot.
25
How do you test the hydraulic brakes for leaks?
Pump the brakes pedal there times; then apply firm pressure to the pedal ad hold it for five seconds. The pedal should not move
26
Name two causes of fires,
Underinflated tires and dual that touch
27
What does <> mean in safe driving
Letting other drivers know you're there to help prevent crashes
28
What is the proper way to hold the steering wheel?
Firmly, with both hands on opposite sides of the wheel.
29
The tendency for long commercial vehicles to swing die on turns is called?
Off-Tracking
30
How does the height of the vehicle's center of gravity affect safe handling?
Trucks with a high center of gravity can roll over at the posted speed limit for a curve
31
The purpose of retarders is to
Help slow the vehicle while driving and reduce brake wear.
32
While driving, you see a small (1-foot-square) cardboard box in your lane. You should
Steer around it without making a sudden or unsafe move.
33
If your vehicle catches fire while you are driving, you should
Park in an open area
34
When should you review the pre-trip inspection report from the last driver?
You should review it during your pre-trip inspection
35
Name some important steering system parts.
Tie rod, spindle, and pitman arm
36
The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the
Maximum GVW specified by the manufacturer for a single vehicle, including its load
37
The best drivers are those who watch and prepare for hazards. This is called being
Defensive
38
During a pre-trip inspection, you discover an exhaust leak or power steering leak, You should
Report the problem and make arrangements to use another vehicle
39
Name some things you should check on the FRONT of your vehicle during your pre-trip inspection.
Low beams, High beams, four-way flashers, and turn signals.
40
The most common cause of serious vehicle skids is
Driving to fast for road conditions
41
What is an <>
Ramps that are located a few miles from the top of a downgrade to help you stop
42
A car suddenly cuts in front of you, creating a hazard. What should you not do?
Honk and stay close behind them
43
If you are being tailgated, you should
Increase your following distance.
44
What is a hazardous materials placard?
A sign placed on the outside a vehicle that identifies the hazard class of the cargo
45
What is the most important hand signal that and your backing helper should agree on ?
Stop
46
What is the definition of <>?
The cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep
47
It is important to shift gears correctly to keep
Control of the vehicle
48
The reaction distance is the distance traveled from the time.
The brain tells the foot to push the brake pedal to the time the foot actually pushes the pedal
49
Bridge formulas permit
Less maximum axle weight for axles that are lose together
50
The purpose of a baffles is to
Control the load surge
51
A vehicle is loaded with most of the weight on the steering axle. What may result?
Hard steering and possible damage to the tires.
52
Gross vehicle weight (GVW) is
The total weight of a single vehicle, including its load.
53
You are starting your vehicle from a stop. As you apply power to the drive wheels, they start to spin. You should
Take your foot of the accelerator.
54
For an average commercial vehicle being driven at 55 mph on dry pavement, it will take about ______ to bring the vehicle to a stop.
The length of a football field (300 feet)
55
Tie-downs must be of the proper type and strength. The combined strength of the cargo tie-downs must be enough to lift
One and half ties the weight of the cargo tied down.
56
You are driving a heavy vehicle ad must exit a highway using an off ramp that curves downhill. You should
Slow down to a safe speed before taking the curve
57
What three things related to cargo are the drivers responsibility?
Inspecting the cargo, recognizing overloads, and properly securing the cargo
58
When should you downshift an automatic transmission
When you are going down grades
59
When should you wear a seatbelt?
Anytime you are in a moving vehicle
60
What effects can wet brakes cause?
Brakes can grab or become weak
61
You should try to park your vehicle so that
You can pull forward when you leave
62
Cargo that can shift should have at least ___tie-downs
Two
63
Containerized loads
Are typically used for freight carried partway by rail or ship.
64
Converter dollies built on or after March 1, 1998 are required to have anti-lock brakes. These dollies will have
A yellow malfunction lamp on the left side of the dolly.
65
How many red reflective triangles should you carry
Three
66
It takes the body about ____ hours to get rid of the alcohol in four drinks.
Four
67
How does <> affect the road surface and driving conditions.
Tar rises to the road surface in very hot weather, causing the roads to become very slippery
68
Can federal inspectors inspect your truck or bus.
Yes, and they can place it out of service
69
How far ahead should you look?
12-15 seconds
70
You should have minimum of _____ tread on your steering tires.
4/32 inches
71
You are driving a 40 foot vehicle at a35 mph. The road is dry and visibility is good, What is the least amount of space you should keep in front of your vehicle to be safe?
4 seconds
72
You do not have a Hazardous Materials Endorsement on your commercial drivers license. You can drive a vehicle driving hazardous materials when?
The vehicle does not require placards.
73
How can you avoid wet brake problems?
Slow down, soft to a low gear, and gently apply the brakes
74
On a two-way, two lane road, if you must stop on a hill, how far back should you place your reflective triangles?
Within 500 feet behind the vehicle
75
Where or when should you test the stopping action of your service brakes.
When the vehicle is moving about 5 mph
76
Some liquid tanks are divided into several smaller tanks by?
Bulkheads
77
Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill.
You will not be able to shift into a lower gear once you are going down hill.
78
The total weight of the power unit, the trailer, and the cargo is called
Gross combination weight
79
To avoid a crash, you had to drive onto the right shoulder. You are now driving at 40 mph on the shoulder. How should you move back onto the pavement?
If possible, come to a complete stop before steering. back onto the pavement.
80
When approaching a traffic light that has been green for a long time, you should
Start to slow down so you will be ready to stop.
81
For your safety, when setting out reflective triangles, you should
Hold the triangles between yourself and oncoming traffic.
82
If you have been drinking alcohol, before you drive, you should
Wait for it to wear off.
83
You must park on the side of a level, straight, two-lane road. Where should you place the reflective triangles?
One within 10 feet of the rear of the vehicle, one about 100 feet to the rear, and one about 00 feet in front of the vehicle.
84
If you do not have a CB radio, what is the first thing you should do at an accident scene?
Protect the accident scene.
85
What is your most valuable way to see the sides and rear while driving?
Check your mirrors regularly.
86
Implied consent means that when you sign the driver's application form, you
Consent to be tested for alcohol in your blood.
87
If a straight vehicle (no trailer or articulation) goes into a front-wheel skid, it
will go straight ahead even if the steering wheel is turned.
88
You should back and turn toward the driver's side
So you can watch the rear of the vehicle by looking out the side window.
89
Stab braking
Involves releasing the brakes only after the wheels lock up.
90
The oil pressure gauge should come up to normal within how long after starting the engine?
Seconds
91
When backing, why is it important to have a helper?
There are blind spots you can't see.
92
The <> meat?
The maximum safe weight a tire can carry at a specified pressure.
93
When inspecting mirrors and windshields for cracks, dirt, illegal stickers, and other obstructions to your vision, you should
Clean and adjust as necessary.
94
You are driving a new truck with a manual transmission. To take a long, deep downhill grade
Use a lower gear than you would use to climb the hill.
95
Truck escape ramps
Are designed to stop runway vehicles safely without injuring drivers and passengers.
96
What should you do if you get stuck on the railroad tracks?
Get out of your vehicle and away from the tracks
97
What times should be checked for safety on the steering column?
Steering arms should not be missing any nuts, bolts, or cotter keys
98
If the vehicle in front of you is smaller than yours, it can probably
Stop faster than you.
99
You should use a helper to help back your vehicle
When possible
100
If you need to leave the road in a traffic emergency, you should
Avoid braking until your speed had decreased to about 20 mph.
101
Before transporting a sealed load, you must check that
The load is properly secured.
102
As your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rises, what happens?
Judgement and self-control are affected.
103
According to the drivers manual, why should you limit the use of your horn?
It can startle other drivers.
104
Why make emergency plans when you see hazard?
To protect yourself and others.
105
Every time you park your vehicle and shut the engine off, you should?
Apply the parking brake.
106
What is hydroplaning?
When the tires los their contact with the road.
107
What is the minimum length for a mud flaps?
Within 8 inches of the surface of the road.
108
What is the new blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for commercial drivers to be considered intoxicated when driving a commercial vehicle?
0.04
109
At night, when a vehicle is carrying a load that extends four feet or more beyond the rear of the body, there must be ____ at the end of the of the load?
2 red lights
110
You are driving a 40 foot vehicle at 50 mph. Driving conditions are ideal (dry pavement, good visibility). What is the least amount of space that you should keep in front of your vehicle to be safe?
5 seconds
111
When driving at night, use your low Beams when oncoming vehicle is within
500 feet
112
What is black Ice?
A thin layer of ice clear enough that you can see the road underneath it.
113
To prevent skidding, you should?
Adjust to conditions while driving.
114
When you check the condition of visible parts during your pre-trip inspection, make sure that the ________ are secure against snagging, rubbing, or wearing.
Air lines and electrical wiring.
115
If you are convicted for driving under the influence (DUI) while driving a commercial vehicle, and this is your first offense, you will most likely get
At least a one-year suspension of your CDL
116
Stab braking should not be used on vehicles with
Anti-lock breaks
117
Dry bulk tanks and hanging meat
Are unstable loads.
118
When a doctor prescribes education for you and you know you will be driving, you should
Ask the doctor if the medication will affect your ability to drive.
119
When looking ahead of your vehicle while your driving, you should look
Back and fourth, near and far
120
A key principle to remember about loading cargo is to keep the load
Balanced in the cargo area.
121
What is an advantage of going right instead of left around an obstacle?
If you are blocked on both sides, a move to the right won't force another vehicle into an opposing traffic lane and a possible head-on collision.
122
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is calculated by measuring a persons
Body weight
123
Hydroplaning
is more likely to happen when the tire pressure is low.
124
Brake fade
Can be caused by the brakes becoming too hot.
125
Retarders
Can cause the drive wheels to skid when they have poor traction.
126
To correct a drive-wheel braking skid, you should,
Countersteer
127
When you take a break in the middle of your trip, you should check,
Critical items such as tires, brakes and cargo tie-downs.
128
Your truck has a dual air system, and one of the systems loses its pressure. What will happen?
Either the front or back brakes will not be fully operational.
129
Your should schedule your driving
For the hours you are normally awake.
130
If you go twice as fast, your stopping distance will increase by
4 times
131
What is the first thing you should try to do if your brakes fail while driving downhill?
Get off the road as soon as possible.
132
What should you do before driving if you are sleepy?
Get some sleep.
133
What should the wheel bearing seals be checked for?
the hub oil level and possible leaks.
134
Controlled braking
Is used to keep a vehicle in a straight line when braking,
135
Is it legal to drive with one-fourth of a vehicle's leaf springs broken or missing.
No
136
How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a single railroad track? A double railroad track?
It takes 14 seconds to clear a single track and more than 15 seconds to clear a double track.
137
What should you do if a car coming toward you at night keeps its high beans on?
Look toward the right edge of your lane or the right edge of the road.
138
When you are passing another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist, you should assume that they
May move into your traffic lane.
139
How can you test the parking brakes?
Set the Parkin brake, try to move slowly.
140
You are driving on a straight, level highway at 50 mph. There are no vehicles in front of you, Suddenly a tire blows out. What should you do?
Stay off the brakes until the vehicle slows down on its own,
141
The braking effect of th engine is greatest when the engine is _____ the governed rpm and the transmission is in the _______ gears.
Near; Lower gears
142
You must park on the side of a level, straight, four-lane, divided highway. Where should you place the three reflective triangles?
One within 10 feet of the rear of the vehicle, one about 100 feet to the rear, and one about 200 feet to the rear.
142
When driving in cold weather conditions, your tires should?
Provide enough traction to steer and push the vehicle through snow.
143
To avoid rollbacks the you start, you should
Partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake.
144
What is a <>?
Pulling forward while backing a trailer to reposition it.
145
What three things add up to total stopping distance for your truck or bus?
Perception distance, reaction distance, braking distance.
146
What should you do if your vehicle hydroplanes?
Release the accelerator.
147
If you have a heavy load that is slowing you down on an upgrade you should
Shift into a lower gear.
148
Convex curved mirrors
Show a wider are than flat mirrors
149
If required, a driver's trip log
Must be shown immediately the an officer requests it.
150
How do you correct a rear wheel acceleration skid?
Stop accelerating.
151
While driving, ice builds up on your wipers and they no longer clean the windshield. You should
Stop safely and correct the problem
152
To help you stay alert while driving, you should
Take short breaks before you get drowsy.
153
If your brakes get wet while driving on a rainy day, what can happen when you apply the brakes?
Trailer jackknifing
154
What are two ways to know when to shift?
Use engine speed (RPM) and road speed (MPH)
155
When driving through roadway work zones, you should
Watch for sharp pavement drop-offs.
156
When roads are slippery, you should
Make turns as carefully as possible.
157
Why are placards used?
To communicate the risk.
158
what factors determine your choice of safe speed when going down a kong steep downgrade?
Total weight of the vehicle, length of the grade steepness, road conditions, and weather.
159
What are the two main things to look for ahead?
Traffic and road conditions.
160
What things should you check during a trip?
Watch gauges and mirrors and use your senses to check for problems: look, listen, and smell.
161
What is counter steering?
Turning the wheel back in the other direction after steering to avoid a traffic emergency.
162
What are two ways to know when to shift?
Use engine speed (RPM) and road speed (MPH).
163
What should you do if you see a hazard in the roadway?
Use your four-way flashers or brake lights to warn others.
164
Blocking the cargo to keep it from sliding must be done
At the front, back, and/or sides of a piece of cargo.
165
When driving in an area with few streetlights on a clear night if you cannot see well with your headlights, you should
Use your high beans when legal and eep your interior lights off.
166
While driving, you should use your mirrors to check
Where the rear of your vehicle is while you take turns.
167
What is the most important reason for being alert to hazards?
You will have time to plan your escape if the hazard becomes an emergency.
168
Name some suspension system defects.
A cracked or broken spring hanger, broken leaves in a leaf spring, leaking shock absorbers.
