CDL GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

When preparing to do a pre-trip inspection you must check to see that the parking brakes are on and/or chocked. 

A. True
B. False

When getting in to start the engine and inspect inside the cab you must 

A. Make sure the parking brake is on.
B. Put gearshift in neutral (or park if automatic).
C. Start engine and listen for unusual noises.
D. All of the above.

Look at the guages - the oil pressure gauge should come up to normal within how long after starting the engine?

A. Minutes
B. It does not matter.
C. Seconds

You should check the following for looseness, sticking, damage or improper settings:

A. Steering wheel
B. Accelerator, brake and clutch pedals
C. Transmission controls
D. All of the above

After inspecting mirrors and windshilds for cracks, dirt, illegal stickers, or other obstructions to your vision, you should:

A. Clean and adjust as necessary.
B. Look in the mirror to see if you look good.
C. Not worry about any of it.

When checking lights you should:

A. Make sure that the parking brake is set.
B. Turn off the engine and take the key with you.
C. Turn on the headlights and four way flashers.
D. All of the above.

What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?

A. Hub oil level and no leaks
B. Color of paint used on cover
C. Cleanliness

How many red reflective triangles should you carry?

A. 3
B. 2
C. 4
D. 1

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.
B. Drive 20 mph and slam on the brakes.
C. Drive slowly and pump the brake pedal. Make sure it doesn't hit the floor.

Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection?

A. For your safety
B. So you don't lose it
C. So no one moves the vehicle

To avoid roll backs when you start, you should:

A. Partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake
B. Stop on a flat area
C. Engage the clutch very quickly
D. Press the accelerator

What is the proper way to hold the steering wheel?

A. Firmly with both hands on opposite sides of the wheel
B. With your right hand on the wheel
C. Firmly with one hand at the top of the wheel and the other at the bottom

Why should you back toward the driver's side?

A. Backing roward the right side is dangerous
B. A and B
C. So you can see better

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

A. It's more fun when you have help.
B. It makes people think you are a better driver.
C. There are blind spots you can't see.

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

A. Go
B. Stop
C. Right
D. Left

What are two special conditions where you should downshift?

A. Before starting up a hill and before entering a curve
B. Before starting down a hill and before entering a curve
C. When starting off fast and speed shifting

When should you downshift automatic transmissions?

A. When going up grades
B. When going down grades
C. when going around curves
D. None of the above

Retarders keep you from skidding where the road is slippery.

A. True
B. False

What are the two ways to know when to shift?

A. Use engine speed (rpm) and use road speed (mph)
B. Use engine speed (rpm) and road signs
C. Use your watch and engine sound

How far ahead should you look?

A. Most good drivers look 20 to 30 seconds ahead
B. Most good drivers look 12 to 15 seconds ahead
C. Most good drivers look 2 to 4 seconds ahead
D. Most good drivers look 5 to 10 seconds ahead

What are two main things to look
for ahead?

A. Police 
B. Road Signs 
C. Traffic and road conditions
D. Rest Area 

What is your most important way to see
the sides and rear?

A. By looking out the window
B. Getting on the C. B. radio.
C. Checking your mirrors regularly 

What does "communicating"
mean in safe driving?

A. Letting other drivers know you're there to help prevent
accidents.
B. Using hand signals. 
C. Driving a brightly colored vehicle.

Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on an undivided highway?

A. Within 10, 20, and 30 feet of the vehicle.
B. Within 10 feet of the front or rear and 100 feet behind and ahead of the vehicle.
C. Within 50, 100, and 150 feet of the vehicle.

What three things add up to total
stopping distance?

A. Road conditions, reaction distance,
and braking distance
B. Perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance 
C. Braking distance, controlling
speed, and reaction distance.

If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by:

A. four times
B. five times
C. twice
D. three times

Empty trucks have the best braking.

A. True
B. False

What is hydroplaning?

A. driving in the snow
B. when you hit a pot hole
C. when the tires lose their contact with the road 

What is black ice?

A. Rain and snow mixed
B. A thin layer of ice clear enough that you can see the road underneath it.
C. Dirty snow

If the vehicle ahead of you is smaller than yours, it can probably:

A. stop faster than you can.
B. take turns faster than you can.
C. out-run you.

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

A. Eight seconds
B. Four seconds
C. Six seconds

You should decrease your following
distance if somebody is following you too closely.

A. True
B. False

If you swing wide to the left before
turning right another driver may try to pass you on the right.

A. True
B. False

You should use low beams whenever you can.

A. True
B. False

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

A. Get some sleep before you drive.
B. Take some caffeine pills.
C. Drink some coffee.
D. None of the above.

What effects can wet brakes cause?

A. Brakes can be weak or grab.
B. You foot can get tired.
C. Brakes to work better.

How can you avoid wet brake problems?

A. Apply the brakes harder and faster.
B. Slow down, shift to a low gear, gently put on the brakes.
C. Speed up, shift to a higher gear.

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

A. True
B. False

You can safely remove the radiator cap as long as the engine isn't overheated.

A. True
B. False

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

A. Size of vehicle, traffic conditions, curves in the road.
B. Total weight of the vehicle, length of the grade, steepness, road conditions, and weather.
C. Conditions of brakes, radio bulletins and alertness of driver.

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

A. Because you don't want to shift going down a hill.
B. Because the clutch works better up a hill.
C. Because gravity can cause the speed of your vehicle to increase.

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

A. Apply the brake just hard enough to feel a definite slowdown.
B. When your speed has been reduced to around 5 mph below your "safe" speed, release the brake.
C. When your speed has increased to your "safe" speed. repeat A and B
D. All of the above.

What is a hazard?

A. Any road condition or other road user that is a possible danger.
B. A small animal.
C. A flashing amber light.

Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?

A. In order to protect yourself and others.
B. To have something to do while driving
C. To avoid getting a ticket.

Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency?

A. True
B. False

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

A. You can avoid a head on collision.
B. Taking the shoulder may be best.
C. Someone may be passing to the left.
D. All of the above.

What is an "escape ramp?"

A. Ramps to get on and off an interstate highway fast.
B. A quick way to get out of town.
C. Ramps that are located a few miles from the top of a downgrade to help you stop.

If a tire blows out you should put the brake on hard to stop quickly.

A. True
B. False

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

A. Try to get your vehicle to the side of the road.
B. If you're stopping to help. park away from the accident. C. Put on your flashers and set out reflector triangles.
D. All of the above.

Name two causes of tire fires:

A. Tight turns and gravel roads
B. Under inflated tires and duals that touch
C. Driver smoking and following too close

Truck escape ramps:

A. Should not be used unless you have first tried all other ways to save your vehicle after brake failure.
B. Are designed to protect vehicles from damage.
C. Cannot be used by certain types of heavy vehicles.
D. All of the above.

Which of these can cause the vehicle to skid?

A. Not enough weight on the front axle.
B. Over acceleration.
C. Turning too sharply.
D. All of the above.

You are driving a vehicle that could safely be driven at 55 MPH on an open road. But traffic is now heavy, moving at 35 MPH although the speed limit is 55. The safest speed for your vehicle in this situation is most likely:

A. 55 MPH
B. 25 MPH
C. 45 MPH
D. 35 MPH

Every time you park your vehicle and shut the engine off you should:

A. Leave it in gear (if it has a manual transmission).
B. Apply the parking brake.
C. Turn the steering wheel as far to the left as you can.
D. Do all the above.

Which of these describes how you should use the brake pedal on a steep downhill grade?

A. Light steady pressure.
B. Light, pumping action.
C. Release the brake when you are 5 MPH below your safe speed, then let your speed come back up to your safe speed and repeat braking again, (bring you speed down 5 MPH below your safe speed)
D. Brake with stronger pressure as the vehicle goes downhill.

For an average commercial vehicle, being driven at 55 MPH on dry pavement it will take about ____ to bring the vehicle to a stop.

A. The length of a football field.
B. The length of a vehicle.
C. Half the length of a football field.
D. Twice the length of the vehicle.

Which of these statements about certain types of cargo is true?

A. Oversize loads can be hauled without special permits during times when the roads are not busy.
B. Unstable loads such as hanging meat or livestock require extra caution on curves.
C. When liquids are hauled, the tank should always be loaded totally full.
D. Loads that consist of liquids in bulk do not present vehicle handling problems because they are usually very heavy.

Which of these statements about backing a heavy vehicle is true?

A. Backing is always dangerous.
B. You should back and turn toward the driver's side whenever possible.
C. You should use a helper and communicate with hand signals.
D. All of the above are true.

When should you wear seat belts?

A. Only in states where it is required by law.
B. Only when engaged in interstate commerce.
C. Only when traveling on a highway.
D. Any time you are in a moving vehicle.

The most common cause of serious vehicle skids is:

A. Poorly designed roads.
B. Over inflated tires.
C. Driving too fast for road conditions.
D. Poorly adjusted brakes.

If you are being tailgated, you should:

A. Increase the space in front of you.
B. Speed up.
C. Signal the tailgater when it is safe to pass.
D. Flash your brake lights.

The parking brake should be tested while the vehicle is:

A. Moving slowly.
B. Moving at highway speed.
C. Going downhill.
D. Parked

A drivers trip log, if required:

A. May be brought up to date once a week.
B. May be written in pencil
C. Must be shown immediately when an officer requests it.
D. All of the above.

When should the pre-trip inspection
report from the last driver be reviewed?

A. Once a month
B. Doesn't have to be reviewed
C. Once per week
D. During your pre-trip inspection

If you are stopped at a rest area and found to have a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of .02 you will:

A. Be placed out of service for 24 hours
B. Be placed out of service for 72 hours
C. Be placed out of service for 48 hours
D. Be In trouble with the dispatcher

If you are convicted of a traffic violation you should notify your employer within 30 days if the following is true:

A The violation occurred in your personal vehicle
B The violation occurred in a commercial vehicle
C The violation was for parking in a restricted area
D Both a & b

A commercial motor vehicle is defined as:

A A vehicle with a gross weight over 26,001 lbs.
B A vehicle transporting hazardous materials
C A vehicle transporting 16 or more passengers
D All of the above

Suspension systems are intended to:

A Keep the load in place
B Keep the axles in place
C Keep the brake drums from failing
D Keep the steering wheel tight

Why should the exhaust system be checked?

A. A leaking exhaust system can promote poor fuel mileage
B. A leaking exhaust system can be caused by snow and rain
C. A leaking exhaust system can allow poisonous fumes into the cab
D. A leaking exhaust system can hamper your visibility

Which of the following is NOT part of the pre-trip inspection:

A. Check seat belt fastener
B. Check horn(s)
C. Check engine oil level
D. Check air seat adjustments

Tires should be checked for wear often and should be replaced:

A. When the tread separates
B. When there are broken valve stems
C. If the tread depth on your front tires is less than 4/32 deep
D. All of the above

The proper way to hold your hands on the steering wheel is:

A. Opposite sides of the wheel
B. One hand on the steering wheel and one on the shifter
C. Near the bottom of the wheel
D. Near the top of the wheel

When backing up your tractor trailer you should try to AVOID:

A. Backing toward the right (passenger) side
B. Pulling ahead to reposition your trailer
C. Backing toward the left (driver's) side
D. Having someone help/guide you

When accelerating, which of the following is true?

A. You should speed up smoothly and gradually and avoid jerking
B. You should not engage the clutch before you take your foot off the brake
C. Always use the parking brake if you need to slow down
D. Accelerate when your wheels spin in snow or rain

Which one of the following is true about shifting gears?

A. Allow the engine tachometer to rev into the highest range possible
B. Understand the best RPM range for your vehicle
C. Remain in neutral as long as possible
D. You should ignore engine sounds

Which of the following statements about downshifting is NOT true?

A. Downshift when you get to the bottom of a hill
B. Downshift before starting down a hill
C. Downshift before climbing a hill
D. Downshift before entering a curve

An engine retarder is designed to:

A. Work only with manual transmissions
B. Apply braking power to the steering wheel
C. Work when you accelerate
D. Slow the vehicle down without using brakes

When driving at highway speeds, you should look 12-15 seconds ahead which is:

A. At least a quarter of a mile
B. At least one tractor trailer length
C. At least half a mile
D. At least 100 yards

Which of the following statements about your mirrors is true?

A. You cannot see your tires
B. You should be able to see any vehicles behind your trailer
C. You should be able to see any cars overtaking you
D. You should be aware that some objects may appear smaller in your mirrors

When using turn signals, which of the following should be avoided?:

A. Signal before you exit
B. Signal just before you start to make a turn
C. Signal when you are merging into traffic
D. Signal when you want to change lanes

The best way to warn the drivers behind you that you are slowing down is to:

A. Turn on your emergency flashers
B. Tap your brakes
C. Blow your horn
D. Flash your bright lights

If you must stop on the shoulder of the road, you should place warning devices at all of the following places except:

A. About 100 feet behind your vehicle
B. About 100 feet in front of your vehicle
C. Within ten feet of the front or rear corners
D. On the other side of a divided highway

Which of the following statements about stopping distances is NOT true?

A. Trucks traveling on ice or snow require greater stopping distances
B. Brakes, tires, springs and shocks are designed to work best when the truck is empty
C. Empty trucks require greater stopping distances because they have less traction
D. Trucks traveling at higher speeds require greater stopping distances

At 55 miles-per-hour it takes about 6 seconds to stop a fully loaded truck and the braking distance is:

A. About 1/4 mile
B. About two truck lengths
C. About two car lengths
D. About the length of a football field or 100 yards

When is the road likely to be more slippery?

A. After it has been raining lightly for 30 minutes
B. When it has just begun to rain
C. After the rain has ended
D. After a hard rain

Hydroplaning can occur when you drive through water or slush. If you experience hydroplaning you should:

A. Lightly tap your brakes to slow down
B. Steer hard to the right
C. Speed up to get through the water quickly
D. Release the accelerator and push in the clutch

Which of the following is NOT true when driving through a curve?

A. You should brake during the curve
B. You should slow down before the curve
C. The higher your truck's center of gravity is, the easier it is to roll over
D. You should be in a gear that allows you to accelerate during the curve

When driving in heavy traffic you should travel:

A. In the right lane to avoid passing
B. Five mph less than automobiles regardless of posted limits
C. At a speed consistent with the flow of traffic
D. In the left lane when possible to avoid heavy lanes of traffic

Safe drivers maintain space around their vehicles for the following reasons except:

A. In case there is an obstacle in the road
B. In case there are cars following too closely
C. In case you must stop suddenly
D. In case you need to test your brakes

How much space should you maintain in front of you at highway speeds?

A. Three seconds for a 60 foot vehicle
B. Seven seconds for a 60 foot vehicle
C. Five seconds for a 60 foot vehicle
D. Ten seconds for a 60 foot vehicle

If you find that you are being tailgated, you should:

A. Quickly change lanes to avoid an accident
B. Increase the distance between you and the tailgater
C. Decrease the distance between you and the tailgater
D. Flash your brake lights to warn the tailgater

Which of the following statements about overhead space is true?

A. The heights posted at bridges are usually accurate
B. Warning lights are always installed on low bridges and overpasses
C. An empty van is lower than a loaded one
D. The weight of the cargo changes a truck's height

When making a right hand turn you should always:

A. Steer into the left lane first so you can make the corner
B. Rush through the intersection so you can get out of the way of traffic
C. Keep the rear of your vehicle close to the curb
D. Back up to make the driver behind you move back

When making a left hand turn you should always:

A. Wait until you reach the center of the intersection before you turn
B. Start in the left hand lane if there are two turning lanes
C. Pull into the intersection in case the light turns before you are through
D. Wait for a small gap in traffic and accelerate

Driving at night is more dangerous because of the following EXCEPT:

A. There are more drunk drivers at night
B. Most people are less alert at night due to fatigue
C. Headlights often cause glare which can blind drivers
D. Traffic lights are less visible than in the day

The following statements about an engine overheating are TRUE EXCEPT:

A. Never leave the engine running if it is overheating
B. Antifreeze is only used in colder temperatures
C. You should remove the radiator cap to allow heat to escape the radiator
D. It is not possible to safely drive without radiator fluid

When going down a hill you should always:

A. Use higher gears when you have a heavy load
B. Put heavy pressure on the brakes to allow the drums to cool
C. Allow the brakes to heat up for better stopping power
D. Be in the right gear before starting down the hill

The best time to test your parking brake is:

A. When the vehicle is parked
B. When the vehicle is going down a hill
C. When the vehicle is moving slowly
D. When the vehicle is traveling on the highway

The following are all probable signs of a tire blowout EXCEPT:

A. A thumping sound
B. Vibration of the vehicle
C. The smell of smoke
D. A loud bang

In the event of a tire failure you should:

A. Stay off the brake and hold the steering wheel firmly
B. Accelerate quickly until you find a place to pull over
C. Disengage the clutch so you are in neutral gear
D. Pump the brakes until you come to a stop

Your vehicle is going down a long hill and your brakes begin to fail. What should you do?

A. Look for an escape ramp or an escape route
B. Pump the brake pedal
C. Put the gears in neutral
D. Downshift

To correct a drive wheel acceleration skid you should:

A. Accelerate quickly
B. Downshift
C. Pump the brake
D. Stop accelerating and push in the clutch

To correct a drive-wheel braking skid you should:

A. Pump the brake
B. Steer in the opposite direction
C. Release the brake and steer/counter-steer
D. Accelerate quickly!

A front wheel skid is usually caused by:

A. Driving too fast for conditions
B. Lack of tread on the front tires
C. Cargo improperly loaded
D. All of the above

In the event of an accident you should remember to do the following EXCEPT:

A. Protect the area
B. Stop any bleeding and keep the victims warm
C. Notify authorities
D. Move the victims out of the way immediately

Which of the following are causes of vehicle fires:

A. Spilled fuel
B. Short circuits
C. Driver smoking
D. All of the above

What is the first thing to do if your vehicle catches fire while driving?

A. Open the door and jump out of the vehicle
B. Open the hood and let the flames die down
C. Find a service station to pull in to
D. Pull off the road and park in an open area

Water can be used to extinguish which of the following fires?

A. Chemical fire
B. Tires
C. Gasoline fire
D. Electrical fire

The best way to put out a fire is to:

A. Stand downwind and spray the flames
B. Stop spraying as soon as the flames disappear
C. Stand upwind and spray the base of the fire
D. Get as close as possible and spray the flames

What is the best thing to do if you are tired?

A. Get enough sleep
B. Plan your trips for the middle of the night to avoid traffic
C. Take pills to keep you alert
D. Drink plenty of coffee to stay awake

Which of the following statements about alcohol is true:

A. Drinking coffee will help you stay sober
B. If you eat before you drink you won't get as drunk
C. A few beers are the same as a few shots of whiskey or glasses of wine
D. Fresh air will help you sober up

If you do not have a HAZMAT endorsements on your CDL, under what conditions may you legally haul hazardous materials?

A. When a DOT official approves the load
B. If your dispatcher feels it is an emergency situation
C. If the load does not require placards
D. When you will remain within your state

If you are asked to haul a placarded load and you do not have HAZMAT endorsements you should:

A. Refuse to take the load
B. Obtain written approval from the DOT official
C. Obtain written approval from your dispatcher
D. Take the placards off the vehicle

You should check your cargo how often?

A. Within 25 miles after beginning a trip
B. After you have driven for three hours
C. After you take a break
D. All of the above

Overloading your trailer can result in the following EXCEPT:

A. It can increase stopping distances
B. It can help you go through snow better
C. It can slow you down on upgrades
D. It can increase speed on downgrades